Proof and Evidence

Greetings on this Wednesday: 

Often, there is a confusion between proof and evidence. When people ask for "proof," they usually have scientific proof in mind, similar to what we learned in the fifth grade—the Scientific Method. However, it is actually impossible to scientifically prove any historical event. We cannot scientifically prove that anyone attended worship on a specific Sunday, just as we cannot scientifically prove that George Washington was the first president of the United States. What we can do is gather an overwhelming amount of evidence that convinces us of the truth. We can look at the letters President George Washington wrote. For those who attended worship in-person, you are reliable eyewitnesses we can trust. The more evidence, the stronger the case! 

In the book of Acts, Luke's goal is to demonstrate to Theophilus what Jesus continued to do and teach through the Holy Spirit after the resurrection. To show this, Luke begins by presenting the evidence of Jesus' resurrection. We learn that Jesus appeared to his disciples, providing them with convincing proof. He taught them about the kingdom of God and shared a meal with them. These pieces of evidence point to the reality of Jesus' resurrection. 

All of us have been given a gift from the Holy Spirit to use in the ministry to which God has called us. If we're honest with ourselves, there are times when we have neglected to use these gifts. There are times when we need to fan into flame the gift that the Holy Spirit has given us. 

What evidence do we have today, over 2000 years later? Is it still possible for anyone to believe in the resurrection? I firmly believe the answer is "Absolutely! Yes!" You and I are evidence. As the body of Christ, there is no stronger evidence of forgiveness, mercy, grace, love, service, and sacrifice than when we look at ourselves in the mirror. We know God’s forgiveness. We’ve experienced God’s love! Our lives, dedicated to faithfully being Christ, are the most compelling evidence we can offer to the world. 

It is not a secret that the world is a mess—everyone recognizes it. However, the solution does not lie with more politicians, better education, or stricter gun control. The root of the problem is our own hearts! Our hearts desire things we shouldn't, we long for things that are detrimental, and we allow ourselves to be swayed by unworthy influences. The promise of the Gospel is that God removes our hearts of stone and replaces them with new hearts of flesh. With our new hearts, we are called to embody God's love, mercy, grace, sacrifice, and service. We are called to reveal Christ within us to the world. And I can't think of better evidence than you! 

The Lord may not be calling you to travel to the ends of the earth, but I am certain that God is calling you to live out your faith in your family, your neighborhood, your workplace, and/or your school. Wherever you find yourself, be Christ to those around you. That is what it means to live in the kingdom of God here and now. It all begins "from here (the heart) on out!" 

Blessings,

Pastor John

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!