(part of a Bridget Riley work on display in the Gemeente Muesum, Den Haag)
Is the above from a 3D art piece or a flat canvas? Which do you think it is? What do you believe?
In Ancient Britain, women would carry acorns to help ward off illness and keep them looking young. Once upon a time many people thought that the world was flat! Some claim that Elvis is alive and well or that no one has really ever been to the Moon!
In fact there are many conspiracy theories out there! True or not? How do we decide?
Does it actually matter what we believe? Is there anyway of really being able to believe anyway?
If you think people are wrong for saying the world is not round, what about the idea of the God of universe becoming human? More than that, His dying through crucifixion but not staying dead longer than three days? What about that?
Why do you believe what you believe? Can you explain it to others?
The word belief in the New Testament is closely related to the words ‘faith’ and ‘trust’. These two have a common Greek word meaning “to be persuaded”.
What are we persuaded by? Not just in theory but actually in life? Whatever impacts our lives is probably what you and I effectively believe in!
Such persuasion in the Bible is seen to be a gift from God and given through His revelation – that is revealing things that would otherwise be hidden.
There is the created order of the universe itself pointing the way:
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20
There is the Bible for us to engage with:
All Scripture is God-breathed… 2 Timothy 3:16
The ultimate revelation of God though is his coming himself to earth: Jesus Christ ‘full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14). Jesus who said “if you have seen me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:9)
Jesus spoke often of God as Father. Even when his followers asked him to teach them to pray, he began with the words, “Our father who is in heaven..”
What do you believe about God and why? Does the life and the words of Jesus impact that belief about God more than your past or what others might say, for example? What is persuading you in what you believe?
God as Father. A Father who loves, who seeks, who gives… all these examples can found in the Bible. What do you think on that? Are you persuaded it is true?
I am a dad and often think about our two children. What about God as Father – is it possible He ever thinks about you? (why not check out Psalm 139 in response to that?)
Speaking of our two, I need to catch up with them, so I will sign off.
Grace and Truth
Andy
PS the picture at the top is a flat canvas but simply taken at an angle. The exhibition of Bridget Riley ‘curve paintings’ is on in Den Haag until 23rd October.