The truth of the Gospel works on so many levels.  Though some will argue that God does not exist and that man is the highest form in the universe, they will still strive for a moral code.  Challenge them to find a better moral code than that which is outlined in the New Testament.  Ask them to compare it to the other systems of morals in the world:  those of atheists, other religions, or political systems.  You will have to know it well to spell it out, but have them compare the law of love to all other philosophical systems and challenge them to show you a better one.  Ask them to come up with a better moral low than the Golden Rule of “Treat others the same way you would want them to treat you.”  Ask them to show you a country where innovative breakthroughs emerge where Christians are not in the majority.  Discuss the list of great scientists and achievers of all time and see how many of them were Christians or Jews or at least believe in God’s existence.  Do the study yourself.  Look at the top ten people of the last millennium and look at their beliefs and accomplishments.  Newton, Gutenberg, Michelangelo, Luther, Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and others you will find on any list of important people of the last one thousand years.  They all had tremendous faith in God.  Look at nations that have tried to exist without God:  the Soviet Union, China, Albania, Vietnam – which of these has been as successful as those that built their foundations on the laws of the Bible?

But then you will have to add that even though this is a great philosophy, it cannot work without its power source.  Man has no motive to be “good” without gratitude to a Savior who granted they should not have to suffer of their own sins.  Without the love of God in their hearts to motivate them to put the needs of others before themselves they will ultimately act selfishly despite what philosophies they hold on to.  The views of Marx and Lenin sound like they are a solid formulation for heaven and earth, but their applications have brought more hell than any other.  What brought this about?  When those in power saw that they could do whatever they liked and tried to force others into a mold of service to the state, selfishness took over and whenever convenient they began to reword their philosophies to justify their own selfish desires.  To free ourselves from cultural restraints to rise to a higher and better system seems a great idea, but such cultural revolutions in the Orient have done little but bathe their countries in blood.

– DC Talk & Rick Killian

 

For not only does sound reason direct us to refuse the guidance of those who do or teach anything wrong, but it is by all means vital for the lover of truth, regardless of the threat of death, to choose to do and say what is right even before saving his own life.

– Justin Martyr

 

For by whom has truth ever been discovered without God?  By whom has God ever been found without christ?  by whom has Christ ever been explored without the Holy Spirit?  By whom has the Holy Spirit ever been attained without the mysterious gift of faith?

– Tertullian

 

I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  the only way to the Father is through Me.

– John 14:6 (NCV)

 

He must increase, but I must decrease.

– John 3:30 (ESV)

 

The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

– Psalm 103:8 (NLT)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart