"The Fool's Heart" by Pastor Adam Barton of Akron, Ohio

"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'" Psalm 14:1

There are a number of apologetics related passages in the Bible and I will share some of these from time to time.  Through David, God gives us this simple verse that states how those who deny the existence of God are fools.  The context of this passage is not so much about evidence for God, but rather recognition of God.  In the very next verse it reads,

"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."

Of the colors we utilize in Prepared To Give An Answer, this Bible passage would best apply to the yellow/gold reason for God.  Go here to see more about how the colors work.  Throughout history, makind has instinctively sought after God, been drawn to a higher purpose than himself, and a life beyond the here and now.  Solomon, arguably one of the wisest men to ever walk the earth remarked in Ecclesiastes that God "has set eternity in the hearts of men" (3:11). 

In the popular "For Dummies" series, the opening chapter of "Religion for Dummies" reads: "If you travel to some remote part of the earth and find a group of people who never met anyone outside their tribe you will discove that these people have some type of food, some type of shelter and language.  The group would also have some kind of religion which is one of the basic parts of human life."

 We are built to naturally seek our Creator.  Even without all the evidence we discuss in Prepared to Give an Answer, there is something about our innate makeup that we should long for God.  As David says in the psalm, it would be foolish to deny or repress this basic instinct.  How have you found this natural inclination towards God evident in your own heart?

Pastor Adam Barton

Akron, Ohio

Comments

[Michael Homula]

Pastor Adam Barton,

Another excellent post and beautiful in its simplicity. I can't recall who it was that said it but a few years ago I heard a sermon in which the Pastor commented that we are all born with a desire in our hearts to live forever. We desire not to die and to live for an eternity. I am quite certain we are the only creatures on this earth with that yearning in our hearts and I believe it is more evidence we were designed to live forever by our Creator.

Michael Homula
Akron, Ohio

[Pastor Adam Barton]

Michael, thanks for the comment. Yes, our desire for eternity truly separates us from the animals. Cats and dogs try not to die, but they also never think about it. :) Mark Twain, an atheist, noted that all human beings naturally desire one thing, "to secure spiritually comfort for themsevles" in light of an afterlife.
Thanks
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron Ohio

[Brian]

Pastor Adam Barton,

Thank you for the post, I find it encouraging and uplifting.

In Him Alone,

Brian,

Akron, Ohio

[Carrie]

Pastor Adam Barton,

I often find it interesting when I hear of native people groups in indiginous areas of the world and their implicit belief in a creator. Then I remember their lives are immersed in nature and everyday survival.
It's been written on our hearts and it's not until "the world" eats away at the seared truth, that we begin to question our own very nature.
Thank you for your thoughts.

Carrie
Akron, Ohio

[Beth]

Paston Adam Barton,
My husband and I have been watching the "Life" series on the Discovery Channel. I am not sure how anyone could say that there is no God after watching these episodes. It is amazing. I would have to agree with the passage, they are fools.
Beth
Akron, Ohio

[Pastor Adam Barton]

Beth, yes, those type of shows are amazing reminders and cool to see. Mr T. would say, "I pity the foo that watches the Discovery Channel and doesn't believe in God".
Blessing to you and Steve,
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron Ohio

[Pastor Adam Barton]

Carrie, I like what you said about God searing himself into our hearts and how the world eventually eat that away. I will use that for sure in my teaching. I never thought about that in that way. Definately true.
Thank you,
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron, Ohio