Can God Make A Rock So Heavy That He Can’t Lift It?

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Dr. Mike Harmon

(Written by: Bill Pratt)

This is a common question that is asked by those who misunderstand the nature of God’s omnipotence.  Another humorous way of asking this question is: Can God make a sandwich so big he can’t eat it?  (I owe that jewel to my friend Greg).

When Christians claim that God is omnipotent (all-powerful), they do not mean that he can do anything.  We mean that God can do anything that is logically possible.  God’s omnipotence exists in concert with all of his other attributes, not as a stand-alone attribute.  Therefore, when we don’t understand the other attributes of God, we get stumped by questions like this.   Here is a brief list of some things God cannot do, based on his other attributes:

  1. cease to exist – a being whose very nature is being cannot cease to be; that’s logically impossible
  2. love evil – a being who is all-good cannot love evil; that’s logically impossible
  3. make a copy of himself – God is infinite, and two infinite beings cannot exist; that’s logically impossible
  4. change his nature – an unchanging (immutable) being cannot change; that’s logically impossible

So why can’t he make a rock so big he can’t lift it?  Simple.  God is infinite, and there can only be one infinite being (see number 3 above).  If there were two infinite beings, then neither would really be infinite because they would each be limited by the other.  But an infinite being has no limits, so they can’t both be infinite.

If a rock is created that cannot be moved by an infinite being, then that rock must be infinite.  But if we have an infinite being and an infinite rock, we have two infinite beings.  That is, as we said a moment ago, a logical impossibility.

Once we understand what infinity means (without limit) and once we understand that God cannot violate the laws of logic (which are based on his own nature), then we can easily understand how God cannot make a rock so big he can’t lift it.  It’s like asking one infinite being to create another infinite being.  Not possible!!

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Why Is Prayer So Powerful?

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Dr. Mike Harmon

 

Why is prayer so powerful?

As everyone knows, Bible study is indispensable. You have to know God’s word before you can wield it (See Ephesians 6:17). But Satan has been around for much longer than the Bible has. He knows the Bible better than you do, and he is much smarter than you. Left alone with your knowledge of the Bible – strong as it may be, Satan will run circles around you — laughing. You don’t stand a chance.

But prayer to God is like having radio contact in combat with a general who has a spy satellite. The General (God) can see the big picture. He can see where forces are advancing and see weak points in the adversary’s positions. God is much smarter than Satan (God runs circles around him. The Old Testament prophets had told the world including Satan that Jesus would be crucified — hundreds of years in advance, yet Satan could not figure out what was really going on, and went ahead and crucified Jesus anyhow… sealing his fate.)

Better than a general, God spans time and space. He knows what is going to happen before it happens and He is much smarter than the devil. (Imagine how smart God is to have designed the eye that connects to the brain, which can interpret what it is seeing… and you will get a small glimpse of how smart God is. It is overwhelming.)

If you have direct “radio” contact with God, you can cause some serious damage to the enemy. The demons know that so they will try a million tactics to keep you from praying. They can make you feel tired, too busy, any number of things. But pay no attention pray anyhow. No matter what worldly thing you have before you. No matter how urgent, if you want to make a difference for the Kingdom of God — and in your own life, and the lives of your friends family, and the church as a whole, your little tasks suddenly pale in comparison. Nothing is more important than your prayer life.

Remember to strengthen the things that remain (See Revelation 3:2). The things of this world will be burned with fervent heat. But the things that will not burn you will be rewarded for all eternity — other people. If you are instrumental in saving other people, they will not burn, and you will get a reward (See 1 Corinthians 3:13-14). All else is vanity.

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GRIN AND SHARE IT: Long Sermons

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Dr. Mike Harmon

Bunny, a pastor, known for his lengthy sermons, noticed Ralph get up and leave during the middle of his message. He returned just before the conclusion of the service.  Afterwards Bunny asked Ralph where he had gone.  ‘I went to get a haircut,’ was the reply.

‘But,’ said Bunny the pastor, ‘Why didn’t you do that before the service?’

‘Because,’ Ralph said, ‘I didn’t need one then.’

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GRIN AND SHARE IT: The Atheist and the Bear

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Dr. Mike Harmon

The Atheist and the Bear

An atheist was taking a walk through the woods. ‘What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!‘, he said to himself.

As he continued walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes. Turning to look, he saw a 7 foot grizzly charging towards him.

He ran as fast as he could up the path. Looking over his shoulder he saw that the bear was closing in on him. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster.

He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear raising his paw to take a swipe at him.

At that instant the atheist cried out: ‘Oh my God!…’

Time stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.

It was then that a bright light shone upon the man and a voice came out of the sky saying:

‘You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don’t exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident.  Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?’

The atheist looked directly into the light.

‘It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps, could you make the BEAR a Christian?‘

‘Very well, ‘said the voice. The light went out, and the sounds of the forest resumed.

And then the bear lowered his paw, bowed his head and spoke: ‘Lord, bless this food which I am about to receive and for which I am truly thankful, Amen.‘

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What does the Bible say about casting out demons?

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Dr. Mike Harmon


Exorcism (commanding demons to leave other people) was practiced by various people in the Gospels and the Book of Acts—the disciples as part of Christ’s instructions (Matthew 10); others using Christ’s name (Mark 9:38); the children of the Pharisees Luke 11:18-19; Paul (Acts 16); and certain exorcists (Acts 19:11-16).

It appears that the purpose of Jesus’ disciples performing exorcisms was to show Christ’s dominion over the demons (Luke 10:27) and to verify that the disciples were acting in His name and by His authority. It also revealed their faith or lack of faith (Matthew 17:14-21). It was obvious that this act of casting out demons was important to the ministry of the disciples. However, it is unclear what part casting out demons actually played in the discipleship process.

Interestingly, there seems to be a shift in the latter part of the New Testament regarding demonic warfare. The teaching portions of the New Testament (Romans through Jude) refer to demonic activity, yet do not discuss the actions of casting them out, nor are believers exhorted to do so. We are told to put on the armor to stand against them Ephesians 6:10-18). We are told to resist the devil (James 4:7), be careful of him 1 Peter 5:8), and not give him room in our lives (Ephesians 4:27). However, we are not told how to cast him or his demons out of others, or that we should even consider doing so.

The book of Ephesians gives clear instructions on how we are to have victory in our lives in the battle against the forces of evil. The first step is placing our faith in Christ (2:8-9), which breaks the rule of “the prince of power of the air” (2:2). We are then to choose, again by God’s grace, to put off ungodly habits and to put on godly habits (4:17-24). This does not involve casting out demons, but rather renewing our minds (4:23). After several practical instructions on how to obey God as His children, we are reminded that there is a spiritual battle. It is fought with certain armor that allows us to stand against—not cast out—the trickery of the demonic world (6:10). We stand with truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer (6:10-18).

It appears that as the Word of God was completed, the Christians had more weapons with which to battle the spirit world than the early Christians did. The role of casting out demons was replaced, for the most part, with evangelism and discipleship through the Word of God. Since the methods of spiritual warfare in the New Testament do not involve casting out demons, it is difficult to determine instructions on how to do such a thing. If necessary at all, it seems that it is through exposing the individual to the truth of the Word of God and the name of Jesus Christ.

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GRIN AND SHARE IT: Monastary

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Dr. Mike Harmon

Monastary

A monastery in the English countryside had fallen on hard times, and decided to establish a business to defray their expenses, such as a bakery or winery. Being English, however, they decided to open a fish-and-chips restaurant. The establishment soon became very popular, attracting people from all over.

One city fellow, thinking himself clever, asked one of the brothers standing nearby, “I suppose you’re the ‘fish friar’?”

“No,” answered the brother levelly, “I’m the ‘chip monk’.”

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Can a person that commits suicide go to heaven?

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Dr. Mike Harmon

A pastor friend of mine told his wife that he was going to the hospital to visit some members that were sick.  He got into his automobile, drove a few miles and stopped along the highway.  He then put a pistol to his head and killed himself.

Most of us know someone that has taken their own life..  Is this an immortal sin?  Can they go to heaven?  The answer is yes!

The Bible says that Samson killed himself.  He had been taken into a large Colosseum to be made a spectacle by the Philistines.  He put his arms around the two middle pillars that supported the building.  He prayed, “Let me die with the Philistines.  And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein.  So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.”  (Judges 16:30)

In “God’s Hall of Fame” in Hebrews chapter 11, Samson is listed along with David, Samuel, etc.  (vs. 32)

I personally believe that a Christian that commits suicide is at that moment in time, insane.  This may be caused by many different issues.  I do know that if they had truly been born again, their soul goes to heaven.

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Are Christians commanded to feed non-Christians?

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Dr. Mike Harmon

As my wife and I leave our church parking lot, turn right and stop at a traffic light; a panhandler comes by us with a sign wanting money for food.  Our Bible lesson this day had been about Jesus’ teachings on the treatment of those who are hungry, thirsty, naked, sick or imprisoned. (Matthew 25:35-46) He said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (vs.40)

Some class members had expressed guilt for not giving to strangers who ask for money.   Most who preach a Social Gospel (soup, soap and suave) use the words of Jesus in verse 40.

We must not take the text from the context.  Matthew 25:31-46 is speaking about the Judgment of the Gentile Nations.  The word nations in verse 32 means “Gentiles” and it is in the neuter gender in the Greek.  The word “them” is in the masculine.  This means that Christ will judge individuals; He will not judge groups (England, Japan, Canada, etc.) but individuals within these groups.

Do not confuse this judgment with The Great White Throne Judgment.  (Rev. 20:11-15)  The judgment of Matthew 25 takes place at the end of the tribulation period following the Battle of Armageddon, before the kingdom is established on earth.  The saved are told to, “inherit the kingdom.”  (vs. 34)  This is called The Millennial Reign of Christ.  Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”  (Matt. 6:10)  The Great White Throne Judgment follows this 1,000 year reign with Christ here on earth.

Notice the three groups mentioned: sheep, goats and “My brethren.”  Who are those that Jesus called “My brethren”?  I believe they are the 144,000 Jews whose eyes are opened and accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah during the tribulation period. They refuse to accept the “mark of the beast” (Rev. 13:16-17).  They can not buy or sell.  How can they survive?  They are helped by the Gentiles who are saved upon hearing these Jews preach the Gospel.  These converted Gentiles are the “sheep” in Matthew 25.  They lovingly provided shelter, food, drink, clothing and care for persecuted converted Jews.  The “goats” are the Gentiles who take the “mark of the beast” and care nothing about helping His brethren.

It is good when Christians today help those in need.  The Southern Baptist Convention is reported to be number three in organizations that provide disaster relief.  The Gospel is reaching many via physical  help and support.  The aid should be a means to and end (winning them to Christ), and not an end in itself.  It makes little difference if a man goes to hell with a full or empty stomach.

When a Christian gives money to someone who asks for help to buy food, fine.  Is the Christian commanded to feed the non-Christian in Matthew 25?  Absolutely not.  Let’s be honest with the Word of God.

A Word From the BVM Team:  Please help us spread the truth of God’s Word.  We request that you share this post with at least two people.  Thanks.

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GRIN AND SHARE IT: Get Behind Me, Satan

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Dr. Mike Harmon

Get Behind Me, Satan

Struggling to make ends meet on a first-call salary, the pastor was livid when he confronted his wife with the receipt for a $250 dress she had bought. “How could you do this?!”

“I was outside the store looking at the dress in the window, and then I found myself trying it on,” she explained. “It was like Satan was whispering in my ear, ‘You look fabulous in that dress. Buy it!'”

“Well,” the pastor replied, “You know how I deal with that kind of temptation. I say, ‘Get behind me, Satan!'”

“I did,” replied his wife, but then he said, “It looks great from back here too!'”

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AUDIO MINUTE MESSAGE: “Is There A God?”

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Dr. Mike Harmon

Our daily spiritual vitamin:

Podcast: Is There A God

Dr. Mike Harmon

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