Recently, scientists announced that they had identified at least three “god spots” in the human brain. They believe that the same portions of our lobes that allow us to interpret people’s moods and intentions also help us manage our “religiosity.” Hmmm. That sounds a lot like scientists once again trying to explain away spiritual life as a biological phenomenon (atheist scientist Richard Dawkins believes that religion is a virus, spread from brain to brain).
The apostle Paul knew nothing about god spots, but he did know how to spot God at work! In Galatians 1, he acknowledged his former life as a ruthless persecutor of Christians (v.13). But something amazing happened. By a divine work of God, Paul was changed from the inside out as he received Jesus as his Savior (vv.15-16).
The profound spiritual change Paul experienced was a work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5). Paul later revealed the origin of his teachings and writings about Jesus, when he stated: “God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets” (1 Corinthians 2:10). In another account, he noted that God’s plans were revealed to him “by His Spirit” (Ephesians 3:5).
Spots in the brain cannot explain the amazing change of life seen in Paul and countless other believers in Jesus. It can’t explain the extreme change God has made in you and me. Only the work of God’s convicting, comforting Spirit can explain it (John 14:16; 16:8).
While many scientists will continue to use research to try to lift up natural reasons for our belief in God, the reality of the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is proof of His existence. Be encouraged in your faith today as you ”spot” the Spirit working in you and others!
More:
The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit (John 3:8).
Next:
What work has the Holy Spirit been doing in your life? How does the presence of the Holy Spirit affect your faith?
Chileshe on January 19, 2010 at 5:19 am
A news article on BBC this morning featured an employee of British Airways who lost her job because of wearing a crucifix at work. Her first appeal failed and now she’s seeking to go further in court. Paul’s early life was dedicated to persecuting believers, a crusade aimed at qeunching the christian fire that was quickly catching on. Thank God through Jesus Christ that Paul failed because God, in his devine way, dealt with the problem at the root. He turned Paul to, arguably, become the greatest apostle of the gospel. Today the persecution and suppression is still on. The systematic removal of God from public places is gaining popularity. To my fellow believers now is not the time to worry for we were warned of times like these. The worst is still to come but we pray to and believe in the one and only mighty GOD. If HE turned a tyrant into a fearless author of the majority of the New Testament, gaining the House Of God more converts in the process, the same God will overturn this modern day persecution in a profound, life changing way!! I pray for the resilience of all you who are believers in God the father and Jesus Christ. Amen!
Gary4orphans on January 19, 2010 at 9:12 am
Lord we lift up this faithful woman who lost her job because she is not ashamed to be your daughter. We pray you will bless her super abundantly according to your will. Either to restore her to her position or by giving her a better position. Thank you for those who take a stand. Lord we also lift up those who fired her. Clearly they are outside your will and need to be drawn into the light. Let this woman’s courage and faith bring her detractors to shame and conviction so that the light shining through her draws her persecutors to the truth. Turn this around so it blesses many. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
shayskin on January 19, 2010 at 11:15 am
God hands is at work if she lost her job another door will open for something bigger and better
Give praises to the Lord almighty in everything he does
Thank be to God who love us all
aloeweh on January 19, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Although scientists may be trying to “explain away” God through the findings of the “god spots” in the brain, we need not lose faith. The way I see it, if we do have “god spots” in the brain, it is proof that God designed us! Everything “natural” is also of God…He exists everywhere. There’s always two sides to every coin. Don’t be against science…but know that God can reveal Himself and His beauty through it. I’m happy to know that God has dedicated parts of my brain to Him. If it were not true, no one would search for Him. We all search for something/someone bigger than ourselves…and that could be because He has placed those “spots” in our brain that yearns for Him.
I’m a scientist AND I love God with all my mind, heart, body, and soul. Jesus Christ is my Savior. It’s not impossible to be both a scientist and a believer. We don’t need to fear science, because we know that God will only let scientists “discover” things, that He allows them to discover.