Steven Garofalo
Spirituality/Belief • Education • News
Steven Garofalo, M.A. Apologetics is president and founder of ReasonForTruth.Org and EquippedAcademy.Com. His mission is to help you not just survive, but to thrive by cutting through the distortion of current events with discernment, wisdom, and the truth of God-to encourage, educate and prepare you for what is, and what is at hand. www.ReasonForTruth.Org www.EquippedAcademy.Com
Interested? Want to learn more about the community?

Learn more first
WHAT MAKES A STRONG MAN?-Not Our Physical Appeaeance But Where We Draw Our Strength From

Correction…from my European Bible study, my friend Michael wrote this outstanding piece and I want to share it with you!

TO CAESAR WILL YOU GO
Acts 25:8-12 (NIV)
_“Then Paul made his defense: ‘I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.’ Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, ‘Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?’ Paul answered: I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!’ After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: ‘You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!_’”

CONTEXT/BACKGROUND
When Festus became the governor of Judah, one of his first actions was to travel to Jerusalem to meet with the Jewish Leaders. While Festus was in Jerusalem, the Jews requested a reopening of their case against Paul. They hadn’t given up in finding a way to kill Paul. Festus agreed on hearing the case, but instead of bringing Paul back to Jerusalem, as requested by the Jewish leaders, Festus invited the Jewish leaders to return to Caesarea for Festus to hear the case. They reluctantly agreed.

After returning to Caesarea, Festus took his seat on the bench and made Paul face the accusers. This time the scene was different, as Paul’s was made to stand as his accusers stood “_around him_” (v.7) as they presented their charges. This was far more physically menacing than the first trial. But Paul is not easily intimidated. During the trial, the Jewish Leaders “_brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them_” ( Acts 25:7)

Today we will see Paul’s response.

A PROPOSED COMPROMISE
_Then Paul made his defense: ‘I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.’ Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, ’Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?’ _

In his defense, Paul simply denied the accusations. Since his opponents had no evidence, only their words. In his rejection of the charges, Paul reiterated that he had done nothing wrong against the temple or Caesar (Roman law). By all rights, Festus could have closed the case at this point. However, Paul continued to be used as a political pawn between the Romans and the Jews.

At his first hearing, the previous governor, Felix, “_wishing to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned_” (Acts 24:27). Now, two years later, Festus, “_wanting to do the Jews a favor_” (Acts 25:9), made an unreasonable request for Paul to move his trial to Jerusalem to accommodate the Jews. While Festus would still preside as judge, he was seeking a compromise with the Jewish leaders. However, unbeknownst to him, this plan played directly into their schemes, as they were still plotting to ambush and kill Paul on the way to Jerusalem (Acts 25:3).

DEMANDING HIS RIGHTS
_Paul answered: ‘I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them’_

Clearly, Festus underestimated Paul. He did not back down, even though he was outnumbered. After two years in prison, many people would have wavered in their faith, feeling discouraged and defeated. But Paul’s faith and trust in God’s promises were the source of his strength. Instead of being intimidated, he spoke boldly.

Paul responded by pointing out that he had not been formally charged with any crime against Rome, so the court had no legal right to compel him to do anything. He asserted that the fabricated charges against him were baseless—and Festus knew it. Paul further declared that he was not afraid to die, but if he were to receive a death sentence, it must come from a Roman court, not from the angry Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. As a Roman citizen, he had the right to insist that his trial be conducted according to the law.

This boldness and strength, driven by faith, had been a hallmark of Paul’s ministry. He knew that going to Jerusalem would be difficult. Reflecting back on Acts 20:22-24, we read: "_And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace_”

Paul was further strengthened by the promise God had given him in Jerusalem after being accused before the Sanhedrin: “_Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome_” (Acts 23:11).

AN APPEAL TO CAESAR
_‘I appeal to Caesar!’ After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: ‘You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!’_

Finally, realizing that he would receive no justice in this court, Paul appealed to Caesar. This was a right granted to every Roman citizen who felt they were not receiving justice in the provincial courts, allowing them to take their case to the Roman Supreme Court—namely, Caesar himself.

God used this moment to continue Paul’s journey to Rome. His appeal to Caesar put Festus in a very difficult position. Politically, he could not set Paul free without offending the Jews, but he also could not convict and sentence him, as there was no evidence of Paul breaking Roman law. At this, Festus conferred with his legal advisors.

According to the Bible Background Commentary: “A Roman judge normally had a _consilium_, or council, with whom to confer; because a governor might not be learned in the law, it was important for him to have some advisors who were, although he was ultimately free to disregard their counsel. This was an unusual case.”

Festus found himself in a political dilemma. He did not want to upset the Jewish leaders, with whom he needed to build a positive working relationship, but denying Paul’s appeal to Caesar would leave him vulnerable to accusations of overstepping imperial authority.

The Jewish historian Josephus describes Festus as the most faithful governor of Judea in carrying out Roman policies during this period. Given this, he granted Paul’s request to appeal to Caesar.

At the time, "Caesar" referred to Nero, who reigned from A.D. 54–68. The first five years of his reign were relatively peaceful, but afterward, his rule became increasingly cruel and irrational (Acts 25:9).

APPLICATION
Paul’s life provides a powerful blueprint for how we as men can be both strong in faith and action. His unwavering trust in God and his boldness in ministry teach us how to stand firm, lead courageously, and persevere through hardship. Let’s explore some key lessons we can learn from Paul.

1. Be Committed to Your Mission (Acts 20:22-24)
"_And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace._"

Men who are strong in faith embrace their God-given purpose with courage. Paul didn’t let uncertainty or suffering stop him from fulfilling his calling. Likewise, we must remain focused on our mission as husbands, fathers, workers, and leaders—faithfully serving Christ no matter the obstacles.

2. Stand Firm Under Pressure (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
"_We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed._"

Being strong in faith means persevering through trials without losing heart. As men, we will face challenges—spiritual battles, family struggles, workplace pressures—but like Paul, we must refuse to give up. God sustains those who trust Him.

3. Rely on God’s Strength, Not Your Own (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
"_But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong._"

A strong man is not one who appears invincible, but one who humbly depends on God’s power. Paul embraced his weaknesses because he knew that through them, Christ’s power was revealed. Likewise, real strength comes from admitting we need God in every area of life.

4. Stay Confident in God’s Love (Romans 8:35-39)
"_Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us._"

Men who are strong in faith do not fear failure, rejection, or suffering, because they know that nothing can separate them from Christ’s love. Paul’s confidence in God’s love made him fearless. When we rest in God’s love, we can lead, serve, and make decisions with boldness.

5. Live with Purpose and Courage (Philippians 1:21)
"_For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain_"

A strong man lives for more than just himself—he lives for Christ. Paul saw every breath as an opportunity to serve God. Our careers, families, and daily actions should reflect our devotion to Christ.

6. Finish Strong (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
"_I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing._"

True strength isn’t just about how you start, but how you finish. Paul remained faithful to the very end. Men of faith must lead their families, serve their communities, and remain faithful to Christ for a lifetime.

Being a strong man is not about our physical or mental toughness – it is about where we draw our strength from – our faith in God and our Hope in the glory which is to come.

Interested? Want to learn more about the community?

Learn more first
What else you may like…
Videos
Podcasts
Posts
Articles
Charlie Kirk's Killer Caught What's Next?

The temperature as far as free speech or about or reflecting God’s Word will NOT I REPEAT NOT be turned down but amplified,, multiplied and exemplified in the precious name and precious Blood of Jesus Christ. It’s time we get off the bench and into the game folks…God is on control but we are His servants for good and Truth in this world. Let’s please worry more about that than money and reputation.

00:07:10
Live Chat
FEAR NOT-Charlie Kirk's Death-Is A Spiritual Battle - 9/11/25, 7.24 AM

It's with great sadness that we mourn for the loss of a spiritual giant, Charlie Kirk-a man who lived his faith boldly. This is not a battle of the flesh but a spiritual battle. Let's be in prayer for Charlie Kirk's family and for the United States. And remember, FEAR NOT-this is a not a battle of flesh and blood...but a spiritual battle. I attached a brief video with my thoughts. But keep two things in mind: First, this is a spiritual battle. Second: This will galvanize the conservative and Christian movement by God in the United States and around the world.

00:04:57
GOD’S LIGHT IS FOR YOU!

God’s Light IS A WONDERFUL GIFT for you and I as we start the new week!

00:01:32
The Problem Is Not God's Hiddenness-It's Ours!

Why Doesn’t God Make His Existence Unmistakably Clear to Everyone? One of the most common objections to faith is: “If God is real, why doesn’t He just show Himself beyond all doubt?” Skeptics ask why God doesn’t write His name in the sky or make His presence undeniable. But Scripture, reason, and the earliest witnesses of the Church tell us a different story: God has already made Himself known, yet it is humanity that hides. In other words, it's NOT God, it's us!

The Problem Is Not God's Hiddenness-It's Ours!
Live Chat
WHEN GOD REWARDS OUR GIVING

Jesus addresses when God rewards us for our good deeds. To be more specific, Christ discusses three pharisaic practices of piety. They include: 1) GIVING 2) PRAYER and 3) FASTING. Today, we are going to look at the first of these, which is when God rewards or does not reward our “GIVING”.

WHEN GOD REWARDS OUR GIVING
Live Chat
RADIO INTERVIEW-LOOKING BACK-Religious Freedom in 04-09-15

With the United States and world at a moral cross roads, today, we are looking back to an interview from 2015 whereby Steven was interviewed regarding "Religious Freedom". This is not a critique of any specific issues-but is a look back almost ten years (a full decade) to see where we came from. WHY? Becuase heading into 2026 we can look back to see where we are going. Again, the issue is not a critique on sexual orientation, but about religious freedom. People are people-and all people are sinners. Let's make sure to be compassionate with non-Christians in an effort to reach them for Christ while standing without compromise on the orthodox Word of God. Is that difficult. Yes it is.

GOD BLESS YOU!

RADIO INTERVIEW-LOOKING BACK-Religious Freedom in 04-09-15
WHAT ARE WE WORKING FOR? RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

We live in a world driven by productivity, fast pace movement, endless expectation of growing profit. What about being still before the Lord, building relationship with our Lord and other people? I think when we get to heaven we are going to find that God had much more for us to be had with much less clutter, at a slower pace that values relationship, depth over as much mileage as we could gain, and true value in relational, loyal, loving appreciation of others. Do we really think that profit, market share, as important as they are for our mission on earth will hold any heavenly value? Or will we find that chases the wind for temporal gain over eternal value?

SHOULD CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDERER GET THE DEATH PENALTY
By Steven Garofalo, September 12, 2025 (Copyright 2025)

THE DEATH PENALTY FOR CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER?

Over the past week we have seen a young Ukrainian lady stabbed in the neck - murdered in cold blood by a deranged serial repeat offender who was let out of jail by writing a hand written note stating that he would be a good boy and not do that again. Her crime was simply riding the subway in Charlotte, NC. 

The criminal murderer had been arrested 14 times and let out by a judge that never passed the bar and I believe never even went to law school. She was a DEI activist judge. So what should have been his punishment?

Then there is the assasination of a Charlie Kirk. What should become of him once caught?

The Bible is very clear as to the answer to the question regarding punishment for first degree murder (speaking of humans only). I want to address this issue today for all of mankind, but especially for us as Christians. Before get jump in, I want to make clear that Christians should NEVER defy God’s Word in light of secular of secular thinking or how we feel about taking the life of a human being who pre-meditatively took the innocent life of another human being-who by the way are made in God’s image.

In order to make this not about my opinion, let’s go to what God through His word (the Holy Bible Scriptures) says from the very beginning of time as to what is to be the punishment or response administered to one who commits first degree murder. First degree murder by its very legal definition is to take an innocent life knowingly and premeditated. This is what I want to address in today’s episode. I want to digress for one brief moment in addressing the government authorities who have and continue to fail to do their job by simply incarcerating (putting and keeping criminals in jail) for the safety of the general, innocent public. That’s the more difficult question to answer-but I see it as negligence and possibly an accessory to homicide in many if not most all cases. 

So, the more more difficult question to answer is what ought be the legal and civil liability for judges, governors and other positions of power if those judges (who are acting negligently) results in the loss of human life, meaning the murder of innocent citizens by way of criminals that should have been locked up but were let out uprightly. This is gross neglegence of their part in letting these repetitive law breakers and monsters out of jail with zero cash bond or on things like a written note to behave like a good girl or boy as was the case in the North Carolina man-arrested 14 times, and who ended up murdering a young 23 year old Ukrainian woman on the Charlotte, NC subway simply because he was let out of jail on zero bond for writing a nice promise to the so called non-layer “judge” that he would stop being a bad boy and behave himself as some form of demented bond for his release. That question is yet to be debated but the Bible addresses that question as well when resulting in physical harm or loss or damage to property. Perhaps we will leave that for another day. Let’s get back to the Bible and the death penalty.

The problem with modern Christians is that they see the Bible as an ancient document, somewhat disconnected from biblical truths. In other words, many if not most modern people claiming to Christian don’t see the Bible as the ultimate Standard for right or wrong, but a nice book they can choose and pick from according to how they might feel about a particular subject.

The problem problem with modern “Christianity” is that it’s often distorted and it’s considered extreme by many for Christians to think and act biblically. 

My response this is that society and secular thinking in such cases is not moderate but extreme itself in allowing criminals to repeat crime at more extreme levels. Sadly, in some cases, such thinking results in murder and the loss of innocent life. This is what God gave us as to the consequence of shedding innocent blood in murder. Don’t get me wrong, mercy and forgiveness are very important, but we are to show mercy and forgiveness without forgoing God’s commands. We can forgive the person and still hold them to the physical consequence of the death penalty-and we should. Let’s now take a look at what God tells us about the death penalty from the very start of the Bible, starting in the Book of Genesis, chapter 9.

Genesis 9:5-6 (ESV)
“5 And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. 6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.”

In other words, God makes clear in the very beginning of time-in the beginning of the Bible, that homocide (first degree murder) demands a punishment that matches the crime. The justification for capital punishment, here established, is the nobility of human life… “FOR GOD MADE MAN (and woman) IN HIS OWN IMAGE”. Thus murder shows contempt for God Himself as well as for one’s fellow man. What Genesis 9 is not saying is that the death penalty is to applied to a person who accidentally ran a red light and killed another person. That still hold consequences, it not the death penalty. That’s a different discussion for a different episode.

THE POWER TO ADMINISTER THE DEATH PENALTY

To be clear, the power to administer capital punishment does not lie with us as individuals or any entity outside of the authority and power of governmental. Romans 13:3-4 makes clear of that, saying:

“3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.”

HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS VIEW THE DEATH PENALTY?

FIRST: We must understand and accept that God has instituted capital punishment (the death penalty, not man.) It would be arrogant and presumptuous to think that we could instituted and/enforce or fail to enforce a higher standard than God commanded. After all, God is perfect and as such, has provided us the highest Standard of any being. And this standard applies not only to us as His created beings but also to God Himself due to the fact that He is all good and perfect.

God is Love as well Infinite in His essence and attributes. As such, He loves to an Infinite degree. We should also understand that God has wrath as an infinite degree, and He maintains this in perfect balance. 

SECOND: As Christians (and all human beings ), we must recognize and accept that God has given us government as the authority as we discussed for administering capital punishment, and determine when the death penalty should be applied according to God’s Word. This better ensures that innocent or people undeserving of the death penalty are not put to death wrongfully (see Genesis 9:6; Romans 13:1-7). 

IN CLOSING

Let’s be clear that it’s unbiblical to clam that God opposes the death penalty in all instances. On the flip side, Christians should not rejoice when the death penalty is employed. We can feel the satisfaction of God’s justice being implemented and upheld but we should not rejoice, meaning we ought not celebrate the death of another human being, despite their terrible crime(s). 

In the end, Christians out not fight against or picket or push back the government’s right to execute the perpetrators of the most terrible crimes, especially when involving first degree murder when it’s deserved.

It’s emotionally nice to want to extend mercy and many Christian’s defy God’s Word regarding the death penalty. In such cases, Christian are not only wrong but in defiance of God’s Word. The only answer I have as to why a Christian would do such a thing is that they have compitulated to culture insted of helping form, influence and change the world according to God’s Word. In closing I want to remind everyone of one simple truth in that God does not move to us as His created creation. Instead, we, mankind (meaning all humans-both man and woman) move to Him. He is unmovable. 

Malachi 3:6
“For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

AND SO SHOULD WE AS CHRISTIANS: 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
“58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain…”

Will you chose to see these verses and the entire Bible as your guide for living and what is right and wrong or will you pick which Scriptures you like or dislike and make yourself the god of the Bible as opposed to God?

Read full Article
Not Serpents of Skin, but From The Falsehood Of Sin: Uncoiling The Ending of Mark’s Gospel
By Del Potter, M.A.A. (Copyright 2025)

Not Serpents of Skin, but From The Falsehood Of Sin: Uncoiling The Ending of Mark’s Gospel

By Del Potter, M.A.A. August 27, 2025

Opening Remarks

From the outset, this article is NOT contending whether or not the ending of Mark 16 should be included. Although, it is in my humble opinion that some of the strange language in the ending of Mark actually affirms the truthfulness of the events inserted into the ending of Mark. There are several striking words in Mark's longer ending (Mark 16:17–18):

“These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them...”

As a first impression, the imagery suggests a miraculous ability to resist snakes and poison. It is nevertheless important to note that serpents and poison consistently function within Jewish, Biblical, and early Christian thought as symbols of false teaching and spiritual corruption, not simply physical danger.


Serpents in Scripture: Symbols of Deception

From the beginning of Genesis through Revelation, the serpent is never merely zoological—it is the archetype of deceit. In Genesis 3, the serpent slithers into the Garden not to bite with fangs, but to inject Eve with poisonous doubt about God’s word. Later Jewish wisdom literature follows this thread:

  • Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 21:2: “Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee.”
  • Psalm 140:3: “They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of vipers.”

This same imagery flows into the New Testament:

  • Matthew 23:33: Jesus calls the Pharisees a “brood of vipers,” not because of biology, but because of false teaching.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:3: Paul warns that, just as the serpent deceived Eve, so false teachers corrupt the simplicity of Christ.
  • Revelation 12:9: John describes Satan as a serpent “And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”

Therefore, when Mark refers to "serpents" and "deadly poison," his Jewish-Christian readers would have recognized the metaphor: heresy slithering into the church among the people with its false doctrine poisoning the entire church (2 Peter 2:1).


The Poison Of Heresy: A Dangerous Drink

The early Church frequently described heretical teaching as venom or poison. Ignatius of Antioch warned the Trallians:

“I therefore, yet not I, but the love of Jesus Christ, entreat you that ye use Christian nourishment only, and abstain from herbage of a different kind; I mean heresy. For those [that are given to this] mix up Jesus Christ with their own poison, speaking things which are unworthy of credit, like those who administer a deadly drug in sweet wine, which he who is ignorant of does greedily take, with a fatal pleasure leading to his own death.” (Letter to the Trallians 107 A.D.).

This language reflects the very pattern of Mark 16—poisonous teaching disguised as nourishment. The faithful, however, are promised preservation: “it will not harm them.” The believer, rooted in Christ, can discern and resist corruption.

No early Christian expressed this more vividly than Tertullian of Carthage (c. 200 AD). In his treatise Scorpiace, he likens heresy to venomous creatures:

  • Heresy “creeps into the church like a scorpion,” injecting spiritual poison.
  • The faithful must resist with the antidote of Scripture, wielded like the staff of Moses against the serpents of Egypt.

Tertullian believed that the danger was not from reptiles in the marketplace, but rather from false teachers within the church. Similarly, heresy pierces the souls of believers in a quiet and lethal manner, just as the scorpion stings unseen. As a result, he viewed Christ's promise in Mark not as a test of reckless physical stunts, but as a promise that the faithful will not suffer from the venom of falsehood if armed with the truth. As Paul rightly reminds his audience:

 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (i.e. snakes & poisons)." - Ephesians 6:11


Mark’s Ending and the beginning of the Early Church

NT writers wrote within a culture steeped in metaphor. The early church never staged snake-handling rituals to “prove” faith. Instead, they testified by enduring persecution, refuting heresy, and preserving sound doctrine.

The apologetic force of Mark 16 is not spectacle—it is survival. The church would face vipers in pulpits, scorpions in councils, and poison in doctrine. Yet Christ promises: “These things will not harm you.”

Just as in the first century, serpents and scorpions creep into the church today—not in the form of reptiles, but in the form of false witnesses, compromised truth, and distorted gospels. The call of Mark 16 is not to chase miracles, but to guard against lies.

In a world full of theological poison, the believer’s protection is not daredevil faith, but faithful discernment: Scripture, the Spirit, and the witness of the saints.

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers [i.e. snakes] among you, who will secretly introduce destructive [i.e. poison] heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.” - 2 Peter 2:1


Closing Remarks

The ending of Mark’s Gospel, far from a literal dare, is a prophetic warning and promise:

  • Serpents = false teachers.
  • Poison = heretical doctrines.
  • The promise = Christ’s people, if grounded in truth, will not be overcome.

Tertullian’s scorpions, Ignatius’ poison, Paul’s vipers, and Jesus’ own words unite: the greatest danger to the church is not fangs and venom in the field, but lies and venom in the pulpit.

In Christ, the Church endures—immune not to biology, but to blasphemy.

Read full Article
MAN'S PROBLEM-"HIDDENESS"
By Del Potter, M.A.A., August 16, 2025

The Problem Is With Man's Hiddenness Toward God, Not Vice-Versa

Why Doesn’t God Make His Existence Unmistakably Clear to Everyone?

One of the most common objections to faith is: “If God is real, why doesn’t He just show Himself beyond all doubt?” Skeptics ask why God doesn’t write His name in the sky or make His presence undeniable. But Scripture, reason, and the earliest witnesses of the Church tell us a different story: God has already made Himself known, yet it is humanity that hides.

God’s Self-Revelation in Creation

Scripture consistently teaches that God’s fingerprints are everywhere. The Apostle Paul writes:

“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)

Psalm 19:1 echoes this truth: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

Job reminds us that creation itself—beasts, birds, earth, and sea—all testify to the Creator:

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7–10)

God’s existence, then, is not hidden. It is written into the very structure of reality. As St. Athanasius later argued, creation itself acts as a universal witness, speaking of God’s power to every culture and language without need for words.

Why Does God Seem Hidden?

The real issue is not divine silence but human resistance. Moses records God saying:

“I will surely hide My face in that day, because of all the evil which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.” (Deuteronomy 31:18)

This is not a statement about God being unknowable but about mankind turning its back to Him. God’s “hiddenness” is a moral and relational reality, not an intellectual one. As Isaiah wrote:

“Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.” (Isa. 59:2)

Early Christians echoed this. Justin Martyr argued that those who live according to reason (logos) recognize the true God through creation and conscience. Clement of Alexandria explained that ignorance of God is not due to His absence, but due to the blindness of the soul enslaved to passions.

The Attributes of God are Revealed According To His Nature.

If God were to force belief by overwhelming proof, He would violate the very nature of faith and love. Love cannot be compelled; it requires freedom. Blaise Pascal later captured this well: “There is enough light for those who desire to see, and enough darkness for those who do not.”

The early Church understood that God provides evidence sufficient for faith, but not coercion. Origen taught that God “gives signs to those who are willing to see, but hides from those who shut their eyes.” This allows space for genuine seeking, humility, and love—rather than forced acknowledgment.

God Is Not Hidden—We Are

When people ask, “Why doesn’t God make Himself clear?” the biblical answer is: He already has. The problem is not with God’s silence but with our ears. The witness of creation, conscience, Scripture, and Christ Himself leaves us without excuse.

It is not God who hides, but man who hides from God—just as Adam and Eve once hid in the Garden. And yet, even then, God sought them, calling out: “Where are you?” (Gen. 3:9).

The same God still calls today through the beauty of creation, the testimony of Scripture, and the living Christ. The question is not whether God is clear enough but whether we are willing to see Him more clearly!

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known." - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Read full Article
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals