Is This You?

"I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ" (Galatians 1:6,7 NLT).

In this first letter written by Paul, we get the feeling that he was disappointed by those who apparently started "creating their own version of the Gospel" and people who should have known better, were believing the lies. From this letter, we truly understand that there is "nothing new under the sun" when see the divisions occurring in the early churches. And since there are so many people--who feel they have the only "right version" of Christianity and what it means, we get a better understanding of all the denominations that pervade the nation, fooling people even the more.

My claim to fame--not being a Bible scholar--is my relationship with God and my desire to please Him. I have studied--other denominational doctrines--and I am amazed that so many people can take off in so many directions, from the same book--The Bible--and then re--recreate new doctrines by segmenting passages of scriptures to justify their new doctrine, promoting their personal beliefs. The fact that they do this helps me to understand The Word even more--no scripture is for any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20,21).

When people promote doctrine that is based on personal belief and opinion, chaos soon reigns, making what God has said (not man) of no effect. Twisting The Word to make a person feel comfortable in what they do--is a mockery of faith in God. And we know, that God is not fooled or impressed by the mockery, only foolish people are snared because they prefer man's doctrine over God's.

Have you turned away from The Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are you promoting some other gospel or doctrine that has nothing to do with faith in God, but self or man? Have you examined lately, what you believe and why you believe it? Does your lifestyle align with God's Word or man's--political correctness and trends? We know trends have cycles and some trends become cyclonic-- sweeping people up into doctrines that leave them and their loved ones devastated--lost forever from the truth. Is this you?

My prayer for all is that we learn to seek God for truth, hear and obey Him, and then promote The Good News--that He orchestrated through Jesus Christ. Salvation--freedom from sin--only comes because of His grace and mercy--not by ritualistic behaviors that cannot change anything or anyone. Get to know Him for yourself and know that He only wants the best for all of His children.

Remember to Tell Others!

"After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10 NIV).

I've often wondered (now that I know for myself) why people take the stance they do in opposition to God.  Then, when I read passages from the Old Testament, I am reminded that this current trend to oppose God is just history repeating itself.  When Joshua died and the generation after him died who had first-hand knowledge of what God had accomplished for the Children of Israel, the people (another generation) forgot to keep telling it to others and they chose to do what they wanted to do.

What happened to the generation who didn't know the Lord?  They served idols and did what the other nations did who did not know God.  Then, God became angry and allowed them to suffer at the hands of the other nations and when He made Himself known to this generation, they repented and once again knew the blessings of The Lord.  And as long as they remembered to tell those who came behind about the great things God had done and were obedient, He continued to bless them as a nation (until He relented to their constant grumblings about having a king, but that's another discussion).

For those of us who are concerned with this generation and their opposition to God, we need not worry. God is not a god of trends.  What He has done in the past, He will do again.  When people--as a nation--realize that He is not pleased with their trends (idol worship, doing things their way), and get tired of suffering, they will hear God's messengers, repent, and He will hear their cries and heal the land.  We must remember to tell others about all God has done--His love, mercy, and many benefits for all who receive what He has to give!

The ultimate sacrifice has been made--(Jesus on the cross) there is no other sacrifice needed to get God to smile upon us other than--obedience in being a witness--telling of His goodness!  Hallelujah!