God Speaks

Just when we thought that this was going to be a “flash in the pan” we discover that might not be the case. Following this opening will be our first look at God, His Word and move later on to how we should respond. It is interesting that we do want our own interpretation of what the Bible says when the right thing is to ask “What is God saying here and how should I respond?”. The old bumper sticker that was so popular for a while was actually incorrect. “God said it, I believe it and that settles it” is not accurate. It should be “God said it, end of discussion”. God says that His Word will go out and accomplish its purpose. So, with that as an opening, here is the first part of our discussion.

This is the basic understanding of how this planet got its start for those who believe in the Bible. It is the foundation upon which everything else exists. It is at this point that we begin our discussion on God. Whether you believe in God or not is something that you, as the reader, will have to come to terms. Suffice it to say that this writer believes in God and it starts here “In the beginning…”. Before we dive in to the discussion, it is important to understand that what we, as Christ followers, are witnessing today is nothing really new. Oswald Chambers stated that “new news is really old news happening to new people”. Solomon, arguably the wealthiest and wisest man to ever live on this planet worded it this way, “What has been is what will be,   and what has been done is what will be done,   and there is nothing new under the sun.  Is there a thing of which it is said,   “See, this is new”?  It has been already   in the ages before us.  There is no remembrance of former things,   nor will there be any remembrance  of later things yet to be   among those who come after.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-11 ESV)
So, with this understanding, we begin our discussion “God Speaks”.
Today we are hearing a lot about “judging others”, “Did Jesus make any reference to this”, “If it was important, Jesus would have mentioned it” or my favorite “Did God really say that?”. Many will make the argument that God simply doesn’t exist, therefore His words have no bearing on any matter. My question would be “If God doesn’t exist, why argue about Him?”. Simply put, why would you put energy disputing something that isn’t? The Bible puts it this way, “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. (Psalm 14:1-3 ESV) So to argue against God when one doesn’t believe in Him is foolish. So if we set aside that argument for the sake of this writing, what do we have to say? There is a lot to the Bible as a whole that speaks to God’s presence and His concern for His creation. Here are some of the things that are said by mankind when concerning himself and his relationship with God, while defending his behavior;
 God doesn’t really exist…
 God exists but is a God of Love…
 Jesus didn’t really say that…
 All roads lead to God…
 We are the informed, enlightened…
 Don’t judge me…