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Wednesday, February 8, 2006


"Still The One True God"

"But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King" (Jeremiah 10:10). "All the nations may walk in the name of their gods; we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever" (Micah 4:5).

Recently I had a lengthy discussion with a man about 15-20 years younger than me. He had a philosophy degree from a prestigious university. I have heard much about post-modernism but frankly until this discussion I really didn't understand it well. Essentially postmodernism is the criticism and/or rejection of absolute truths. I actually had a lousy time sleeping the night following our conversation as I pondered over our discussion!

One of the greatest offenses to secular sensitivities and religious tolerance is the assertion of the exclusive truth claims of Jesus Christ. To those ignorant of sound Biblical doctrine and thoroughly indoctrinated in the ways of the world (including many in modernistic and apostate churches) this seems so unloving and even mean-spirited.

To them all religions are equally valid and there are many ways to God. This outlook is seen as virtuous and loving.  But asserting the exclusive truth claims of Christ seems intolerant and narrow-minded (two of the greatest taboos in secular thinking). 

Many have no problem recognizing Jesus as a fine man and excellent teacher, perhaps even a noble example.  The rub comes in His claim to being the second Person in the divine Trinity, whom we alone must worship, and He is God's only provision for meeting our sin problem.

But true followers of Jesus Christ must faithfully proclaim their Master's words; "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). The apostolic proclamation was an unequivocal statement of faith concerning the Name of Jesus Christ, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Today's second verse draws a sharp contrast.  Indeed, "All the nations may walk in the name of their gods."  When written this referred to the specific false gods of the nations that surrounded Israel at that time such as Baal and Molech.  But it still applies broadly to each generation, people and nation whether they are polytheistic, atheistic or materialistic.  There are many false gods.

Today join me in making this great declaration of faith, "We will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever."  What a powerful statement of steadfast commitment!  We must not dilute the exclusive truth claims of Jesus Christ.  To do so would be to present a false gospel.  The apostle Paul reaffirms the words of Christ when he wrote, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time" (1 Timothy 2:5,6).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, when I chose to surrender my life to You it was not simply an emotional response that would last for a short season.  I asked You to be my Lord and Master and to rule my heart for ever and ever.  Though there have been trials galore that would test my faith and countless remarks that would attack my faith I choose to walk in Your name for ever and ever.  In the good and bad of life You will always remain my Lord and Master.



Yesterday I received an interesting response in light of yesterday's topic as well as the issue of tolerance I refer to today.  It seems that tolerance is a one way street to the secularist!

Your Daily Encouragement was for me today. I live in * and I work for a program which recruits and sets up classes of interest to the Adult Community. We distributed our catalog to the public last week and under the category of "History and Global Issues", we offered 4 different classes - one on Easter-God's Heart Revealed, Eastern Religions, World Religions and Self-Worth- from a Biblical Perspective. A woman new to our area (from the East Coast as she so readily bragged) was "offended" by our offering the Christian-based classes, but she was eager to announce that she had "no problem" with Eastern Religions! Her complaints have awakened the ACLU, one of our local TV channels and our sponsors (the local school district) and they have caved to her pressure and are going to cancel the Christian-based classes, but not the Eastern Religions or World Religions Class!  This outrages me to no end. I'm only the acting coordinator, I know I don't have the final say in such decisions, but I can only tell you how frustrating it is. To read your encouragement and the ending scriptures reminding me that ultimately God will judge - helped my soul tonight. Thank you for your timely encouragement as I know it was the Lord speaking to me.
* (a city in a western mountain state)

Here's another perspective related to yesterday's message.



Here are some online articles concerning today's topic
"The Meaning and Practice of Tolerance"
"Jesus: The Only Way To Heaven?"
"Christ's Offensive Truth Claims"
  (scroll down to article)



Here's the audio of a worship song called "This is our God" by Chris Tomlin that really has blessed me this morning as I prepared this message!



Photo of Brooksyne and Stephen at Sweetheart Banquet 2006
Last night Brooksyne and I went to a Sweetheart banquet and rekindled our love as we approach our 30th wedding anniversary in May.












Recommended resource
300204: The Four Seasons of Marriage: Which Season of Marriage are You in?The Four Seasons of Marriage: Which Season of Marriage are You in?  By Gary Chapman
Summer, winter, spring, fall - which season of marriage are you in? Looking at relationships in terms of passages of the heart, Chapman guides couples through the joys, struggles, and changes that can come at any point during their lifelong journey. His fresh insights will help you and your spouse deepen your love and strengthen your communication. 250 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

 

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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