Creating gods
Don't you love the baby Jesus? This has been a long standing joke around my house for several years now. I know that those of you who saw Talladega Nights may think that I stole this joke from the movie. But the truth is, I have been using this as an example for a long time. People love the baby Jesus. However, they don't care to much for the adult version, but the baby one is a o.k.
The nation of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC. God told them through the prophets that they were going to be conquered. He told them that the reason they were going to be conquered was due to the fact that they worshipped false gods.
Today, our culture does not accept the notion of multiple gods. We are all basically monotheists. However, what most people do is create a god in their head that really isn't God at all. Many of them call this created god Jesus. They celebrate his birthday on December 25th. They have pictures of him in their houses. They even go to a church once in a while to pay homage. However, the Jesus that they believe is not the Biblical Jesus. It is a made up Jesus that they are comfortable with.
You see, The Biblical Jesus has high expectations. He demands obedience. He demands surrender. He expects his disciples to pick up the cross daily and follow him. The created Jesus doesn't care what you do in your spare time. He doesn't mind you skipping out on church. He doesn't care if you read his word. He loves you unconditionally and allows you to live your life any way that you please. The problem is that the real Jesus isn't that Jesus.
Most Americans are idolaters and do not know it. They believe in Jesus, but not the real one. Not the one in the Bible. They love the Jesus in their mind. They love the Jesus that lets them do anything they want without retribution. They love the Jesus that expects nothing, but gives everything. They love the baby Jesus. They just hate the adult one.
Many years ago, I remember driving through Ashland University, and the Democratic Student Organization was recruiting. They had a sign that said "Our God Accepts everyone" out in front of their table. Now the Bible tells us that God hated Esau. The Bible says that the lost are his enemies. The Bible tells us very clearly that God is going to pour his wrath out on those who disobey Him. Simply put, the Ashland University Student Democrats created a God that is not real.
Folks, this just one of many examples I could come up with. Let us remember this holiday season that the baby in the manger grew up to be a man. He went on to teach that he was the way, the truth and the life; and that no one comes to the Father but by Him. He said that the road to Hell was wide; and narrow was the path to Heaven. He told his disciples to follow him. He taught that we are pursue righteousness at all costs. We are to hate sin, and repent of it. He told us that following him was our only hope. For this is the true Jesus. Let us make certain that we are not creating gods in our mind.
The nation of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC. God told them through the prophets that they were going to be conquered. He told them that the reason they were going to be conquered was due to the fact that they worshipped false gods.
Today, our culture does not accept the notion of multiple gods. We are all basically monotheists. However, what most people do is create a god in their head that really isn't God at all. Many of them call this created god Jesus. They celebrate his birthday on December 25th. They have pictures of him in their houses. They even go to a church once in a while to pay homage. However, the Jesus that they believe is not the Biblical Jesus. It is a made up Jesus that they are comfortable with.
You see, The Biblical Jesus has high expectations. He demands obedience. He demands surrender. He expects his disciples to pick up the cross daily and follow him. The created Jesus doesn't care what you do in your spare time. He doesn't mind you skipping out on church. He doesn't care if you read his word. He loves you unconditionally and allows you to live your life any way that you please. The problem is that the real Jesus isn't that Jesus.
Most Americans are idolaters and do not know it. They believe in Jesus, but not the real one. Not the one in the Bible. They love the Jesus in their mind. They love the Jesus that lets them do anything they want without retribution. They love the Jesus that expects nothing, but gives everything. They love the baby Jesus. They just hate the adult one.
Many years ago, I remember driving through Ashland University, and the Democratic Student Organization was recruiting. They had a sign that said "Our God Accepts everyone" out in front of their table. Now the Bible tells us that God hated Esau. The Bible says that the lost are his enemies. The Bible tells us very clearly that God is going to pour his wrath out on those who disobey Him. Simply put, the Ashland University Student Democrats created a God that is not real.
Folks, this just one of many examples I could come up with. Let us remember this holiday season that the baby in the manger grew up to be a man. He went on to teach that he was the way, the truth and the life; and that no one comes to the Father but by Him. He said that the road to Hell was wide; and narrow was the path to Heaven. He told his disciples to follow him. He taught that we are pursue righteousness at all costs. We are to hate sin, and repent of it. He told us that following him was our only hope. For this is the true Jesus. Let us make certain that we are not creating gods in our mind.
posted by Foundes Community Church @ 7:20 PM
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