GOD'S WORK THROUGH THE SAVED

The Bible says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10).  Ironically, Adam's desire for wisdom resulted in just that, his fear of God (Gen. 3:1-10).  From that time until the present, man has been aware that he is a sinner, and that he is separated from God.  In his effort to regain a relationship with Him, he has devised all sorts of ways to try to achieve this.  The result?  Religions; lots of religions!  Unfortunately, God hates religion (Deut. 12:31; Isa. 1:10-15; Amos 5:21-24; Col. 2:20-22; etc.).  The Word of God tells us that man's religious efforts are doomed to failure.

MAN'S RELIGION - "There is A WAY that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 16:25).

Today, it is not uncommon to hear "religious leaders" say, "There are many ways to God."  In the book, The Shack, "Jesus" makes the statement, "Those who love me have come from every system that exists.  They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims...." (p. 273).  The lead character, Mack, responds by asking, "Does that mean that all roads will lead to you?"  "Jesus" replied, "Most roads don't lead anywhere.  What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you." (p. 274).  Some have interpreted his use of the word, "most," he is suggesting "some, but not all."  Here is what the Bible says.

GOD'S WAY - "Jesus saith unto him, I am THE WAY, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me" (John 14:6).

Unsaved man hates to be told that he is a sinner, but that is what the Bible says (Rom. 3:23; 11:32)! 

Unsaved man hates to be told that all his works to appease God and to be righteous, are useless (Isa. 64:6; Rom. 6:23a; Eph. 2:9)! 

Unsaved man hates to be told there is only one way to regain a relationship with God, and that is to accept God's gift of salvation through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Rom. 5:15-18; 6:23b; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 2:8)! 

Unsaved man hates that he must come humbly before God and acknowledge his need of salvation (Mic. 6:8; Lk. 24:47; Rom. 10:9-10). 

Unsaved man loves to boast, for like Satan, man suffers primarily from the sin of pride; God hates pride (Prov. 8:13; Isa. 14:12-15; Rom. 1:28-32).  Man wants to be able to say he is spiritual, that he has participated in his own salvation; man's pride longs to boast (Eph. 2:9).

Saved man wants to please God, and his new nature wants to please God for God's glory, not his own (1 Cor. 10:31; Eph. 2:10; Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11).

MY PRAYER FOR EVERY ONE OF YOU!

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Heb. 13:20-21).