God's ok, Jesus is not

Except for the occasional atheist who’s upset about the pledge of allegiance, or because somebody prayed a prayer at the ballgame Friday night, most people don’t have a problem with accepting that there is a God, or at the very least, they don’t mind others thinking that there is a God. You rarely hear someone go on a tirade about Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Hindus, Buddahists, etc. because they aren’t really a threat to anyone’s comfort zone. The religion of Islam is only now in the last 50 years or so becoming more of a threat due to its violent ideaology. If it was simply the “peaceful religion” its spokesmen claim it is, it would be tolerated as well.

On the other hand, the closer you get to the truth about God, the more defensive and offended people get. Take the Jews for example. There are so many stereotypical beliefs about Jews as to be humorous. “All Jews are Christ hating, rich, powerful, greedy, and control the world behind the scenes.”

Yeah, right. Tell that to the people in Israel who have been victims of homicidal bombers and terrorist violence for all these years.

Jews are God’s chosen people. No, they haven’t been “replaced” by the Christian church. God doesn’t break promises. Therefore, Jews are hated because of God.

As much as the world seems to hate Jews, they still are not as reviled as born-again Christians. So why do people hate Christianity so much? Christianity and the Bible are hated more than any other ideology or “holy book” because of one reason…

Authority.

People want to run their own lives. Do what they want to do. Decide what’s right and wrong. But Christianity puts a stop to that, because the God of the Bible is the authority in these matters, and His book tells us what He expects and requires of us. He is the judge. He is the ultimate authority. He is the decision maker in all things. He is in control. He has all the power. He dictates what is right and wrong. Jesus is Lord.

The carnal man hates authority. He rebels against it. He despises it. He resists it. And that is the ultimate reason why Christianity is hated so much. Man wants to do what he wants to , when he wants to, with whomever he wants to do it. So man forms God in an image that is acceptable to him – a God who will recognize that he is basically a good guy and will let him go to heaven in spite of the “little “ sins he’s committed – after all, he’s only human. The God of the Bible was not formed in the image of man. Therefore man rejects Him and forms his own god.

“And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.” Acts 7:41

Carnal men have molded God in their own image - into Whom they think He should be. They don't understand that with God's Authority comes God's love. He alone knows what we need - and is the only One Who can truly provide. The world is looking for love, joy, acceptance, and peace. Only God, Who is the Authority, can provide these things.

Actual things I’ve heard people say:

“I don’t believe God would send anybody to hell”
“God knows we love each other” (about sex before marriage)
“God wants me be to be happy.” (reason for divorce)
“Me and God have an ‘understanding’” (about drinking problem)
“God made me this way” (excuse for any sin that they won’t confront and repent of)


God is a God of free will. Everyone has a choice to accept or reject Christ’s free gift of salvation. But there will be one moment in time when I believe God will momentarily force his will on those who refuse his command.

“I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Isaiah 45:23

“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:11

I will gladly and freely bow my knee and confess my Lord. I only wish the whole world would do so. How glorious that would be.