Belief Determines Behavior
The apostle Paul points out in Romans 1 that everyone knows that there is a God. His existence is revealed in creation; creation demands a Creator, and design demands a Designer. And it is revealed in conscience; we all have an innate consciousness of right and wrong. . .
The heathen do not want to retain the true God in their knowledge. They know that belief in such a God would cramp their life-styles. So they turn to idolatry. They make images of people, birds, animals, and snakes and then worship them. Since each successive image represents a downward step in the scale of creation, it follows that they feel less and less responsible to live clean lives. If their god is a snake, it doesn't really matter how they live. This explains the close link between idolatry and immorality. Idols made by human beings do not make moral demands on their worshipers. . .
Belief determines behavior. That is why it is important to have true views of God. The higher our thoughts of Him, the more our lives will be exalted, holy and glorious.
-From Alone in Majesty by William MacDonald; part of The Inspirational Study Bible: New Century Version by Max Lucado
Who is God? Answer the question by making a list of God's attributes from these psalms (Psalms 110-112). Circle three from your list. Over the next three days, reflect on one attribute each day. As the day goes by, discover how this reality about God affects you.
Psalm 110:4 - Faithful
Psalm 110:5 - Helpful
Psalm 111:3 - Good
Psalm 111:4 - Kind and Merciful
Psalm 111:5 - Provider
Psalm 111:6 - Powerful
Psalm 111:7 - Good, Fair, Trustworthy
Psalm 111:8 - True and Right
Psalm 111:9 - Bondage Breaker, Holy, Wonderful
Knowing God
Jesus answered, "You don't understand, because you don't know what the Scriptures say, and you don't know about the power of God. Matthew 22:29
So Jesus said to the Jews who believed in Him, "If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers. Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free." John 8:31-2
They knew God, but the did not give glory to God or thank Him. Their thinking became useless. Their foolish minds were filled with darkness. They said they were wise, but they became fools. They traded the glory of God who lives forever for the worship of idols made to look like earthly people, birds, animals, and snakes. Because they did these things, God left them and let them go their sinful way, wanting only to do evil. As a result, they became full of sexual sin, using their bodies wrongly with each other. They traded the truth of God for a lie. They worshiped and served what had been created instead of the God who created those things, who should be praised forever. Amen. Romans 1:21-25
In the Lord's name, I tell you this. do not continue living like those who do not believe. Their thoughts are worth nothing. They do not understand, and they know nothing, because they refuse to listen. So they cannot have the life that God gives. Ephesians 4:17-18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
The heathen do not want to retain the true God in their knowledge. They know that belief in such a God would cramp their life-styles. So they turn to idolatry. They make images of people, birds, animals, and snakes and then worship them. Since each successive image represents a downward step in the scale of creation, it follows that they feel less and less responsible to live clean lives. If their god is a snake, it doesn't really matter how they live. This explains the close link between idolatry and immorality. Idols made by human beings do not make moral demands on their worshipers. . .
Belief determines behavior. That is why it is important to have true views of God. The higher our thoughts of Him, the more our lives will be exalted, holy and glorious.
-From Alone in Majesty by William MacDonald; part of The Inspirational Study Bible: New Century Version by Max Lucado
Who is God? Answer the question by making a list of God's attributes from these psalms (Psalms 110-112). Circle three from your list. Over the next three days, reflect on one attribute each day. As the day goes by, discover how this reality about God affects you.
Psalm 110:4 - Faithful
Psalm 110:5 - Helpful
Psalm 111:3 - Good
Psalm 111:4 - Kind and Merciful
Psalm 111:5 - Provider
Psalm 111:6 - Powerful
Psalm 111:7 - Good, Fair, Trustworthy
Psalm 111:8 - True and Right
Psalm 111:9 - Bondage Breaker, Holy, Wonderful
Knowing God
Jesus answered, "You don't understand, because you don't know what the Scriptures say, and you don't know about the power of God. Matthew 22:29
So Jesus said to the Jews who believed in Him, "If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers. Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free." John 8:31-2
They knew God, but the did not give glory to God or thank Him. Their thinking became useless. Their foolish minds were filled with darkness. They said they were wise, but they became fools. They traded the glory of God who lives forever for the worship of idols made to look like earthly people, birds, animals, and snakes. Because they did these things, God left them and let them go their sinful way, wanting only to do evil. As a result, they became full of sexual sin, using their bodies wrongly with each other. They traded the truth of God for a lie. They worshiped and served what had been created instead of the God who created those things, who should be praised forever. Amen. Romans 1:21-25
In the Lord's name, I tell you this. do not continue living like those who do not believe. Their thoughts are worth nothing. They do not understand, and they know nothing, because they refuse to listen. So they cannot have the life that God gives. Ephesians 4:17-18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
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