A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (March 1, 2016)
He (Paul) also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers (intellectuals of the day). When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.” Then they took him to the high council of the city (the really smart dudes). “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. “You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.” (It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.) So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. (Acts 17:18-23, NLT)
It is amazing to me that in the year 2016 we see the same things happening as in the Book of Acts. Philosophers, intellectuals, and even some so-called Christians, are still worshiping an “Unknown God”. We have become so smart that we spend all our time studying and arguing over doctrine rather than building a relationship with God and doing what His Word tells us to do.
I recently visited a church Bible study that had just finished a study of the Book of Romans. Do you know how long they said that study lasted? Four years!!!! They were proud of that. I will not go back.
In contrast, I recently visited a church service in a drug treatment center where the men and women (all addicts that had met Jesus) spent over an hour worshiping God with all their might before the preacher ever preached. I will go there again!!!
The difference between these two services was amazing. The first group call themselves Christians but they do not really know God. They are still trying to intellectually figure everything out and fit God into their doctrinal box. The second group know God from a personal relationship standpoint. They have been forgiven much and they love much. They may not have a college or seminary degree but they know God!!!
Our intellectual pursuits and continuous study can sometimes become a barrier to our relationship with God. We can become so smart, and spend so much time studying theology, that we can become our own God. We think we have it all figured out. That is called idolatry. It is good to periodically read Job 38-42 where God responded to Job and his spiritual counselors. It is a resounding rebuke of the wisdom of man and asked such questions as; Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth, formed the seas, named the stars, created the light, etc., etc.? It goes on for five chapters!!! I can just see Job shrinking lower and lower as God points out how limited our wisdom and knowledge is compared to His.
Job’s response after these piercing questions from God was as follows:
I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5-6)
Our mind and intellect is an awesome thing but we must always remember that we are God’s creation and we should not get too impressed with ourselves. He is the watch maker. He knows how everything fits together. He is God and there is no other like Him!!!
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:25-31)
The unknown God can be known! His name is JESUS!!!!!
