February 2, 2018 Friday

“Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” (1Corinthians 8:1-6 NKJV)

            In this scripture we can see the difference between a god and the God.  Here is a list of some of the statements in this scripture about God and gods.

God can be loved – Many gods are demanding and even need to be “nourished”.  It is a giving and providing for the gods hoping they will “bless” you.  There is no love, no relationship and no creation.

Those others consider gods which are nothing in the world – These gods are usually only concerned with parts of the world and often are only involved with one nation.  Even those who are served by many people there is a distinction by each group.

God is the only god – The scripture makes the adamant statement that there is only one God.  This implies that all the others are fakes.  Though fake these gods are harmful in that they keep people from the true God.

The gods are mere lords only because people choose that – though created by people these gods are given power over those who create them and in the end people serve them.  They become lords and often tyrants over those who made them and make their images from things the true God created.

There is only one God, our Father – The separation between gods and God is seen in that all of the attributes of the gods and more are found in God!  And God, unlike the gods, is like a Father caring for His children and watching over them.

All things are of God – God is the source, Creator and maintainer of all things.  All that we can experience is a testament of God’s power and a revelation of the personality and greatness of God.

We can be for God – God is worth worshiping and serving!  God does not seek nourishment but nourishes!  We can be for God who is for us!

Jesus Christ is God and Lord – God came into our sin darkened world and wrapped Himself in human flesh.  We may think God doesn’t understand but in the life of Jesus God faced all that we face and even more bore them guilt and judgment for us!

Through Jesus all things are – Jesus as God is not part of Creation but is Creator!  But the description goes even farther and states through Jesus all things are!  Jesus not only Created all things but continues to hold it together and sustain it.

We live through Jesus – In Genesis part of Creation is God breathing Life into humanity.  Jesus is not just how we receive life but is the Life itself!  Without Jesus we are merely existing.

            God is very distinct in so many ways and this will become evident the more you read the Bible and spend time with Him in prayer.  One of the most distinct differences to me is that if God calls someone to be a martyr they are called to die for their faith while religions call for martyr’s to die while killing others!

            Of all the “gods” which God would you want to get to know and to serve?