Choices: God's Wisdom or the World
By the time Paul wrote the letter to the Roman church, he had seen the idols and alters in Athens, Corinth, and other places in his travels. He witnessed the life style of those who worshipped gods made by the hands of man. So, he writes to Rome, "Professing themselves to be wise, they become fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping thing. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves; who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1:22-25)
When we turn our hearts from God, Satan moves into our minds and changes the way we see the world. We change and choose to see the world as one with no faith in God. Gradually, we see the world differently and begin to follow the unwise ways of the world. As unrighteousness takes over our lives, we place our faith in things of the world and accept the sins which destroys the man and leads to death. The list in verses 26 through 31 of chapter 1 of Romans includes changing the natural use of the body, fornification, covetousness, envy, murder, deceit, haters of God, despiteful, proud, inventors of evil things, and unmerciful. "Tribulation and anguish will be on every soul of man that does evil." (2:9) This does not paint a picture of hope for those who choose to not follow the truth. The outcome of sin is ugly, but yet men choose sin. Is there a way out of this sin? Yes, choose to follow Jesus.
Now, I know that some who read this will laugh and call me a few choice names. Narrow minded or religious fool may be a couple of those names. Christians are mocked for taking a stand on abortion, homosexuality, gambling, drug addiction, or alcoholism. We are called foolish or close minded. I'm sorry. It hurts to see so many young people making choices that will lead to serious health problems. Whether drugs or sexual choices, I love them and want them to make wise choices that will lead to a long, healthy, and happy life. The truth in the gospel is the wise choice. This is why Paul addressed it in Romans. Yes, some mocked him, but he loved them anyway and kept preaching the gospel of Christ.
Paul preached the gospel of Christ without hesitation and shame. He preached salvation and repentance. He preached about the hope we have in Jesus, who was crucified, buried, and resurrected for the sins of the world. He preached because he loved as God loves all of his creation. Yes, there is always hope with God. If you choose to follow Jesus, you are making a wise choice. "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes." Romans 10:4 When you choose Jesus, "the word of faith will be in your mouth and in your heart if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with the heart man believes in righteousness and with the mouth confesses his sins for salvation." Romans 10:8-10 (my translation)
So, what is your choice? Are you going to take a chance on the world? Or, will you choose the wisdom that God promises?
When we turn our hearts from God, Satan moves into our minds and changes the way we see the world. We change and choose to see the world as one with no faith in God. Gradually, we see the world differently and begin to follow the unwise ways of the world. As unrighteousness takes over our lives, we place our faith in things of the world and accept the sins which destroys the man and leads to death. The list in verses 26 through 31 of chapter 1 of Romans includes changing the natural use of the body, fornification, covetousness, envy, murder, deceit, haters of God, despiteful, proud, inventors of evil things, and unmerciful. "Tribulation and anguish will be on every soul of man that does evil." (2:9) This does not paint a picture of hope for those who choose to not follow the truth. The outcome of sin is ugly, but yet men choose sin. Is there a way out of this sin? Yes, choose to follow Jesus.
Now, I know that some who read this will laugh and call me a few choice names. Narrow minded or religious fool may be a couple of those names. Christians are mocked for taking a stand on abortion, homosexuality, gambling, drug addiction, or alcoholism. We are called foolish or close minded. I'm sorry. It hurts to see so many young people making choices that will lead to serious health problems. Whether drugs or sexual choices, I love them and want them to make wise choices that will lead to a long, healthy, and happy life. The truth in the gospel is the wise choice. This is why Paul addressed it in Romans. Yes, some mocked him, but he loved them anyway and kept preaching the gospel of Christ.
Paul preached the gospel of Christ without hesitation and shame. He preached salvation and repentance. He preached about the hope we have in Jesus, who was crucified, buried, and resurrected for the sins of the world. He preached because he loved as God loves all of his creation. Yes, there is always hope with God. If you choose to follow Jesus, you are making a wise choice. "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes." Romans 10:4 When you choose Jesus, "the word of faith will be in your mouth and in your heart if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with the heart man believes in righteousness and with the mouth confesses his sins for salvation." Romans 10:8-10 (my translation)
So, what is your choice? Are you going to take a chance on the world? Or, will you choose the wisdom that God promises?
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