IT'S ALL ABOUT CHOICES
God created man with the freedom to make choices. In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve, and placed them in the Garden of Eden. God allowed them to eat of all the trees of the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The first couple had a choice to make, and they made the wrong choice, eating the fruit of the forbidden tree. As a result of their disobedience, they were driven out of the garden of Eden and away from the tree of life (Genesis 3:22-24).
ARE WE TAKING THINGS FOR GRANTED?
The question that serves as the title of this article is a question all should consider. I am persuaded that everyone, at some point and to some degree, either has or is taking things for granted. We do not intend to, but it is so easy to take certain things for granted.
"I Don't See Anything Wrong With It"
Determining right from wrong is not always easy. Sometimes, when we examine an issue to determine what is right or wrong, we find that the issue is complex. Answers to moral and ethical questions are not always clear.
THE BOOK OF ALL BOOKS
We live in a time when skepticism regarding God’s existence is increasing. Those who profess atheism are writing books, giving lectures, and teaching in some universities that believing in God is a thing of the past and for the ignorant.
WORRYING AND PRECIOUS TIME
Time is a precious blessing not to be wasted. With each tick of the clock, the brief span of time we have in this world is passing. This is why Paul exhorts us to use our time wisely: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). We should “number our days,” making the most of each moment, living life to the fullest (Psalm 90:12).
When God Is Silent
Those reading this article will likely agree that we should do what God says in his word. When God has given a commandment, those who love God will obey (I John 5:3). But how should we interpret God’s silence? In cases in which God has given no instruction, do we have the authority to engage in those practices?
Cheating on God
Marriage is a wonderful blessing given by God. God wants those who are married to treasure this blessing and stay together, keeping the commitment they have made. On their wedding day, a couple promises to be faithful to each other. However, “cheating” within marriage is fairly common, but, always wrong. Infidelity ruins relationships and devastates the person that one has vowed to love and cherish.
Rocky Soil and Falling From Grace
The New Testament abounds with warnings about falling from grace. Although many believe that it is impossible for a child of God to fall from grace, the Scriptures teach otherwise.
RELIGIOUS UNITY
It is apparent that there is widespread religious division in our day. Driving through large cities or small towns, one will see numerous houses of worship. Each place of worship has been established by a church (denomination) that has its own denominational name, doctrines, and practices. The doctrines and practices of one church often contradict the doctrines and practices of other churches. With such rampant religious division, is it possible for there to be unity among all who profess to follow Christ?
IS ONE CHURCH AS GOOD AS ANOTHER?
It is not uncommon in our day to hear someone affirm that one church is as good as another. In fact, this is, allegedly, the commonly held belief of all the various protestant denominations. According to denominationalism, what matters is being sincere in one’s religious convictions, and since sincerity is what matters, the church one chooses is irrelevant. It is believed that all churches are denominations, and that all the various denominations comprise the true church of Christ. Therefore, we are told that “one church is as good as another.”
