The world has changed so much since I was a kid. It seems the areas of black and white have shrunk while the gray areas in our life grows larger and larger. The whole world is becoming gray, meaning there are fewer absolutes out there or truths for people to live by. This is not true of course as the truth has never changed, it is the people who have gone astray. As we constantly struggle for independence our thoughts also go in that direction. Scripture teaches that we are to be dependent upon God. People have and will always get into trouble when they start deciding for themselves what is right for them instead of what God’s word teaches is right. Have you run into these folks? They might say, “well that may be right for you but not for me”. Here is another one I hear all the time, “that is your interpretation”. Do we allow this from our own children? Certain things are simply truth and not open for interpretation. If someone walked up and gave you 4 quarters, that amount would be equal to $ 1.00. Even if you believed it was only 80 cents that does not change what it really is. When trying to decide what is right and wrong there has to be something to measure this thought or idea against which is right and unchanging. This is the Word of God.
Right before Joshua died he gathered the people together for what may be termed his farewell speech. He reminds the people who God is and what He has done for them. He then tells them to make a choice of whom they will serve. We all make this choice in our lives one way or another. The battle between good and evil is real and will continue to be waged until the end of time. We all are on one side or another. There are some folks we know who may be good honest people but who have not entered into God’s family. By not making a choice you have indeed made one. There are no fence riders according to the Lord. Jesus himself said if you are not for me you are against me.
There are so many religious denominations, beliefs and cults out there today. Do you really think this is what God wants? No this has come about by man for a wide variety of reasons. God wants every single person to be saved. In scripture He specifically tells everyone how they can get to Heaven. There are not many different ways to get there, just one. Jesus said that no one can come to the father except through Him.
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Good article. Although differences in denominations don't necessarily mean differences in the main things: the salvation of humans through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Denominations are culturally based and some are definitely going over the deep end and wrongly interpreting the Bible. But for the most part, I think God accepts variety among His children. Not variety that leads to wrong theology. But varieties of worship style and minor issues such as clothing, etc...don't bother him Ithink.
