1/12/12- What we are to believe about God.

WSC: What is the main teaching of the scriptures?
A: The main teaching of the scriptures is we are to believe about God and what God requires us to do.


³¹ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.(John 20:31)

(God the Creator- Michelangelo)


Thoughts: The scriptures teach us.  They are not just there for entertainment, or interest.  They are a map, a guidebook, directions for life.  
Some scriptures claim to be dictated from God (like the Ten Commandments).  But in general the scriptures claim to be inspired of God to let us know God's will.  But God shows us His will not just for our interest, but to teach us what to believe and what to do.
A few days ago Cee Lo sang, "Imagine" by John Lennon- but instead of saying, "Imagine no religion" sang "and all religions true."  There are those who say it doesn't matter what you believe. There are also those who say that all that matters is that you are sincere.  In some ways, that is the post-modern mantra of our era.  What matters most is that we respect each other, not that the beliefs are important.  In some ways this elevates respect for others over respect for God.   If we have as our highest standard respect for others, then the feelings of others rule our day and become our God.  
    There are some religions (like certain forms of Buddhism) that say the existence of God doesn't matter.  While others say the existence of God is the main part of religion.  There are Some that separate God from creation (like theism) and others that say God is creation (pantheism or certain forms of panentheism).  In some God is capricious, selfish, and perhaps evil (like Greek or Roman paganism) while in others God is good.  In some God is distant and cannot possibly love (like certain forms of Islam).  In others God is love (like Christianity).  What you believe about God effects what you do.  If you believe God exists in heaven- you may work for a treasure there.  But if you believe God exists only here- then your focus will be on the here and now.  Thus the pagans can be evil or selfish as their gods are.  Christians, however, are called to moral and sacrificially kind.  


Prayer: Help me, Lord, to see and understand what you tell us about yourself.