NAMES: What's in a name? (Part 9)

THE NAMES OF GOD
When I was in the Air Force we had a motto that says "think smarter, not harder". On the surface it sounds like good advice. But in reality, it is saying to find the easiest and most cost efficient way to accomplish something. This as a whole is a common trait of mankind. That is why we have the microwave oven. Using the microwave is faster and cheaper to heat something then using the oven.

So, for many, in the "so-called search" for God, it is in reality a search for something "faster" and more cost efficient. It is saying, "How can I have a self-satisfying religious life were it does not take a lot of time and it does not cost me much?" Well the only answer to this question is to change the "OBJECT" of worship. If we worship something other than the ONE TRUE GOD then we set the easiest of boundaries for our behavior and mindset.

​Many times Christians are like water. Water seeks the path of least resistance and it seeks its own level. This is another way of saying what the Word of God says, "They do what's right in their own eyes."

So what are some of my options? There is the Animistic Theory. This belief says that animals, trees, and rocks possesses spirits and these spirits could be helpful or harmful. Therefore, people attempt to appease the harmful spirits and appeal to the helpful spirits. Really Pastor? Think about this the next time you "knock on wood" for some superstitious reason.

There is the Nature Worship Theory. This belief says many develop their religions by observing the forces of nature. To interact with the forces of nature, people personalized the forces of nature by giving names to the sun, the moon, and the storms and treating them equal to mankind, which is created in God's own image.

​There is the Purist Biblical Theory, (fact). This belief says there is only One True God, manifesting Himself in three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, who created all things for His glory. He does not trust mankind to reveal His nature and essence, so He chooses to reveal Himself and His many characteristics and names, by Himself. All of these revelations are recorded in His Holy Word, the Bible, by His Holy Spirit.