[The Mayor]

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Theology Is For Everyone
March 27, 2011

Some say that theology is only for “professionals.” But the situation in the days of the prophet Jeremiah illustrates why it’s important for everyone to know what God says about Himself.

The religious experts in Jeremiah’s day were misrepresenting God by prophesying “the delusions of their own minds” (Jer. 23:26 NIV) and leading people astray with their lies (v.32). Due to their dishonesty, the people did not know the true nature of God.

Today there are people who portray God as angry, vengeful, and eager to punish people for every minor offense. God, however, describes Himself as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (Ex. 34:6). Others show the world a picture of a loving God who is too kind to punish wrongdoing. But God describes Himself as one who exercises judgment and righteousness (Jer. 9:24). He is both a just Judge and a loving Father. If we emphasize one over the other, we paint a false picture of God.

The most important thing we can know about God and proclaim to the world is that God does not want to punish people; He wants them to repent so that He can forgive (2 Peter 3:9). But to be truly loving, He must also be absolutely just.

Though love for God should always move
My heart to do what’s good and right,
It’s wise to fear His judgments true
And stand in awe of His great might. —D. De Haan

Everyone must face God as Savior or as Judge.

Read: Jeremiah 23:25-32

I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. —Jeremiah 9:24

Bible in a year:
Judges 1-3; Luke 4:1-30

[MEG33]

Good Sunday Morning

"Though love for God should always move
My heart to do what’s good and right,
It’s wise to fear His judgments true
And stand in awe of His great might.
—D. De Haan"

Thank you, Rus, for this wise devotion.
Wishing you a blessed Lord's Day

[geologist]

Whom God loves he chastises. He loves those who come to him seeking to know him. Those that reject or pay no attention to God or his Word or his commands: He invites to come and learn of him.. Their choice. When they choose not to come and love God ... he does not chastise them.

Hebrews 12:6 (New King James Version)
“6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”
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Revelation 3:19 (New King James Version)
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

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Very interesting that God does not chastise those that have not sought Him.
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English Standard Version (©2001)

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
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the message of God is declared ... those that do not respond ... chose death

Read Deuteronomy 28-30

Blessing and cursing. God will come: and his wrath will judge .