How Many Paths Are There To God?

This being the 2011 Christmas season our pastors are preaching on Advent topics. On December 4^th, Rev. Ted Wright posed the question: “Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven?”

The short answer is ‘Yes’, for Christians that is. If so, then why did Rev. Ted preach this sermon? Over the summer, our pastors asked us for sermon topics and this question was raised by several submitters because several parishioners feel there were other paths to Heaven. This idea of anything goes is reinforced by TV. I like the TV show Royal Pains especially the character Divya Katdare played by Reshma Shetty. When USA Network ran its “Characters Unite” commercials in December 2009, Reshma said among other things that she believes “in all paths to God.” As a Christian, I was not happy to hear this because I know there is only one path to God: Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ.

In America we have many freedoms and many religious beliefs. But, for some reason, in recent decades, the two are hitting heads. I respect Reshma’s right to say what she believes but I was concerned that less staunch Christians would take this as confirmation that the margin to enter Heaven is wider than they are taught. It is not. John 14:6 says it simply and clearly:

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…” (NIV)

“Jesus is a present Saviour, and the way to Him is short; it is but a simple renunciation of our own merit, and a laying hold of Jesus, to be our all in all.” (CH Spurgeon, 2/4 PM).

In the current political climate, Christians are not supposed to speak up and out for and in defense of our beliefs. As an American, I have the same right to say there is God as those who say there isn’t one. So, why is my freedom of speech being curtailed?

In the current political and social climate, Christians have become lax in evangelism. To be clear, evangelism is not shoving our beliefs down someone else’s throat. We are to live out our beliefs by example and avail ourselves of opportunities to tell others how great Jesus has been to us.

Mohammad and Buddha never claimed to be God (Buddha didn’t even believe in God) and did not die for our sins. Hebrews 9:22 states “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Mohammad and Buddha were not resurrected – be aware Jesus was seen by many people AFTER his death. “And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14, NRSV)     

In sum, the world’s religions do not worship the same God and all paths do not lead to Heaven, just the one.

Father, forgive those who do not understand. Amen

The Destructiveness of Gossip

Today’s morning Spurgeon devotional discusses Leviticus 19:16-17:

Leviticus 19:16-17 NIV

(16)  "'Do not go about spreading slander among your people. "'Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the LORD.

(17)  "'Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.

Spurgeon correctly notes that three are affected by gossip: the speaker, the listener, and the person being spoken about. I was reminded this past weekend that three is a sacred number in Christianity so his listed three persons had additional meaning for me.

It’s human to err and human to gossip but we don’t have to give into our baser nature. In my middle years I am more aware of my faults and put more effort into combatting them. As far as gossiping, yes, I made some big blunders in my youth. The one that changed my ways was when I was working in Chicago and a co-worker told me something crazy her husband said that she just couldn’t understand why he said that. She specifically asked me NOT to tell my husband.

I could not offer her an immediate explanation for her husband’s behavior so told her I’d think about it and get back to her. After a couple days, I still couldn’t figure out what his deal was and wondered if it was simply a “guy” thing. I then made a choice to break my promise and ask my husband what he thought foolishly assuming he would never meet either of them.

Well, as luck would have it, my boss threw a party at her home and guess what happened? Yep. Ron made a crack about the topic (to this day, I don’t remember exactly what the “it” was) and he gave his wife a look, she gave me a look, I gave Ron a look. She never spoke to me again. And, I deserved it.

So, I word of advice from someone who suffered from her own folly: keep promises and divulge nothing until death parts you from this earth.

Amen.

What is your Go To "cry" song?

Last night, Rob Carson from Mix 107.3 posed the question “what is your Go To cry song?”

I didn’t know all the songs the listeners mentioned but it did take me back to a time, as they say, long ago in a galaxy far, far away. It was the ‘70s (1970s for you youngens) and my fiancé’ dumped me. Rocker Meatloaf just released the hit “Two out of three ain’t bad” and it fit our situation to a tee. I cried for a week and lost six pounds. Until this day, whenever I hear that song on the oldie stations, a little tear appears.

What is your Go To “cry” song?