Proverbs 21: Through God's Eyes

"Every way of man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts." Proverbs 21:2

This one stopped me in my tracks. I usually scan the day's chapter and choose verses which speak to me most. In this case- 2 verses in, I was stopped, and found nothing else that I feel needs discussing today.

I have covered over and over throughout the past 21 days how we are a fallen creation, in need of salvation, and that salvation is found ONLY through Jesus Christ. He said so Himself, "I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through me." John 14:6. We can run around being accepting of other religions and faiths all day long, but in the end, we are choosing what is right in our eyes, versus what God says is right.

I know it's not politically correct to say Jesus is the only way. But don't you think that the fact that He said that Himself, and then proved who He was through miracles and resurrection kinda back that up. He obviously was not worried about offending anyone of His day with that statement. So why is it that today if I were to post that directly onto facebook, I'd have a backlash accusing me of intolerance. Heck, I may even see that on here, though so far no one has spoke out. There are major difference in Christianity when compared to other world religions, including Judaism and Islam (the ones claiming to be closest). It is the fact that Christianity stands alone that backs up Christ's words. No other religion says it is the only way, save maybe for Islam, but they are a works based religion, and it has always been clear that the God of Abraham (that all three claim) is not a God with whom we gain presence through works.

Interestingly enough, it turns out Mohammed (founder of Islam), basically came from a pagan background. He was illiterate so in his early travels as a religious leader, he absorbed whatever religious traditions he encountered. While spending time with the Jews during his exile from Mecca, he adopted some of their religious history (mainly Abraham being the father of Islam and Islam coming from Ishmael's line). He never really followed the one true God, he just picked and chose what he liked from all the major religions of his day. Zoroastrianism was another big influence.

Islam is considered a religion, but is also a political mindset. Mohammed began as a religious leader, but eventually became a political leader/warrior. The religious side of Islam may not seem all that different from Judaism and Christianity, but that is not the focus of the Islamic community as a whole. Rather, to follow in the prophet's footsteps, they focus more on the jihadic aspects, and the gaining of political power through force. William Federer, An authority on Islam, points out that muslims will make treaties until they are strong enough to break them, and this has been shown time and time again. He also points out, that after major victories, they will always build a mosque at the site of victory (Ground zero anybody?). His Book, "What Every American Needs to Know about the Qua'ran," is an excellent resource on Islamic history; as well as, it's influence on the world and even America. Did you know that the American slaves came from muslim slave traders in Africa? Did you know that most popular name in England for male babies right now is Mohammed?

Now you may be thinking now, what about moderate muslims living within the US. For now,there is  nothing wrong with them. They are friendly I'm sure and get along with those around them. The problem comes when we realize that eventually, as they gain more of a foothold in our country, and we continue to support their religion while simultaneously fighting a war against it, they will realize they do have power here. The Islamic code they live by says to make peace until you are strong enough to fight. It is peaceful now, but if history is an indication, that may not always last.

Then there is Judaism, where Christianity sprung from. Christians are considered the adopted sons of God, as the children of Israel are still his chosen ones. The problem is many jewish people have turned away or never accepted Christ the first time. Peter and Paul even had a falling out over whether or not to allow gentiles into the faith, though Christ had clearly said that He came so that EVERYONE might have life. Messianic jews are in the right mindset, accepting Christ while still maintaining their culture. Christ did away with many of the mosaic laws--not did away with, but elaborated on and adjusted so that after His ultimate sacrifice, many of the old ways were not needed. It is faith, not works that save us.

SO just out of the top 3 monotheistic religions, we see major differences between Christianity and the others. Judaism waits for a messiah to come (even though He already has) and Islam declares holy war on all who do not follow Mohammed, who historically was nowhere near Jesus in terms of lack of sin (Christ being sinless and also fully God and man). Study the history of Islam and you will find that though he is considered a prophet, Mohammed did not really do any of the normal prophet based things. Rather he made laws for his followers that would allow them to basically live out their fleshly desires. Islam is a flesh based religion. Men in battle are allowed to rape captives with no consequence. They are allowed to steal and pillage. Their goal is to follow as close to Mohammed's example as possible, and if history is any indication, that is not going to be the greatest thing for the non-Islamic parts of the world.

And it all winds back down to us deciding what WE  think is right, rather than seeking God's truth and standard. We talked last post about God's measure being the only true measure, not man's. In this same way, we are called to seek first the kingdom of God. the Gospel accounts clearly establish Jesus' ministry, deity and call for how we are to live if we wish to see the Father, and spend eternity in the place we were created for initially before falling.

It is very simple when you take a step back from all the political cliches and badmouthing of Christianity and realize that if Christ were here today, he would be incredibly Politically incorrect. He would love the sinners, but He would be hating all of the sin we have.

Rather than take that route, He made the ultimate sacrifice so that all we need to do is call His name, and He will answer, and cleanse us of unrighteousness.

Jesus said many times that He is the only way to Heaven:
"I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me," John 14:6
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved , and shall go in and out and find pasture." John 10:9
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." John 10:11
"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." John 11:25
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every Branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beateth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." John 15:1

Jesus spoke extensively on His divinity in John's gospel, and it is also the gospel that focuses on His proving that He was who He said He was.

That final verse is important as well. In order for fruit to grow in a healthy way, it must be pruned and cut back. Branches not bearing fruit at all are cut away. But, look closely because even branches bearing fruit are cut back so as to provide more growth. This is our relationship with God. He "prunes" us so that we may bear more fruit. It is not a painless process, but we know that the benefits are favorable, and we will have our account of how much fruit we bore to give someday.

Is Jesus the only way to God? Yes. He makes that incredibly clear to those who will listen. The Bible says that its words will seem foolish to those who do not believe, so if you see this as a politically incorrect, intolerant view, perhaps you need to do a quick self examination. Where do your values lay? What do you look forward to in your life? Where will you go when your time is through? Do you feel that something is missing, or are you constantly searching but not finding answers?

Friends, there is a reason. Jesus made it abundantly clear throughout his ministry and Paul took the candle from there to reiterate everything and continue to validate what Christ taught. He was not just a great teacher, He is the savior who died that you may be forgiven and have everlasting life.

"God so loved us that He sent his son, so that whoever will believe in Him may have life everylasting." John 3:16 ...

The world says it is intolerant to be a Christian because we recognize sin for what it is and are called by Christ to speak out against it. You cannot earn salvation through meditation. You cannot earn salvation through peaceful practices or new age beliefs. You cannot earn salvation through good works, or by following only the Old Testament law with no recognition of Christ's sacrifice, which brings in the NEW covenant, this time between God and every man.

If you read no other blog of mine, I feel particularly strongly that this is the most important so far. Christians need to stand up for the faith. Be politically incorrect if it is Godly correct. The LORD looks to our hearts, no matter how right we believe we are. It is not Chris Byers' religion saying Jesus was the only way, it was JESUS saying He is the only way. No other prophet or person in history can stand behind that claim.

The world will push towards one religion of tolerance in the last days. We can see it clearly coming already. If you need somewhere to start in your new Christian walk, search the Gospel of John and Paul's letter to the Romans.

I don't have all the answers, but I am here for any of you who have questions regarding what you need to know to begin your walk with Christ. I feel strongly pulled to help you in your search.

My door is always open---but more importantly, God's door is always open. Pray for understanding. Pray to have clarity of thought and to have God reveal His truth in your heart.

God bless you all!