We Can't Ignore God Any More

"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." Acts 17:29-31

Paul, on his second mission to the Gentiles said these words to the people of Athens who worshiped many idols and images of their gods. Luke even records an altar with an inscription: "To an unknown god"! The people of Athens, not unlike us today worshipped almost anything.

I like how the King James version of the bible translates, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at..." It is almost as if the Holy Spirit is saying, the kidding around is over and now God wants you full attention because through the death of his son on the cross, he has given the world its last chance to recognize that he is the one true God.

He has "set a day," when he will take his bride away with him and he will "judge the world with justice." Paul was quite clear about what he heard God saying to him.

If we roll the clock ahead 2000 years and consider this teaching in the context of today's culture, the urgency of this word rings true. Not much has changed really except maybe the names of the gods being worshipped. Today its the images and idols of money, entertainment, and self fulfillment that have replaced the Greek gods, however, the urgency to give up these gods seems unchanged as our society worships any and everything but God.

God has stated his case and the clock is ticking. The day of his return is much closer now than in Paul's time, don't miss your last chance to join God's family, before its too late.

My prayer. Father, I humbly repent for the times I have wasted worshipping the idols and images of this world. Forgive me Lord for my lack of faith and trust in the love that you have shown through your son Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that in these last days that all mankind repent and come to know you as Lord and Savior. Thank you for your eternal grace and love for your creation. Bring your Kingdom to earth through the love that you have commanded us to show to one another. I pray these things in the name above all names, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen!