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Listen "Isaiah 44"
Episode Synopsis
SummaryAre all religions basically the same and pointing to the same thing. The difference between the God of the Bible and the other gods worshipped by people. The other gods are about what you do for them, whereas the God of Isaiah is about what He does for you. God pays the price, God does the work. Salvation in human religion is a human achievement. Salvation in God's way is God's achievement.
GodYou have to do so much to worship the gods. So much effort is involved in making it, and so much time is spent bowing before it. This kind of religion is built on human actions and accomplishments. The God of the Bible initiates. The God of Isaiah is the opposite. Worshipping God is not about survival. Worshipping God is about lifting up humanity. Worship of idols is feeding on ashes, and believing in lies. Religion is perceived by many as a delusion that degrades humanity. There is an irony in saying that all religions believe the same thing.Some people say all religions lead to the same place but neglect to realise the diversity of beliefs in religion. It is naive to put all the distinct beliefs of the world into one category and label them the same. The God of the Bible is different to other deities worshipped. To lump Isaiah's God in with other beliefs about god is foolish and misguided. This God is distinct - known for what he does for people, not for what people do for him.God's way is summed up in the image of water flowing onto the land to nourish it just like the Spirit flows and creates life in my heart (44:3).
GospelIt is good news that God is both Redeemer and Creator. God doesn't need your help. Some people think it's "Do your best then God will do the rest" but this is idol worship. Idol worship is about making god and then living for god. Maybe we should see it like: "God did the best so that I can rest." He paid the price. He redeemed me. Jesus also called us to be born of the water and the spirit in John 3. A transformation that comes from above. God's initiative to create my new lifestyle.
In God we trust