"God Is ..." or is NOT-II

"God Is …" or is Not
Part Two

Let’s consider how we are affected by a strong conviction that God is and what effect that has upon our behavior. Lets also note some of the opposite.

Believing "God Is" Gives Me an Elevated View of Mankind––
Unlike the lower creatures mankind is "in the image" and "after the likeness" of God ("God said, "Now we will make humans, and they will be like us. We will let them rule the fish, the birds, and all other living creatures." Genesis 1:26). I am not a dumb animal driven by instinct and appetite. No, I am a rational, reasoning, moral and spiritual being "a little lower" than the angels and not "far from God". This knowledge causes me to stand in awe of God who created me making me wonder why He has loved me so ( "Our LORD and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth! You let your glory be seen in the heavens above. With praises from children and from tiny infants, you have built a fortress. It makes your enemies silent, and all who turn against you are left speechless. I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. Then I ask, "Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?" You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor. You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power-- the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. Our LORD and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!" Psalms 8:1–9). Furthermore, this knowledge causes me to treat my fellow man differently than I might otherwise do. Why? His life and soul are equally precious ("Men were created to be like God and to bring honor to God. This means that a man should not wear anything on his head. Women were created to bring honor to men." 1 Corinthians 11:7). Not only are we all of one blood, but we are "his offspring" ("Our earthly fathers correct us, and we still respect them. Isn't it even better to be given true life by letting our spiritual Father correct us?" Hebrews 12:9). He is worthy of what I desire and deserve ("Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves." Philippians 2:3, "Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about." Matthew 7:12).
God says He made us a little lower than the angels. Scientific intellectuals say we evolved from a lower life form. In other words we are just above the level of the most intelligent animal form. Who or what do you believe?

Believing "God Is" Gives a Sense of Purpose to My Existence––
The great question men ask is: "What is the meaning of life, why am I here?" Knowing there is a God makes me understand that I am accountable and beholden to someone far greater than myself ("Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad." Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14). Life is not a finite journey to be filled with as much pleasure and as little pain as possible ("Then I'll say to myself, 'You have stored up enough good things to last for years to come. Live it up! Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.' " Luke 12:19; "What do you think I gained by fighting wild animals in Ephesus? If the dead are not raised to life, "Let's eat and drink. Tomorrow we die." 1 Corinthians 15:32).Such is the attitude and lifestyle of many. Rather, it is a pilgrimage toward an eternal reunion with Our Maker ("Then after Moses grew up, his faith made him refuse to be called Pharaoh's grandson. He chose to be mistreated with God's people instead of having the good time that sin could bring for a little while. Moses knew that the treasures of Egypt were not as wonderful as what he would receive from suffering for the Messiah, and he looked forward to his reward. Because of his faith, Moses left Egypt. Moses had seen the invisible God and wasn't afraid of the king's anger." Hebrews 11:24-27). With this knowledge we canin now move on to a higher plane. Desiring to be with God I recognize the imperative of walking with God ("and Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." Genesis 5:24).
Having faith that "God is" naturally leads to conviction that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). The diligent search results in the obedient life such as did Abraham in his search for the real God (11:8 "Abraham had faith and obeyed God. He was told to go to the land that God had said would be his, and he left for a country he had never seen."). We truly fear(respect) God and keep His commandments ("Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad." Ecclesiastes12:13, 14; "We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow." 1 John 5:3) and in this we achieve the sum of that for which God brought us into existence ("When you become fruitful disciples of mine, my Father will be honored. I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him. I have told you this to make you as completely happy as I am." John 15:8–11)

Believing "God Is" Puts the Joy into Living—
Life is filled with many unpleasant tasks and experiences; there are hardships of every kind and description. Without the hope of heaven and eternal fellowship with God, life would be dismal, utterly meaningless and frankly not worth living. However, joy is ours in the midst of these trials ("God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him." James 1:12). We rejoice because through trials we are perfected for our ultimate goal of heaven and our Father ("On that day you will be glad, even if you have to go through many hard trials for a while. Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory when Jesus Christ returns." 1 Peter 1:6, 7).
We rejoice because our efforts in the kingdom in redeeming souls are not wasted ("Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything that they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life. Then on the day when Christ returns, I can take pride in you. I can also know that my work and efforts were not useless. Your faith in the Lord and your service are like a sacrifice offered to him. And my own blood may have to be poured out with the sacrifice. If this happens, I will be glad and rejoice with you. In the same way, you should be glad and rejoice with me." Philippians 2:14–18). We rejoice because we are able to share somewhat in Christ’s sufferings for us ("Be glad for the chance to suffer as Christ suffered. It will prepare you for even greater happiness when he makes his glorious return." 1 Peter 4:13). We rejoice because we have a great reward in heaven ("Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago." Matthew 5:12).

Believing "God Is" Takes the Fear Out of Dieing––
If there is no God death is the senseless end to a senseless life. We are like the animals in the end, but more miserable. The animals have no desires, yearnings or aspirations. They do not dream, neither do they purpose. Their lives are fully what they ought to be in sleeping, eating, breeding and even in dying. Yet, if "God is" we know that death is the door through which we must pass to attain all that we hope for. Death is no longer a miserable end to fear, but the first step on the last leg of a wonderful journey to God. The man in Christ is prepared for death ("It is a hard choice to make. I want to die and be with Christ, because that would be much better."
Philippians 1:23; "We should be cheerful, because we would rather leave these bodies and be at home with the Lord" 2 Corinthians 5:8). There is no "sting," its pangs cannot hold us just as they could not hold Christ Jesus our Lord (1 Corinthians 15:55, 56 "Where is its victory? Where is its sting?" Sin is what gives death its sting, and the Law is the power behind sin."; Acts 2:24 "But God set him free from death and raised him to life. Death could not hold him in its power."). When the Lord returns for us we will break forth from the grave incorruptible, glorious, powerful, spiritual, immortal (1 Corinthians 15:42–44 "That's how it will be when our bodies are raised to life. These bodies will die, but the bodies that are raised will live forever. These ugly and weak bodies will become beautiful and strong. As surely as there are physical bodies, there are spiritual bodies. And our physical bodies will be changed into spiritual bodies."; Romans 2:7 "He will give eternal life to everyone who has patiently done what is good in the hope of receiving glory, honor, and life that lasts forever.", 10 "But all who do right will be rewarded with glory, honor, and peace, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.").

CONCLUSION:
Salvation Begins with the Proposition: "God Is"––
Do you believe that "God is"? Does your conduct indicate that you truly believe "God is"? Are you seeking God and His will? Are you obeying His commandments? Is your life in rebellion?
Like the fool, do you live without fear of God? Are you a part of the secular world that has no respect for God and denies His existence? Would you like more information?

Belief that "God Is" Will…
Elevate your view of mankind. Give purpose to your existence. Put joy into living. Take fear out of dying. If you are I hope that your faith has been strengthen, your view elevated, resolved in purpose and joy added to your living, please pass it on to another in need.
Note:
The basic outline for this lesson was taken from a 66 page lesson book written by Jeff Asher. I have edited, adding and deleting as necessary for clarity. All scripture verses added are from the Contemporary English Version for ease of readability. (JMN)