OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONALS

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL... DATE : MONDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2015 THEME : WORSHIPPING THE UNKNOWN GOD? Memorise : Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. John 4:22 Read : Acts 17:16-23 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. 18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. 19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? 20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. 21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : EZEKIEL 13-15 and REVELATION 4 Message Apostle Paul was taking a walk through the old city of Athens as a visitor when he noticed an altar with this inscription: ' TO THE UNKNOWN GOD'. Paul was aware that Athens at that particular period was filled with philosophers of either epicurean beliefs or those of stoic principles. Epicureans were devoted to sensual pleasure. They have sensitive tastes, expecially in food and wine, and they loved to enjoy the good things of life. On the other hand, Stoics were professedly indifferent to pleasure or pain, free from passion,unmoved by Joy or grief and submissive to the natural law. These philosophers prided themselves as custodians of exceptional of wisdom and knowledge in all areas of life including issues about God and religion. When they met Apostle Paul, being persuaded of their superior wisdom, they were quick to ask "What will this babbler say?" However, their folly was already evident in this inscription. This story still rings true today. Because knowledge has greatly increased all over the world, scientists and philosophers proudly try to impose their limited mortal theories as superior to the knowledge of the Almighty God. However, like the Athenians of Paul's days, these are genuine seekers among today's scientists and philosophers,who Will readily accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour and submit to the authority of the Scriptures if the right opportunity is made available to them. The truth is : God is spiritual being. His existence cannot be investigated or proved scientifically; neither can He be searched out through philosophical investigations. Therefore, God can only be known by faith, through the revelation knowledge made available by the gospel of Jesus Christ ( LUKE 10:22 ). And more importantly, the whole Bible provides extremely convincing factual evidence that God exists and that Jesus Christ Is the son of the Living God ( Colossians 1:15-17 ) It is therefore time to expose the error of the unknown God and begin to propagate a more perfect knowledge of the Living God. We must use every available opportunity to reach the world with the message of gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the power of God unto salvation. It is the sure way to forgiveness, deliverance, healing, peace, joy and prosperity. Remember, time is short. Begin to vigorously propagate the gospel today, and great rewards will accrue to your account here on earth and in heaven in Jesus' Name. Prayer Point : Father, please grant me the grace to be an addicted soul winner in Jesus' Name. AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE