To the “Unknown God”?

In Acts 17: 23, Paul made this statement standing on Mars Hill (vs 22), speaking in Areopagus. this is not unlike America and indeed the world today. I am very  open minded, but at the same time close minded when it comes to my relationship with Jesus Christ. Someone might say that is an oxymoron… wait a minute, let me explain further.

In our culture today, there are so many voices – in religion (Christianity, Muslim, Hindu, atheism, science- yes, science is a religion, etc). When you evaluate our social structure, political, environmental– so many many voices with varying opinions and postures. This is not unlike Areopagus. The Areopagus is a prominent rock outcropping located northwest of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Its a place where all the “big boys and girls”, movers and shakers gather to share new ideas, (Acts 17:21). they love to hear new things and learn. This is very much like our society today.  Check out our talk shows, internet, political process, religions- you’ll agree with me, we are much like Areopagus.

With this backdrop, as Paul was passing through, he observed the customs of the city, and all the numerous gods they worshiped. One particularly stood out to him. He said ” 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.”. Instinctively, we know there is God, the true God of the bible. Romans 1:19-21 puts it this way –

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”

God wrote in each of our hearts His blueprint. we know God instinctively- just like we instinctively know to put food in our mouth and not our eyes or nose. The interesting thing about this creator is- He left us with a choice. Salvation is a Choice- the most important choice you will ever make.

So if you are out there, not sure if God exists or which God is real. Pray this simple prayer, “God if you are real, show yourself to me”. Elijah did the same thing on Mount Carmel. There was a dispute (again- much like today) about who the true God is. Was it Baal or God of the Bible, Yahveh? (1 Kings 18). Issue the challenge with your own words.

Finally, on this subject- there is really no “sitting on the fence”.  (Read my previous blog Choice). Not choosing anything is still a choice. Have you been praying to the Unknown God?.

Well, He is no longer unknown..His name is Jesus Christ!

Bishop