Verse of the Day 2/12

Genesis 3:1   Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You can't eat from any tree in the garden'?"  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

In our youth group, starting last Sunday and for the next two weeks we will be devoting time to the subject of authority.  Who we believe is in authority will largely determine our world view, the way we look at things, and the way that we think.  For the Christian, it all starts with Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God, created the heavens and the earth".  10 words that are our foundation, the first 4 "in the beginning God".  As the builder and creator He has dominion and authority over His creation.

 

In Genesis 3 Satan comes along in the form of a serpent.  His intent is to deceive those who have been made in God's image to doubt the authority of the One who created them, loves them and provides for them.  How did he do it, with another four simple words, "did God really say"?  Think of the problems in today's society and within the church, how many of them revolve around the subject "did God really say"?

 

Did God really say you shall not kill?  What is our answer in terms of abortion.  Did God really say "I hate divorce" when half of the marriages, even Christian marriages end in divorce?  Subject after subject the church as a whole and Christians individually are being challenges by Satan and his henchmen, "did God really say"?  It was his base mode of operation then and it still is today.

 

How are we to combat this?  First of all, to know what He says, to know who He is and to believe and trust in His Word.  Secondly to know who Satan is as the deceiver, disguising himself as the angel of light when in actuality all he wants is to kill and destroy.

 

When a question comes to mind or one like this is posed to you, seek to know what God's Word says, if you don't know the answer look for it, ask Him.

 

Matthew 7:7 "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Genesis 3:1-5
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Temptation and the Fall

 

3 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You can't eat from any tree in the garden'?"

 

2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, 'You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.'"

 

4 "No! You will not die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."