It’s the Real Thing

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

– Exodus 14:13-14

One of the world’s most-recognized products, Coca-Cola traces its roots back to 1886, when the first glass of the refreshing beverage was served in an Atlanta pharmacy. The drink grew in popularity — and it wasn’t without imitators. Pepsi arrived in 1893, followed by Royal Crown (“RC”), Shasta, and a host of others. In the late 1960s to help differentiate Coke from the competition, company executives chose the familiar It’s the Real Thing slogan in response to research that revealed “… young people seek the real, the original, and the natural as an escape from phoniness.”

Now fast-forward nearly 60 years, and people of all ages still seek authenticity — especially when it comes to matters of faith and religion. There’s no shortage of options. And furthering the confusion is the common notion that whichever one we choose, it really doesn't matter, just so long as we’re sincere and it makes us happy. After all, everyone is entitled to their own truth. It's all relative. And we're all worshiping the same god. Right?

On the contrary! The Bible reveals that Jesus made startling claims that clearly contradict today’s anything-goes take on faith … and he also backed them up. For example, Scripture accurately predicted Christ’s birth — even the name of the tiny village where it would happen — centuries before the fact. And in Jesus’ brief time on earth, he proved himself as the Son of God by curing the sick, raising the dead, and forgiving sins. Then, he sacrificed himself to pay the enormous price for the sins of the world. His resurrection from the grave (also as he predicted) proved his power over death. And 2,000 years later, Jesus' words continue to change lives and make an eternal difference:

"I am the vine; you are the branches," we read in John's gospel. "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Many people — even those who aren't Christ-followers — say that Jesus was a good man and a wise teacher. But is he the ONLY WAY to God? The short answer is … YES! Jesus declares that no one can come to the Father (God) except through him. However, that's a claim that makes people uncomfortable. It's an assertion of exclusivity. And many call it intolerant.

But maybe it's not so exclusive after all. Jesus' death and resurrection make it possible for anyone to have eternal life, and no one who wants a new beginning through the Savior is turned away. And unlike manmade religions, the real way to God isn't about keeping certain rules, saying special prayers, or eating (or not eating) particular foods. Instead, being a Christ-follower is about putting our faith in him, accepting his free gift of salvation, and letting him live through us. We’re powerless to save ourselves, but God made a way when there is no way!

"It is finished!" Jesus proclaimed as he hung from the cross to save you and me. And ultimately, that’s The Real Thing.

American Idol

“And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”

– Exodus 7:5

There are no atheists in foxholes. 

There’s a grain of truth in this old saying — and maybe a whole lot more. After all, is there really such a thing as a full-fledged atheist — someone who doesn’t worship any god? The fact is that we all worship someone or something in one way or another. 

Christ-followers worship the true God revealed through the Bible. On the other hand, manmade religions promote false gods, ancestor worship, and even the reverence of living things or nature (worshiping the creation rather than the Creator). And then there are today’s popular teachings such as New Age, Scientology, and Kabbalah. It’s a very long list.

Even those who claim to be strict atheists are in fact active worshipers. True, they’re not devout churchgoers who proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But they — like everyone — bow down to their favorite idols and false gods. Some venerate money, luxury, and pleasure while others emulate intellect and higher learning. And still others kneel at the altar of more-negative gods such as alcohol, drugs, and illicit relationships. 

While there are no atheists on the battlefield, there is a war that rages each day within everyone: the One true God versus the false gods and idols of this world. It’s our hearts and souls that are the prize of this eternal conflict.

Maybe you and I don’t literally kneel and worship before an idol in some exotic, faraway temple. But let’s recognize that we secretly (or maybe not-so-secretly) cherish our own personal false gods. Think about the things that cause you to worry or spend your time and money. What are the issues that make you angry? What brings you the most joy? And here’s a revealing question: Whose attention and applause do you crave most?

If your answers don’t involve God, you’re likely worshiping an idol. And idols can be difficult to recognize because they’re experts at camouflage. Sometimes that idol can be as close as the bathroom mirror. And even apparently good things (like a career or even your children) can evolve into negative god things.

It’s particularly important for Christ-followers to remember that the real God — the “Abba” proclaimed by Jesus — refuses to share his glory with false gods and cheap idols. As we read in Deuteronomy 27:15:

“Cursed is anyone who makes an idol — a thing detestable to the Lord, the work of skilled hands — and sets it up in secret.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

Ours is a God with a jealous love for each one of us. In fact, he loves us so much that he let his own Son suffer the death penalty in our place so that we could become his children and heirs. So, with all this in mind, let’s take our Creator’s admonition in Leviticus 19:4 to heart: 

“Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.”