Main points from article by Edward O. Bragwell Sr. The God of Men’s Minds! Romans 1:21-25 Main points from article by Edward O. Bragwell Sr.

Romans 1:20-25 - NKJV 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes 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, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Romans 1:20-25 - NKJV 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes 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, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Introduction The majority seek the God of their own mind! Many have their own perception & imagination of God Man’s imagination is misguided and needs divine direction Genesis 6:5; 8:21; Isaiah 55:8, 9; Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12 Man’s perception of God is not according to Scripture Romans 10:1-3 The majority has a false imagination of Deity Like those of Jeremiah’s day Jeremiah 7:24; 9:13, 14; 11:8 The only place to learn of God is the revealed scriptures Romans 1:16-18; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 The majority seek the God of their own mind! The God Of Men’s Minds

A God Who… Offers salvation on their terms & conditions! Salvation by Faith Only But, James 2:24 By “praying through” or praying the “Sinner’s Prayer” But, Acts 22:16; 10:1-6, 48 By “receiving” the Holy Spirit But, Acts 19:1-6; 10:44-48 Man Must Humble Himself to God’s Will! Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 7:21; 1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10 The God Of Men’s Minds

A God Who… Looks only at man’s heart without regard to his actions! Outward actions are a reflection of the what is in the heart Romans 10:10, 11; Matthew 7:21; 1 John 2:17 The issues of life stem from what is in the heart Proverbs 4:23-27; Mark 7:18-23 “…in spiritual things: the heart is the seat of the Lord of life and glory; and the streams of spiritual life proceed from him to all the powers and faculties of the soul. Watch with all diligence, that this fountain be not sealed up, nor these streams of life be cut off. Therefore ‘put away from thee a froward mouth and perverse lips-and let thy eyes look straight on.’ Or, in other words, look inward-look onward-look upward.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary We must demonstrate the heart of the matter by actions in harmony with God’s will! 1 John 5:2 The God Of Men’s Minds

A God Who… Allows them to live as they please, without any consequences! God will hold all accountable Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36; 1 Peter 4:5 Must live a life pleasing to God Colossians 1:10; I John 3:22 All will stand before God in Judgment 2 Corinthians 5:10, 11; Revelation 22:12 We will answer to God on the last day! Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14 The God Of Men’s Minds

A God Who… Allows them to choose a church that satisfies their perceived needs! Christ Built & Died for only His Church, the “One Body” Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25, 26 Christ is the Head of only His Church - Ephesians 5:22 Men need to revaluate their “needs”! Most focused on physical while ignoring the spiritual needs Many worship not knowing why they do so - John 4:20-24 All are sinners & need salvation found only in Christ! Romans 3:23; Ephesians 1:3-7 The God Of Men’s Minds

A God Who… Expects that church to accept them as they are, without question! Early disciples did not do this - Acts 9:26-28 Many believe God and members of His body must accept them without questions or repentance But, Acts 17:30; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:1-7 Must not fellowship those in sin & error Ephesians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Must maintain the purity of the church! 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14; Romans 16:17, 18; 1 Peter 4:1-3 The God Of Men’s Minds

A God Who… Accepts anything that they think appropriate as worship to Him! We please God by worshiping Him according to His will John 4:24; Mark 7:6-9 “..it (worship) must be in TRUTH, not only in sincerity, but performed according to that Divine revelation which he has given men of himself” Must not yield to “will worship” Colossians 2:20-23 God does not accept vain worship! Matthew 15:8; Matthew 7:21-23 The God Of Men’s Minds

A God Who… Wants them to vocally praise His name without regard to obeying His authority! Impossible to love God & ignore His authority Matthew 28:18; Luke 6:46; James 1:22 Those who truly Love God do HIS will John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 15:10, 14; 1 John 5:3 Only those who obey God, truly praise Him! Hebrews 5:8, 9; Acts 5:29; 1 Peter 4:17, 18 The God Of Men’s Minds

A God Who… Wants their happiness above all else! True happiness is attained by living a life pleasing to God 1 John 1:4; 2 John 1:12; 3 John 1:4 Many are not “happy” with the bounds of the doctrine of Christ - 2 John 9-11 Many are not “happy” if they are rebuked of their sin & error 1 Timothy 5:20 Many are viewing happiness only in an emotional way Faithful brethren find joy (gladness, exceeding joy) in suffering for righteousness! 1 Peter 3:14; 4:14-16 The God Of Men’s Minds

A God Who… Will not allow them to go to an eternal hell, no matter what! God is Loving, Good & Severe John 3:16, 17; Romans 11:22 God is not willing that any perish 2 Peter 3:9-15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 The disobedient will not inherit the Kingdom of God! Romans 2:4-9; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21 Matthew 25:46 The God Of Men’s Minds

The God of Men’s Minds is a God… Who offers salvation on their terms & conditions Who looks only at man’s heart without regard to his actions Who allows them to live as they please, without any consequences Who allows them to choose a church that best satisfies their perceived needs Who expects that church to accept them as they are, without question Who accepts anything that they think appropriate as worship to Him Who wants them to vocally praise His name without regard to obeying His authority Who wants them to be happy above all else Who will not allow them to go to an eternal hell, no matter what The God Of Men’s Minds

Romans 1:21-25 - NKJV 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

1 Peter 1:13-16 - NKJV 13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Is the “God” of men’s minds the “God” you serve Is the “God” of men’s minds the “God” you serve? Is this the God of the Bible? The God Of Men’s Minds