God or god?

Programs using the twelve step model address the concept of a god of one's understanding and of a supreme higher power (HP). That approach allows the manufacture of a god/higher power that can be the proverbial doorknob, the group itself or even Doris Day. However, as a Bible based solution for alcohol and substance abuse issues we only acknowledge belief in Jehovah God as our Creator and the Author of our salvation, the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who works within us through the Holy Spirit as opposed to a self defined concept of a higher power.

"yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him." 1 Corinthians 8:6

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:4-6

The commandment to the children of Israel was quite clear. Exodus 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before Me." (See also Deuteronomy 5:7).

The importance of recognizing YAHWEH as our only LORD is expressed by Isaiah in the following passage:

Isaiah 45:18-24 For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, But formed it to be inhabited), "I am the LORD, and there is none else. "I have not spoken in secret, In some dark land; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, 'Seek Me in a waste place'; I, the LORD, speak righteousness Declaring things that are upright. Gather yourselves and come; Draw near together, you fugitives of the nations; They have no knowledge, Who carry about their wooden idol, And pray to a god who cannot save. Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me. Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. They will say of Me, 'Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength.' Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him shall be put to shame."

As Christians we also must recognize the lordship of Jesus Christ and avoid denying Him by our words, actions or inactions. Jesus said in Matthew 10:32-33 "Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven." (See also Luke 12:8- 9)

One must also be careful regarding the Holy Spirit as it is written in Matthew 12:32, "And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come." (See also Mark 3:28-29 and Luke 12:10)

God or god?

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