Oct 1-5 - Did God Really Say?

Here it is! Week #1 of our new Moody Radio South "The Next Step" devotional blog! I hope you are as excited as we are about this. I mean, we are not just taking a step towards "no where." We are taking a step towards Jesus! That's what we are all about here at Moody, helping you "take the next step in your walk with Jesus Christ." 

First of all, if you missed our introduction post earlier this week, I want to encourage you to go back and take a look. In that post you will read more about the purpose of this blog and it's layout. PLUS we've put up some nifty pictures of the Moody South staff out from behind the mic that you do not want to miss. Just click HERE to go back and read.....go ahead I'll wait right here for you......you back? Ok Good! Here we go with a recap of our New Day Cafe morning show focus for the week of October 1st; "Did God Really Say?..."

Next Step Devotional Thought

If you grew up being taught the scriptures, or even if you have ever picked up the Bible, started at page 1 and read a few chapters in, then the phrase "Did God Really Say?" should ring a bell. This phrase is HUGE. In fact, it set the foundation for the entire collapse of the human race...and I'm not exaggerating either!

You remember Adam and Eve right? They were allowed to eat of the fruit of any tree or plant in the garden...exact one! The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was off limits. They lived in complete freedom, without shame or pain, in complete harmony with God and one another, only having one rule. So in comes the serpent (Satan), set to twist God's provision for protection into the propellant to destroy God's beautiful earth and image-bearing humans. He asked Eve a simple question, "Did God really say you must not eat of any tree in the garden?" 

Did you catch it! One small twist of God's words and Eve was completely tongue tied. I'm sure her mind was racing with thoughts like, "Well, uhhh, I think God said just one, but ummmm......" Next thing you know a small seed of doubt enlarges into full-flown disregard of the Word she knew was true deep within her heart. In the next few verses we see this doubt spread, as her actions encourage her husband to doubt God's Word as well. Satan made that seem so very simple didn't he? From that moment man's sinful tendencies have escalated, his rebellion spread, and his disregard for God's original Word has left the world seeking for "truth" when God's truth has always been right in front of us. 

What about you? Have you have you ever had a moment where you stopped and thought, "Now, did God really say ____, or that I shouldn't do ___?" Today our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs are bombarded by a culture that has rejected the truths found in scripture, trading them for what "seems" right. It "seemed" right that Eve should have access to every tree in the garden. God had given them authority over all of creation, so why this one tree? Just as Satan twisted one word to plant a seed of doubt, the world does the same thing." 

When we listen to news stories, read books, watch movies, or (unfortunately) even sit in your school classroom, we must be on guard to that deceitful voice that questions the authority and integrity of God's Word. Yes we should study the scriptures, and yes we must seek the Holy Spirit to clarify passages of scripture that might cause confusion of differing interpretations. But when it comes to doubting either the undeniable authority of the Bible to speak to how we live, speak, and worship, we must take up the sword of the Spirit and put on our helmet of salvation that shields our minds from the enemy (Eph. 6:10-17). We must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), and equip ourselves with the knowledge and truth of God's word, standing ready to defend the faith in which we place our hope (1 Peter 3:15). 

Interview Recaps

We tackled some of the most common "Did God Really Say?" topics on New Day Cafe this week. If you missed out on any of the interviews, here is a recap along with link to interviewee's websites (if available!). Remember, you can always listen to interview audio at www.moodyradiosouth.fm (click on the New Day Cafe banner!)

• "Did God really say ALL sexual intimacy outside of marriage is wrong?" 
• Lisa Anderson - Focus on the Family/Boundless Ministry http://www.boundlessline.org/about.html

• "Did God really say all things work together for the good?" (Rom. 8:28)
• Dr. Eddie Hyatt - http://www.eddiehyatt.com/index.html

• "Did God really say it is better to remain single"
• Lisa Anderson - Focus on the Family/Boundless Ministry http://www.boundlessline.org/about.html

• "Did God really say he would always protect us?"  - Rev. Rafaat Zaki of Eqypt

• "Did God really say that women could not teach or be ministers?
• Dr. Rhonda Kelly - http://www.nobts.edu/faculty/itor/kelleyrh/default.html

• "Did God really say that faith without works is dead?" - Andy Boles and Jay Clarke 

• "Did God really say that he created the world in six days?"
• Dr. Terry Mortenson - Answers in Genesis - http://www.answersingenesis.org/

Key Scriptures

Each week we offer key scriptures throughout the morning show and Bible Quizzes that reinforce our discussion. We encourage you to study these scriptures deeper, add them to your scripture memory list, and let God use them to transform you relationship with him. 

Genesis 3:1 (Mon. Bible Quiz) "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"

Matthew 7:21 (Tues. Bible Quiz) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 16:24 (Wed. Bible Quiz) "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Mark 10:22-24 (Fri. Bible Quiz)" Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

James 2:18 "But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

My Next Step

Just as our listeners are growing in their relationship with Christ each day they tune in to Moody Radio, we (the Moody South staff) are developing a deeper relationship with Christ as well. We spend much time in prayer and planning when seeking the topics and interviews God desires for us to place on air, and more often than not he uses them to personally impact our lives as well. 

For me (Melissa), the rampant escalation by my generation (20 somethings) to reject the Bible as absolute truth and the ultimate authority is something I face every single day. As a college student I could not enter one class without a teaching that either underhandedly or blatantly countered/twisted the truths of scripture. I became keenly aware of my need to be firmly rooted in the scriptures and confident of my faith. I've seen former church youth group members simply "walk away" from the faith they once commitment their lives and future to, all because of one professor, or one actor, or one politician who has twisted Christianity.

After graduating, working in ministry and now being blessed to work in an environment that consistently upholds the gospel, I have to admit that I have slipped into a "comfortable" place with God. I am not daily challenged to defend my faith in the way I once was. This week has been a refreshing wake up call for me to always be on guard and to delve deeper into my understanding and confidence in the scriptures. I urge you brothers and sisters to not allow yourself to become comfortable either. We must be active about defending the truth of the gospel. If we don't, how can we expect my generation to do so either?

Stepping Together

Please leave your comments below with your thoughts and testimonies of how God has ministered to you through these interviews and messages this week! We would love to hear your comments about future program ideas as well. Share the link on Facebook, email it to your friends/family/co-workers, and spread the gospel message! We love our listeners, and we love Jesus Christ. Let's keep moving forward, taking our next step toward Jesus together. 

Blessings,

Melissa Rogers

Moody Radio South