There is Only One God

 In a world filled with diverse religious beliefs, philosophies, and ideologies, the concept of God remains central to human existence. While many cultures have different understandings of the divine, the fundamental truth upheld by Christianity is that there is only one God. This belief is foundational to the Christian faith and is supported by Scripture, reason, and the testimony of believers throughout history.

This article will explore the reality of the one true God—His nature, His attributes, and what it means for us as His creation. We will look at biblical evidence, theological insights, and the implications of this truth for our daily lives.

1. The Biblical Basis for One God

1.1 Old Testament Affirmation of One God

The Bible is clear from the very beginning that there is only one God. The Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4 states:

 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4, NIV)

This verse is one of the most well-known declarations of monotheism in Scripture. It was a call to Israel to recognize that Yahweh, the God of their fathers, was the only true God.

Other Old Testament passages reinforce this truth:

• Isaiah 45:5 – "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me, there is no God."

• Exodus 20:3 – "You shall have no other gods before me."

• 1 Kings 8:60 – "So that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other."

The Israelites lived among nations that worshiped multiple gods, but God continually reminded them that He alone is supreme.

1.2 New Testament Confirmation

The New Testament continues this teaching, confirming that there is only one God.

• 1 Corinthians 8:6 – "Yet for us, there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live."

• Ephesians 4:6 – "One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

• 1 Timothy 2:5 – "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."

Jesus Himself affirmed this truth in John 17:3, saying:

 "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

Thus, from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible consistently proclaims that there is only one God.

2. The Nature and Attributes of the One True God

Understanding who God is helps us grasp the significance of this truth.

2.1 God is Eternal and Unchanging

Unlike the gods of human imagination, the one true God is eternal. He has no beginning and no end.

• Psalm 90:2 – "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God."

• Malachi 3:6 – "I the LORD do not change."

This means that His character remains the same, and His promises never fail.

2.2 God is Omnipotent (All-Powerful)

The one true God is sovereign over all things. He created the universe and sustains it by His power.

• Jeremiah 32:27 – "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"

• Revelation 19:6 – "For the Lord God Almighty reigns."

2.3 God is Omniscient (All-Knowing)

God knows all things—past, present, and future.

• Isaiah 46:9-10 – "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning."

• Psalm 147:5 – "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit."

2.4 God is Omnipresent (Present Everywhere)

No one can escape God’s presence, and no place is beyond His reach.

Psalm 139:7-8 – "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there."

2.5 God is Holy and Just

God is perfectly holy and cannot tolerate sin.

• Isaiah 6:3 – "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

• Deuteronomy 32:4 – "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just."

2.6 God is Love

God’s love is infinite and sacrificial.

• 1 John 4:8 – "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

• John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

3. The Danger of Idolatry and False Gods

3.1 The Bible Warns Against Idolatry

Despite the clear truth of one God, humanity has often turned to idols.

• Romans 1:21-23 – "Although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images."

• Exodus 32:1-8 – The Israelites made a golden calf, quickly turning from the one true God.

Idolatry is not just worshiping statues; it includes anything that takes God's place in our hearts—money, power, relationships, or even self.

3.2 The Deception of False Gods

The enemy of our souls, Satan, has always tried to lead people away from the truth. The worship of multiple gods, false religions, and human philosophies are all designed to turn hearts away from the one true God.

• 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness."

• 1 John 5:21 – "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols."

Only the one true God can bring salvation.

4. What It Means for Us That There is One God

4.1 Worshiping God Alone

Since there is only one God, He alone deserves our worship.

• Exodus 34:14 – "Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."
• Matthew 4:10 – "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."

We must remove anything that competes for our devotion.

4.2 Trusting in God’s Plan

Because He is the only God, we can trust Him completely.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

• Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him."

4.3 Living for God’s Glory

Since there is only one God, our lives should be centered on Him.

• 1 Corinthians 10:31 – "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

• Colossians 3:17 – "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."

Conclusion

The truth that there is only one God is central to our faith and affects every area of our lives. He alone is worthy of worship, trust, and obedience. As we live in a world full of distractions and false gods, let us stand firm in our devotion to the one true God and lead others to know Him.

May our lives reflect the truth of Deuteronomy 6:4:

 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one."

Read More »

Why Every Season Has a Purpose—Even in Business and Family Life

 Life is filled with seasons. Some seasons bring joy, growth, and abundance, while others come with challenges, waiting, and lessons that are hard to embrace. Just as nature goes through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, our lives—whether in family, business, or personal growth—experience shifts and transitions. Recognizing that every season has a purpose helps us find meaning in both the highs and the lows, enabling us to grow through what we go through.

In this blog post, we will explore how different seasons shape us, why they are essential for both business and family life, and how embracing them with a godly perspective can lead to lasting success and fulfillment.

Understanding the Concept of Seasons in Life

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” This profound verse reminds us that life isn’t meant to be static. Change is inevitable, and God has designed it that way. Every shift in our circumstances serves a greater purpose—whether we see it immediately or not.

When we talk about seasons, we’re not just referring to the weather or calendar months. Seasons can be:

• Seasons of Growth: Times when things flourish—business is booming, relationships are thriving, and personal development feels effortless.

• Seasons of Waiting: Periods where progress seems slow, and you feel like you’re in a holding pattern.

• Seasons of Challenge: Times of struggle, where faith is tested, finances are tight, or family dynamics feel strained.

• Seasons of Rest: Moments when God calls you to pause, reflect, and recharge.

The key is to recognize that no season is wasted. Each one carries lessons, blessings, and opportunities for transformation.

Seasons in Family Life: The Hidden Purposes

1. The Joyful Season: Building Strong Foundations

When your family is thriving—marriages are healthy, children are growing in faith, and there’s peace at home—it’s easy to feel God’s presence. These are the seasons of joy and abundance. But even in these moments, there’s a purpose: to build strong foundations.

• Invest in Relationships: Use this time to deepen your bond with your spouse, nurture your children’s faith, and create lasting memories.

• Establish Traditions: Family traditions rooted in Christian values can anchor your children’s identity and faith as they grow older.

• Prepare for Challenges: Just as farmers store food during harvest for the lean seasons, strong family relationships serve as a support system during future challenges.

Biblical Example:

Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis. During Egypt’s years of abundance, Joseph wisely stored resources to prepare for the famine. Likewise, in seasons of family joy, invest in emotional and spiritual resources that will sustain you in tougher times.

2. The Challenging Season: Growing Through Trials

Every family faces tough times—financial difficulties, health issues, conflicts, or the loss of a loved one. It’s natural to question the purpose of such hardships. However, these seasons often produce the most growth.

• Refining Faith: Challenges force us to lean on God more deeply. They strip away self-reliance and draw us closer to Him.

• Teaching Resilience: Children who witness their parents handling difficulties with faith and grace learn invaluable life lessons.

• Strengthening Bonds: Families often grow closer during crises because adversity fosters unity and compassion.

Romans 5:3-4 encourages us: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Practical Tip:

During challenging seasons, pray together as a family. Open communication and shared faith practices can bring peace amidst the storm.

3. The Waiting Season: Trusting God’s Timing

Perhaps you’re praying for a breakthrough—a new job, a child, healing, or restoration in a relationship—and nothing seems to be happening. Waiting can be one of the hardest seasons because it often feels like wasted time. But with God, waiting is never wasted.

• Developing Patience: Waiting teaches us to trust God’s perfect timing rather than our own.

• Building Character: It’s in the waiting room of life that virtues like humility, gratitude, and perseverance are formed.

• Preparing for the Next Season: Sometimes, God uses waiting seasons to prepare us for blessings we’re not yet ready to handle.

Biblical Example:

Think of Abraham and Sarah, who waited 25 years for the fulfillment of God’s promise—a son. Their story shows that even when answers are delayed, God’s promises are always fulfilled in His perfect time.

Seasons in Business: Embracing Change with Purpose

Just as family life has its seasons, so does business. Whether you’re running a store like Richems in Aradagun, managing a blog, or leading a corporation, understanding the purpose of business seasons can help you navigate them with wisdom and faith.

1. The Season of Growth: Maximizing Opportunities

When sales are high, customers are loyal, and everything seems to be working seamlessly, it’s tempting to get comfortable. However, seasons of growth are not just for enjoying success—they’re for strategic planning and preparation.

• Reinvest Wisely: Don’t just enjoy the profits; reinvest in your business for future growth.

• Innovate: Use the momentum to introduce new products or improve existing services.

• Train and Develop: Equip your team (or yourself) with new skills to sustain growth.

Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Growth seasons are the perfect time to plan diligently for the future.

2. The Lean Season: Learning from Challenges

Every business faces downturns—economic slumps, slow sales, or unexpected obstacles. While these seasons can be discouraging, they are often the most educational.

• Analyze and Adjust: Use this time to evaluate what’s working and what’s not.

• Innovate Out of Necessity: Some of the best business ideas are born from a need to survive tough times.

• Trust in God’s Provision: Lean seasons remind us that our ultimate provider is not the economy, but God.

Biblical Example:

Consider Job, a wealthy man who lost everything but remained faithful. In the end, God restored him with even greater blessings. The lesson? Hard times refine us, but they don’t define us.

3. The Waiting Season: Cultivating Patience and Vision

Perhaps your business isn’t failing, but it’s not growing either. You’re putting in the effort, but results are slow. This can be frustrating, but remember—growth often happens below the surface before it’s visible.

• Focus on Long-Term Goals: Waiting seasons are opportunities to refine your vision and mission.

• Develop New Skills: Use the time to learn something new that can benefit your business.

• Network and Build Relationships: Sometimes, connections made during slow seasons lead to future breakthroughs.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

How to Embrace Every Season with Grace

No matter what season you find yourself in—whether in business or family life—here are some key principles to help you embrace it with purpose:

• 1. Seek God’s Perspective: Pray and ask God to reveal what He wants you to learn in this season.

• 2. Stay Grateful: Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant.

• 3. Adapt and Adjust: Be flexible. Growth often requires change.

• 4. Invest in Relationships: Whether it’s family or business, people matter more than profits or achievements.

• 5. Keep Hope Alive: Trust that seasons change. Winter doesn’t last forever, and spring always comes.

Final Thoughts

Every season has a purpose. Whether you’re celebrating victories, enduring challenges, or waiting patiently for the next chapter, trust that God is at work in ways you cannot always see. Life, business, and family are not linear—they’re cyclical, filled with opportunities for growth, reflection, and transformation.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 beautifully sums it up: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

So, no matter the season you’re in, know this: God is with you, shaping your story for His glory and your good.

Read More »