Nature of God

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…

Then God said, “Let there be light and there was light.”

Can we know the nature of God? The scriptures give the believer awesome insight into the mind and heart of the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father. We can know much about their nature, their relationship, their vision, their character, and their action in history through an in-depth examination of the Bible – their Word preserved for our understanding. God has revealed, but it is our task to study to come to know and be known by our Lord, Jesus our Messiah, and the Father, our covenant partner.

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 they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

What God Loves
The truth often comes in simple words. Our love grows as we walk with God. Why? Because that is his nature. “God is love” was John’s emphatic statement after having experienced a close personal relationship with the Creator. But can we discern what God loves?

God Loves Justice
We must love justice as God does. His instructions to his people Israel were clear — no bribes, no partiality, no perverting justice! There can be no hypocrisy in the lives of those who represent God and his rule of law. But there is a great reward for those who love justice as God loves justice. Do you know what it is?

What God Hates
Most Christians know that ‘God is love.” God’s character is one of loving loyalty. But do we know what God hates? We need this knowledge so we can avoid undermining our relationship with our Father. From the time of Adam, through the experience of Israel in the wilderness, to the time of Paul’s writings the message is consistent. God does not change. His standards are eternal.

God of Truth
We worship God because he is the God of truth. Truth is firm, steadfast, stable. Truth is the reality; from the marvellous miniature design of our DNA to the vast expanses of the universe our God created and controls everything that is real. So do you have the hope and confidence that comes from a love of the truth and the God whose nature is true.

God is Great
We are living in a dangerous time: 60 million people worldwide are refugees seeking asylum elsewhere, economists are waiting for the next round of the European/world financial chaos, and the Middle-East is in turmoil. So how can we sleep at night? Jeff reminds us that God is great, and we can take comfort that he can deliver those who love Him.

God is Good
Why do we worship God? Why do we want to have a personal relationship with the God of the bible? Learning lessons from Solomon and Paul, we can appreciate God’s nature in dealing with his people, and even those who do not acknowledge Him. God is good, always and for all time, and for this reason we can walk with Him in confidence and with gratitude. So how is God good? Can you count the ways?

God is Just
The US Supreme court decision to support “gay” marriage divided the nation. Those who supported the ruling were saying that they were “On the right side of history” But is that where a Christian wants to be? Or should we rather be concerned about being, “on the right side of the future?”

God of Mercy: Remember All His Benefits
It would seem that many people in North America have forgotten the source of their blessings.
They are the “nones,” atheists, agnostics, and those with “no particular religion” who see no role for a God of mercy in their lives. On the other hand, David, the psalmist, reminds us to, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not his benefits.” So what are those benefits, and how does God extend his mercy to all those who worship and serve Him?

Christ, Prophet, Priest, and King
God’s plan is a matter of public record in the scriptures. However, it has been ‘sealed’ and its message hidden. In vision the apostle John saw the sealed scroll that God the Father was holding. He cried when he realized no man was worthy to open the scroll and reveal its meaning. And yet there is someone who can open it. Do you know who is worthy to reveal and bring to fruition the Father’s plan?

Christ the Prophet
Who was that prophet that would come and fulfill Moses’ prophecy? It was no mystery to the disciples of Christ. Unlike the religious leaders of the day, Jesus did not listen to the “Father of Lies.” Rather, Christ came from the Father of Light, to bring the truth that would set people free.

Christ our High Priest
The role of high priest has been usurped, misappropriated, and maligned over the centuries. yet it still has vital significance in God’s plan. There have been faithful high priests. And, the people of ancient Israel would have had a basic understanding of this important responsibility when it was established. Do you know your high priest?