Grow in Grace and Knowledge

At the close of his second epistle, in II Peter 3:18, the apostle Peter offers a stirring exhortation to all Christians: “…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (NKJV) Peter encourages followers of Christ to take action, to “…grow.” This word is translated from the Greek term AUXANO which means: “to grow (‘wax’), …enlarge…increase.” (1) Basically, we are told that we should increase our “knowledge” of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ and His gospel and enlarge our understanding of how to better serve Him. In so doing, we will then grow in God’s “grace”- in His unmerited favor for us. Truly, all Christians should aspire and be dedicated to this type of growth.

Yet, many times, we Christians fail to grow! We started off as “young” Christians – “young” in the faith. We learned some of the basic principles concerning salvation and the gospel of Christ and our relationship with God. The problem is that many of us did not progress beyond that point and continue to exist today as “spiritual” children or teenagers. We choose to remain in this spiritually juvenile/adolescent state. The Hebrew writer uses this as the subject of his admonition in Hebrews 5:12 – 6:3. He offers good, timely, constructive criticism of all Christians who should have “grown up” spiritually but have remained immature in the faith. In Hebrews 5:12 – 13, the writer states:

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.”

This brings up an obvious question: Why do Christians choose not to grow? One reason is that some do not become properly grounded in the faith and become easily discouraged when facing problems and crises that arise, especially criticism of their faith by friends and/or family. Others become too distracted by their jobs, family issues, hobbies, recreation, etc… and fail to set aside time for personal spiritual growth – time for Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship with those of “like precious faith.” Jesus examines some of these same reasons for failure of spiritual growth in His “Parable of the Sower” found in Matthew 13:18 – 23.

Another reason why many fail to grow can be attributed to plain old complacency. This where we believe that we have reached the state in which growth is no longer necessary or desirable. We buy into the sinful, deluded, arrogant thinking that states that we know everything we need to know. We become content, satisfied with our own “Christianity” and stop studying our scriptures and searching for God’s instructions for our lives. Instead of being “diligent” Christians that have been “transformed” by the gospel for a higher purpose and calling, we have become “dead” Christians that are too “…conformed to this world.” (See Romans 12:1 & 2.)

Brethren, we need to turn aside from all the reasons and excuses we have made for our continued spiritual immaturity and make the concerted effort, yes, effort, to grow in the faith. Let us dedicate ourselves to daily, yes, daily, study of God’s word, prayer, and service to our Maker. We need to emulate the attitude of the apostle Paul as he expressed it in Philippians 3:13 – 14. He was not complacent. He did not “rest on his laurels.” He was not distracted from his goal. In v. 14, he confidently states: “I press toward the goal…” He saw and understood the imperative need for further spiritual growth. Like Paul, let us continue to enlarge our faith and increase our knowledge of the gospel. Let us also never lose sight of our goal and look forward to our ultimate salvation and our eternal home in heaven.

Erik Smith

References
(1) James Strong, A Concise Dictionary Of The Words In The Greek Testament, in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1990), 17.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

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Barabbas

In 1951, a Swedish author named Par Lagerkvist wrote a novel that won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1951. He entitled it, “Barabbas,” fictionally portraying the days that followed one of the more interesting characters during the last days of our Lord. During the trial, Pilate offered to release either Jesus or a man named Barabbas. Since the Jews were prosecuting Jesus because of envy (Matt. 27:18), the chief priests and elders actually coerced the multitude of gathered citizens to request the offer of releasing this man in the place of Jesus. As far as Biblical record goes, we know nothing else of this infamous scoundrel. Yet, he provides a number of valuable lessons in the grand scope of redemption’s pinnacle.

First, he was a sinner. The gospel writers describe him with despicable language—he was a prisoner (Matt. 27:16), because he was convicted of murder (Luke 23:19), rebellion (Mark 15:7) and robbery (John 18:40). In fact, Matthew states that he was “notable” (Matt. 27:16). In other words, he would be compared today to an incarcerated criminal formerly on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List—a man everyone knew from his crimes. Thus, he represented the very one for whom Jesus died—he died for sinners (Rom. 5:6-10), and we are sinners (Rom. 3:10-11, 23). The great apostle John even declared, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:8, 10).

Second, Jesus substituted him in death. We ought to remember when Abraham was going to offer his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice to God that God stopped him and substituted a ram [male lamb] (Gen. 22:13-14). Abraham named that place “Jehovah-jireh,” which means, “God will provide,” indicating, among other things, that God will provide a substitute. Thus, when we are worthy to die because of our sins, God substituted the Lamb of God (John 1:29) as a substitute for our sins.

Third, he was saved from death—he obtained a type of salvation in that his life was spared. No doubt, because of the severity of crimes he committed, he was likely on “death row.” Unexpectedly, he was “released” (Matt. 27:36), which indicates that he was pardoned. This is exactly what Jesus was doing as He was going to the cross—He was going to die to pardon our sins (cf. Matt. 6:12). Through His shed blood, we have forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7).

In Biblical record, we have no idea whether this had any impact on his life or not, but we can only hope that the influence of Jesus from that day changed the heart of this cold criminal into a constructive citizen in the community, as well as in the kingdom of God.

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Should I Marry Her?

Should I marry her?  This is a question that stretches beyond your lifetime.

Ah, boy meets girl. It’s instant chemistry. She’s cute, he’s funny, and both of them like the ocean. He’s not like the other boys. She isn’t bossy. After multiple makeout sessions and further praise by friends about how good looking they are together, marriage is proposed, accepted, and accomplished. This story is like a great many that occur every single day. Unfortunately, the two of them aren’t as similar as they thought. They based their relationship on the physical rather than enduring principles of value and belief. Constant friction often results. Divorce may occur. The most frequent outcome is children who grow up with conflicting sets of values and end up confused in regard to the type of person they should be. Such poorly conceived relationships as this have been occurring since early in man’s history.

In scripture, there is a term “sons of God”. It is used eleven times in scripture. Six of those occurrences are within the New Testament. Of those six occurrences in the New Testament, the reference is 100% in reference to man (John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Romans 8:19, Philippians 2:15, I John 3:1, 2). The understanding given by those texts is that sons of God are men who walk in obedience to God. They are blameless followers of Christ. Not coincidently, the phrase “children of God” is used 9 times in the Bible (all New Testament) and only refers to faithful man. In the Old Testament, the five verses using the term “sons of God” are found in Genesis 6 and Job 1, 2, and 38. There is an inclination by the majority of commentators to refer to these “sons of God” as angels, though according to Hebrews 1:5 no angel has ever been called a son of God. Angels being sons of God would be in direct contrast to every New Testament reference, so it bears a brief, but closer look. Job 1:6 and 2:1 discuss the “sons of God” coming together. Some suggest this is a heavenly scene, but Satan is not a being who is in heaven. Satan had long been cast upon the earth. The reference in both Job passages is to the gathering of faithful followers of God upon the earth. Would it be any shock to know that Satan would gather around these to see whom he could devour (I Peter 5:8)? The other reference to “sons of God” is in Job 38:7. Because the context is the creation, it is hard to reconcile this to mean man. However, it is also not conclusive that this term could be angels for it could very well be discussing the creations of God, his newborn worlds. In context and hand in hand with Hebrews 1:5, this is most likely. This leaves only the Genesis 6 references for examination. It is these passages that will be the focus for the remainder of this article.

Genesis 6 has as its context mankind’s devolution into sinfulness. How is sin allowed to corrupt mankind anyway? The answer is: Sin is tolerated. When it is tolerated, it is replicated. When it is replicated, holiness is desecrated. This is why in I Corinthians 5:6-7, Paul encourages the Corinthian Church to cast out the leaven (sin), so they would not all be ruined. Looking back to Genesis 6:1-2, man was multiplying on the earth. The sons of God (faithful men) saw the daughters of men who were beautiful and they married. Yes, this could have very easily been written the daughters of God saw sons of men who were handsome and they married. The point to be taken is the lineage. One group was of God the other of man. According to Romans 9:8, “…They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God…” “Daughters of men” is a reference to those who were not faithful to God, those who were of fleshly deeds (sin). Faithful people were marrying unfaithful people because they were attracted to one another. The result was what Paul warned about. Sin corrupted the family. This is why there are passages such as I Corinthians 7:39 and 2 Corinthians 6:14 encouraging only marriage by the faithful to the faithful. This is why there are numerous references in the old testament for Israel not to marry foreign women (because they worshipped false gods – Deuteronomy 7:1-4, I kings 11:1-4, Ezra 9:1-4). Yet, this denounced behavior is what frequently occurs today, when people rashly marry. In Genesis 6:3, God limits the duration of man’s years, because of the sinfulness they were replicating through intermarrying of the faithful and unfaithful.

In Genesis 6:4-5, in some Bible translations there is the term “Nephilim” used. Others use the term giants. This word is very important to examine, for along with “sons of God” it is widely misinterpreted. Some have said the Nephilim are evil angels, others aliens, and others even more fantastical imaginations. The term Nephilim is the Hebrew word H5303 (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries). It is used only in Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33. It means bully or tyrant and some translators have also suggested it means giant. The root of the word is H5307 and means to fall, fail, lost, inferior, perish, rot. Notice the root says nothing about giants. One more Hebrew word: The phrase “mighty men” (H1368) means what you think it does, but it also can mean tyrant. In context, tyrant is the likely meaning. Thus, what Genesis 6:4 is saying could be seen as the following: “In those days, corrupt bullies were on the earth. These resulted from faithful people marrying sinful people.” Thus, in verses 5-6, God is disappointed that he created man for they had become a terrible, sinful, and harmful group originating from the perpetuation of sin in unauthorized marriages.

In further consideration that the above is a proper understanding considering the context and grammar used, Numbers 13:33 must be examined as well. The context of Numbers is the Israel coming to the land of Canaan and sending in spies. There they see Nephilim and sons of Anak. Previously it has been seen that Nephilim are or could be sinful tyrants. The sons of Anak literally were giants, huge men of that land. Is it not likely that any man, giant or not, can be corrupted by sin? Is it not further possible that a Giant could therefore be tyrants or “sons of God”? The latter part of vs. 32 states: “and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size”. Continuing to verse 33, “There we also saw the Nephilim.” Such a construction would make no sense at all if the term Nephilim means giant. It would have the effect of saying, “We saw giants, and we also saw giants.” This set of verses further confirms the proper understanding of Nephilim as sinful bullies/tyrants and not giants, fitting properly in context with Genesis 6.

Returning to Genesis 6, proper understanding of the text can be derived. When faithful people of God marry the sinful people of the world, a frequent result is corruption. Such corruption when tolerated and repeated over and over results in desecrated purity. God did not desire this in his world and He flooded the world and started it again. Was such a result unexpected by God? No. Did it make him sad? Yes. However, through this action, he left man with an example of what happens when such occurrences are tolerated. Many would still not fully learn the lesson, but he would no longer have an excuse not to know better. Still, God had a plan of forgiveness for all of mankind’s disobedience. It would come through Jesus Christ.

Today, God has not changed. He still desires man to be pure and holy and marry only to the faithful. However, God has given instruction to those who have faltered in this regard. Paul tells the Corinthians in I Corinthians 7:12-14, to stay with their unbelieving mates. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). God has made marriage holy. Peter tells the wives of such a marriage (obedient of God to the disobedient) to live godly lives so that they might influence their mates. Husbands should do the same. Sadly, this won’t “fix” the problems in a marriage. All marriages are going to experience earthly distractions resulting in difficulties. However, true Christians have the tools at their disposal to get past the problems. They are willing to use the Word of God, to make things right for themselves, in the sight of God, and for the upbringing of their children. A marriage which is poorly conceived from the beginning and pays no attention to the faith of the marital partners will likely go through much frustration if it is to survive. In the interest of all parties, do not rush into marriage or choose a marriage based upon attributes which shift like the sand. Take time and make the proper considerations before you ask yourself the question, “Should I marry her?”

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Sponsoring Church Arrangement

Is The Sponsoring Church Arrangement Scriptural?

Much of what the Bible says about New Testament Christianity has been so distorted by denominational dogma that even the simplest of truths seems strange to most “religious” people today. Some of the most common errors (Non use of instrumental music in worship, preacher vs. pastor, weekly collection and Lord’s Supper) lead to confusion, division, and can be a real hindrance to evangelistic efforts.

Yet there are some things that have divided even like-minded brethren because of some erroneous exegesis. This has certainly been the case when it comes to how a congregation uses the weekly collection in support of the work of the church. Among the polemics of this issue range from whether a congregation can pay a located preacher, the benevolence support of non-Christians, and whether or not the general fund can be used for purpose of edification. Some of these issues may seem silly on the surface but some brethren have made a lifetime (and salvation) issue of them.

A more complicated issue revolves around whether or not several congregations can send funds to a single congregation overseeing a particular work. This is called the sponsoring church arrangement and the arguments vary from a “no example and thus no authority” dispute to a contention that the sponsoring congregation somehow takes an authoritative position over the contributing congregation. However, if we can rightly conclude from Scripture (recorded by inspiration) that in the first century church used such an arrangement then all these arguments against it are then voided. What do the Scriptures say?

When the Apostle Paul left Athens for Corinth he was destitute and in need (2 Corinthians 11:9). He found there in the city fellow Jews (Aquila and Priscilla), who were also tentmakers like himself, and he stayed with them and worked with them. In Acts 18:5 we read that, “When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.”

One of the reasons Silas and Timothy came to Corinth was to bring financial support to Paul. This support came from various congregations and Paul would later write to the Corinthian brethren of how he had “robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.  And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren [Silas and Timothy, emphasis mine – TLD] who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself” (2 Corinthians 11:8-9). Notice multiple congregations were involved in supporting Paul’s missionary efforts.

Several years later Paul wrote to the church at Philippi (the chief city of the eastern division of Macedonia) and said, “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only” (Philippians 4:15). Notice the phrase, “giving and receiving.” According to Gingrich this phrase means a “debit and credit.” Lenski says, “…as opening a ledger account with credit columns.”

What this shows is that in order for Paul to continue his missionary work, without pause to do secular work, several congregations sent money to church at Philippi. The Philippian church then distributed those funds to Paul and kept a record of what came in and went out. The church at Philippi served as Paul’s sponsoring congregation.

Therefore we have biblical authority for a sponsoring church arrangement. This collaboration serves as scriptural means for the local church to carry out its duty to the Great Commission. Denominational doctrines and fallacious teachings are the inventions of Satan and are a hindrance to the salvation and unification of an untold number of precious souls. This is why we are commanded to be diligent in our pursuit of knowing God’s Word and being able to handle it correctly (2 Timothy 2:15).

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God Is…

God is…

A teenager walks home from school wearing a t-shirt that features the sentiment: “It’s all about me.” Born years after Kennedy administration, this young girl is not interested in what she can do for her country, but rather, she is solely interested in what others will do for her. During her lifetime abortion and gambling remain legalized, and same-sex marriage has become an accepted (and even legal) “norm.” She has been indoctrinated through years of public education that the only real “sin” is the sin of intolerance, and thus, she should be accepting of everything that comes her way.

She walks into her parents’ six bedroom, four-car garage home—a home that exudes wealth and materialism. As she enters the family room she decides to spend a few minutes finishing up her science project. This year’s topic is “The Evolution of Man,” and she has collected dozens of pictures of alleged missing links. She knows she’ll have no problem demonstrating an evolutionary progression from apes to man.

One might think that this young girl has been isolated from the religious world. But the truth is she attends a local “Christian” church every weekend with her parents. So at exactly what point did she lose sight of what was really important in life? At what point did she abandon God? This young girl (and thousands like her) would argue that she has not abandoned God. In fact, she and her friends consider themselves very religious. The problem lies in the fact that God has been recast in their eyes. In her mind, God is simply a loving grandfather-like figure Who is full of love and grace. After all, that is the message she has heard on countless occasions from the pulpit. This young teenage girl, and millions just like her, has cultivated an incomplete portrait of God. They have replaced righteous judgment with unconditional acceptance and have completely ignored His holy sinless nature, His commands, and His ultimate will for mankind.

In teaching future generations about the nature of God, we need to give careful consideration to His attributes and His qualities that are found in the Bible. Yes, God loves us—we were the pinnacle of His creation (Genesis 1:26-27) and He lovingly sacrificed His own Son for our sins (John 3:16). But this does not mean that God will overlook sin (Galatians 6:7), or subdue His wrath against disobedience (Ephesians 5:6). In order to love and obey our heavenly Father, we need to fully comprehend His all-powerful nature. Fear of God is beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:8; Psalm 33:8).

James Denney, a Scottish preacher/teacher/theologian used to warn his students against thinking they could learn all there was to know about God during their university and seminary studies. “Gentlemen,” he would tell them, “to study infinity requires eternity.” His point is well taken. It would be impossible to give every characteristic of God in just a few short paragraphs. However, thanks to His Word we can acquire a better portrait of Who God really is. Consider the following brief survey:

God is eternal

God is the only eternal being—He has been called the alpha and the omega. If there was a time in which absolutely nothing existed, then we can rest assured nothing would exist today. Simply put, nothing produces nothing. But we know that the Universe does exist, so logic follows that something must have always existed. That “something” is God. Moses wrote: “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, Who rides the heavens to help you, and in His Excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you” (Deuteronomy 33:27). We serve an eternal God.

God is the Creator

Even though atheism, evolution, and humanism are actively promoted within schools and the media, the complexity of life clearly points to God as Creator. Evolution cannot explain how life allegedly evolved from non-life, or how irreducibly complex systems could have arisen from some cosmological accident. The most logical explanation is that God created the heaven and the Earth precisely as it is described in His Word. The inspired psalmist described Him in the following manner: “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth….For He spoke and it was done, He commanded and it stood fast” (Psalm 33:6,9). We can also read: “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created” (Psalm 148:5). Moses wrote: “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:11). God is the creator and giver of life (Acts 17:28-29). Indeed, everything around us is a product of His handiwork.

God is alive

During natural disasters or times of crisis many individuals question the existence of God. Many would argue that He either never existed, or that He is now dead. Inspired biblical writers confirmed otherwise. “There it shall be said to them, you are the sons of the living God” (Hosea 1:10, emp. added). “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12, emp. added). Jesus, in responding to the Sadducees observed: “But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32). Additionally, we know that unlike human beings who are clothed in a mortal fleshly body, God is a living spirit. “But the hour is coming, and now is when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). The eternal nature of God demands we are the servants of a living God.

God is love

Thanks to God’s incredible love (1 John 4:8), humanity has been endowed with free will (see Genesis 2:15-17; Joshua 24:15; Isaiah 7:15; John 5:39-40; 7:17; Revelation 22:17). We read: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 3:7-10). His love has also provided a means of salvation for all men (John 3:16; Hebrews 5:9). In addition, His love can strengthen and sustain faithful men (Matthew 6: 26-33). The love of God has been demonstrated for all men. One cannot read the account of the crucifixion without coming to knowledge of just how much God loves humanity.

God is Holy

After Isaiah described the Lord and the seraphim surrounding Him, he concluded: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). We know that God is holy (1 Peter 1:16) and that sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). The holiness of God is frequently referenced in the Bible. The inspired psalmist observed: “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel” (22:3). Additionally, we read: “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool—He is holy” (Psalm 99:3). The prophet Isaiah noted: “But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God who is holy shall be hallowed in righteousness” (Isaiah 5:16). He also stated: “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘For your sake I will send to Babylon, and bring them all down as fugitives—the Chaldeans, who rejoice in their ships. I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King’” (Isaiah 43:14-15). Moses wrote: “For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves and you shall be holy; for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). The acknowledgement of the holiness of God is one of the first keys to obedience.

God is longsuffering

Thankfully, the Lord is also longsuffering. We read: “And the Lord passed before him [Moses-BH] and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious and longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth’” (Exodus 34:6). Moses also recorded: “The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression” (Numbers 14:18). This characteristic is reiterated in the New Testament: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He truly wants all men to be faithful servants.

God is Just

Fortunately, God is a righteous judge. Unlike some judges adorning courtroom benches today, God cannot be bought, swayed, or tricked. Revelation 16:7 records: “And I heard another from the altar saying, ‘Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.’” Additionally, God is not a respecter of persons. In Acts 10:34-35 we read: “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.’” It is this just God Who we will face on that appointed day (Hebrews 9:27) and face judgment (1 John 4:17). His judgment will be just and final—something that we should all reflect upon daily.

God is omniscient (all-knowing)

In accordance with his judgment, we need to fully comprehend that He is all-knowing. The psalmist wrote: “He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:4-5). In the New Testament we find that “known to God from eternity are all His works” (Acts 15:18). Nothing is hidden from the eyes of the Lord. The writer of the book of Hebrews observed: “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (4:13). These words should be extremely sobering to those who do things in secret thinking they will never have to give an account of evil doings.

God is omnipresent (Present everywhere)

Additionally, God is everywhere (Jeremiah 23:23-24). A well known English deist, Anthony Collins once asked a man: “Is your God a great or a little God?” The man replied: “He is both, sir.” Collins asked: “How can he be both?” To which the young man noted: “He is so great that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him; and so little that He can dwell in my heart.” Collins later declared that this simple answer had more effect on his mind than all the volumes he had ever read about God. The inspired psalmist noted: “Where can I go from Your spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in hell (Sheol), behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall lead me” (Psalm 139:7-10). Indeed, He is everywhere.

God is omnipotent (All-powerful)

Toward the end of the book of Job we find God questioning Job about His creation and His power (see Job chapters 38-41). Afterwards Job remarks: “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You” (42:2). The only limits on God’s power are those things that go against His very nature. Jesus reminded us that “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). In the New Testament we read: “Alleluia! For the Lord God omnipotent reigns! (Revelation 19:6). The inspired psalmist inquired: “O Lord God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord?” (Psalm 89:8). Is anything to hard for God (Jeremiah 32:27)? God alone has the power to conquer sin and death.

God is immutable (unchanging)

The perfection of God demands that He is unchanging—because all change must be to better or worse, and God is already perfection. There is no need to change. That should be reassuring to those who are obedient to His Word. The promises God has made to us will be kept (Hebrews 6:17-18). In Malachi 3:6 we read: “For I am the Lord, I do not change;” James observed: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (1:17, emp. added). Christians should find comfort in knowing that the God of Moses, Abraham, and Jacob is the same God we worship and praise today. The promises made to first century Christians are still applicable to Christians living today. For God does not change!

This has not even touched the hem of the garment on the nature of God, but one can rest assured that an accurate portrait of God produces knowledge and obedience. Had that teenage girl comprehended the true nature of God, her t-shirt would have read: “It’s all about Him.” Because, indeed, it is all about Him!

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