Good morning,

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) The fourth word in the Bible must be understood or the rest of the Bible will make no sense.

Last week we looked at the foundational truths of God. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign.

This week we will look at God’s attributes. Holy, love, mercy, grace, peace, and longsuffering.

Next week, knowing these truths, we will be challenged to take God’s word to our friends, neighbors, and enemies. We will learn what it means to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

The Attributes of God

Peace

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

“Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Romans 15:33)

When asked if they could have one thing what would it be? The answer most given is PEACE. The world as we know it has no peace.

However, believers in Christ do have and should be enjoying the peace we have in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself gave us His peace. Do not fear. Trust in God’s holy word. Comfort yourself in God’s promises. Look at the current events through the lens of Scripture. Prophecy is being fulfilled each day.

Longsuffering

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. ⁹He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. ¹⁰He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:8-10)

“The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” (Psalms 145:8)

“The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. ²God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. ³The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” (Nahum 1:1-3)

Personally, I am glad our God is long-suffering and slow to anger. It is comforting to note that our God is the God of the second chance. God is looking for restoration and not condemnation. He wants to build us up and not tear us down.

If God is willing to give us a second chance, why are believers many times reluctant to forgive and restore and would rather condemn and destroy?

Maybe we should try to be more like the Lord and be slow to anger.

CONCLUSION

God’s attributes plus God’s all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and supreme ruler character, equals a God everyone should know about.

Will we tell them?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) The fourth word in the Bible must be understood or the rest of the Bible will make no sense.

Last week we looked at the foundational truths of God. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign.

This week we will look at God’s attributes. Holy, love, mercy, grace, peace, and longsuffering.

Next week, knowing these truths, we will be challenged to take God’s word to our friends, neighbors, and enemies. We will learn what it means to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

The Attributes of God

Grace

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

“But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” (Romans 5:15)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” (Acts 15:11)

Grace, God’s unmerited favor. We have no standing before God except by His grace. We are saved by grace through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection, of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul said, “But by the grace of God I am what I am:”

Can we say that about ourselves? Many believers do not trust God for their growth in Christ. They choose to do it themselves. No need to have the all-knowing, ever present, all powerful, and supreme ruler, on their side. The results are usually pathetic.

On the other hand, believers who trust Christ for their spiritual growth do grow and mature. They are usable in the work and ministry for Christ.

Which kind of Christian are we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) The fourth word in the Bible must be understood or the rest of the Bible will make no sense.

Last week we looked at the foundational truths of God. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign.

This week we will look at God’s attributes. Holy, love, mercy, grace, peace, and longsuffering.

Next week, knowing these truths, we will be challenged to take God’s word to our friends, neighbors, and enemies. We will learn what it means to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

Attributes of God

“In the beginning God…”

Genesis 1:1

Introduction: What are the attributes of God?

The Attributes of God

Holy

“There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2)

“Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2)

“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)

Love

“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16)

“But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Mercy

“The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.  ⁹The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”  (Psalm 145:8-9)

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.²³ They are new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

“(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.” (Deuteronomy 4:31)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3)

Grace

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

“But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” (Romans 5:15)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” (Acts 15:11)

Peace

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

“Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Romans 15:33)

Longsuffering

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. ⁹He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. ¹⁰He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:8-10)

“The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” (Psalms 145:8)

“The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. ²God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. ³The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” (Nahum 1:1-3)

CONCLUSION

God’s attributes plus God’s all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and supreme ruler character, equals a God everyone should know about.

Will we tell them?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) The fourth word in the Bible must be understood or the rest of the Bible will make no sense.

Last week we looked at the foundational truths of God. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign.

This week we will look at God’s attributes. Holy, love, mercy, grace, peace, and longsuffering.

Next week, knowing these truths, we will be challenged to take God’s word to our friends, neighbors, and enemies. We will learn what it means to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

The Attributes of God

Mercy

“The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.  ⁹The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”  (Psalm 145:8-9)

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.²³ They are new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

“(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.” (Deuteronomy 4:31)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3)

Please note that God’s mercy begins while we are still in our sins. It is because of His mercy we are not consumed. His mercy leads us to the cross and directs our path as we continue to grow in the Lord. God’s mercy never stops!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) The fourth word in the Bible must be understood or the rest of the Bible will make no sense.

Last week we looked at the foundational truths of God. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign.

This week we will look at God’s attributes. Holy, love, mercy, grace, peace, and longsuffering.

Next week, knowing these truths, we will be challenged to take God’s word to our friends, neighbors, and enemies. We will learn what it means to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

The Attributes of God

Holy

“There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2)

“Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2)

“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)

Love

“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16)

“But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Our God is holy. He sits on His throne in heaven and is worshipped by the heavenly host.

Our God is love. Not the kind of love we have for each other. This is God’s love. He loved His creation so much He sent His Son to die for the sin of all mankind.

Unfortunately, all mankind did not accept God’s gift of redemption.  They chose to go their own way. They chose to follow Satan instead of Jesus Christ.

They chose hell over heaven.

What choice have you made?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) The fourth word in the Bible must be understood or the rest of the Bible will make no sense.

This week we will look at the foundational truths of God. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign.

Next week we will look at God’s character.

Finally, knowing these truths, we will be challenged to take God’s word to our friends, neighbors, and enemies. We will learn what it means to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

GOD IS:

Sovereign

God is sovereign, He is the supreme ruler

“Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.¹² Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11-12)

“The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. ⁷ The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.⁸ He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord‘s, and he hath set the world upon them.⁹ He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.¹⁰ The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.” (1 Samuel 2:6-10)

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:¹¹ Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11)

Many of us want to be in control. However, we are never completely in control. God may give us opportunities to be in control, but ultimately it is God who is really in control.

When we read what Scripture says about God’s sovereignty, it makes it very clear we are not in control.

Next week we will look at character qualities that God possess.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) The fourth word in the Bible must be understood or the rest of the Bible will make no sense.

This week we will look at the foundational truths of God. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign.

Next week we will look at God’s character.

Finally, knowing these truths, we will be challenged to take God’s word to our friends, neighbors, and enemies. We will learn what it means to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

GOD IS:

Omnipotent

God is omnipotent, He is all powerful

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

“And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew19:24-26)

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” (Revelation 19:6)

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke:1-37)

God can do anything He chooses. He is able to heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, take the wicked and turn them into saints, and comfort.

Having said that, He does not do that in every circumstance.

Why? This side of heaven we may not know. We must trust that God, who has full knowledge, knows what is best. That is sometimes hard to do. That is why we must remember these fundamental truths about God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

“In the beginning God…”

Genesis 1:1

Introduction: Who is God?

GOD IS:

Omniscient

God is omniscient, He knows everything

“O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.² Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.³ Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.⁴ For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.” (Psalm 139:1-4)

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?36 For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36)

“And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,” (Acts 1:24)

Omnipresent

God is omnipresent, He is everywhere

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:7-10)

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:1)

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Omnipotent

God is omnipotent, He is all powerful

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

“And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew19:24-26)

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” (Revelation 19:6)

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke:1-37)

Sovereign

God is sovereign, He is the supreme ruler

“Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.¹² Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11-12)

“The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. ⁷ The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.⁸ He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord‘s, and he hath set the world upon them.⁹ He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.¹⁰ The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.” (1 Samuel 2:6-10)

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:¹¹ Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11)

CONCLUSION

God is:

All knowing

Always present

All powerful

Ruler over all

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) The fourth word in the Bible must be understood or the rest of the Bible will make no sense.

This week we will look at the foundational truths of God. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign.

Next week we will look at God’s character.

Finally, knowing these truths, we will be challenged to take God’s word to our friends, neighbors, and enemies. We will learn what it means to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

GOD IS:

Omnipresent

God is omnipresent, He is everywhere

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:7-10)

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:1)

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

We can not hide from God? Everywhere we are, God is also there. We should cringe when we think of some of the places we have taken God. We should rejoice that He brought us back to fellowship with Him.

When we sin, and we will, we should confess, repent, and ask God to forgive us. 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Fellowship restored; we then continue to serve God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) The fourth word in the Bible must be understood or the rest of the Bible will make no sense.

This week we will look at the foundational truths of God. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign.

Next week we will look at God’s character.

Finally, knowing these truths, we will be challenged to take God’s word to our friends, neighbors, and enemies. We will learn what it means to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

GOD IS:

Omniscient

God is omniscient, He knows everything

“O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.² Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.³ Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.⁴ For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.” (Psalm 139:1-4)

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?36 For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36)

“And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,” (Acts 1:24)

God knows everything. There is nothing He does not know. What we think, how we will act, and what we will say, He knows.

That should get our attention. Does it?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001