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
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