CHARACTER OF GOD: INTRODUCTION
CHAR. OF GOD INTRO • How does this topic relate to the overall curriculum of the school? • Why do we teach this topic? Some thoughts (not theological statements):
Some thoughts on the char. of God 1. The reason we study this subject in the school is because knowing God is the most significant pursuit in our lives. 2. There are many, many things that we can learn about God that are in the Bible. It’s a lifetime study. 3. How we view God will shape every other area of our life. 4. The first foundational principle that has strengthened the work of missions and discipleship in our mission is to know God.
Some thoughts on the char. of God 5. Coming to a greater understanding of God’s character and His ways is central to growing in intimacy with Him. We have to think about it; it doesn’t just come to us. 6. God wants to be known. We honor Him by studying, acknowledging, and aligning ourselves with Him. This is the path of life. 7. This topic is the School of the Bible – who God is and how he operates are the center of everything else.
Some thoughts on the char. of God 8. “Who is God� is the central question pertaining to worldviews as well. The answer to this question shapes the answer to every other question in the universe. 9. Knowing who God is increases and inspires a. faith in God b. confidence in Him c. love for Him d. worship of God
Some Scripture verses to get us started • I John 4:8 - “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” • Psalm 145:8-9 - “The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works.”
Some Scripture verses to get us started • Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” • Romans 2:4 – “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?”
Some Scripture verses to get us started • Psalms 25:4-6 – “Make me know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, for they have been from of old.”
Some Scripture verses to get us started •
Psalm 25:7-10 – Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your lovingkindness remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.”
Some Scripture verses to get us started •
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Psalm 103:11,13,17 – “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.” “Just as a father has compassion on {his} children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” “But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children.”