Who is God

J John

Perspective affects so much of how we live our lives. Whether we see an obstacle as a problem or an opportunity. The lens we look at the world affects the things we see & the way we we see them. And in particular our perspective of who God is affects so much.

LIE #1: GOD IS HARSH

Matthew 25:14–25 (NLT)

The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

“Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’

The different ppls perspective of who their master was affected the way they related to him, their attitude, how they lived. our perspective of who God is affects the entire way we live our own life. It impacts the way we live our life, our attitudes, our relationships with others, thinking.

Seeing God for who He truly is, getting a clearer heart rev of Him has got to be our aim. Unlocking the truth of who God is is a journey but it is one that progressively unlocks a life of purpose, Hope, joy, peace, and freedom. It is the truth that Sets us free. Often we know the correct thinking of who God is in our head but our hearts sometimes struggle with it when circumstances don’t marry up. What I seek to bring today is not new information but heart revelation and transformation.

So let us examine this:

WHO IS GOD?

Lie #1 God is harsh

This plays out in such a way that we think God is a harsh taskmaster who is quick to punish/ angry, he has impossibly high standards that I keep failing to hit. If you’ve ever had authority figures in your life who are mean/ harsh/ angry then its easy to project those onto God and see him like this. A mean God who can’t wait to tell me off, one who is always disappointed. When we see God like this we are afraid of Him and don’t enjoy our r with Him as much. If our prayers aren’t answered we figure its cos God is mad with me.

STORY OF SINNING IN EARLY DAYS > thought that I’d messed up forever. That my sin was so massive that God wouldn’t want anything to do with me ever again. Or if he did then it would be a v distant r. After awhile I kept sensing his presence every now and again but then I would push Him away thinking I wasn’t allowed to be close to Him anymore.

This view of God removes all grace and brings in a performance centred belief. That God is more pleased with us when we’re being better Cs. When we pray harder/ read bible more/ more obedient then we earn God’s approval & love. And vice-versa when we don’t God is not happy and doesn’t want anything to do with us. The Pharisees painted this picture of God.

Story, I know someone who left Home For university every time they called Home their parents would moan at them for not calling often enough. And so my friend called less and less frequently because they didn't want the earbashing. No one wants to talk to somebody when you are expecting a telling off from them.

Q: So is God pleased to see you when you call up and talk with him or is he frustrated and annoyed cause, you don’t feel up to scratch yet?

But jesus came to show the reality of who God is. His heart, His values, His care, emotions.

TRUTH:

Luke 15:20–22 NLT

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet.

God is not angry, not disappointed with us. He spots us a long way off. And he does all the running, He meets us where we are at. He passionately desires r with us. He’s quick to forgive, restore, to celebrate, to rescue, to save.

In the culture that Jesus told this story the prodigal son would have been killed as he entered the village by the other villagers. The father had to race to his son to let the village know his son was forgiven. That’s God’s heart to us. God races to let us know we are forgiven to remove all guilt & accusation.

God is not a harsh taskmaster but a loving father, full of compassion & grace. We are his beloved children not his slaves. Our purpose is found not in performing for a boss but in resting in loving r with our heavenly Father. Jesus said “I no longer call you servants but friends”

And so I return to my story where I sinned and thought I’d blown it. I remember going to a church and the pastor said “God is not disillusioned with you cos he never had any illusions in the first place”. And all my guilt came crumbling down. Jesus was still offering full r - all I had to do was say yes I want that back, forgive me. And full friendship was restored

Thanks for P & P for those that served & came. Great feedback. Received this testimony which I’ll paraphrase:

Sunday night was the first time I have felt healing from God in a peaceful way.  When I encounter God it feels as though a small thing is changing. But Sunday night I experienced a huge shift deep inside which I am very grateful to God for.

Who is God?

Lie #1: God is harsh

Truth #1: God is kind, loving, forgiving

Lie #2 God doesn’t care

Mark 4:37–38 NLT

But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

The disciples are in the middle of a horrible storm. They are afraid. And God is asleep at the back of the boat paying absolutely no attention! You can understand them feeling like God doesn’t care. They’ve been left alone to deal with this rubbish and God isn’t even lifting a finger.

Q: Anyone been thru/ going thru rubbish atm? Can you relate? If God does truly care He would sort it all out! He’s all powerful isn’t He? All loving/ all good Why doesn’t he get involved? Any trial brings up the Q Lord Do you not care?

We need to be careful we get our perspective on who God is based on the Bible not exp. Jesus answered this

THE TRUTH

John 10:10–14 (NLT)

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.

Jesus is not casually interested in our lives. He is completely, wholeheartedly invested in every part of our being. He cared for us so much that He gave His life for us. Went thru the worst suffering imaginable for us. To lead us back to Him. To restore us. That we may have the very life of God flowing thru us. God is not passively watch our lives on some giant TV screen from a distance in heaven. He is actively involved in looking after us p/e/s. Even when we go thru the worst of times He never leaves us, in fact in those times His presence draws closest to keep our souls safe.

I’ve lost count of the no of times I’ve gone thru horrible intimidating circumstances but all the while I could sense God carrying me thru.

BAND UP

MISSION: We are made in the image of God, called to be image bearers of God to the world. So it is vital we shine out the reality of who God is as we IBC. That He is a God who is not harsh but full of love/ grace / compassion. A God who is near - not far. The closest friend we could have. One who cares so much that He gave His life to remove all judgement/ punishment/ guilt/ fear. His sacrifice out of love showed he can relate to our pain, our sorrow. Everything he went through on the cross was completely alone. All for us. For our forgiveness and to offer us new life, Hope, future, relationship with him for eternity. It was this love that displayed, then and still does now that God doesn't want to remain distant that he passionately cares About each and every single one of us and all we have to go through.

and so today is a day to make an important decision.

In a moment I am going to pray and you may find yourself in one of the following three categories. Can I have every head bowed please.

1. You don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. You have never had a r with Him and would like to make the decision to follow Him today. To receive forgiveness and begin a r with Him.

2. You used to walk with Jesus but of late other things have got in the way and you would like to re-connect with Him today.

3. You’re not sure of your salvation. You’re not sure that at the end of your life you will be with Jesus and you desire the certainty that Jesus offers.

If you relate to any of those 3 then please pray along with me now, repeating these words out of your own heart.

Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I ask You to forgive me for all my wrongdoing, and receive me as Your child. I commit my life to You now. Amen

With every head still bowed could I ask you to raise your hand if you prayed that prayer?

Pause

Anybody else?

PAUSE – pray for these ppl to receive God’s peace and presence

Thank you Lord for you all incredible love that you have showed us. Pour out your presence. thank you that for everyone today who raised their hands have entered into a most wonderful relationship with you and can be assured of their salvation.

Band play?

MIN: WoK - left knee. Several ppl here going thru severe storms, need to know the reassuring presence of God in this time.

All stand. I pray over cong

Ephesians 1:17 NIV

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

This is a fave prayer of min