He Is Forever

Where We Have Been

As we have studied the character of God we have highlighted eleven different characteristics and will look at a twelfth this morning. This list is by no means exhaustive. To describe God, as Frederick Lehman writes in his beloved hymn, The Love of God,” (page 133) would take a scroll the size of the sky, ocean’s full of ink, and every man on earth to write.

Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made; were ev’ry stalk on earth a quill, and ev’ryone a scribe by trade; to write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry; nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.

But even this short list has taught us something of God. Remember where we have been.

He Is...

God

Mighty

Holy

True

Able

A Consuming Fire

Light

Love

With Us

It has been a grand look at God, but remember that theology, the study of God, is not simply a study of a distant Creator, or a Heavenly Lord. Because of Who God is, He intersects the lives of humanity. At that intersection, you and I are transformed, touched and influenced to live differently in this world. That has been the basis for our study together. To see how God changes us as we walk with Him. And so...

Because He Is…We Are...

God

Created in His Image

Shaped by His Presence

Transformed to Look Like Jesus

Jealous

Desired

To give us Grace

Our Surrender and Humility

Our Nearness

Our Repentance

Gracious and Merciful

People of Celebration

Mighty

Humble

Holy

Holy

True

Confident

Able

Convinced

God Speaks

Jesus Saves

The Holy Spirit Works

A Consuming Fire

Refined by His Love

Light

Lights in the World

Love

Bold

With Us

Guided, Restored, Comforted, Set Apart, and Welcome

The transformation that we experience in a relationship with God is real and tangible. It begins today and follows us into eternity. That is why today, we turn our attention to the fact that God is Forever!

He Is…

The Book of Hebrews is a book of encouragement. While the letter's author is unknown, as are the recipients of that letter; the themes we find within are clear. Hebrews is a letter of encouragement to those who experience the trials that come with life. Problems that weigh heavy on the souls of men and cause us to question the choices we make and the standards we follow. It seems that the original audience was thinking that the world held better answers than the Lord. The wisdom of men seemed more real or at least more immediate than the words of the prophets or the examples of the patriarchs.

Our unknown writer walks through the pages of Israel’s history, the same history you and I read in the Old Testament. Throughout the letter we hear and explore the events of the Temple and tabernacle, the example of Moses and Abraham, and the call of the law on God’s people. Why? Why would the author travel the expanse of the Bible to encourage God’s people who are struggling? Because the Bible tells us the story of Jesus. The Hebrew write takes us ther in the very first chapter.

Read Hebrews 1:8-9 (Scripture Reading)

The God who existed before the beginning will continue after the end.

His throne shall never fail.

And in all that time, God will not change. His righteousness will guide.

His holiness will endure.

God is Forever!

We Are...

Hebrews 13:7-16 Gives us a glimpse of how a forever God changes our lives.

Examples of Faith (7)

Over time God has shaped all kinds of people. We can follow those examples as we recognize ourselves and our struggles, and our strengths in them.

A Steadfast Church (8-9)

Jesus is the same so the teaching, and the truth, never change

A People of Worship (10)

God has always shaped His people through worship. Worship continues into eternity, with God in the midst of His people. Worship is an eternal discipline that changes hearts and lives.

Sanctified by Jesus (11-13)

The sacrifices of the patriarchs, the sacrificial system of the Law, and the sacrifice of Jesus are tied together in the eternal plan of God. God has taught us what sanctification is, becoming holy. History teaches and the future promises.

Pilgrims on Our Way Home (14)

What God designed int eh beginning in Eden, He restores in judgment. We are a people headed to Heaven, headed to experience the presence of God in a way we have never experienced it before.

People of Praise (15)

We are part of a time-long people who have held up the name of God in this world. We continue to pur out our praise and acknowledge God as the ruler of all and the love of our lives.

Servants of God (16)

To do good is to experience God’s work, His nature and character shaping our lives. Service teaches us to let go of self and experience more of God.

Looking Like Jesus

Be Thankful.

For God, His work, His Blessings, His Church, His Plan, and His Presence.

Stop and pray a specific prayer of thanksgiving every day this week.