A Right View of God

How can we see God less as an angry and authoritarian God and more of a loving, compassionate God? 

(1) The Lord shows Himself as a loving, compassionate, merciful, and gracious God throughout the Bible:

Psalm 86:15 (KJV), “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”

Psalm 103:13-14 (KJV), “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”

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

We could also talk about how God did not destroy Adam and Eve after their sin, but made them coats of skins, and promised a Saviour to come (Genesis 3:15);

About God’s having compassion upon His people who were enslaved for 400 years and sending them a deliverer (Exodus);

About God and His dealings with rebellious Israel in the book of Judges in sending leaders to help them;

About God’s compassion for the Ninevites in sending Jonah to call them to repentance.

About God commanding the Israelites to treat Gentiles fairly who wanted to be part of Israelite culture (e.g. Exodus 22:21).

About the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah where God proclaims judgement on Israel and the world for their sin, yet invites all to come unto Him;

About Jesus Christ, God’s own Son coming to die a cruel death on the Cross to save both Jew and Gentile. I mean, that right there, is the greatest act of love, mercy, and grace ever known.

(2) People tend to think of God as an angry God because He hates sin. The reality is that image is true. God is holy (Isaiah 6:3) and the Bible tells us:

God takes no pleasure in sin (Psalm 5:4).
God is angry at the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11).
We are unrighteous (Romans 3:10).
We are all sinners (Romans 3:23).
We are born sinners (Psalm 51:5).
We have gone our own way (Isaiah 53:6).

BUT the Bible also tells us that though He is angry at sin, He still holds out his hand to save (Isaiah 5:25).

He invites us to come and reason with Him (Isaiah 1:18).

He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that all who believe on Him can be forgiven (John 3:16).

We all have this wonderful Abba Father relationship with God (Romans 8:15) waiting for us if we would only acknowledge our sin and turn to Christ.

(3) Perhaps people see God as authoritarian because they do not want to admit that He created everything, In the beginning, and has full authority over His creation. People don’t seem to like that God is on the throne and sovereign over the works of His hands (Isaiah 64:8).

Perhaps the bottom-line answer to your question is that people may not want to yield to God, admit their sins, and seek forgiveness, and or they fail to take the time to read the Bible or read it as a whole.

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Author: Jerry Smith

Revised from Quora answer Dec. 29, 2022.

Moses Said Unto the People Fear Ye Not

 

"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace" (Exodus 14:13-14, KJV). 

***** 

The children of Israel were caught—a sea in front of them and an army wanting to destroy them, behind. God commanded that they not be afraid, that they stand still, and see what God would do. The situation seemed impossible. There was no way they could survive this. But God said HE would fight for them. 

***** 

Today, we, the children of God in Christ, face a similar situation—a sea of unknown, as to when this hysteria, tyranny, and these lockdowns will end. And an army behind, that wants to destroy us (e.g. big tech, overstepping governments, loss of basic healthcare for human conditions, loss of work, depression, mandates, orders, police-enforced loss of freedoms, and more). 

***** 

The Bible tells us these things were written for our examples (1 Corinthians 10:11). So, God tells His children today the same: FEAR YE NOT, STAND STILL, and SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD, for HE will FIGHT for us. Let's see what the Lord will do. And remember, "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37, KJV).

*****

Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: Door43.org

How Should a Christian Woman Dress?

Paul's epistle to Timothy included guidance on how he (Timothy) was to manage the church at Ephesus, and by default, all New Testament churches. Part of that guidance included (1 Timothy 2:8-9): 

"...that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

At the time, Ephesus was famous for the temple of the Roman God Diana (Greek: Artemis) who was worshipped as a mother goddess associated with fertility. In fact, the temple at Ephesus had priestesses engaged in prostitution as a form of worship. Needless to say, the women of the day who were Diana followers, were dressed in such a way as to honor their fertility god and draw attention to themselves, perhaps for sexual purposes. 

Faith Lesson 

Women desire to look nice—to be beautiful. It's a part of their make up. The evidence can be seen in much time and millions of dollars being spent on beauty products, on parlor treatments, on clothes, on surgeries, on procedures, and even on Photoshop software designed to make a woman look beautiful, if not feel beautiful. This is how God designed women and there's nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, men love it! 

He does however say where her focus should be: rather than focusing on her exterior, she is encouraged to focus on pointing people to her God.

Paul does not say that a woman shouldn't be concerned with her beauty. In fact, he tells women to adorn themselves. He does however say where her focus should be: rather than focusing on her exterior, she is encouraged to focus on pointing people to her God. Rather than drawing excessive attention to her outward appearance, a woman can dress herself in such a way as to honor her God. Paul said, rather than giving more attention to adorning themselves with exterior items, a Christian woman ought to adorn herself with good works. 

Reflection 

As a woman, what excites a man about you? Is it your appearance only or your inner woman as well? 

What are you focusing on with regard to your beauty that may or may not be out of focus with what Paul urges? 

How could you apply Proverbs 31:30 here? 

How could we apply Proverbs 11:22 here? 

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By Jerry Smith
Feature image: Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash

As a Christian What Music Should I Sing?

We read in Psalm 113:3, "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised." That is, we're to praise God all day long. And, when we have opportunities to praise Him, we should be proclaiming the glories of God in praise. So if we have time to sing, we have time to praise God in song. And that, from morning to evening.

In Psalm 147:1, the Lord declares,

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

It's good to sing praises to God. If it's good, that means it pleases God.

In Heaven, Music Centers on God

In Revelation 5:9 we read:

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy ...

Revelation 15:3 tells us,

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

God used John to give us a glimpse of heaven. And what do we find there? Music and singing. What are the people singing about in heaven? They're praising God.

So if praising God in song is appropriate in heaven, it's certainly appropriate on earth from His people.

Why Not Praise God in Song?

Isaiah 12:5 reminds us,

Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

Isn't God worthy of praise for all the great things He's done for us? Where did we get our health, our house, our strength to make money, our house, our blessings, and more?

So What Music Should Christians Be Singing?

It's clear from the Bible God-exalting, God-praising, God-glorifying songs are what we ought to be singing.

But Do the Songs We Sing Fit the Bill?

Have you ever really listened to some of the words in the songs people sing?

"Imagine there's no heaven ... "

"You're everything to me ..." in reference to a man or woman.

"Save me ..." in reference to another person.

"You're all my heart desires ..." talking about someone that is not God.

"I did it my way ..."

And on it could go.

God wants us to examine all things in light of His word. We're not to be duped into singing songs that exalt self, others, the world, or things in the world. These are a direct affront to what God has not only commanded, but what He deserves.

The Bible says,

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created (Revelation 4:11).

Surely there's something you can praise God for today. Why not listen and sing along with some God-glorifying songs?

Not just songs that sound religious, Christian, or spiritual, but songs that are actually sprinkled with the word of God, clear, and doctrinal:

"Praise Him, praise him, Jesus our blessed Redeemer ... "

"Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe ..."

"To God be the glory, great things he hath done ..."

"He's the Lily of the valley ..."

"All praise to Him who reigns above ... "

And there are so many more.

Boring You Say?

Why? As Christians, our spirits should be inclined to the things of God (Colossians 3:1).

Doesn't God tell us He's looking for people to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24)? Spirit, meaning born again; truth, meaning according to His word.

Where Does That Leave Us?

The Lord tells us repeatedly not to be ignorant:

Now I would not have you ignorant ... (Romans 1:3).

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant ... (Romans 11:25).

... I would not that ye should be ignorant ... (1 Corinthians 10:1).

... I would not have you ignorant (1 Corinthians 12:1).

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant ... (2 Corinthians 1:8).

... But I would not have you to be ignorant (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

But, beloved, be not ignorant ... (2 Peter 3:8). 

He also tells us to study so we won't be ashamed and to know what pleases Him (2 Timothy 2:15):

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Therefore, I can know that some songs are good, and some are evil. Using the word of God I can prove what pleases God.

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:10).

So when I get up in the morning and hear my neighbor's licentious pop music, I can know with certainty it's evil.

When I go to the store and hear godless music playing, I can know for sure it's evil.

When I hear people singing worldly, ungodly, songs, I need not have any doubts the act itself is evil. I am not judging (condemning) people, but I can judge (discern) their behaviors.

I don't have to wonder if this music or that music is okay, for Christians to listen to (an ever-popular debate for some to justify what they listen to and sing).

The Bottom Line Is That if It Doesn't Extol the Lord, It's Not Right

Does that mean I should condemn others for their choices of music? No.

Does it mean that I must demand others change their music? No.

Does it mean I should not fellowship with brethren who listen to worldly music? No.

What it does mean, is that I can know the music that pleases the Lord and what does not, and behave myself accordingly.

If you'd like to explore the subject of music further. We have a book that discusses the topic in more detail:

Click to View

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Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: Photo by David Beale on Unsplash

The Church and Truth

Background

Paul left Timothy in charge of the church at Ephesus while he likely went on to Macedonia. From Macedonia Paul writes Timothy this letter (epistle) to instruct Timothy on how he should lead and manage the church at Ephesus. Part of that instruction describes the New Testament church (1 Timothy 3:15): 

...the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 

Paul explains to Timothy what the church represents (God) and the church's role in this world as the pillar (support) and ground (foundation) of the truth. And that highest truth is found in 1 Timothy 3:16... 

...without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

Faith Lesson 

When referring to someone who is a pillar such as in Galatians 2:9 (James, Peter, and John), in the New Testament sense, it means someone well rooted and grounded in the truth and strong in the faith (William Burkitt NT Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:15). 

When the church is referred to as the pillar and ground of the truth it means the church should be holding fast the truth (as well as proclaiming it). And, the highest truth is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11) which is found in the word of truth (John 17:17), written by God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). 

The truth in every believer is the light that shines in this dark, evil world. If it is dim or if it is hidden, people will not be able to to distinguish truth from lies. 

The church should be a refuge that opposes heresy, false teaching, untruths, false doctrine, false signs (Matthew 13:22, 24:24), and anything else contrary to the truth. People should feel safe in the church—safe from lies and deceit. 

The truth does not compromise—it cannot. Truth is truth and will always prevail over falsity. Even 99% truth is not truth. The truth must be kept pure for there are many false truths (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) that lead people away from THE truth (John 14:6). 

Holding the truth does not mean simply knowing right doctrine, but living it as well. What more untruth can there be than when a church holds to the truth but its members fail to live it and exemplify it; fail to bear fruit from it? 

Sadly, some churches do well in proclaiming the truth but fall short of holding to it. 

Sadly, some churches do well in holding the truth but fail in proclaiming it. 

Sadly, some churches do well in proclaiming and holding the truth, but fail to live it. 

Sadly, some churches do none of these. 

Reflection 

Why is it important (for individuals and churches) to be the pillar and ground of the truth? 

In what ways can Christians deviate from the truth? 

How/Why do you think Christians get away from the truth? 

In what ways to churches get away from the truth? 

How do we maintain the integrity of the truth? 

What should our response be when we encounter false truth? 

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By Jerry Smith

Feature image: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/PhotographerOlympus

He Must Increase but I Must Decrease

John the Baptist wore clothing of camel hair, a leather girdle, and ate locusts and wild honey. He was a thundering, odd-looking, prophet at the onset of the New Testament, but what can we learn from him today? 

One important statement he made was a demonstration of his humility. 

"He must increase, but I must decrease" 

(John 3:30, KJV).

Historical Context

John was replying to his disciples's concerns that the disciples of Christ were baptizing more people than John.

This would be a normal concern of any disciple in that day, in that their rabbi, i.e. teacher, was being outdone.

But John was not concerned about that. John understood who Jesus Christ was, and humbled himself saying that his own fame was not as important as Christ's exaltation. 

Faith Lesson

John's example reminds us of how we should view ourselves in light of Christ. 

As Christians, he showed us that what we do is not about us, but about magnifying Jesus Christ in any endeavor. 

Do we seek the glory of the Lord in what we do or do we tend to take the glory for ourselves when praise is given?

How often do we become tempted to glorify ourselves or protect our own images so that people will look upon us with admiration? 

John the Baptist showed us that it is not I but Christ who is more important.

Reflection

What things are you proud of in your life?

What things do you like others to see about you?

What things do you like to receive credit for?

What things do you like to use to impress others—to get them to look at you and say, "wow, you're good"?

Where/when do you fail to magnify the Lord?

Where can you decrease so the Lord may increase? 

Sharing

What are the personal implications of this message for you?

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Image 1 Source: www.LumoProject.com

Image 2 Source: www.LumoProject.com

Your Heavenly Father Knows What You Need, But Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God

When you are an online teacher and lose your internet connection, the Lord knows you need it to work.

When you work outside and your car breaks down, the Lord knows you need it to get to work.

When you need to make a living to provide for your family, the Lord knows you need a job.

Christians can rest, knowing that God knows their needs (Matthew 5:8) and is able to provide them.

He knows all things (e.g. John 16:30, 1 John 3:20, Hebrews 4:13).

But how we respond to our needs and crises indicates whether we are seeking first the kingdom of God or not.

Do we panic, get angry and rage (cf. James 1:19)? Then we are not seeking first the Kingdom of God. 

Do we respond in faith that God knows our needs and will provide? Then we are seeking the Kingdom of God. 

Do we yield to God's will for us (Matthew 6:10) or live with weak faith (Matthew 6:30)?

Do we react (flesh) or do we respond (Spirit)? 

The Lord, speaking in the Sermon on the Mount, said,

... your Father knoweth what things ye have need of (Matthew 6:8).

... Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on (Matthew 6:25). 

... shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith (Matthew 6:30). 

He spoke of the birds not worrying about their needs, yet God provides for them (Matthew 6:26). 

He spoke of the lilies of the field that do nothing, yet the Lord arrays them in fine attire (Matthew 6:28–30). 

And leads to the lesson to be learned . . . 

... but seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). 

And what is His righteousness? 

Jesus Christ, the righteousness of God (1 John 2:1). 

If we seek Christ first, seek His face in our hardships, and seek to nurture our relationship with Him, we will exude Christlike attitudes and behaviors (cf. John 15:4). 

The Lord says, follow me, do not worry about what you need, because the Father in Heaven knows exactly what you need. Not only that, but He knows exactly how to provide it—often in ways that we do not expect—to His glory. 

God can be honored in our trials when we seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. 

One way, we promote the kingdom of God and His glory, the other way we act just like the world: worrying, angry, searching for solutions at all costs. 

One way, we worry ourselves into health complications, the other way we show how great our God is: all-knowing, compassionate, provider, merciful, and gracious. 

One way we rage and ruin our testimony, the other way God is glorified in our Christlike behaviors. 

One way, we act like the world (Matthew 6:32), the other, we act as God's peculiar people (1 Peter 2:14).

Conclusion

This was a convicting post to write. I am writing it as I wrestle with one of the problems listed at the beginning of the article. 

It takes grace to walk in faith. 

In those times, stop, seek God, pray for grace to respond instead of react. Of ourselves this is impossible because we are fallen creatures. That is why when we do not react, but respond in faith, it is a supernatural occurrence that glorifies God on this earth. It shows our reliance upon His power, His mercy and grace, and His provision. 

Rather than seeking to solve the problems on our own through worry or effort, we look to God to provide the answers. Seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first, is an act of humility (cf. James 4:10). 

If you are reading this and moved to comment, please do. But understand this, God knows what you need, just put Him first, not by the power of the flesh, but by the power of humble submission to His will. 

[End] 

Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash