THE LIVING WORD TRANSCRIPT

Program Air Date – 5-24-09

LESSON TITLE: “WHO IS GOD?”

WELCOME

Greetings to all in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Let me thank each of you for joining us this morning - welcome to the program. Today we have the privilege to once again assemble before the throne of God. In this time of worship we will have the opportunity to sing songs of praise and to study from His Word. May we each do our part in praising God according to His Will, as we make these sacrifices and offerings toward His Throne? Now as we begin talking to our God, will you bow with me in prayer!

(PRAYER)

This morning we want to begin our songs of praise with a hymn that proclaims what our Lord has done for us that we might have eternal life! Won’t you join in with the congregation at this time as we sing together, “Nothing but the Blood?”

(SONG # 1)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

I can’t believe that we are already in the month of May, can you? This year has just flown by, as most seem to do. However, do we really ever take the time to realize just how blessed we are by God to have each and every day? Usually it takes a great tragedy or sickness to wake us up to this fact. But you know, I wish we would just take a little more time to be thankful for and to appreciate each day of life.

All of this makes me think of another very special day which we need to rejoice in as well. How many of us take for granted the weekly opportunity we have to gather together on the Lord’s Day. As we all know, God commands us to gather as His followers to worship and praise His name. In fact, why would we want to be anywhere else on the Lord’s Day than before the throne of God, in praise to our Creator?

The Bible is full of exhortations about this matter. In fact, in Hebrews 10:23-25, we read, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Here we have a discussion about faith, hope and love, but notice where it all ends up. The writer says one of our good works which demonstrates these things is our faithful attendance.

Brethren and friends, where do I get a better opportunity to worship God than when assembled with my fellow brethren? Or when do I have a greater chance to receive edification or training in the Lord. The reality is we need our time of collective worship more than God does - because it gives us the strength and ability we need to make it through another week. It gives us the skills and knowledge to do even more in the service of our God. And it gives us the desire and zeal to accomplish what we know we must to God’s glory. Are you worshiping God on a weekly basis with His people as He has commanded you to? Are you willing to give this time to Him to prove your true love, reverence and obedience to His Will? How much time are you willing to give to your Creator?

Today we will begin a new series of study which will focus on our God. It is entitled, “WHO IS GOD?” Our first lesson today will answer that very question. So please stay with us and after our next song together, I will be leading our main thoughts from God’s Word.

Now let’s join together in our second song of the morning, the name of the hymn, “Peace, Perfect Peace!”

(SONG # 2)

LESSON By Ray Sullins

In Exodus chapter 5 we read about a story there that is very familiar to most of us. It is the first time that Moses went and stood before Pharaoh in order that he might request that the people of God be let go. You might recall there that Pharaoh asked a very interesting question when Moses first approaches him. He asked this question: “Who is the Lord or who is God that I should hear or obey His voice?”

You know as we begin in scriptures to find out so much from the beginning of time all the way throughout the ages, we find nation after nation, people after people who would follow and really find obedience to other gods. Idolatry and paganism was something that was completely rampant throughout the history of the world. So when Pharaoh asked this question, it is not that he knew nothing about gods or the following of gods because even Egypt had their own gods. But he was asking the question, “Who is the Lord or who is God?” Certainly Moses revealed that to him. In fact, you might recall that the plagues that were brought upon Egypt were actually brought by God that the Egyptians and the world might know who God is.

Well that’s the question that we want to begin to answer today because we want to see what this scripture says, what the history of the world shows is the true God of all. You might even recall there when the spies went in to the Land of Canaan and Rahab the harlot actually saved them and spared them. At that time, do you remember that she referenced the plagues of Egypt? Many years later still knowing as one, who is not an Israelite, still having heard and learned about the powerful God of Israel, the God who had plagued and destroyed even the Egyptian armies. Who was God? Rahab knew who God was.

Throughout all the Pentateuch and all the prophets, all the Old Testament, we have continually clarified for us that there is but one God, one Lord. In fact, David the Psalmist said in Psalm 86:10, “You alone are God.” You see there is but one God. On this earth and in all of the universe, there is but one Creator and that is the God that we serve.

As we move into the New Testament, we find the same thing clarified not only by Jesus but clarified by the followers of God and also by many of those led to right by the Holy Spirit. For example in the book of Mark, you might recall there in chapter 12 a parallel of something that is spoken about even in the book of Matthew chapter 22. It is here in these texts that actually a question is asked by a scribe or a teacher or as Matthew says, “a lawyer,” and he is really trying to question Jesus and trick Him up, but he says, “What are the two greatest commandments?” And you will recall that Jesus goes on to say, “To love the Lord they God with all they heart…” and so on and so forth. Then he says, “The second is likened to love thy neighbor as thyself.”

But you know what Mark goes on to say? The response of the scribe there in verse 32. The scribe says to Jesus, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth for there is one God and there is no other but He.” You see, he knew. This scribe, this Jewish scribe, this follower of the God of Israel knew that there is but one God, one God. You see, David knew that. We see that Jesus knew that. We see also that the Jews of the New Testament times knew that. We find that Paul, as he also was led by the Holy Spirit, knew and believed this same truth.

Do you remember the ones of unity that are mentioned there in the book of Ephesians? In fact, in Ephesians chapter 4 you might recall among those things that are striving for unity and peace and the spirit of peace in connection to the bond of Christ that we share in Christ and through Christ. He mentions several things there about the one faith, the one baptism, and so on, but do you notice what is says in verse 6? That text tells us, “But there is but one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all.” You see there is but one God. The Holy Spirit revealed that there is but one God.

What about when Paul was talking to Timothy in 1 Timothy chapter 2 and verse 15? We are challenged here to learn and to see who God is and what this God is all about. Look there if you will with me once again, rather in verse 5 of 1 Timothy chapter 2. “For there is one God,” and then it says, “and one mediator between God and man.” And it says, “Jesus Christ is that mediator.” Then it clarifies there, “But one God.” You see, who is God? The one God, the true God of all, the only God that has ever existed that is real and that has true being and life?

It reminds me also of what Paul warned to many of the churches that he wrote to not follow those idols or those images made of wood. He says, “What can they do with their hands or what can they say with their wooden mouths? Or those idols or gold or silver or these statues, what kind of a god is that”? Because the God I want to follow is the one God, the true God of all, who has proven Himself to me. How has God proven Himself to me? What about through His creation?

Do you recall in the book of Genesis chapter 1 and verse 1 that it says, “In the beginning, God…?” You know in the beginning of all things, when heaven and earth and all was created, what was there? Who was there? God and God alone. In the beginning, God created. And notice the power of God in this text and He said, “Let there be light.” And guess what. There was light! God is a God so powerful, so great, the Creator of all who was able to speak things instantly into existence.

You know you and I are confused about the power of God and miracles today because the religious world has watered it down so bad and it seems like anything that happens or anything good in my life or your life, somebody says, “It’s a miracle. It’s a miracle I made it on time. It’s a miracle that somebody today is feeling better than yesterday.” Everything is a miracle. Is that what miracles were about? Is that what shows the power of God? Maybe in some ways it does, but it is not the miracles of the Bible. The miracles of the Bible were complete, were instant, and full because they were from God. Do you remember lame individuals who were lying on the ground who couldn’t walk and had never walked in their life and they were told to what? Get up and walk. That’s a miracle. Instantly they did so. What about one being born as being deaf or unable to speak from birth and all of a sudden they are told to hear and guess what. They hear! That’s the power of God. God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God is the only true God, the only true Creator of all things who is alone powerful enough to be and do all that we read of in His precious Word the Bible.

Not only is that true but we find even a text there yet again in the New Testament that helps us to understand the power of God. If you’ll look at Romans chapter 1 as he is talking there about the wrath of God, the judgment of God as it will be wrathed toward the unfaithful and as it will be something that is a reward toward the faithful. He mentions here something very unique about God. Notice there with me in verse 20 what the Bible says. “For since the creation of the world,” there is that powerful event again, “His invisible attributes are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made.” How do we understand the power of God? The things that are made, the beauty of nature as we go out and we see the leaves as they change in the fall or as in the spring they come up, all of those new buds and those new plants and flowers and as they come to life and they cover and blanket the beautiful creation of God and to make it so wondrous. Life and wonder and power that is in our minds as we hold a newborn baby that is ours and that we have helped and played a part in bringing forth life to it. Why? Because God has given us that ability. He has created us and He has all powerful, a God that can make a human body and develop it in such a way that it is able and capable of doing far more than any human dreams could ever bring about. That is the God that Paul speaks about here and the God that he also says who not only is seen through His creation, and all things that He made, but hear the rest of the verse. “Even His eternal power and godhead so that they are without excuse.” How do we see and know God? Through all that He has done, through all that He has made, through all that He has revealed, through all that He has clarifies through His perfect Word, and His eternal power. What does eternal mean? That eternal means, “For God and from God that there is no beginning and there is no ending.” God is all powerful, has always been and was able to create all things. Able to also bless and reward all of His creation.

So how wonderful it is to know who God is as a powerful, glorious and mighty Creator, a God who spoke into existence all of creation as the scriptures tell us in six days. Yes, six actual days. Not what Theistic Evolutionists might tell you today or what your preacher might tell you or what the religious body that you attend might tell you, “Well He got it started and over a billion years…” That’s not what the Bible says. On day one, God created… this and on day two… and the evening and the morning were the first and the second and the third and the fourth, the fifth and the sixth day and on the seventh day God rested.

Do you know one of the most powerful verses that help us understand that? Have you ever gone to the book of Exodus? Those that promote such sure don’t like this verse. But look there at Exodus chapter 20 and study the Ten Commandments sometime and I want you to read specifically the commandment to “Keep the Sabbath Day.” Guess why the Sabbath Day was made holy? Do you know what it says? It says, “For in six days God created the world and on the seventh day, He rested.” Then do you know what it turns around and says? “So in six days you will work and on the Sabbath Day,” same wording, same terminology, same Hebrew words are used, “the final day God rested and therefore you will rest.” So there is no question about the power of God. The question comes with the faith of men, and their willingness to accept and believe those things that God has done, is doing, and has promised to do for us. I don’t know about you but I serve that God. I believe in that God and I think He can do anything and all that He has done, has promised to do, and that He wants to do for He is God and He is all powerful.

God is also eternal. We’ve already seen the eternal nature of His power, but even the concept of His eternal nature in and of itself. David helps us with that in the Psalms. If you’ll look there in the book of Psalms, we look there specifically at this moment in Psalm 90 as it talks to us about the eternal nature of God. Read with me if you will verse 2 of Psalm 90. “Before the mountains were brought forth or even you had formed the earth or the world even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” No question in his mind. A man who was faithful to God, a man who was led of the Holy Spirit, a man who out of all of God’s creation showed Himself worthy before his Creator. He was a man who said, “Look before you ever made anything, from everlasting to everlasting, no beginning and no end, you are God.” I have no problem with that because I have faith that God is the one true and only God. I see it in His creation. I see it in His power and His glory. I see it through His Word. I see it in His ability to know all things.

Do you remember what was said there in Proverbs chapter 5 and verse 21? It says, “Our ways are ever before God.’” God knows all things. You know when Adam and Eve tried to hide in the garden? They couldn’t hide from God because God knows everything. So we learn in the Bible, for instance in 1 John chapter 3 and verse 20 that, “Our God is a great God.” He is great because “He knows the hearts of man.” He knows all things. The scripture there tells us that He knows all things. How? He is God! He is an eternal God. He knows all things from all times, frontwards and backwards. You see, our God is powerful. Our God is also everywhere.

I love the Psalmist again in Psalm 139 as it gives us an idea of David knew that he was never alone when God was by his side because he says, “Where can I go from your Spirit?” (Verse 7) He says, “I can go into Heaven or make my bed in Hades or I can gain wings and go into the sky or into the uttermost parts of the sea and I can be in the day or the night. No matter where I am or what is going on God, you are there. You are everywhere. You are all knowing. You are all powerful. You are the Creator of all and you are the only true and perfect and living God.”

Yes, our God is perfect! In fact, in 1 John chapter 1 we read there that “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all,” (Verse 5). What does that mean? No darkness. No sin. Nothing that is imperfect. God is only and completely light.

Also Hebrews chapter 4 and verse 15 we learn that we have a High Priest who did not sin. He never engaged or touched sin because He is what? He is perfect. He is God. He is the light.

Thankfully we can also know that our God is an unchanging God. There in Hebrews 13 it tells us that, “Our God is the same yesterday. He is the same today, and He is the same forever.” Our God does not change. His Law, His Will, His Word has been established and what He has set in order, He hath commanded and also requires of us.

Of all things, we wonder what really is God like in a physical way? Well what we know about God is best found in John 4:24 where there clearly John by the Holy Spirit says, “God is Spirit.” In 1 Corinthians 15 we learn that God is not flesh and blood. Heaven is not made up of flesh and blood, earthly things. God is a Spirit. God to us is more like a Spirit or a ghost-like figure, something that is of a spiritual nature, not a physical nature. But this God is all powerful to take the form of humans, to take the form of animals, to help His servants to do anything and all things. Why? Because He is all powerful, He is all knowing, He is everywhere, and He is eternal. He has the ability as we know to be perfect and unchanging and that is the God that we serve. Don’t you know that as we said in the beginning in Exodus that when Pharoah said, “Who is the Lord?” That in not too many days he knew exactly who God was. He knew who the God of Israel was and certainly when God destroyed all of His armies in the Red Sea, Pharoah was able to say, “I know the God Of Israel. I wish I hadn’t of bothered Him.”

You see we must follow God, know God and always do what the one true God commands.

(SONG # 3 – “Amazing Grace!”)

CLOSING COMMENTS

Thank you again for choosing to be with us today, in giving this time to God. What a blessing it has been to share this time together in Christ. We invite you back every Sunday morning at 7:30, as we commit ourselves through this worship to God!

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May we all take more time and give more effort to know our Wondrous God. For there is none other like Him in the heavens or on earth. Our God is the one, only, true and glorious God of all!

(Program closing)