Who is God?

[Sonny]

Originally Posted By: Sonny

God is love (agape)

This is once again a description of what God is. Who is He? He, like all of us have attributes, but we are also, like God, a person, and we, and He, are not our attributes.

Who is this person God?

God is love. That's who God is....He is agape. His whole being lives to serve. God loves those who hate Him. God, in the form of Christ, was willing to lay His life down for eternity so that His enemies could take His place in heaven. That's who God is.....

[Flyboy]

But, WHO is God? You're describing what He's done. Not who He is. In a certain sense, what you do is who you are, but it is not a full description of who you are.

Okay, I give up. I want multiple choice. :)

[Gary K]

I have to say that I'm amazed that in a forum that says it is dedicated to spiritual things only 2 people are willing to say who God is to them on a personal level. Everyone else who has contributed to this thread seems to see God impersonally.

Why is that? How can proclaimed Christians not have a personal view of God? Isn't the basis of Christianity a personal relationship with God? If that isn't correct, what do you see as the basis of Christianity? Head knowledge? How is that Biblical?

I'm not putting anyone down for their response. I'm just mighty curious as to why the responses are what they are given that throughout the Bible our heart is said to be what God is out to change, where our words and actions spring from, etc....

Aren't we supposed to serve God from the heart? Isn't that a Biblical principle?

[Gail]

I have to say that I'm amazed that in a forum that says it is dedicated to spiritual things only 2 people are willing to say who God is to them on a personal level. Everyone else who has contributed to this thread seems to see God impersonally.

Why is that? How can proclaimed Christians not have a personal view of God? Isn't the basis of Christianity a personal relationship with God? If that isn't correct, what do you see as the basis of Christianity? Head knowledge? How is that Biblical?

I'm not putting anyone down for their response. I'm just mighty curious as to why the responses are what they are given that throughout the Bible our heart is said to be what God is out to change, where our words and actions spring from, etc....

Aren't we supposed to serve God from the heart? Isn't that a Biblical principle?

I think you are on to something and it is getting me excited again

Thinking now of the seal of God. I'm tossing up the idea that it is not a literal "mark" that an angel as much as a settling into a loyalty to following God that simply cannot be shaken in spite of the persecution and trial that soon await God's followers. In one sense those who love Jesus are being drawn there currently.

"And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart." To me that implies a thirst and hunger for more.

[Flyboy]

The repeated "who" and "WHO is God?" perhaps may have made people feel a little unsure how to answer, thus unwilling to make themselves vulnerable and sharing their deepest feelings on the Thing that they hold most dear in their lives, just to login later with another reply of "Yes, but WHO is God?"

I had an Aussie pastor not too long ago who walked around in church with the mic and randomly asked people why they love Jesus and to tell a miracle moment in their lives. Mind you, this was a church with a few hundred people and he had no sympathy for the shy. He was very insistent that ANY Christian should be able to answer this question and that failure to do so was revealing of one's true character. Hey, I love Krispy Kreme doughnuts too, but you ain't gonna see me expressing my love for those doughnuts so aggressively. What you will see, on the other hand, if you look in the window, is that I'll be happily chomping down on a few. Happily and silently. Everyone has gifts.

As for me, Jesus to me is the person who can/will relieve all of my suffering, all of my imperfections, everything I dislike about myself will be gone in Heaven. As long as my compass with Him is due north, In Heaven I will be a patient person, I will be more loving, and He will, above all, take away all of my temptations, this great burden! It amazes me that Someone can take me, such a terribly imperfect person, and perfect me. He is also the only person I can turn to when I have fears, He sets my mind at ease when I know He is the person in control of my life. I know He will guide me in the right direction. I am also continually amazed, when I travel, at the creativity of His mind, at the things I see, the cultures, the vast oceans and huge mountains.

I know, let me guess.... I didn't answer the question?

[Gail]

If he doesn't like that answer I'll approve of it!! :)

[Gary K]

The repeated "who" and "WHO is God?" perhaps may have made people feel a little unsure how to answer, thus unwilling to make themselves vulnerable and sharing their deepest feelings on the Thing that they hold most dear in their lives, just to login later with another reply of "Yes, but WHO is God?"

I had an Aussie pastor not too long ago who walked around in church with the mic and randomly asked people why they love Jesus and to tell a miracle moment in their lives. Mind you, this was a church with a few hundred people and he had no sympathy for the shy. He was very insistent that ANY Christian should be able to answer this question and that failure to do so was revealing of one's true character. Hey, I love Krispy Kreme doughnuts too, but you ain't gonna see me expressing my love for those doughnuts so aggressively. What you will see, on the other hand, if you look in the window, is that I'll be happily chomping down on a few. Happily and silently. Everyone has gifts.

As for me, Jesus to me is the person who can/will relieve all of my suffering, all of my imperfections, everything I dislike about myself will be gone in Heaven. As long as my compass with Him is due north, In Heaven I will be a patient person, I will be more loving, and He will, above all, take away all of my temptations, this great burden! It amazes me that Someone can take me, such a terribly imperfect person, and perfect me. He is also the only person I can turn to when I have fears, He sets my mind at ease when I know He is the person in control of my life. I know He will guide me in the right direction. I am also continually amazed, when I travel, at the creativity of His mind, at the things I see, the cultures, the vast oceans and huge mountains.

I know, let me guess.... I didn't answer the question?

I disagree with you again, Flyboy. Great answer. That is your picture of God. That is who God is to you. The answer came from your heart.

I realize the questions I'm asking are very difficult questions for some people to answer. They take a lot of internal evaluation, as they do make us evaluate ourselves and what we believe. I see that as a very worthwhile endeavor.

Ellen White tells us that our first duty is to know ourselves.

[BobRyan]

Originally Posted By: BobRyan

5. God chose that His Law cannot be broken without punishment - for the sake of the stability of the universe.

Punishment doesn't do any good. It's fear based.

[BobRyan]

Thinking now of the seal of God. I'm tossing up the idea that it is not a literal "mark" that an angel as much as a settling into a loyalty to following God that simply cannot be shaken in spite of the persecution and trial that soon await God's followers. In one sense those who love Jesus are being drawn there currently.

"And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart." To me that implies a thirst and hunger for more.

What if it is a literal mark - that good angels can see - but men cannot.

A mark that tells them who is in and who is out -- when the plagues start falling.

in Christ,

Bob

[Sonny]

punishment = condemnation = death

Again, Punishment doesn't do any good. It's fear based. Love changes the heart.

[Gary K]

punishment = condemnation = death

Again, Punishment doesn't do any good. It's fear based. Love changes the heart.

I would say the Bible disagrees with you.

Jude 1: 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

I would say fear of death is a major motivator in getting people to change their behavior, and getting people to evaluate what they are doing with their lives.

The carrot and the stick are both motivators. It doesn't matter what motivates you to start investigating who God is, it only matters that your investigation brings you to the truth of who God is, and when that happens you will love Him because you know Him. Then He can change your heart.

[miz3]

I think these texts are very wise and true!

1. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10

2. And he said to man, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding

Job 28:28

3. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. Psalm 19:9

4. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Psalm 34:11

5. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7

6. then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:5

7. The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

Proverbs 10:27

8. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:27

9. The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Proverbs 19:23

10. Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

Proverbs 23:17

11. Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. Acts 9:31

All these texts use the "fear of the Lord" as a positive not a negative. I guess "fear" is a good word and actually does change the heart.

Also, I guess, punishment also does good as well. To say that punishment does no good is to follow the World, Satan, and the current godless philosophy!

[Dr. Waite]

Jesus Christ is the true and faithful witness. Rev. 3:14.

Who did Jesus Christ, the true and faithful witness, say God is?

Did he ever say that God is a unity of three co-eternal persons?

Whom did he say is the "only true God"? See John 17:3

Did the author of the following have it correct?

" For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him." See 1 Cor. 8:5-6

Did the author of the following have it correct?

"One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all." See Eph. 4:6

Did the pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist church have the correct truth when they said:

"That there is one God, a personal, spiritual being, the creator of all things, omnipotent, omniscient, and eternal, infinite in wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness, truth, and mercy; unchangeable, and everywhere present by his representative, the Holy Spirit. Ps. 139:7" ?

[Sonny]

I would say fear of death is a major motivator in getting people to change their behavior, and getting people to evaluate what they are doing with their lives.

[Woody]

Quote:

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. "

[Sonny]

Bingo....

[Gary K]

Originally Posted By: Gary K

I would say fear of death is a major motivator in getting people to change their behavior, and getting people to evaluate what they are doing with their lives.

Fear creates insecure, self-righteous individuals. The last generation of Christians who have fully grownup into Christ "loved not their lives even unto death". They, like Christ on the cross, will be willing to give up their lives forever because of their love for God. Love is everything.

Quote:

The carrot and the stick are both motivators. It doesn't matter what motivates you to start investigating who God...

God wants our hearts to be right...especially our motive. Here's Ellen White:

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

I have to ask.... How long have you had a major problem with reading comprehension?