Abstinence Not Temperance

INTRODUCTION

Many Christians believe in temperance, being moderate in the consumption of alcoholic

beverages, but are strongly opposed to excessive drinking. What is the Christian’s position? The

safest, most Scriptural answer is complete abstinence, for temperance may get broader than one

can control. Some say that since Jesus changed the water into wine in John 2:1-11; that the

Saviour gave permission for wine at a wedding.

What kind of wine did Jesus create in John 2:1-25? The Greek word is "oinos" meaning grape

juice while the word for intoxicating liquor is "shekar." Both of these words are used in Luke 1:15,

"For he (John the Baptist) shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine

(oinos) nor strong drink (shekar)." In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul exhorts Timothy to use wine as a

medicine, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often

infirmities." The word used here is "oinos" (grape juice). A writer says that the U. S. A. now has five

million alcoholics and three million prealcoholics, tottering on the brink of social helplessness. The

financial loss to the nation is about 700 million dollars annually.

Dr. Andrew Ivy of the University of Illinois says, "Alcoholism is now the nation’s number three

health problem from the viewpoint of lives lost and people disabled I. WHY DO PEOPLE

CONSUME ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?

If liquor clouds the brain and makes a fool out of a person why does he drink? If alcohol makes the

driver reckless and a potential killer why does he drink? The Manila Times (Philippines), Nov. 6,

1960 listed 13 answers given by drinkers.

Popularity; if you don’t drink you are unpopular and ostracized from society.

Conformity to the crowd; everybody drinks, why shouldn’t I?

The thought of power; it gives you nerve and courage to do what you ought to do.

As a gesture of friendship; it is considered anti-social and impolite not to drink.

As a show of manliness; this is particularly true of the teen-ager trying to attain.

As an escape from problems; in actuality liquor merely doubles the problems.

To overcome shyness; it is better to be shy and sober than drunk and talkative.

As public relations; it is essential to go to night clubs to close a "big deal."

Because they are disgusted with their ordinary, mediocre life; for a few hours they want to live in

the world of imagination, excitement and action

Chapter 2

INTRODUCTIONs

Many Christians believe in temperance, being moderate in the consumption of alcoholic

beverages, but are strongly opposed to excessive drinking. What is the Christian’s position? The

safest, most Scriptural answer is complete abstinence, for temperance may get broader than one

can control. Some say that since Jesus changed the water into wine in John 2:1-11; that the

Saviour gave permission for wine at a wedding.

What kind of wine did Jesus create in John 2:1-25? The Greek word is "oinos" meaning grape

juice while the word for intoxicating liquor is "shekar." Both of these words are used in Luke 1:15,

"For he (John the Baptist) shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine

(oinos) nor strong drink (shekar)." In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul exhorts Timothy to use wine as a

medicine, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often

infirmities." The word used here is "oinos" (grape juice). A writer says that the U. S. A. now has five

million alcoholics and three million prealcoholics, tottering on the brink of social helplessness. The

financial loss to the nation is about 700 million dollars annually.

Dr. Andrew Ivy of the University of Illinois says, "Alcoholism is now the nation’s number three

health problem from the viewpoint of lives lost and people disabled I. WHY DO PEOPLE

CONSUME ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?

If liquor clouds the brain and makes a fool out of a person why does he drink? If alcohol makes the

driver reckless and a potential killer why does he drink? The Manila Times (Philippines), Nov. 6,

1960 listed 13 answers given by drinkers.

Popularity; if you don’t drink you are unpopular and ostracized from society.

Conformity to the crowd; everybody drinks, why shouldn’t I?

The thought of power; it gives you nerve and courage to do what you ought to do.

As a gesture of friendship; it is considered anti-social and impolite not to drink.

As a show of manliness; this is particularly true of the teen-ager trying to attain.

As an escape from problems; in actuality liquor merely doubles the problems.

To overcome shyness; it is better to be shy and sober than drunk and talkative.

As public relations; it is essential to go to night clubs to close a "big deal."

Because they are disgusted with their ordinary, mediocre life; for a few hours they want to live in

the world of imagination, excitement and action.

Galatians 5:21, also lists certain things that will not inherit the kingdom of God and mentions

envyings, murders drunkenness, revellings and such like (liquor leads to all these related sins and

evils and is a damnable curse in our land).

REASONS WHY I BELIEVE IN ABSTINENCE RATHER THAN TEMPERANCE

My body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost and not to be defiled with poison or anything that would

defile it in any way. 1 Corinthians 6:19.

I am a witness for Christ and if I should take one tiny sip my weaker brother might be tempted

thereby to take a larger portion.

I am my brother’s keeper-- Genesis 4:9; I have a responsibility to help my brother (friend.

neighbour or acquaintance) to live a noble, upright, righteous life.

I am a steward of my money and I have absolutely no right whatsoever to squander it for that

which is not bread or profitable for me- Isaiah 55:2.

My Bible reveals the effects of liquor, therefore, as a Christian I heed its advice and refuse to allow

one drop of the filthy stuff to contaminate me.

I need not yield to the temptation to drink either socially or moderately; with every temptation God

guarantees a way of escape. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

I have been redeemed from sin, therefore, I refuse to return to its slavery; in Christ I am master

over evil- Romans 6:14.

As a Christian my life is to be a living witness of the power of God; if I live an intoxicated life I’m an

insult to the grace and goodness of God.

I want the world to be better because I have lived; if I’ve lived like the world then I’m on the broad

road going the wrong way; if I’m living on the straight and narrow way (Matthew 7:14) then I’ll lift

others to higher standards.

If I have to drink to be popular then I’m living with the wrong crowd; liquor is absolutely

unnecessary in clean Christian circles.

For the sake of my loving wife, devoted children and the community that I live in, I refuse to touch

one drop of liquor.

For the safety of others on the highway I refuse to imbibe, lest I become a menace and

thoughtlessly bring tragedy into the lives of other people.

A NOBLE EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

Daniel in Daniel 1:8-20, purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of

the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.

God honoured Daniel tremendously and advanced him to high positions because he was a

complete abstainer; God honours those who obey Him implicitly.

Daniel was strong physically, morally and spiritually. How did Daniel attain this unusual strength?

By purpose (determination}- Daniel 1:8; Daniel purposed in his heart to abstain.

By prayer- Daniel 6:10; pray diligently for victory over this social menace.

By self-denial; he could have lived like a king on royal dainties which would have led to fatness,

laziness and a dull mind.

By devotion; he kept close to God by constant meditation and obedience.

CONCLUSION .

Because one taste leads to another, one glass to another, the only safe, Scriptural conclusion is

complete abstinence always under ALL circumstances. A taste for liquor is easily developed but

the breaking of this vicious habit is a task superior to most men and only successful by the power

and goodness of God.

Rev. William McCarrell outlines his lesson on liquor this way: Liquor indulgence is wrong because

it:

Leads to other sins-- Deuteronomy 21:18; Deuteronomy 21:20 (disobedience, disrespect,

stubbornness).

Aids in breaking homes- Deuteronomy 21:18-21.

Leads from the seemingly harmless to chronic drunkards-- Deuteronomy 21:20.

Brings severe judgment- Deuteronomy 21:21.

Because it is costly- Deuteronomy 21:18-21.

Because it is linked with debauchery- Proverbs 23:20 (winebibbing, riotous fleshliness ).

Tends to poverty- Proverbs 23:21 (eventually, if not immediately).

Causes one to miss God’s kingdom- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

What type of wine did Jesus make in John 2:9?

What type of wine was Timothy to use as a medicine in 1 Timothy 5:23 ?

Which one of the 13 reasons why people consume alcoholic beverages do you consider

(1) the most logical;

(2) the most illogical?

Of the ten sayings of the wise men about alcohol which do you consider

(1) the best;

(2) the weakest.

Why shouldn’t one look on the wine when it is red? (two reasons)

What does God call wine in Proverbs 20:1? What does this mean?

Prove that drunkards will not go to heaven.

List ten reasons why one should practice abstinence.

What prophet was abundantly rewarded because he was an abstainer?

What do you learn about the results of liquor consumption from Deuteronomy 21:18-21 ?

Adaption

INTRODUCTION 

Regeneration begins the new life in the soul when it is born again by the Spirit.

Justification deals with the new attitude of God towards that soul.

Adoption admits man into the family of God with filial joy to our Father God.

Regeneration is a changed nature; justification is a changed standing; sanctification is a changed character; while adoption is a changed position. In regeneration the believer becomes a child of God; in adoption that child receives the position of an adult son; the baby or minor becomes an adult.

Galatians 4:5, "To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."

Galatians 4:7, "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

Adoption is our growing up into Christ and occupying our new position.

Here are two questions for each of us to ponder:

Is this standing instantaneous with conversion?

Can the adopted son be disinherited and cast away for being a prodigal?

THE MEANING OF ADOPTION

Adoption is a Greek word which means, "the placing of a son."

Romans 8:15, "But ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. " Ephesians 1:5, "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ." In Bible

times the word had a twofold meaning:

The private act of receiving a stranger into the family as a son.

The public, legal ceremonial act of recognizing the son as the heir-something like a "coming out", or "coming of age" party.

Until this ceremony was performed the child actually differed little from servants in the home. The word deals not with our relationship with God but our position before Him.

Adoption is the act of God whereby He places the justified believer as an adult son to enjoy the privileges and responsibilities of the position. In Exodus 2:1-25, Moses became the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter with all the rights and privileges of that position when he came of age. In

Hebrews 11:24, Moses rejected his Egyptian position for something better, for, "By faith Moses,

when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter."

THE CONDITION OF ADOPTION

Adoption has only one condition and that is to abide in Christ-union with Him.

Galatians 3:26, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." We do not have to wait until we have been a saint for one year or ten years, but immediately we enter into all the blessings of a fully recognized heir of God

THE TIME OF ADOPTION

It occurred before the foundation of the world. Romans 9:11, "For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth."

Adoption is a gracious act on the part of God entirely of mercy, we do not deserve or merit this loving favour from a holy God

It actually occurs the moment that one believes in Jesus Christ.

1 John 3:2, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God..." Sonship is a present possession.

We can truthfully say, "I'm a child of the King," not His slave but His son and heir.

We are not mere children under maids and tutors but adult members of the family.

Adoption will be completed at the resurrection when we enter His presence.

Romans 8:23, "... waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. "

Often in this world we are not recognized as sons of God. On that day we will occupy our rightful positions. Today we may be considered the offscouring of society.

Then we will throw off the disguise (this body) and put on the new body.

THE SIGN OF ADOPTION

The sign of adoption is to be led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.?

Guidance by the Holy Spirit is the path to sonship and the proof of sonship. The Holy Spirit guides the believer into the truth of God. John 16:13, "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.?

Galatians 5:18, "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law"; that is, you are delivered from the tutor and schoolmaster, you are free.

THE CRY OF ADOPTION-"Abba Father"

Romans 8:15, "But ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. "

Galatians 4:6, "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father."

Mark 14:36, Jesus in Gethsemane prays, "Abba, Father." This is a special word of endearment, of close relationship..

"Abba", is Aramaic, the language of Christ's childhood. "Father", is a Greek word, the language of the educated and learned of His day. A slave was never allowed to address his master as, "Abba".

THE BLESSINGS OF ADOPTION

They become objects of God's peculiar love. John 17:23, "... and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me. "-the intimate love relationship of Father and Son.

They become objects of the Father's fatherly care. Luke 12:27-33, the Father God looks after their livelihood as to what they will eat and wear; their occupation and health.

They have the family name. 1 John 3:1, "... should be called the sons of God."

They have the family likeness. Romans 8:29, "... conformed to the image of His Son."

They have the family love. John 3:14, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." (and they love us too.)

They have the filial spirit, Romans 8:15, "Abba, Father", the parent, child relationship.

They have the family gathering. John 14:23, "We will come unto Him." 8. They receive fatherly chastisement. Hebrews 12:5-11, which proves that they are true sons.

They receive fatherly comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:4, "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation."

They receive the Father's inheritance. 1 Peter 1:4, "To an inheritance, incorruptible."

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ADOPTION

Members of the Royal family of heaven must behave with becoming dignity.

We are to walk worthy of this high honour in keeping with our position.

We must love and serve one another as brothers and sisters in the same family.

John 13:14, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet,"

John 15:17, "These things I command you, that ye love one another."

CONCLUSION As a child enjoys the free run of the house and the privileges of running into the Father's presence at any time, so does the believer approach God's presence.

Those who are adopted into the family of God are led by the Spirit of God.

Am I led by the Holy Spirit? Do I have a childlike confidence in my Father? Do I avail myself of this liberty of access into His very own presence? Do I love the brethren, the family of God, as I ought to?

Am I a filial son? Am I obedient to the commands that He has given me?

Let us leave our spiritual babyhood and assume our position of manhood in Christ.

We ought to possess our possessions and live as sons of God; heirs of God.

Sometimes when parents adopt a child they try to keep that fact a secret from their children lest they will feel less than a full son or daughter. The story is told of one child, who knew that he was adopted, and was being teased by another child, "You're just an adopted child," with the inference that probably he was illegitimate or something. However, the child was proud of being adopted and replied, "Yes, I'm adopted. My parents chose me, picked me out of many babies. Your parents had to take what they got."

It is true that we are adopted into God's family; He chose us, Praise His name.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Distinguish between regeneration, justification and adoption.

Give the two Palestinian meanings of adoption and its present Scriptural meaning.

What is the condition of adoption?

Give the 3 tenses of adoption with one Scripture for each.

What is the sign that an individual is adopted into the family of God?

Explain, "Abba, Father."

List 7 blessings of adoption.

What is the relationship between Hebrews 12:5-11 and adoption?

What is the responsibility of an adopted son (or daughter) to God?

What is the blessed privilege of an adopted son?

Learning Cards (Tagalog) - UNANG ANTAS

 

Learning Cards (Tagalog)

TPV (Tagalog Popular Version)

  #1 BALANGKAS NG EBANGHELY O  

PAGPAPAKILALA

PAG-EEBANGHELYO

BIYAYA

                Ang Langit ay Libreng regalo.

                Hindi ito pinagsusumikapan at di tayo karapat-dapat.

TAO

                Makasalanan ang tao.

                Hindi maliligtas ang sarili.

DIYOS

                Maawain ang Diyos - kaya ayaw nya tayong parusahan.

                Makatarungan ang Diyos - kaya parurusahan Niya ang kasalanan.

CRISTO

                Sino Siya? - walang hanggang Diyos-Tao.

                Anong ginawa Niya? - Namatay sa Krus at muling nabuhay sa mga patay upang bayaraqn ang kaparusahan sa ating mga kasalanan at upang ihanda ang lugar sa langit na Kanyang regalo sa atin.

PANANAMPALATAYA

                Pananampalatayang Di Nakakapagliligtas.

•        Kaalaman sa Pag-isip Lamang.   
•        Panandaliang Pananampalataya

                Pananampalatayang Nakpagliligtas

•       pagtitiwala kay Jesu-Cristo lamang para sa buhay na walang hanggan.

PAGTATALAGA

PANGANGALAGA

Notebook sa Pagsasanay Unang Antas

 Pagpapakilala sa Mga Kagamitan

1. Pagpapahayag ng EE sa Pamamagitan ng Larawan
2. Paunang Salita
   
3. Pagpapahayag ng Pananampalataya at mga Prinsipyo
4. Mga Mungkahi sa Pagsasanay
5. Pangitain sa Pagsasanay

Mga Yunit sa Pagsasanay

Yunit I       Paghahanda sa mga Mananampalataya

Yunit II      Pagpapatotoo Bikang Bahagi ng Pang-araw-araw na Buhay

Yunit III    Pakikipagkaibigan

Yunit IV    Pagbibigay ng Patotoo

Yunit V     2 Panuring Tanong

Yunit VI    Pag-eebanghelyo: Biyaya at Tao

Yunit VII   Pag-eebanghelyo: Diyos at Cristo

Yunit VIII  Pag-eebanghelyo: Pananampalataya

Yunit IX     Pagtatalaga

Yunit X      Pagdidisipulo ng mga Bagong Mananampalataya

Yunit XI     Pagpapalista at Pagpaparami

Yunit XII    Pagharap sa mga Pagtutol

Yunit XIII   Pangwakas at ang Susunod na mga Hakbang

  

Evangelism Explosion

Mahal na Kaibigan kay Cristo,

Maluwalhating pagbati sa pagsasanay mo sa EE. Naniniwala akong matatagpuan mo ito na isa sa hahamon sa iyong kakayahan, magdadala ng buong katuwaan, magagawad ng gantimpala sa iyong mga pakikipagsapalaran sa buhay. Pagpalain ka nawa ng sagana ng Diyos sa pagbibigay mo nang matapat ng iyong sarili sa pagsasanay na malapit nang simulan.

Ang mga kaisipang ito ay matagal nang binuo, sinubukan, tinaya at inayos sa loob ng mahigit kumulang na 40 taon. Naniniwala ako na ito na ang pinakamabisang pagsasanay na makukuiha ng mga Cristiano para sa mga lider ng Church na gustong sanayin ang kanilang mga tao sa pakikipagkaibigan, pag-eebanghelyo, pagdidisipulo at mabungang paglago. 

Ang Notebook sa pagsasanay ay inihanda upang maintindihan at maisagawa ang mga materyales na ipinakikilala sa aklat ng EE. Kasama ng mga lektyur, mga pagpapakita kung paano ituro, pagsasanay sa paghahayag ng ebanghelyo at mga karanasan sa mismong pagpapatotoo, ang materyal na ito'y makakatulong sa iyo upang maging isang taong nagpapatotoo sa pamamagitan ng pamumuhay na gusto ng Diyos para sa ating lahat.

Marami ang nananalangin sa iyo sa pagsisimula ng pagsasanay mong ito. Nais kong personal na hamunin ka na ibigay mo nang buong-buo ang iyong sarili para sa gawaing nakalaan para sa iyo.

Pagpalain ka ng Diyos sa pagsisimula mo ng pinakadakilang pagharap mo sa buhay.

Matapat na sumasainyo sa ngalan ni Cristo,

D. James Kennedy, Ph. D.

Tagapagtatag at Pangulo

Kanyang Huling Kautusan....

   Ating Unag Pagmamalasakitan

THE TRINITY

INTRODUCTION
So far we have learned that there is one God --- the Creator of the world.
Deut. 6:4, " Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord." There is only one God.
But a careful study of the Scriptures will show that God exists in three Persons, that is, a Godhead manifested in three Persons.
Col. 2:9, " For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of Godhead bodily. "
Objection :  How can God be three Persons and one God at the same time? Would that not make three Gods, resembling pagan philosophy and contradicting Deut. 6:4?
Is the doctrinse of the Trinity not incomprehensible and contrary to reason?
Isa. 55:8, 9 teaches us that human reason has no bearing in the study of God, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
Neither the words "Trinity" nor "Triune God" can be found in the Scriptures.

I. BASIS OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY

1. Baptism of Jesus in Matt. 3:13-17, we see the Trinity at work: God the Father spoke from Jacob J. Vellenga , "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
God the Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, was being baptized.
God the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and alighted on the Saviour.
2. The baptismal formula in Matt. 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."
3. The benediction in II Cor. 13:14, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
4. The creation of man uses plural terms. Gen. 1:26, "And God said, Let US make man in our image, after OUR likeness: and let them have dominion."
In subsequent lessons we will show that the Son Jesus Christ was true and that the Holy Spirit is God.

II. ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY

1. Shamrock ----  a three-leaved plant used by Saint Patrick to illustrate this doctrine.
It is but one leaf but it has three distinct sections.
2. Water ----revealed in three forms --- liquid, ice and steam, yet it is only H2O.
3. Light ---- red heat rays that are invisible picturing the Father,
Yellow light rays that are seen picturing the Son,
Blue chemical rays that are seen by their effects, picturing the Spirit.
4. Business firm: (Smith & Co., three brothers, John, Henry and Peter)
It is the firm with one name but each brother is head of a department. The three work together without friction as a single unit as does the Lord.
5. A. Douglas. I am only one person but I can be revealed as three person: My mother sees me as a son. She sees me differently from anyone else and I respond to her in a way that is different from my response to others.
My children see me as father and that involves.
The class sees me as a teacher which is different relationship.
I remain one person but I am revealed as a son, father and teacher at the same time.
I God is one invisible God revealed in three separate Persons.

THE PERSON OF GOD

The study of God has been the ambition of philosophers, etc., for millenniums.
Some sit and meditate and try to think into the realm of the eternal Being. 

The only true knowledge about God can be gained from the Bible. John 1:18, “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.”

I John 4:12, “No man hath seen God at any time.”

Ex. 33:20 (God speaking to Moses), “And He said, Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live.”

Ex. 33:23, “And I will take away Mine hand, and thou shalt see My back parts: but My face shall not be seen.”

Moses talked to God and saw a part of Him but did not see the Lord’s face. Jesus who is God’s Son came from heaven to reveal the Father God to us.

 Jesus speaking to Philip, John 14:7-11, says that Jesus is the revelation of God.

Pagan wisdom says, “Man, know thyself,” but Jesus says, Man, learn of the Father.”

John 17:3 tells us that to know God and Christ His Son is to have eternal life, “And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.”

GOD’S PERSONALITY

Personality is characterized by possessing knowledge, feeling and will power. An idol is devoid of personality for it neither knows feels nor responds.

Our God is an individual that is living and has definite characteristics.

God is a person. He is not an influence or unseen force or power like electricity. Jer. 10:10, “But the Lord is the true God, He is the living God.” Acts 14:15, “. . . turn from this vanities unto the living God.” I Thess. 1:9, “. . . how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”  II Chr. 16:9, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect.” 

The moving eyes denote life and personality unknown to idols or false gods. Psa. 94:11, “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man,” that is He has knowledge.

GOD’S NATURE

God is Spirit. A spirit is a ghost—it has neither flesh, bones nor blood. Luke24:39, “Behold My hands and My feet, that is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have.”

John 4:24, “God is Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

I Tim. 1:17, “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God.”

I Tim. 6:16, speaking of God. “. . . who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see.”

GOD’S UNITY

The Lord our God is one God in contrast to the plurality of pagan gods.

Deut. 6:4, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord.”

Isa. 44:6, “Thus saith the Lord the king of Israel, and His Redeemer the Lord of host; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God.”

Isa. 45:21, “. . . and there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me.”

GOD’S NATURAL ATTRIBUTES

An attribute is a quality, property or unique characteristics of something. We reason that to be God, He must possess certain basic qualities.

These include the following:

1. He is Eternal. To be the true God He must have neither beginning nor ending. An idol is disqualified for it was made by someone, thus it had a beginning.

 Psa. 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.”

I Tim. 1:17,”Now unto the King eternal, immortal.” cf. Psa. 102:24, 27; Isa. 57:`15.

Gen. 1:1, “In the beginning God . . .“ God has always existed.

2. He is Unchangeable. God is so constituted that He cannot change.

I Sam. 15:29, “And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for He is not a man that He should repent.”

Mal.3:6, “For I am the Lord, I change not.”

Jas. 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

3. He possesses all power (Omnipotent). To lack this He could not be God.

Gen. 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heaven and earth.”—creative power.

Gen. 1:3, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Power by speaking.

Man makes things out of existing materials. God creates out of non-existent materials, objects that are good and perfect. Gen. 1:4, “It was good.”

Job 42:2, “I know that Thou canst do everything.” Job speaking to God.

Psa. 33:9, “For He spoke and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.”

Jer. 32:27, “Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me?” Certainly not, for He can do anything or everything.

4. He is present everywhere at one at the same time (Omnipresent), Kings 8:27.

Psa. 139:7-9, “Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall Thy hand lead me.”

Jer. 23:23, “Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off?”

Eph. 1:23, “Which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.”

5. He has all knowledge (Omniscient). Nothing is hidden from the Lord.

I Chr. 28:9, “. . . know thou the God of thy father . . . for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imagination of the thoughts.”

II Chr. 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect.”

Psa. 94:11, “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man.”

Dan. 2:20, “Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are His.”

Job 42:2, “No thought can be withholden from Thee.”

Isa. 40:28, “There is no searching of His understanding.”

GOD’S MORAL ATTRIBUTES

1.  God is Holy—Ex. 15:11, I Sam. 2:2; Isa. 6:3; I Pet. 1:16.
2.  God is righteous—Psa. 116:5; Ezra 9:15; Psa. 145:17; Jer. 12:1
3.  God is merciful—Psa. 103:8; Deut. 4:31; Psa. 86:15; Rom. 9:18.
4. God is love—I John 4:8; John 3:16; I John 3:16; John 16:27.
5. God is faithful—I Cor. 1:9; II Tim. 2:13; Deut. 7:9; Deut. 32:4.
6. Also God is Glorious—Ex. 13:11; Psa. 145:5.

                Longsuffering—Num. 14:18; Micah 7:18.

                Compassionate—I Kings 8:23.

                Unsearchable—Job 11:7; Psa. 145:3.

                Good—Psa. 25:8; Psa. 119:68.

                Immutable—Psa. 102:26, 27; Jas. 1:17.

                True—Jer. 10:10.

                Incorruptible—Rom. 1:23.

                Consuming fire—Heb. 12:29.

                Gracious—Ex. 34:6; Psa. 116:5.

                Jealous—Josh. 24:1; Nahum 1:2.

                Great—II Chr. 2:5; Psa. 86:10.

                Invisible—Job 23:8, 9; I Tim. 1:17.

                Upright—Psa. 25:8; Psa. 92:15.

                Light—Isa. 60:19; I John 1:5.

Perfect—Matt. 5:48.

Immortal—I Tim. 1:17; 6:16.

None like Him—Ex. 9:14; Deut. 33:26.

Love Him. Worship Him. Serve Him. Obey Him. Fear Him.