At our morning services in November, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.
14 November 2021 - 11am Service
In the Beginning God Series
“In the beginning God…” These are the first words of the bible. God is the foundation of everything, the ground of our being. But do we really know God or have a right view of Him? And is a journey of faith a journey towards a greater understanding and deeper relationship with Him?
Jesus came to reveal God as Father to the people on earth who thought they knew God best. Jesus reveals a God of surprises to us, and this series aims to help us examine our view of God and maybe look with fresh eyes at a God who is greater, more loving and merciful than we ever expected.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read James 2:13 and Luke 18:1-14.
One of the central fears that human beings have is of judgement and condemnation from God. There is a tension here as the bible reveals God as judge of all the earth, the one who uniquely judges rightly, but also reveals God’s heart of mercy. Of course a biblical ‘judge’ is giving good governance, not callous indifference. God being a judge is good news for those who cry out for help and justice. The other key to resolve this tension is God’s forgiveness; not condoning sin or excusing ‘behaviour’ but forgiving confessed sin which allows restoration and removal of shame (cf. John 8).
How do we relate to a God who knows all the secrets of our hearts, our motivations and actions?
Does God judge us through what happens to us in life? (eg. John 9- ‘Who sinned? Luke 13:1- 5).
How does God’s mercy tie up with the laws of ‘cause and effect’?
Is it fair on victims for God to forgive the perpetrators of evil on people?
What is the quality of mercy? What does it mean for ‘mercy to triumph over judgement’?
Does justice demand ‘consequences’? Can God be good and yet not judger?
The heart of God to save not judge, to show mercy is beautifully illustrated in the book of Jonah. That’s God’s best preferred outcome- mercy! And that is how we live. Jesus came to show mercy, not to judge, and wants us to be known as a community of mercy not judgement as we relate to one another and a watching world.