Discover God’s Character: 13 Key Attributes of God. 2. Introduction. Do you find yourself doubting God when you are faced with a difficult situation?
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1By Bill Bright, founder of Cru Discover God™s Character: 13 KEY ATTRIBUTES OF GOD 1. God Is a Personal Spirit 2. God Is All-Powerful 3. God Is Present Everywhere 4. God Knows Everything 5. God Is Sovereign 6. God Is Holy7. God Is Absolute Truth 8. God Is Righteous 9. God Is Just 10. God Is Love 11. God Is Merciful 12. God Is Faithful 13. God Never Changes
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Discover God™s Character: 13 Key Attributes of God 2Introduction what God is like. Some see Him as an indulgent grandfather or a divine Santa Claus. Others see Him as a vengeful dictator. Many people fear God because they have a distorted understanding of His character. God not only wants you to view Him correctly, He wants you to know Him intimately. How you view God and His involvement in your life touches every facet of who you are. Everything about your life Š your desires, motives, attitudes, perception of who God is. Your self-image will improve once you realize the awesome greatness of God and the value He places on you. The more accurate your understanding of who God really is and how He is involved in your life, the more highly motivated you will become to excel in the use of your time, talents and abilities. God is completely trustworthy. God has unlimited abilities, so He can do anything. He is all-powerful, ever-present, all-knowing and sovereign. Nothing is can trust Him only to the degree that you know Him. God™s character is of the highest integrity. He is morally perfect in every way, so He will always do the right thing. He is holy, absolutely truthful, righteous And God is totally committed to His relationship with you, so you can experience the many blessings of His gracious goodness. He is loving, merciful and faithful, and He never changes. He will always do what is best for you. you facing challenges that seem beyond your ability and He wants to help you. Allow the truth about Him and His marvelous character to transform you. Only then will you experience God™s best and become all He wants you to be.
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Discover God™s Character: 13 Key Attributes of God 3God Is a Personal Spirit –so you can have intimate fellowship with Him. Our awesome God is gloriously incomprehensible. The following are four of the many ways He is beyond our understanding. Unlike us, God has no limits or boundaries. He is dimension of space. His love, holiness, mercy and all His other qualities are unlimited in their scope and expression. God is self-existent. Unlike everything else in the entire universe, He had no beginning. Because He is the Creator, He is the only One who exists outside of the created order. God is eternal. He is not bound by the dimension of time. He created time as a temporary context for His creation. With God, everything that has ever happened or will ever happen has already occurred within His awareness. God encompasses all of eternity! All creation relies on God for existence, but He has no need for anything. He does purposes. God is gloriously incomprehensible, but He is also goodness, He has provided a way for us to have an authentic, personal relationship with Him. First, God revealed Himself to us in His Word, the Bible. The Scriptures provide us with a clear description of what God is like and what is important to Him. Second, God came down from heaven to live on earth. For 33 years, human beings could observe the incarnate God through their senses as they walked and talked with His Son, Jesus. Third, God destroyed the barrier of sin and self- centeredness that separated us from our holy God. His perfect Son, Jesus, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Fourth, God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in Christians with His presence. Our Creator God did all this so we could go beyond just knowing about Him. We can actually enter into a warm friendship and intimate family relationship with Me with all your heart.fl (Jeremiah 29:13, New International Version) fiFriendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him.fl (Psalm 25:14, Living Bible)
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Discover God™s Character: 13 Key Attributes of God 4God Is All-Powerful – so He can help you with anything. God merely spoke the universe into being Š a universe that astronomers estimate contains more than 100 billion galaxies. But all the power contained in this entire universe is but a small representation of the unlimited power of God. The combined energy of all earth™s storms, winds, ocean waves and other forces of nature do not equal even a fraction of God™s almighty power. God™s power is inherent in His nature. All power has always been His and will continue to be His for all eternity. Any power that we have is given to us by God. Because God is all-powerful, He has the ability and strength to do whatever He pleases. His power is not restrained or inhibited by any of His created beings. People and nations are powerless when confronted by His might. Our amazing God is capable of doing anything Š as long as it does not violate any of His other attributes. No task is too big for Him. He never fails. And He is never tired, frustrated or discouraged. Yet our all-powerful Creator cares for us, and He longs to exhibit His power in our lives. David writes, fiWhen I look at the night sky and see You have set in place Š what are mere mortals that You should think about them, human beings that No matter what you might be facing, God can help you. Nothing is too hard for Him. No need is too great for Him to meet. No problem is too complicated for Him to solve. No foe is too strong to answer. The Bible promises, fiBy His mighty power at work than we would ever dare to ask or even dreamfl (Ephesians 3:20, Living Bible). If our hearts and motives are pure and we truly seek for us as we depend on His strength. fiI can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.fl (Philippians 4:13, NLT) fiO Sovereign LORD! You have made the heavens and earth by Your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for You!fl (Jeremiah 32:17, New Living Translation)
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Discover God™s Character: 13 Key Attributes of God 5God Is Present Everywhere – so He is always with you. Spirit, He is not restricted to being in one location at universe with all His wonderful personal attributes. Although God is distinct from His creation, all His fiIn Him we live and move and existfl (New Living Translation). We live in His glorious presence every moment of every day. When we are alone, God watches what we do. When we do something good that nobody else knows about, God sees it and will reward us accordingly. He also sees the bad things we do in secret. Hebrews 4:13 states, fiNothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountablefl (NLT). We actually have the presence of Almighty God living inside us. The apostle Paul wrote, fiDon™t you know that you yourselves are God™s temple and that God wants us to ficonsciouslyfl live in His presence each day. His ever-presence makes it possible for us to be in constant communication with Him and ignore His presence because we are so preoccupied with our lives. Sometimes we even forget He is with us while we are busy serving Him. any challenge that may come our way. No person or circumstance can ever remove us from the presence of our loving God. He is always with us, hearing our cries for help. He is always with us, protecting us from danger. He is always with us, watching what we do. He is our ever-present God, Savior, Lord and Master Š our dearest friend. [Jesus said,] fiI am with you always.fl (Matthew fiWhere can I go from Your Spirit? presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.fl (Psalm 139:7-10, New International Version)
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Discover God™s Character: 13 Key Attributes of God God Knows Everything – so go to Him with all your questions and concerns. is the source of all true knowledge, understanding distortions or wrong perspectives. It is totally true and accurate. God knows the answers to all of life™s questions. Unlike us, God is never surprised or bewildered, because He is always completely aware of all events past, present and future. He also knows everything about you Š your desires, motives and thoughts. God knows more about you than you will ever know about yourself. King David writes, fiO Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I™m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for Translation). be encouraged that God understands what you are going through. He knows about your pressures and problems, and He also knows the purpose for your trials. God promises, fiI know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hopefl (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). Whatever your circumstances, whatever your need, God has the answer. He knows everything about your situation and wants to help you. fiIf any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to International Version) fiOh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are His wisdom and knowledge and riches! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be His counselor and guide?fl (Romans 11:33-34, Living Bible)
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Discover God™s Character: 13 Key Attributes of God God Is Holy –so devote yourself to Him in purity, worship and service. Our God is holy. His character is perfect in every way. His moral excellence is the absolute standard of integrity and ethical purity. God™s supreme Him apart from His creation. As we meditate on God™s supreme holiness, we cannot help being overcome with a sense of awe. The psalmist tells us, fiWorship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the Solomon writes, fiThe fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understandingfl (Proverbs 9:10, NIV). To fear God does not mean to be afraid of Him but to have and unlimited authority. The Bible instructs us, fiServe the LORD with fear, and celebrate His rule with tremblingfl (Psalm 2:11, NIV). You have been set apart by God to be holy. Rather holiness. But you can be holy only by placing your faith in Jesus Christ. As the holiness of God works into the fabric of your being, you will become sensitive to sin and learn to abhor it as God does. God™s holiness demands your devotion. The apostle John strongly warns, fiDear children, keep away from anything that might take God™s place in your heartsfl (1 John 5:21, New Living Translation). Where to surrender to the lordship of Christ. Sin brings death and destruction, while holiness brings health and well-being. God wants your mind life is transformed, you will project the light of His holiness into the darkness of this evil world. Then you shall be holy as He is holy. fiBut now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.fl (1 Peter 1:15, NLT) fiWho else among the gods is like You, LORD? Who is like You Š majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?fl (Exodus 15:11, New International Version)
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Discover God™s Character: 13 Key Attributes of God 9God Is Absolute Truth – so believe what He says and live accordingly. Our God is absolute truth. It is impossible for Him to be otherwise. In fact, God is the source of all truth. Our God, who is present everywhere and knows all things, has total understanding of what is real, what is right and what is true. Whatever He says is completely accurate. When God gave the prophet Balaam a message to deliver to the king of Moab, Balaam said, fiGod is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not a human, so he does not change his mind. Has He ever spoken and Whatever God says is absolutely right. Whatever He God wants us to know the truth. Jesus prayed for His disciples, asking God to fisanctify them by the truth; Your word is truthfl (John 17:17, New International Version). The Bible helps us know and understand the truth about Him, about ourselves and about life. God also manifested truth to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, fiI am the way and the truth claim to know the truth, only Jesus could honestly claim to be the truth. God also guides us into truth through the working of His Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples, fiI will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever Š the Spirit of Jesus promises, fiYou are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings. And you will know 32, NLT). God™s truth frees us to live as He intended. God is our anchor of truth in a society of relativism and falsehood. Do your decisions and lifestyle Are you consistently spending time discovering Truth will be found only by those who diligently seek it in the right places. Commit yourself daily to walk in the light of God™s truth. fiTeach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live [Jesus said,] fiI was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.fl (John 18:37, New Living Translation)
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Discover God™s Character: 13 Key Attributes of God 10God Is Righteous – so live by His standards. God is righteous, and all the righteousness in the entire universe has its origin in Him. The psalmist exclaims, fiYour righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest (Psalm 71:19, New Living Translation). We live in an age when the distinction between right and wrong is becoming increasingly blurred. Our culture has adopted the principle of situational ethics, which proposes that what is morally right varies from person to person and situation to situation. Yet God™s standards do not change; they are timeless. nature. If we break God™s laws, we will pay the consequences. But we cannot keep God™s perfect standard on our own. Only by receiving Jesus as our Savior and Lord are we made righteous. The apostle Paul explains, fiWe are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we arefl (Romans 3:22, NLT). When we place our trust in Jesus, God no longer sees our sinfulness but only the perfect righteousness of Christ that now clothes us. God wants you to display His righteousness in your new life. You can do this through faith as you daily way of life. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God Š truly righteous and holyfl (Ephesians 4:22Œ24, NLT). This is possible only as you consistently submit your will to the Holy Spirit and depend on Him to empower you. As Christians, we must hold fast to the righteous standards set forth by the sovereign Ruler of the universe. Regardless of the beliefs and behavior of society, God will hold every person accountable according to His biblical decrees. Whose standards fiSurely, LORD, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.fl (Psalm 5:12, NIV) fiThe LORD is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does.fl (Psalm 145:17, New International Version)
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Discover God™s Character: 13 Key Attributes of God 11God Is Just – so He will always treat you fairly. God is absolutely just in all His judgments. Because of His holy righteousness, He cannot be bribed or corrupted in any way. God cannot be fooled. Because He is all-knowing and ever- present, He has all the facts at His disposal. He knows the circumstances and motives, so His decisions are always based on absolute truth. God is also a perfect judge because when He pronounces judgment, He has the power and sovereignty to carry out the punishment. fiEverything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is!fl (Deuteronomy 32:4, NLT). Justice is a pillar of society, ensuring that the innocent are vindicated and the guilty are punished. compromised for personal gain by corrupt judges and unscrupulous lawyers. Consequently, many people mistakenly believe they can manipulate God™s system of justice. They think that God is fooled by their excuses and alibis. But because He is a just God, His verdict will always be right. King David said, fiThe Lord is righteous, He loves justicefl (Psalm 11:7, New International Version). Because God is just, He will always treat you fairly. However, as the holy and righteous sovereign of the universe, God cannot ignore any act of sin. God hates sin with a holy passion. The psalmist writes, fiYou spread out our sins before You Š our secret sins Š and You see them all. Who can comprehend the God™s anger over sin should never be underestimated. You need to have a healthy fear of God to help you avoid anything that would violate your relationship with Him. God also rewards right behavior. Although your salvation is secured by faith in Jesus Christ, your determine the rewards you will receive from Him. We serve a just God, so what you do in this life will matter for eternity. fiGod will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.fl (Ecclesiastes 12:14, NLT) fiI, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.fl (Jeremiah 17:10, New Living Translation)
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