The Nature of God
The Nature of God24
It Is Impossible but That Offences Come
By Charles Finney0PSA 19:1ISA 53:5JHN 3:16ROM 1:202CO 4:2EPH 2:8Charles Finney addresses the prevalent infidelity among young men, emphasizing that many doubt the inspiration of the Scriptures not from honest study but from a lack of understanding their own moral nature. He argues that our conscience and moral intuitions reveal the existence of God and the moral law, which the Bible assumes as a foundation for its teachings. Finney illustrates this through a conversation with a skeptic, demonstrating how acknowledging one's moral failures leads to the recognition of the need for salvation through the Gospel. He concludes that rejecting the Bible is absurd when it aligns with our innate moral convictions and that the Gospel provides the necessary hope for redemption. Ultimately, he urges listeners to embrace the truth of the Gospel as the solution to their spiritual needs.
Of the Life of God.
By John Gill0DEU 30:20PSA 36:9JER 10:10JHN 5:26JHN 10:28ACT 17:25ROM 8:2EPH 4:18JAS 2:261JN 5:20John Gill expounds on the life of God, emphasizing that God's essence is life itself, distinct from all created beings. He explains that while creatures exhibit various forms of life, God's life is self-sustaining, eternal, and independent, making Him the ultimate source of life for all creation. Gill highlights that God's life is not only essential but also efficient, as He grants life to all beings, from plants to humans, and especially imparts spiritual life to the regenerated. He contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, affirming that true life is found only in God, who is eternal and immutable. Ultimately, Gill encourages believers to recognize their spiritual life as a reflection of God's divine nature, which is perfect and everlasting.
Of the Nature of God.
By John Gill0EXO 33:20JHN 4:22ACT 17:29ROM 1:20GAL 4:8PHP 2:6COL 2:9HEB 11:62PE 1:41JN 4:16John Gill explores the profound nature of God, emphasizing that while God's essence is incomprehensible to human understanding, it is essential to recognize Him as the ultimate Creator, distinct from all created beings. He asserts that God is a Spirit, not corporeal, and possesses a divine nature that is shared equally among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit without division. Gill highlights that God's attributes, such as omniscience and omnipotence, reflect His simplicity and unity, and that our understanding of God should be rooted in both natural revelation and divine scripture. He encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of God, despite the limitations of human comprehension, and to worship Him in spirit and truth.
In Green Pastures - April, May, June
By J.R. Miller0PSA 23:1J.R. Miller's sermon 'In Green Pastures' emphasizes the profound relationship between God and His followers, encouraging believers to seek God Himself as the ultimate gift rather than merely His blessings. He highlights the beauty of a life lived in service to others, the importance of character over worldly success, and the necessity of love and kindness in all interactions. Miller also discusses the significance of faith, obedience, and the transformative power of Christ's friendship in shaping our lives. The sermon serves as a reminder that true fulfillment comes from living a life dedicated to God and serving others with love.
The Teacher by the Sea
By J.R. Miller0MAT 11:28JHN 1:18JHN 14:9J.R. Miller reflects on the significance of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed miracles and taught profound truths. He emphasizes that Jesus, as the Son of God, revealed the nature of God through His teachings and life, embodying purity, kindness, and compassion. Unlike other teachers, Jesus not only spoke the truth but was the truth itself, offering divine mercy and comfort to a world filled with sorrow. His words have transformed lives and continue to resonate with grace and hope, reminding us that they will never fade away. The legacy of Christ's teachings remains a source of light and inspiration for all.
Of the Being of God.
By John Gill0GEN 1:1PSA 14:1PSA 73:25ECC 2:17ISA 40:26ACT 17:27ROM 1:20EPH 2:12HEB 11:31PE 5:8John Gill emphasizes the foundational importance of the Being of God in his sermon 'Of the Being of God,' arguing that the existence of God is self-evident and universally acknowledged across cultures and ages. He presents multiple arguments for God's existence, including the innate sense of Deity in humanity, the evidence of creation, and the moral conscience that points to a higher power. Gill asserts that the belief in God is not only a natural instinct but also essential for understanding morality and accountability. He addresses objections to God's existence, reinforcing that even those who claim atheism often reveal a deep-seated awareness of a divine being. Ultimately, Gill's message is a call to recognize and affirm the reality of God as the source of all truth and morality.
The Message of Psalms
By G. Campbell Morgan0PSA 22:27PSA 29:2PSA 46:10PSA 86:9PSA 95:6PSA 97:7PSA 100:2PSA 132:7PSA 138:2PHP 4:4G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound truths about worship as revealed in the Psalms, highlighting the conception of God as Jehovah, Elohim, and Adonahy, which compels worship. He discusses the attitudes of man in worship—submission, trust, and joy—as responses to God's sovereignty, might, and grace. Morgan illustrates that worship is initiated by God's self-revelation, prompting man to lay bare his soul and offer praise. The ultimate message of the Psalter is to worship God in all circumstances, transforming every moment into an opportunity for worship. He concludes with a New Testament affirmation of this message, urging believers to rejoice and present their requests to God.
The Nature of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0REV 21:9T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound nature of God as revealed in the concept of the heavenly Jerusalem, emphasizing that believers have already come to this spiritual reality despite its future implications. He highlights the context of persecution and spiritual decline faced by early Christians, drawing parallels to contemporary challenges within the church. Sparks asserts that understanding the nature of God is key to comprehending the significance of the heavenly Jerusalem, which symbolizes a spiritual reality rather than a literal city. He encourages believers to recognize that God's work in their lives is based on His divine nature, ultimately leading to a collective expression of that nature among His people. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of what it means to be partakers of the divine nature and how this shapes the Christian experience.
Leaning Toward Heresy
By A.W. Tozer0ISA 40:18JER 9:23A.W. Tozer warns against the heresy that arises when the Christian church adopts a distorted view of God, leading to a tragic decline in the understanding of His majesty and presence. He emphasizes that substituting lofty concepts of God with low and ignoble ideas results in a moral calamity for believers, ultimately diminishing the appeal of Christianity. Tozer asserts that the true nature of God must be upheld to avoid the insidious consequences of heresy, reminding us that true transformation comes only through being 'born again' in Christ.
Job 9:1
By Chuck Smith0JOB 9:2JOB 9:33PSA 8:4Chuck Smith explores the profound relationship between God and man, emphasizing Job's struggle to understand how a mere human can be just before an all-powerful God. He highlights Job's awareness of God's greatness, sovereignty, and the vast gap between divine and human nature, leading to the realization that a mediator is necessary. Smith points out that throughout history, humanity has sought to bridge this gap through various means, but ultimately, it is God who provides the solution through Jesus Christ, our mediator. Through Christ, believers can connect with God, as He understands our trials and serves as the bridge between the divine and humanity.
As the Son So the Father
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 1:23JHN 1:14JHN 10:30JHN 14:9ROM 8:92CO 5:19GAL 2:20COL 1:151TI 3:16HEB 1:3A.W. Tozer explores the profound truth that God has experienced human life through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that we can understand God's nature by observing how Jesus lived among us. He asserts that it is unnecessary to question how God would behave in our circumstances, as Jesus exemplified God's character in human form. Tozer highlights that Jesus, being both fully God and fully man, reveals the Father to us, and this divine presence continues to dwell within believers today. The sermon encourages us to recognize that God acts consistently with His nature, even in our lives, and invites us to experience this reality in our daily existence.
The Christian Conception of God
By R.A. Torrey0DEU 6:4JOB 42:2PSA 33:6PSA 139:7PSA 147:5ISA 59:1JER 32:17MAT 19:261JN 1:51JN 4:8R.A. Torrey emphasizes the Christian conception of God, describing Him as light, love, omnipotent, omniscient, and infinitely holy. He explains that God is perfect in all attributes and actively involved in the world, governing and caring for creation. Torrey highlights God's omnipotence, stating that nothing is too hard for Him, and His omniscience, asserting that He knows everything from the grandest to the smallest details. He also discusses God's eternal nature and the unity of God, affirming that while there is one God, there exists a plurality of persons within the Godhead. The sermon calls for deep meditation on God's character and attributes, encouraging believers to approach Him with awe and reverence.
I Kings 8:22
By Chuck Smith01KI 8:22PSA 115:4ISA 46:9Chuck Smith emphasizes the incomparable nature of God as Solomon kneels in the temple, recognizing that no other god can compare to Jehovah, the God of Israel. He highlights humanity's instinct to worship and the futility of creating idols that reflect our own desires rather than the true Creator. Smith points out that God cannot be confined to a physical form or location, and He remains faithful to His promises, including the restoration of Israel. The sermon underscores God's mercy, compassion, and desire for a relationship with humanity, asserting that knowing and serving Him leads to the fullest expression of life.
Ye Shall Know That I Am the Lord
By Andrew Murray0EZK 36:26JHN 17:3Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound significance of knowing God, as highlighted by the prophet Ezekiel's repeated declaration, 'Ye shall know that I am the Lord.' He explains that this knowledge is not only the essence of eternal life but also the ultimate privilege and joy for believers. The revelation of God's glory, holiness, power, and saving love in our lives is the highest favor bestowed upon us, providing strength and fulfillment.
My Friend
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 46:1SNG 5:16ISA 41:10MAT 28:20JHN 15:15ROM 8:38HEB 13:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes that Christ is a universal Friend, highlighting His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He describes Christ as an unfailing, independent, and unchangeable Friend who is always watchful and compassionate. Brooks portrays the deep intimacy and faithfulness of Christ as a Friend, inviting believers to recognize the sweetness and loveliness of their relationship with Him. The sermon encourages listeners to appreciate the multifaceted nature of Christ's friendship and His unwavering support in their lives.
The Marvelous Lovingkindness of the Father
By David Wilkerson0PRO 3:7JHN 1:18JHN 14:7JHN 14:20ROM 5:8COL 1:15HEB 1:31JN 4:8David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of knowing our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, who reveals God's character and lovingkindness. He explains that while God is invisible, Jesus embodies the essence of the Father, allowing us to understand His nature and love. The sermon highlights the confusion of the disciples, particularly Philip, who sought to see the Father, and Jesus' patient response that seeing Him is equivalent to seeing the Father. Wilkerson reminds us that to truly know God, we must first know Christ, who demonstrates both God's justice and unconditional love. Ultimately, the message is about experiencing the marvelous lovingkindness of the Father through a relationship with Jesus.
The Person of Christ the Great Representative of God and His Will
By John Owen0EXO 33:18JHN 1:18JHN 5:23JHN 14:9ROM 1:20ROM 1:232CO 4:6COL 1:15TIT 1:16HEB 1:3John Owen emphasizes that the person of Christ serves as the ultimate representation of God and His will, highlighting that while God's essence is incomprehensible to humanity, Christ embodies the divine nature and properties. He argues that all knowledge of God is mediated through Christ, who reveals the Father and fulfills the need for a tangible representation of the divine. Owen asserts that true understanding and worship of God can only be achieved through faith in Christ, as all other attempts to comprehend God lead to idolatry and misrepresentation. The sermon underscores the necessity of Christ's incarnation for humanity to grasp the divine attributes and the importance of recognizing Him as the image of the invisible God. Ultimately, Owen calls believers to seek a deeper relationship with God through the revelation of Christ.
Spirituality: The Key to All That Is of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 5:8JHN 3:3JHN 4:24ROM 8:141CO 2:142CO 5:17GAL 5:25EPH 2:10JAS 1:271PE 2:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that spirituality is the essential key to understanding and accessing all that pertains to God. He argues that without a spiritual state, individuals cannot grasp or receive the things of the Spirit, as the natural man is limited by an impassable barrier. The sermon critiques the reliance on worldly means such as money, reputation, and intelligence in Christian work, asserting that true effectiveness comes from being spiritually reconstituted. Sparks highlights the necessity of being born anew to engage with the Kingdom of God and warns against the dangers of blending natural abilities with spiritual pursuits, which ultimately leads to disappointment. He concludes that true spirituality, devoid of external rituals and formalism, is the foundation for a genuine relationship with God.
The Modern God Who Is Not Divine
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 7:11NAM 1:2ROM 1:18HEB 12:29C.H. Spurgeon addresses the modern conception of God, criticizing the creation of a false deity that lacks the attributes of the God of the Bible. He emphasizes that the true God is just and must be angry with wickedness, countering the belief that God is only loving and incapable of anger. Spurgeon argues that a God who does not punish wrongdoing is not worthy of respect and lacks the essential qualities of a moral ruler. He warns against the dangers of a diluted faith that ignores God's justice and righteousness. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a return to the understanding of God as both loving and just.
An Illustrated Sermon
By David Wilkerson0MAT 5:16JHN 1:18JHN 8:28JHN 10:30JHN 12:49JHN 14:9ROM 8:15COL 1:15HEB 1:3David Wilkerson emphasizes that every action and word of Jesus was intended to reveal the nature of the heavenly Father, showcasing His love, mercy, and grace. Jesus consistently pointed to the Father, asserting that His works were a direct expression of God's character, urging people to recognize their true heavenly lineage rather than relying solely on their earthly heritage. He confronted the religious leaders' misunderstanding and emphasized the importance of having a personal revelation of the Father to avoid a lifeless faith. Wilkerson highlights that without this understanding, people would be left with a hollow religion devoid of hope and direction.
Of the Blessedness of God.
By John Gill0JOB 9:4PSA 16:11PSA 24:1PSA 73:25PSA 103:1MRK 14:61ROM 1:25ROM 11:36EPH 1:31TI 6:15John Gill expounds on the blessedness of God, emphasizing that God's nature is inherently blessed, eternal, and self-sufficient. He argues that God's happiness is independent of external factors, as He possesses all good and is free from all evils, particularly sin. Gill highlights that God's blessedness is not only intrinsic but also the source of all blessedness for His creatures, who find their happiness in Him. He concludes that God's glory and majesty are recognized by all creation, affirming His status as the blessed and only potentate.
Message to a Secular University Audience
By Art Katz0PSA 22:27JHN 3:16ACT 17:26ROM 1:16Art Katz addresses a secular university audience, emphasizing that Christianity is not a narrow faith but a universal truth for all nations. He highlights God's love for the world, the necessity of seeking Him, and the importance of making a choice regarding faith in Jesus Christ. Katz shares his personal journey from skepticism to belief, illustrating the transformative power of God's Word and the call to come into the Light. He warns against the dangers of sin and the consequences of rejecting God's offer of salvation, urging listeners to recognize the eternal significance of their decisions. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to God above all cultural and national identities.
Ezekiel 28:1
By Chuck Smith0EZK 28:1Chuck Smith discusses the fallacy of man declaring himself as God, using the historical context of Tyre and its king who was worshipped for his wisdom. He emphasizes that this belief is not new, tracing it back to Satan's temptation in the Garden of Eden, where the desire to be like God led to humanity's downfall. Smith warns against modern movements that promote self-deification and the dangers of false teachings that exploit this desire. He concludes that while the aspiration to be like God is inherent in humanity, the claim to be God is a lie that leads to spiritual destruction.
All the Whole Volume of Perfections
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 73:25Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true Christians should seek God as their ultimate good, as He embodies perfection and completeness. He describes God as a pure, all-sufficient, and satisfying good, contrasting it with the mixed goodness found in earthly things. Brooks urges believers to earnestly and diligently pursue God, who alone can fulfill the deepest longings of the heart. He highlights that all the perfections of creation are found in God, making Him the only source of true satisfaction. Ultimately, Brooks reiterates the sentiment of Psalm 73:25-26, affirming that God is our strength and portion forever.