Let me ask you this: if life were easy, would you really need Jesus? Honestly, if you had everything you needed and wanted and there was no pain or suffering in this world, would you really need Him? I think God purposely make life hard so that you will realize that you can’t do it alone and that you need God to help you. Take a look at his passage from Romans 5:3-5:
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Yes, sometimes life is easy and things are going well and then…BOOM!...something bad happens and you wonder, “Why is this happening?”
And when those hard times happen and things seem to be going bad, remember these great Biblical passages:
“TRUST in the Lord, your God, with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised those who love Him.” (James 1:12)
“Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
I hope that answers your question!
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Why do people do evil things?
Quite simply, it’s because of sin. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and took a bite of that apple, it let sin and evil into this world. But, I need to be clear on this too … God gave us all free will to either choose sin or to choose righteousness. Some people are just truly evil for whatever reasons. They’ve turned their backs on God and decided to live lives that we can’t even understand. We look at truly bad people and say, “Wow, I’m glad I’m not him!” The sad part is we all sin to some degree. Even though we don’t mean to be evil, we sometimes do things that hurt the heart of God. For example, lying to your parents or friends, being angry at someone and hoping something bad will happen to them, cheating on a test, or maybe stealing some candy when no one is looking. The Bible tells us specifically:
“There is no one righteous; not even one.” (Romans 3:10)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
It seems hopeless, doesn’t it? But, guess what? Here’s the Good News: Jesus Christ came to this earth and died on the cross for our sins. Our belief in that death and resurrection and the gift of grace that Jesus gives us through faith is what saves us from eternal punishment! Now, you have to ask yourself, do I really believe that? I am here to tell you without hesitation or shame that, yes, I believe that.
The reason that belief is so important is because if you don’t believe it or you question your faith, then that’s when fear creeps in. You begin to question things, especially when bad things happen! I have had many kids ask me, “How could God kill all those people in Haiti during that earthquake?” or, “Why does God let little children die?” Because we can’t make sense of it, we begin to falter in our faith, not trusting that God has a reason for it.
And when we doubt God, we allow fear to override our faith. I truly believe that it’s Satan trying to deceive us and to discourage us from trusting God completely. Satan knows that if he can create doubt in your mind, that’s when the fear can creep in. Satan is a master liar. He will do everything he can to make you doubt God’s abilities or love for you; he will even twist God’s word! Remember what he said to Eve in the Garden of Eden? Satan came as a serpent and convinced Eve to take a bite of the apple by saying to her, “Did God really say not to eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1) Then that darn serpent said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good from evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)
He tricked Eve and sin came into the world. Once sin entered the world, it allowed doubt to also enter our minds. When we doubt God’s abilities or love for us, we get scared. It’s not because we don’t believe in God, it’s because Satan makes us doubt that God is who He says He is and that God couldn’t possibly do all those things.
But, remember this…it’s all about faith. Know in your heart that God is who He says He is. Know that God is good all the time and that He cannot sin. Know that God loves you and that He has plans for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
“There is no one righteous; not even one.” (Romans 3:10)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
It seems hopeless, doesn’t it? But, guess what? Here’s the Good News: Jesus Christ came to this earth and died on the cross for our sins. Our belief in that death and resurrection and the gift of grace that Jesus gives us through faith is what saves us from eternal punishment! Now, you have to ask yourself, do I really believe that? I am here to tell you without hesitation or shame that, yes, I believe that.
The reason that belief is so important is because if you don’t believe it or you question your faith, then that’s when fear creeps in. You begin to question things, especially when bad things happen! I have had many kids ask me, “How could God kill all those people in Haiti during that earthquake?” or, “Why does God let little children die?” Because we can’t make sense of it, we begin to falter in our faith, not trusting that God has a reason for it.
And when we doubt God, we allow fear to override our faith. I truly believe that it’s Satan trying to deceive us and to discourage us from trusting God completely. Satan knows that if he can create doubt in your mind, that’s when the fear can creep in. Satan is a master liar. He will do everything he can to make you doubt God’s abilities or love for you; he will even twist God’s word! Remember what he said to Eve in the Garden of Eden? Satan came as a serpent and convinced Eve to take a bite of the apple by saying to her, “Did God really say not to eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1) Then that darn serpent said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good from evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)
He tricked Eve and sin came into the world. Once sin entered the world, it allowed doubt to also enter our minds. When we doubt God’s abilities or love for us, we get scared. It’s not because we don’t believe in God, it’s because Satan makes us doubt that God is who He says He is and that God couldn’t possibly do all those things.
But, remember this…it’s all about faith. Know in your heart that God is who He says He is. Know that God is good all the time and that He cannot sin. Know that God loves you and that He has plans for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Friday, 14 May 2010
Why did Jesus rise three days later instead of one?
Wow. Interesting question!!! First of all, did you know that there are over 300 Messianic prophesies that Jesus fulfilled? What that means is that in the Old Testament there are over 300 verses that specifically predict Jesus as the Messiah. Of those 300 prophesies, I counted 33 that specifically addressed his betrayal, death and resurrection. Remember, that the last book of the Old Testament was written nearly 400 years before Jesus’ birth!
Unfortunately, the Old Testament scriptures don’t specifically refer to the three-day resurrection. However, Jesus, Himself, predicted that He would be betrayed, crucified and killed then rise on the third day. Take a look at Matthew 12:40, which reads:
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
John 2:19-22 says it this way:
“Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." The Jews replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?" But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.”
The Apostle Paul wrote, in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, the following:
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”
But this doesn’t really answer why three days, right? And, quite frankly, I couldn’t find a compelling reason either. There are several theories and I’d like to offer you two that I believe are significant. First, back in the day of Jesus’ death, it was Jewish custom to wait three days before declaring someone dead. I guess they figured after three days in a tomb, you had to be dead and you just weren’t sleeping! So, by coming back to life after three days, Jesus proved that He truly did “rise from the dead.”
Unfortunately, the Old Testament scriptures don’t specifically refer to the three-day resurrection. However, Jesus, Himself, predicted that He would be betrayed, crucified and killed then rise on the third day. Take a look at Matthew 12:40, which reads:
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
John 2:19-22 says it this way:
“Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." The Jews replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?" But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.”
The Apostle Paul wrote, in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, the following:
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”
But this doesn’t really answer why three days, right? And, quite frankly, I couldn’t find a compelling reason either. There are several theories and I’d like to offer you two that I believe are significant. First, back in the day of Jesus’ death, it was Jewish custom to wait three days before declaring someone dead. I guess they figured after three days in a tomb, you had to be dead and you just weren’t sleeping! So, by coming back to life after three days, Jesus proved that He truly did “rise from the dead.”
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Where is Heaven?
Wow, what an awesome question! Okay, so here’s the first thing: you won’t find the location of Heaven on any map or atlas or on any celestial map of the universe. There’s no drawing in any versions of the Bible that shows where Heaven is either.
However, we do know a few things about the location of Heaven based on the Holy Bible. We do know that it is a real place and it is where God is. And, based on everything I’ve read, I can only say this about Heaven: it is somewhere in this spacious and infinite arena above the world.
Why do I believe this? Because, in Revelation 4:1 John writes that he looked and he saw a door open to Heaven and then a voice says to him, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” In Acts 1:11, it says, “Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
So, based just on those two Bible verses alone, we know that Heaven is in an upward direction and not on the surface of this earth. It is above and outside the earth and somewhere in space or beyond space. In the Old Testament, in the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 14, it talks about Lucifer (Satan) “falling from Heaven” and “being cast down to earth.” It also says that Satan wanted to “ascend to Heaven” and “raise his throne above the stars of God.” (Isaiah 14:12-13)
Is it somewhere in outer space? Is it in another realm beyond outer space? We just don’t know. The only other important thing I know about heaven is that I will go there someday after my time here is done. We are all promised eternal life, with God, when we believe in the name of Jesus Christ and receive Him as our Savior. I pray that you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior so that you will get to see how beautiful heaven is someday after you’ve lived a wonderful life here!
However, we do know a few things about the location of Heaven based on the Holy Bible. We do know that it is a real place and it is where God is. And, based on everything I’ve read, I can only say this about Heaven: it is somewhere in this spacious and infinite arena above the world.
Why do I believe this? Because, in Revelation 4:1 John writes that he looked and he saw a door open to Heaven and then a voice says to him, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” In Acts 1:11, it says, “Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
So, based just on those two Bible verses alone, we know that Heaven is in an upward direction and not on the surface of this earth. It is above and outside the earth and somewhere in space or beyond space. In the Old Testament, in the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 14, it talks about Lucifer (Satan) “falling from Heaven” and “being cast down to earth.” It also says that Satan wanted to “ascend to Heaven” and “raise his throne above the stars of God.” (Isaiah 14:12-13)
Is it somewhere in outer space? Is it in another realm beyond outer space? We just don’t know. The only other important thing I know about heaven is that I will go there someday after my time here is done. We are all promised eternal life, with God, when we believe in the name of Jesus Christ and receive Him as our Savior. I pray that you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior so that you will get to see how beautiful heaven is someday after you’ve lived a wonderful life here!
Monday, 10 May 2010
How does a missionary work? And are kids allowed to go? Do we have to pay to get there? What do we do to help?
Those are awesome questions! Let me answer them in the order that you asked, okay? First of all, depending on where the Mission Team is going determines what they will be doing. The main thing that a mission team does is to spread the love of Christ and the Word of God to non-Christian people. We do that in many different ways.
For example, for many years, we went to an orphanage in Guatemala to spend time with the kids and teaching them about God. At the same time, we also did repairs to their orphanage and brought them stuff they could use like socks, toothbrushes, clothing items, school supplies, etc. We also took a doctor with us, who would do check-ups or other do other simple medical care. Our hope and prayers were that they would see the love of Jesus through us.
Things have changed in Guatemala so we no longer go to the orphanage. But, we still go and now we build houses for some poor villagers. Again, we show them the love of Jesus by being servants just like Jesus was! Now, we’re starting to go to South Africa to basically do the same thing.
To answer your second question, kids are allowed to go but there are restrictions. In order to go to Guatemala, you have to be fourteen (14) and in order to go the South Africa you have to be sixteen (16). In both cases, a parent must also be going on the trip.
Unfortunately, these trips are not free. But, the church does a lot to help and there are people in the church that also contribute money to missions. Part of the fun of going on a mission is raising the money to go. The church holds a dinner auction every year to help raise money but, what’s even more fun, is raising the money yourself. I sent out twenty letters to non-churched family and friends and asked for a donation one year and I almost got the entire amount of what I needed just from them! But, here’s the deal: Don’t ever let the lack of money be an obstacle to deciding whether or not you’ll ever go on a mission trip. If you feel you are being called to go and God wants you to go, He will find a way to provide for you. But, you must be prayerful and take some steps to get the money.
Finally, you asked what kids can do to help. If you actually go on a mission, there are a lot of things you can do! But, the most important thing is to show people who Jesus is by your actions and words. Sometimes it just takes being kind to someone your age that doesn’t have the things you do. Sometimes it means showing them how to play a game or sing a song. Other times, it may be helping an adult with a certain chore. Remember, it’s all about serving and showing people the love of Jesus by your actions.
Even if you can’t actually go on a mission, there are still things you can do to help! You can pray for the Mission Team, you can be a “prayer partner” for one of the Mission Team members (which is really fun because you send them down with cards, one for each day, with a prayer or words of encouragement in them), or you can help raise money for the team. Pretty cool, huh?
I pray that someday God will put it on your heart to go on a Mission. It is one of God’s purposes for us; in fact, He commands that we:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
(Matthew 28:19-20)
This is often called the Great Commission. Basically, Jesus is telling us to go out into the world and to spread the good news about Him. While we go to Guatemala and South Africa yearly, you can start doing missionary work right here in Puyallup! Remember, being a missionary is basically about serving others. My kids have fed the homeless in Tacoma. My small group fed the homeless at the Armory in Puyallup. There are different ways to serve people and to show Christ’s love to them. Sound like fun? It is.
For example, for many years, we went to an orphanage in Guatemala to spend time with the kids and teaching them about God. At the same time, we also did repairs to their orphanage and brought them stuff they could use like socks, toothbrushes, clothing items, school supplies, etc. We also took a doctor with us, who would do check-ups or other do other simple medical care. Our hope and prayers were that they would see the love of Jesus through us.
Things have changed in Guatemala so we no longer go to the orphanage. But, we still go and now we build houses for some poor villagers. Again, we show them the love of Jesus by being servants just like Jesus was! Now, we’re starting to go to South Africa to basically do the same thing.
To answer your second question, kids are allowed to go but there are restrictions. In order to go to Guatemala, you have to be fourteen (14) and in order to go the South Africa you have to be sixteen (16). In both cases, a parent must also be going on the trip.
Unfortunately, these trips are not free. But, the church does a lot to help and there are people in the church that also contribute money to missions. Part of the fun of going on a mission is raising the money to go. The church holds a dinner auction every year to help raise money but, what’s even more fun, is raising the money yourself. I sent out twenty letters to non-churched family and friends and asked for a donation one year and I almost got the entire amount of what I needed just from them! But, here’s the deal: Don’t ever let the lack of money be an obstacle to deciding whether or not you’ll ever go on a mission trip. If you feel you are being called to go and God wants you to go, He will find a way to provide for you. But, you must be prayerful and take some steps to get the money.
Finally, you asked what kids can do to help. If you actually go on a mission, there are a lot of things you can do! But, the most important thing is to show people who Jesus is by your actions and words. Sometimes it just takes being kind to someone your age that doesn’t have the things you do. Sometimes it means showing them how to play a game or sing a song. Other times, it may be helping an adult with a certain chore. Remember, it’s all about serving and showing people the love of Jesus by your actions.
Even if you can’t actually go on a mission, there are still things you can do to help! You can pray for the Mission Team, you can be a “prayer partner” for one of the Mission Team members (which is really fun because you send them down with cards, one for each day, with a prayer or words of encouragement in them), or you can help raise money for the team. Pretty cool, huh?
I pray that someday God will put it on your heart to go on a Mission. It is one of God’s purposes for us; in fact, He commands that we:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
(Matthew 28:19-20)
This is often called the Great Commission. Basically, Jesus is telling us to go out into the world and to spread the good news about Him. While we go to Guatemala and South Africa yearly, you can start doing missionary work right here in Puyallup! Remember, being a missionary is basically about serving others. My kids have fed the homeless in Tacoma. My small group fed the homeless at the Armory in Puyallup. There are different ways to serve people and to show Christ’s love to them. Sound like fun? It is.
Monday, 22 February 2010
Why did God banish Adam and Eve & station an angel at the Garden of Eden?
Two VERY VERY good questions!
Eve ate the forbidden fruit when told by god not to do it. Adam and eve were punished for their disobedience.
Isn’t it wonderful that the grace of God will meet us where we are, but will not leave us in the same state in which we were found? Let me ask it this way: What would it be like if we remained in our fallen state for all eternity? God told Adam and Eve they could eat the fruit of any tree in the garden except the fruit of the tree of knowledge, which by the way, isn't necessarily an apple.
The story goes on to say the Serpent, who was Satan Himself, swayed Eve by appealing to her desires. God warned that if they should eat the fruit of this tree, in the same day they would die. Sure enough, this is what happened. At that moment, they died a spiritual death, thereby separated from God.
God in His mercy calls out to Adam, "Adam where are you?" God restores them spiritually, by sacrificing an animal. (Sin had to be paid for from the beginning. It's interesting to note that God was not satisfied with their attempt to cover their sin by making clothing out of fig leaves). Nevertheless, the physical effects and consequence of sin remained, thus the need for God to ban them from the garden.
This is one of the rare times we are given the privilege to read an account of a conversation that takes place between God the Father, and His Son Jesus: "God said, "The man has become like one of us, capable of knowing everything, ranging from good and evil. What if he now should reach out and take fruit from the Tree-of Life and eat, and live forever? Never - this cannot happen! So God expelled them from the Garden of Eden and sent them to work the ground, the same dirt out of which they'd been made. He threw them out of the garden and stationed angel-cherubim and a revolving sword of fire east of it, guarding the path to the Tree-of Life." (Genesis 3:22-24 The Message.) I believe, that this reveals that God is concerned for man because he knows that knowing the difference between good and evil doesn't mean we will always choose good.
Once Adam and Eve chose to sin, their physical bodies were corrupted, they immediately started to die -- along with everything else. All of creation was subject to death as a result of their choice (Wow! It makes me wonder what the lasting effects of my sin will be). If Adam and Eve did not obey and stay away from the tree of knowledge, why in the world would they stay away from the tree of life? How much more desirable is living forever? Isn't this what people are striving for today?
This brings me to my point and my understanding of God's choice. IF Adam and Eve had remained in the garden, surely they would have been tempted to eat from this tree of life. It must have been beautiful with fruit so luscious -- fruit that probably doesn't exist today. What would have been the result? They would have lived forever in their fallen state with no chance for physical redemption, no chance for a new Eden-a better Eden. They would live in a life filled with pain and heartbreak. It would be forever. Everything you are going though would be forever. God banned them to protect them because He loved them. He also loved the rest of his creation. So now, Adam had to tend to the ground because it was also corrupt. It would no longer yield the fruit and vegetables of its own accord. I believe you get the picture. Adam and Eve being banned from the Garden is the first time God show’s us how we should turn away from our sin. We need to admit our sin, ask God to place himself between you and your sin (ask for forgiveness), then turn away from it forever. Jesus Christ gave us a way to do just that!
.
Eve ate the forbidden fruit when told by god not to do it. Adam and eve were punished for their disobedience.
Isn’t it wonderful that the grace of God will meet us where we are, but will not leave us in the same state in which we were found? Let me ask it this way: What would it be like if we remained in our fallen state for all eternity? God told Adam and Eve they could eat the fruit of any tree in the garden except the fruit of the tree of knowledge, which by the way, isn't necessarily an apple.
The story goes on to say the Serpent, who was Satan Himself, swayed Eve by appealing to her desires. God warned that if they should eat the fruit of this tree, in the same day they would die. Sure enough, this is what happened. At that moment, they died a spiritual death, thereby separated from God.
God in His mercy calls out to Adam, "Adam where are you?" God restores them spiritually, by sacrificing an animal. (Sin had to be paid for from the beginning. It's interesting to note that God was not satisfied with their attempt to cover their sin by making clothing out of fig leaves). Nevertheless, the physical effects and consequence of sin remained, thus the need for God to ban them from the garden.
This is one of the rare times we are given the privilege to read an account of a conversation that takes place between God the Father, and His Son Jesus: "God said, "The man has become like one of us, capable of knowing everything, ranging from good and evil. What if he now should reach out and take fruit from the Tree-of Life and eat, and live forever? Never - this cannot happen! So God expelled them from the Garden of Eden and sent them to work the ground, the same dirt out of which they'd been made. He threw them out of the garden and stationed angel-cherubim and a revolving sword of fire east of it, guarding the path to the Tree-of Life." (Genesis 3:22-24 The Message.) I believe, that this reveals that God is concerned for man because he knows that knowing the difference between good and evil doesn't mean we will always choose good.
Once Adam and Eve chose to sin, their physical bodies were corrupted, they immediately started to die -- along with everything else. All of creation was subject to death as a result of their choice (Wow! It makes me wonder what the lasting effects of my sin will be). If Adam and Eve did not obey and stay away from the tree of knowledge, why in the world would they stay away from the tree of life? How much more desirable is living forever? Isn't this what people are striving for today?
This brings me to my point and my understanding of God's choice. IF Adam and Eve had remained in the garden, surely they would have been tempted to eat from this tree of life. It must have been beautiful with fruit so luscious -- fruit that probably doesn't exist today. What would have been the result? They would have lived forever in their fallen state with no chance for physical redemption, no chance for a new Eden-a better Eden. They would live in a life filled with pain and heartbreak. It would be forever. Everything you are going though would be forever. God banned them to protect them because He loved them. He also loved the rest of his creation. So now, Adam had to tend to the ground because it was also corrupt. It would no longer yield the fruit and vegetables of its own accord. I believe you get the picture. Adam and Eve being banned from the Garden is the first time God show’s us how we should turn away from our sin. We need to admit our sin, ask God to place himself between you and your sin (ask for forgiveness), then turn away from it forever. Jesus Christ gave us a way to do just that!
.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
How does God live?
That is a very awesome question! It’s also a very difficult question to answer because most of us cannot understand who God really is.
The problem is God is not human. Remember, we were created in His image not the other way around. Can we assume that He has a form that looks like us since in Genesis 1:26 God says, “Let us make man in our image; after our likeness.”?? Does that mean He has a head, a body, two arms and two legs? Or does that refer to His character? The answer is …. His character!
We want to be a reflection of God’s character because we are created in His image.
What is that character, you ask? The character of both God the Father and Christ the Son is that of spiritual holiness, righteousness and absolute perfection. God’s character might be summed up in the one word “LOVE.” It is the way of giving, serving, helping, and sharing. God’s nature is the way of peace, of justice, mercy, happiness and joy flowing out to those He has created!
In the book of Exodus, in the Old Testament, when Moses asks God what God’s name is, God replies, “I AM.” (Exodus 3:14) That means He’s always been here and always will be here!
So, to sum it all up, I think the best way to answer how God lives is by saying He just is. And the amazing thing is that He lives through us when we reflect His character! Wow!
The problem is God is not human. Remember, we were created in His image not the other way around. Can we assume that He has a form that looks like us since in Genesis 1:26 God says, “Let us make man in our image; after our likeness.”?? Does that mean He has a head, a body, two arms and two legs? Or does that refer to His character? The answer is …. His character!
We want to be a reflection of God’s character because we are created in His image.
What is that character, you ask? The character of both God the Father and Christ the Son is that of spiritual holiness, righteousness and absolute perfection. God’s character might be summed up in the one word “LOVE.” It is the way of giving, serving, helping, and sharing. God’s nature is the way of peace, of justice, mercy, happiness and joy flowing out to those He has created!
In the book of Exodus, in the Old Testament, when Moses asks God what God’s name is, God replies, “I AM.” (Exodus 3:14) That means He’s always been here and always will be here!
So, to sum it all up, I think the best way to answer how God lives is by saying He just is. And the amazing thing is that He lives through us when we reflect His character! Wow!
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