THE GOD WHO EXISTS

"In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1, emphasis added).

The Bible never argues for the existence of God.  It assumes that anyone with reasonable intelligence knows that all we see did not come from nothing.  Those who would deny that are branded like this: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Ps.14:1)  The word doesn’t mean mentally deficient, but morally depraved (see Rom.1:18-22).  The one who denies there is a God does not do so because of intelligence but iniquity—a problem not in their head, but their heart.

Thomas Nagel, professor of philosophy and law at New York University said: “It isn’t just that I don’t believe in God and, naturally, hope that I’m right in my belief.  It’s that I hope that there is no God!  I don’t want there to be a God; I don’t want the universe to be like that.”

Reason and revelation tell us otherwise. The world we see and the Word we read testify to Him. So, we are immediately introduced to the God who exists in Genesis 1:1.

His name here is Elohim.  The names of God are many—each conveying a different dimension of His character.  Think of a diamond with many different facets—every one giving beauty and clarity.  We will hope to explore these in days to come.  This name is a composite: El—meaning limitless power and Alah—speaking of absolute faithfulness. So, we are introduced to a God who is utterly capable and committed to do all He wills.  He is infinitely powerful and utterly faithful.

What an adventure we embark upon when we study the existence of God!

GOD’S TOP TEN

Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!  (Deuteronomy 5:29)

If you Google “top ten,” you will find a top ten list of just about everything.   For instance, when I did, it pulled up a top ten list for songs, movies, auto insurance companies, greatest people of all time, best rock drummers, and so forth.  The list of lists goes on.  Did you know God has a top ten list?  We call them the Ten Commandments, and one presentation of those is in Deuteronomy 5.  Deuteronomy means “second law.”  It is not a second version of God’s law, but a second proclamation of it.  The adult generation that came out of Egypt had heard the law stated the first time, but miserably failed to obey it.  The consequence was that they would perish in the wilderness—and by the time Moses speaks here, they had.  Now a new generation needs to know God’s top ten—and that is what you find in this chapter.

These commands reveal the very heart of Holy God.  They are the essence of His law—every other command flows from these.  They span the dimensions of  life in how we relate to God and man.  God was not offering suggestions; He was setting expectations.

• The first commandment (v.6) deals with Who we worship.  Yahweh is to be the exclusive object of worship. He will tolerate no rival.
• The second commandment (v.7-10) sets the way we worship.  Idolatry is forbidden.  We are not to worship a false god, neither are we to worship the true God in a false way.
• The third commandment (v.11) reminds us that the name of God is sacred because His name represents His nature.  Using His name profanely is besmirching Him.
• The fourth commandment (v.12-15) declares that God not only has a sacred name, but a special day.  One day set aside from work to focus on worship is the way of remembering that all of our days belong to God, and we are a stewards of time.
• The fifth commandment (v.16) calls us to respect our parents who are God’s representatives to us.  Honoring them shows we honor our Heavenly Father.
• The sixth commandment (v.17) underscores the sanctity of life.  Human life is made in the image of God, and is not to be taken in murder.
• The seventh commandment (v.18) shows the sanctity of marriage.  Unfaithfulness to our spouse is unfaithfulness to God.  We are stewards of our sexuality.
• The eighth commandment (v.19) tells us about the sacredness of property.  What God has given to us is not to be taken from us in theft.
• The ninth commandment (v.20) sets forth the sacredness of truth.  We are to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth for God is truth.
• The tenth commandment (v.21) is one that deals with attitude and ties all these actions together.  Coveting position leads us to idolatry, where we worship false gods and in false ways, desecrate God’s name, His day, and His representatives—our parents.  Coveting possessions can lead us to kill, commit adultery, steal, and lie about it.  Deny covetousness and you nip other sins in the bud.

We would do well to make God’s top ten ours also!

THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort....  (2 Corinthians 1:3)

The name of God is sacred for it reveals the nature of God.  Since His name is a disclosure of His infinite being, then many names are given in Scripture to help us relate to Him.  One name is not adequate, though all others flow from the name, I AM, for that is a limitless term, as we may see in that glorious name, many facets of God's nature.  I AM Alpha and Omega; I AM the Bread of Life; I AM the Good Shepherd--and so many more.  Whatever we need, we may know there is a name for that need.  Thus, Paul, writing to the Corinthians here, identifies Him as the "God of all comfort."  It was a precious name that Paul could bear witness to for he had been the recipient of God's remarkable comfort.  The degree of the solace he had received was in direct proportion to the depth of the suffering the Apostle had known.  As one reads this letter, Paul opens the door into the heart of a Gospel preacher and allows us to peer into the chambers filled with pain and problems that come with ministry.  Yet, in his disappointments and difficulties, during loneliness and labors, there is the note of faith in the sovereign purpose of God and declaration of the supernatural peace He bestows.  The best preaching arises from more than a doctrinal proposition formulated in the pastor's study, but from the personal manifestation of that truth's reality in daily living.  Paul wasn't discussing a theory but giving a testimony to the "God of all comfort."

The man of God knew something more--that God is no respecter of persons--so the comfort He gives for one man's trials is a promise of comfort to another facing his or her own problems.  Whatever you are going through today--the relentless pressures and pain of life that roll in continually like ocean waves--there is a supply of comfort available to us to enable us to withstand the storm surge.  God builds a sea wall with timbers of truth, grounded on the solid Rock, cemented together by grace to guard our hearts from despair.

In providing for Paul, God gave him a life message to other struggling pilgrims, and when we experience His comfort it is not meant to be hoarded, but shared.  Here is the context:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

God had comfort for Paul in his suffering and now he encourages the Corinthians that similar comfort is available to them, and thankfully to us as well!  May you know the "God of all comfort" today!