What's God Like?
If you weren’t raised with truths about God, either through your parents, church, friends, or camp, it’s common to wrestle with mixed-up, misery-producing misbeliefs that create emotional turmoil. I wasn’t raised knowing God. Becoming a follower of Jesus in my late teens, I knew very little—but people gave me good books, particularly biographies of missionaries and others who had a vibrant faith. Through these I came to see that God is real—He is active in today’s world—in my world—and not just in Bible stories written long ago! I longed to know more so at eighteen, supporting myself and living in Kenya, I would drive to a local park on my lunch hour and read the book of Romans on my own, using a study guide. I listened eagerly in church, met with other Christians, and shortly after coming to America, was invited to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). Five years of studying Scripture under a dynamic teacher was followed by over ten years teaching for BSF and other churches. This led to many years teaching at women’s events around the country and overseas.
Reading the Word, studying it, teaching it, applying it, and sharing it with others has given me a profound awe for the wisdom and life-changing power that comes from knowing what God is like and how He wants us to live.
What about YOU? I’ve given you a brief glimpse into my own spiritual journey to being passionate about knowing God and His Word—now what about you? What drew you to seek God in your life? How has knowing Him and His Word made a difference as you go through various situations?Or is your knowledge a bit mixed up? Does it make you feel miserable? Do you wonder if God is against you for some reason and that’s why life is difficult? See if you identify with these beliefs I’ve heard lately:
3 Misbeliefs that need Challenging!
God is paying me back for my past sins.
Maybe God wants me dead because I broke a vow.
I asked God to help me sin--and He did.
We all mess up! But knowing what Scripture says—and doesn’t say—will keep you from messing up even more! Here’s a brief summary of what God says about all three misbeliefs:
If you’ve asked Jesus to forgive your sins and you belong to Him, (John 1:12), there is no more condemnation for what you’ve done, no matter how awful (Romans 8:1).
Again, there is no condemnation or punishment for the sins we have committed. Jesus bore the punishment we deserved on the Cross. His death took away all the ugly stuff God could hold against us (Romans 5:1; 6-11).
God never enables anyone to sin—it is why there were so many offerings to atone for sins in the Old Testament and Jesus’ one sacrifice took away the sins of many people (all those who believe and receive Him--Hebrews 9:28). Sin is hated by God. We’re not to offer our bodies to sin, but offer them to God for His purposes and glory (Romans 6:11-14).
If you want a refresher on your knowledge of God, why not begin reading (or rereading) the book of Romans? I’d love to hear what you learn from it, particularly if you discover you had some misbelief that’s impacted your life!
Read the Word, my friends. It is life-changing, eye-opening, emotionally-freeing, and will fill you with joy! Blessings,
Poppy
For further insights read my book, Reaching Higher.