WHAT IS GOD REALLY LIKE?

Jesus replied, “… Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking to see him?” John 14:9 NLT

People tell me all the time that “It would be awesome if we could discover what God was really like?” I listen as others vainly attempt to convince each other that God probably has this or that kind of characteristic. Still, others still believe that God is like an old man walking around wrapped up in a sheet, with a beard hanging down from head to toe. (These are the same ones who believe that angels are little naked babies floating around on pink clouds strumming their harps. We’ll get to that lie some other time!)

Just because you have certain ideas about God, does not mean they’re right! Your personal conception of what God is like doesn’t matter. What matters is the truth! Jesus said in John 8:31 “to those…who believed Him, “If you continue (stay in, discover and apply) in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Where then can we discover the truth concerning God; the heartbeat of God? What’s God really like? What moves His heart? How does He react in certain situations? What makes Him sad or disappoints Him? What angers God? What kind of heart captures His attention? Jesus said in John 14:9 that “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!” Paul also writes in Hebrews 1:3 that Jesus is “…the express image of His person.” The NLT translation and The Message say the same thing in this manner. “…everything about him represents God exactly.” And “This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 confirms this fact. “…They don’t understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” NLT

Where do we begin? We simply read the Gospels…Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and as we do, we look at what the life of Jesus speaks about the Character and Nature of God the Father.

Every time I read any of the Bible, I’m always looking to discover two things.
1) I want to discover God’s character and nature.
2) I want to discover His principles so I can apply them in my life and teach the same to others.

For example…

Luke 5:17 shows us that whenever people gather in the Presence of God, there is power to heal all who are present, and sadly some will still walk away without getting what they really needed.

John 11:39 demonstrates that God desires us to do whatever we can do (as directed by the Spirit) and then we get out of His way as He does what only He can do!

Luke 13:34 reveals that God desires to be able to gather us under His wings of protection, but so often we won’t let Him.

Matthew 20:30-34 allows us to see that when someone gets a revelation of, and calls on the Mercy of God, (His extreme desire to be involved in removing the source of distress in our lives) it opens the way to the heart of God… “And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What do you want me to do for you?”

Matthew 23:37 shows that God dislikes “religious” people who try to profit from their status or position. These people focus on the religious aspects of traditional (man made laws) denominational garbage that keeps us from relationship with God. These focus on matters of ritual instead of issues of the heart as it seeks to connect with God himself.

Matthew 8:16 demonstrates that God wishes to heal everyone who will come to Him but we also discover in Mark 6:5-6 that unbelief throttles the hand of God and His ability to heal.

Matthew 19:14 reveals that God loves childlike faith.

Mark 5:34 allows us to see that Faith does play a role in receiving from God!

Mt 14:14 “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” Speaks for itself…. Now it’s your turn to dive into the life of Jesus and discover for yourself what God is really like.
Stop living your life vicariously!
Get to know Him yourself.

I don’t need to write the book again…it’s already been settled. You need to get into the Word. Take a look at the character and nature of God as revealed in the life of Jesus. Begin to read the Gospels today. “ Jesus said, “I am the Road, (Way) also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You’ve even seen him!” John 14:6-7 Message

If you really know Jesus…study His life…His motivation…watch Him operate…observe His lifestyle…learn His principles and obey His commands. You will see the Heart of God revealed right before your eyes AND receive a reward. Hebrews 11:6

2Pe 1:2 “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” Grace and Peace will multiply in your life as you truly discover Who God is and what he is like. It’s a lifelong journey!

Begin today!