Have you ever thought about why you worship the God of the Bible?
I remember several years ago, I was on an airplane from Hong Kong to Beijing, and a young woman sitting next to me asked the question, “Why do you think your God is better than all the other religions out there?” Growing up in communist China, this woman had been taught that all truths were equal and valid. And now that she was living in England, and out from under communism, she was beginning to study about various religions and beliefs.
And as we talked, it was apparent to me that she was very intelligent and very open and sincere in her questioning. So for the next two hours, I shared passages of Scripture and research from archeology, philosophy and comparative religions to help her understand the absolute uniqueness and character of the God of the Bible.
But if I had to do it all over again, here’s what I’d say:
The reason I believe in God and worship Him is because He is before all things, He created all things, He upholds all things, He is above all things, He knows all things, He accomplishes all things, He rules over all things, and He is in control of all things.
In other words, my God is sovereign. This is why I have given my entire life to Him and trust that He is superior to all the other truth-claims in the world. He is not just another “-ism” out there to be considered. He is infinite and eternal, over all and worthy above all.
When we say God is sovereign, we declare that by virtue of His creatorship over all life and reality, His all-knowing, all-powerful and benevolent rule that He is in fact the Lord of all lords, King of all kings, and in absolute control of time and eternity. In fact, the sovereignty of God is that which separates the God of the Bible from all other religions, truth claim, or philosophies.
So what does this mean for you and me? What I think about God’s sovereignty, the phrase I like the best is that is that God is in control. When your loved one is lying in a hospital bed, God is in control. When the economy — national or personal – is on the downslide, God is in control. That is such a comfort.
As the ruler of everything, nothing will enter our life that God does not either decree or allow. And there is nothing that will come into our life that, if we are willing to trust in Him, He cannot work out for our good. That is God’s promise to us!
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Only God has the power to take all the events, situations, people, prayers and everything involved, in whatever difficult situation we’re in, and work it together for the good of those who trust in Him. He could never stand behind this promise unless He knew everything and had unlimited power. Therefore, it’s because He is the sovereign King of the universe that He can make and keep this promise!
So when you’re in a jam and you pray and ask God for help, remember to whom you’re praying. He’s the God who has power over the entire universe! And He’s also the God who infinitely loves and cares so much about you. That’s whom we’re praying to, and that’s why we worship Him.
This week, we are starting the fascinating series, God as He Longs For You to See Him. In it, we’ll study the seven attributes of God so that we can see Him for who He truly is. It’s my prayer, throughout this series, that as we begin to see God for who He really is and identify His true desires for our lives, it will change the very way we pray, live, and think about the world around us.
Keep Pressin’ Ahead,
Chip Ingram, Teaching Pastor
Living on the Edge
Written By
Chip Ingram
Founder & Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge
Chip Ingram is the CEO and teaching pastor of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip has a unique ability to communicate truth and challenge people to live out their faith. He is the author of many books, including The Real God, Culture Shock and The Real Heaven. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.
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