Another Bible Study

So Charlie is crazy as ever, but time is tight this week (a bit of meeting overload), so here is the Bible Study we did Monday night.  Right now we're focusing on the characteristics/qualities of God, according to the Bible (interesting place to look to get to know Him, huh?) and why it matters to know who He really is, rather than who the world wants Him to be...

One True God
Psalm 135:1-21

• Who:
• Psalmist (possibly David)
• To Israel (135:1b, 135:19-20a)
• To all believers (135:2, 135:20b)
• About God
• What
• Command to Praise Him (135:1,3)
• Command to Bless Him (135:19-21)
• When
• No boundaries
• Implication of repeatedly, continuously by repetition of commands
• Where - No boundaries
• Why
• He is good (135:3a)
• His name is lovely (135:3b)
• He chose Israel (135:4)
• He is great (135:5a)
• He is above all other gods (135:5b)
• He is all powerful (135:6-7)
• He is the protector/defender of His people (135:9-11)
• He is the provider for His people (135:12)
• He is eternal (no beginning or end) (135:13)
• He is just and therefore judges (135:14a)
• He has compassion on His people (135:14b)
• He was not created (135:15)
• He is not mute (135:16a)
• He is not blind (135:16b)
• He is not deaf (135:17a)
• He is not lifeless (135:17b)
• He does not bring death (135:18)
• How
• Song (135:3b)
• Knowing Him (135:4-18)
• Proclaiming Him to others (135:1-21)

Psalm 135:15-18

• Who
• Psalmist (possibly David)
• To Israel (135:1b, 135:19-20a)
• To all belieers (135:2, 135:20b)
• About false gods, idols
• What: warning that "those who make (trust) them will be like them" (135:18
• When: No boundaries
• Where: No boundaries
• Why:
• Idols are less than God (135:5)
• Idols are made by man (135:15)
• Idols are senseless (135:16-17a)
• Idols are lifeless (135:17b)
• How: God forbids them (Exodus 20:3-5)

What is an idol?

• Anything that we instill with power
• "Mother Nature"
• Astrology
• Luck/Superstition/Fate/Destiny
• Anything that we put before or equal to God
• Prophets, teachers
• Family, friends
• Dreams, goals, plans
• Money, success, acheievement