God = Love ?

Last Wednesday I started a nice argument in our Bible Study and maybe I can get you in on this debate.

We read 1 John 4: 16b – GOD IS LOVE

Here is the passage in context...

13. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the Day of Judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

The question I asked, which started the debate is this: “If God is Love, can we then say Love is God?” The arguments on both sides broke out after that. I wrote possible formulas for this and asked which the group liked.

1. God = Love
2. God > Love
3. God < Love

After some discussion I chose no. 2, because even though I believe that God does have (agape) love, He is more than that. He is also righteous, Holy, and the judge of all mankind. If he were no. 1 or no. 3 then certain realities, like hell for example, would not make any sense. I also believe that He is more than a principle (like love), and we are to relate to Him as a person.

What do you think? What side of the argument would take?

Bad Questions?

Are there any bad questions?

No, not if you are willing to be open to the truth.

As a Pastor I love to explore questions with people about the truth especially as it relates to God, faith and the meaning of life.

I want to invite you to ask your questions and send them to me at pastorjohn@clearwire.net . I will post them on this blog and attempt to give the best Biblical, Christ centered response I can give. Others will read our statements and hopefully be part of the conversation.

Why would I do this?

I really believe what Jesus told us, that if we seek we will find, if we ask we will receive, if we knock the door will be opened. Truth is a person, not an idea or an opinion. As we ask the questions that move us towards the truth we will find ourselves moving towards Jesus Christ and a personal relationship with truth himself.

So... ask, and will shall seek and knock together on the gates of heaven.

Pastor John