United Church of God Raleigh

Mercy is part of the emotional makeup of the living God... when God wants to tell us about himself to us and reveal some of the inner workings of His being... MERCY tops the list.But what is mercy? When referring to God's mercy are we merely using another means of saying God's grace? Does God's mercy serve the same function as His forgiveness? IF different … how are they different?I believe God's mercy is intimately related to His grace and His forgiveness yet mercy is a more intimate revealing of the mind of God that either grace of forgiveness.  Today we will review mercy in the old testament, then in the new testament as God's revelation to us of who and what He is. Also, that developing mercy in our own way of thinking is crucial in God's plan for us to grown into fully mature children in His eternal family.Exodus 33:18-20, 34:6-7a Moses had asked God if he might see Him in all his glory... God answered, "I will cause my goodness to pass before you". God is not known by seeing His appearance, He is know though His character… especially seeing that character in action. In revealing Himself God does not focus on His power, His all knowing wisdom, or His transcendence of all things physical and material... He reveals Himself through mercy, grace, and forgiveness [but also on justice]. Understanding these qualities is essential to understanding and knowing God. Today we will concentrate on mercy.Request this free bible study booklet: Who Is God?https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/who-is-god Keep Reading »

The ox in a ditch principle is found in Luke 14:1-6. From this short section of scripture we get an important perspective on Sabbath keeping: It is right and proper to alleviate the suffering of others on the Sabbath. The example of the ox falling into a hole it cannot get out of also adds the element of an emergency and danger where immediate action is required. Actions required to alleviate suffering could take the form of work you would otherwise not perform on the Sabbath but which needs to be addressed right away. In Luke 13:10-15 another example is offered by Jesus where the regular work of feeding and tending animals is cited. If the animal's owner does not perform the necessary feeding and watering on the Sabbath then the animal would suffer. We know the animals would not die without water or food for 24 hours, but why should they suffer in even a minor way so that we might keep the Sabbath more strictly. Request a free bible study guide - The Ten Commandments Keep Reading »