From the Inside Out
A Grace Filled Life
Misconceptions (1|2)
Pages 23-30
Ezekiel 25:15-17 (NIV) A Prophecy Against Philistia “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah, therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am about to stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will wipe out the Kerethites and destroy those remaining along the coast. I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I take vengeance on them.’”
Ezekiel 24:14 (NIV) “‘I the LORD have spoken. The time has come for me to act. I will not hold back; I will not have pity, nor will I relent. You will be judged according to your conduct and your actions, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”
Malachi 3:6-7 (NIV) “I, the LORD, do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors, you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.
What does it look like to move beyond the “basecamp” of basic truths and grow into a deeper understanding of God through His Word? What dangers arise when believers remain content with only a surface-level understanding of Scripture?
Why do you think some people see God as both angry and kind, and how can we make sense of that when we read the Bible?
Have you ever struggled to reconcile God’s justice with His mercy? What helped you come to a clearer understanding of His character?
When you think about God’s wrath and mercy, what emotions or questions arise in you?
How can followers of Jesus recognize and resist cultural influences that downplay God’s holiness and justice, while still holding on to the truth of His mercy and love?