## Getting to Know God: An Unchanging God for an Ever-Changing World

## James 1:17

Omniscience means: God knows all

Omnipotence means: God is all-powerful

Omnipresence means: God is everywhere

Immutability = God Never changes

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17

"For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Mal. 3:6

Input…

Our World is Changing

What changes do you see?

Our Nation is Changing

"We live in a country which is the greatest country in the world, we have the best economy and a country wherein our dreams fulfilled, so I ask you to join me to change it." - Barack Obama campaigning

Our Culture is Changing

How do you see this taking place?

I. Seven Things About God That Never Change

A. God's Character Never Changes.

"Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations." Psalm135:13

1. What's in a name?

2. It often identifies with the character of the individual.

3. Judas - identifies with traitor - Benedict Arnold.

4. Adolf Hitler - identifies with the horrific acts of Nazi Germany.

5. God's name reminds us of His character.

(Psalms 8:1) O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

(Romans 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

B. God's Power Never Changes.

"But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee." Is. 43:1,3

1. 1st Law of Thermodynamics = The quantity of matter/energy remains the same. It can change from solid to liquid to gas to plasma and back again, but the total amount of matter/energy in the universe remains constant.

2. 2nd Law of Thermodynamics = While quantity remains the same, the quality of matter/energy deteriorates gradually over time. Ex. Coo-Coo Clock; wind it up and it will run down over time.

3. These are laws of nature…not God.

4. God's power had no beginning and it has no end…because He is eternal, His power is also eternal.

C. God's Promise Never Changes.

"He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;" Rom.4:20

"Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant." 1 Kings 8:56

1. Because His promises never change, we can be encouraged and assured of them.

2. Check His record…

(Numbers 33:53) And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it.

(Joshua 21:45) There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

D. God's Precepts Never Changes

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Is. 40:8

"Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever." Ps 119:152

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Matt. 24:35

1. The Word of God doesn't change.

2. Man may seek to change the Word, but His Word is also eternal.

3. So regardless of whether you lived in the 1st century or the 21st century…His precepts are constant.

E. God's Justice Never Changes.

"He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." Deut. 32:4

1. The word translated 'Rock' speaks of security, foundation, and protection.

2. So His ways of judgment are unchanging.

3. Note the example of Israel: Sometimes they were on top of the world, and at other times they were oppressed by the world.

4. But God's justice was always right!

(Nehemiah 9:33) Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

F. God's Holiness Never Changes.

"And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." Is. 6:3

(Revelation 4:8) And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

1. We have the eternal throne of God in view here.

2. Surrounded by the Seraphims who continually declare His holiness.

3. He was, is, and always will be a Holy God.

G. God's Purpose Never Changes.

"The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:" Isa. 14:24

"The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations." Ps. 33:11

1. Since we know God is unchanging, then we can be assured that His plan and purpose is unchanging as well.

2. It is comforting to know that while all around us we see men's plans and purposes change as frequently as the weather…

3. God's plan and purpose is established…He is not a fickle God…His counsel standeth forever!

II. God's Immutability Provides Four Spiritual Anchors for Us in this Ever-changing World.

A. Spiritual Anchor of Stability - Strength

"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure." Is.33:6

B. Spiritual Anchor of Security - Safety

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:" Matt. 7:24

C. Spiritual Anchor of Stamina - Endurance

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;" Rom. 5:3

D. Spiritual Anchor of Serenity - Peace

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7

"And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;" Is.32:18 "They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever." Ps 125:1