God Is Not What We Assume

Main message: God is holy and can be demanding, but he does not relate to us as a strict, performance-based judge; he desires a relationship with us that rests on what Jesus has done, not on our continual performance.

Key points:

• People often assume God is primarily strict, demanding, and transactional.
• The Bible affirms God's holiness and his righteous standards.
• The central story of Scripture, however, emphasizes God's desire for relationship.
• That relationship is not "what have you done for me lately?" but is grounded in Jesus' accomplished work for us.
• The emphasis shifts from human performance to grace through Christ.

Scriptures mentioned: none