Is God violent?

Matthew 5:38 - 42

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.   If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Noah’s Ark - Genesis 6:9 – 9:29

A favourite children’s story,

but what is the full story?

Many Old Testament passages portray violent acts of God

Ezekiel 9:5 – 7
          Jeremiah 51:20-23
          Isaiah 13:9

Why can’t we ignore it?

God’s character does not change, the capacity of humans to understand God does change.

Jesus - “the image of the invisible God...... for God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.”                        Colossians 1:15, 19

Through Jesus we see what God is like.

Matthew 5:39

Matthew 5:40

Matthew 5:41

How does seeing God through the life and person of Jesus, affect the way you understand God’s character?