You learn something about God by finding out what he believes is right and wrong. The law was never intended to save us, folks. The Bible says the law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. The Bible also says that we do not become mature or grow in the Lord by keeping the law, but rather by faith in what God says. I understand all of that. But in this generation, we’ve decided the law has no purpose, no plan, no meaning, no significance to our life. Well, it certainly does. The law reveals what sin is from God’s point of view. And that’s the only thing that makes sin, sin.
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This is Hope for Today. The world is obsessed with glory. We see it all around us, don’t we? Men chase it, flex it, fake it. They build their little kingdoms, curate their image, and beg to be seen. But all the glory, the glory of man is smoke. One strong wind and poof, it’s gone. The glory of God, however, the glory of God is another matter entirely. It is weighty, fearsome, unapproachable, blazing through every page of scripture and leaving man face down when he sees even a flicker of it. Today, as David Hawking continues his series on the attributes of God, he begins a message on the glory of God. Using selected passages of Scripture, David’s going to take us into one of the most mind-shattering realities in all the Bible. Stay tuned. We’re going to the Word of God in just a moment. Just before that, Matt, today we have a letter from Eileen. And by the way, she says at the beginning of this letter, she ordered the sermon notes, the special pack we had for $75. And she’s going to use those to follow along as your dad teaches. And she has another great comment there.
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Share that if you would. Yeah, it says, I have been listening to David on Radio 88.1 in Indiana, and his sermons have nourished my soul. Thank you for continuing to circulate his sermons. Wow. And that’s the biggest blessing ever because once you realize that it’s the Bible, the whole Bible, nothing but the Bible that my dad preaches, it’s just a living word by the living God.
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That’s the heart and passion of Hope for Today. The word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. It changes lives forever. Folks, if you have a note for us, a note of encouragement, maybe a prayer request to share, if you’d like to make a donation to be a part of this work, get in touch with us and we’ll tell you a bit later how to do that. And here’s David.
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the glory of God. Take your Bibles and turn to Exodus chapter 33. Exodus chapter 33. The wonderful theme, the glory of God. The glory of God refers to what He is. All of His attributes is greatness. That’s His glory. That’s a glory that we need. And by the way, that’s a glory that we can receive. The Bible speaks about the transference of the glory of God to the glory that we need. But the glory of God also refers to what He deserves. We are to glorify Him. That’s something we give to God. We can give glory to Him. The psalmist in Psalm 29, 2 says, “…give unto the Lord the glory due to His name.” In 1 Chronicles 29, 13, after David collected the money for the temple project that his son Solomon would do, he said, Now therefore, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name. Psalm 145, 5 says, I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty. It does not yet appear what we shall be. Praise the Lord for that. But we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Glory time is coming, but glory time can also be here, but only in measure. Several years ago, when we were in Argentina and seeing the blessing of God there and multitudes coming to Christ, the crowds would shout out, almost in utter abandonment and ecstasy, Glory a Dios! Glory a Dios! Everywhere you went, everybody was saying it. Glory to God! Glory to God! This is the time to praise the Lord. All heaven breaks out in joy, the angels of God rejoicing over one sinner who repents. some of you may not know but our current western culture was baptized really in revival and evangelism and as it came into the eighteen hundreds in the last part of it something like the great awakening that brought this united states of america into existence seem to happen all over again God took an uneducated man named Dwight L. Moody and began to turn the nation upside down for God. Over a million people came to profess faith in Jesus Christ. Men followed him like Billy Sunday and others. There was a great song man for Dwight L. Moody who used to move audiences so much that Moody wouldn’t preach. He’d just give the invitation after he sang. And there was a song that captured all those great days of evangelism and revival. It was called the Glory Song. It was my privilege to hear Ira Sankey on a cylinder roll, his voice singing this song.
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When all my labors and trials are o’er And I am safe on that beautiful shore Just to be near the dear Lord I adore Will through the ages be glory for me. Sing it with me if you know it. Oh, that will be glory for me. Glory for me, glory for me. When by his grace I shall look on his face. That will be glory, be glory for me.
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Charles Gabriel, who wrote that song, also penned, When by the gift of his infinite grace I am accorded in heaven a place, just to be there to look on his face, will through the ages be glory for me. Friends will be there I have loved long ago. Joy like a river around me will flow. Yet just a smile from my Savior I know will through the ages be glory for me.
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Oh, that will be glory for me. Glory for me. Glory for me. When by His grace I shall look on His face, that will be glory.
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Be
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It was a past generation that spoke of the glory that’s coming. It seems to me the present generation is interested only in our own glory. Let’s pray. Father, we desire that you be glorified. We desire to understand your glory and the dimensions and extent of it. Lord, we know one day you’ve told us that glory will be a reality in our lives. Father, help us to focus on who you are, to focus on the wonderful hope that we have in you. Help us, Lord, to be lifted out of the struggles now, to see you. In all your glory. Remember King David said I’ve longed to see your glory as I once saw it in the sanctuary. Remember Isaiah spoke of your glory as the posts of the temple were moved. At the voice of him who cried and the place was filled with smoke. God may we see and understand your glory. Thank you Lord for what you’re going to do and it’s in Jesus name that we pray. Amen. The glory of God is revealed several ways and understood and seen in several ways. one of which is certainly in God’s power. In the power of God you see glory, especially in creation. Psalm 19.1 says, The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse shows the work of His hands. When I consider the heavens and the work of Thy fingers, and the sun and the moon and the stars, what is man that Thou art mindful of him, and the Son of Man that Thou visitest him? You see the glory in what God has made. Turn in your Bibles, please, to Romans chapter 1, and we see an indictment against man who refuses to glorify God for the glory that’s seen in His power. In Romans chapter 1, please, beginning at verse 18, the Bible tells us what happened to those who decided not to glorify God and wound up exchanging the glory of the Creator into the glory of something that that person had designed or made. In Romans 1.18 it says, “…the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress or hold down the truth and unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.” For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools and changed things. the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things. Therefore, God also gave them up. What is the real answer to this particular passage when we read of God saying I’m through with them or like verse 32 that those who practice such things are worthy of death and deserve the judgment of God we look at all this and say what brings this indictment from God against man And the answer is because they refused to glorify God for what they had in creation. The power of God displays, declares, reveals the glory of God. Notice in verse 20, it mentions His eternal power. Whoever made this had to be in existence before it was made. Eternal power. And whoever did it is obviously bigger than you and I. Eternal power. And we are held accountable for those two facts, no matter what else we know about God’s plan of salvation. The creation reveals a God of power. The heavens declare the glory of God. The second way in which we see God’s power is actually in His presence. This is very fascinating to me. Turn to Exodus chapter 40. Exodus chapter 40. The presence of God was displayed and revealing the power of God in it. And I kind of wish that something like what we’re going to read about would happen here. If it did, some of us would call 911 rather than realize it was the power and glory of God. In Exodus 40, after they’ve had all the instructions about how to build the tabernacle and all the instructions about how to manage the worship of that facility, something interesting happens when they get all done with the project. Verse 34, Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting because the cloud rested above it and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Wow. Imagine what that was. A cloud, a visible demonstration of the presence of the Lord. And it’s called the glory of the Lord filled the temple. Turn to Leviticus, the next book, just over to chapter 9. And look please at verse 22. The glory of God is revealed not only in His power, but in His presence. And He demonstrated that presence in a visible manner to the children of Israel. In Leviticus 9, 22, Aaron lifted his hand toward his people, blessed them, came down from offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces. Can you imagine this? That giant bronze altar, which the priest had to climb up to. There are animals all over it. He has sacrificed them. They go for a moment into the tabernacle of meeting, stopping for a moment at the laver to wash their hands, then to go into the presence of the Lord. Then they come back out and say a blessing for all the people. And all of a sudden, God displays his glory and fire shoots out of heaven and burns up everything on the altar. And all the people fell on their faces. Maybe we should have that happen here today. Amen. We lose sight of the glory of God in a generation filled with the glory of man. Look at 2 Chronicles, please, chapter 7. Interesting, it happened again when the temple was built. The temple, far more beautiful, far more permanent, it seemed, than the tabernacle, and yet it wasn’t too long after that that it was destroyed. But Solomon had made a tremendous prayer of dedication, dedicating the temple for the worship of the Lord. And something happened when he finished praying. 2 Chronicles 7, verse 1 says, Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. Folks, the presence of the Lord is so awesome, it’s like a thick cloud. Isaiah said it was like smoke. You can’t see, you can’t enter the building, and it’s just filling the place. No wonder the people responded. Gloria a Dios, glory to God. God is visibly manifesting His presence among His people. Turn to 2 Corinthians chapter 3 and let me show you a third way in which the glory of God is revealed. Not only in His power, especially creation, not only in His presence as it was visibly demonstrated to the children of Israel, but also in those principles we call the law of God. Those principles that a lot of people would just as soon not read today or pay any attention to or reevaluate or reinterpret. The Bible says the glory of the Lord was there. You learn something about God by finding out what he believes is right and wrong. The law was never intended to save us, folks. The Bible says the law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. The Bible says by the law is the knowledge of sin. The Bible says the law was added because of transgressions. The Bible says that we didn’t receive the Spirit by the works of the law, but rather the hearing of faith. And the Bible also says that we do not become mature or grow in the Lord by keeping the law, but rather by faith in what God says. I understand all of that. But in this generation, we’ve decided the law has no purpose, no plan, no meaning, no significance to our life. Well, it certainly does. The law reveals what sin is from God’s point of view. And that’s the only thing that makes sin, sin. It’s not our view, it’s what God says. And in 2 Corinthians chapter 3, we have an analysis of the glory that was in the law compared to the glory that’s coming in Christ. In 2 Corinthians chapter 3, verse 7, it says, And what that means is the law simply condemned us. If you offend in one point, you’re guilty of all of it. The Bible says a soul that sins, it shall die. So it was a ministry, a service that God gave to us that really wound up in death. It tells you what’s wrong and why you’re going to suffer the consequence. If the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, the Bible says God wrote it with his own finger, right in the stone. Can you imagine being Moses and seeing that? It says, “…if that was glorious,” verse 7, “…so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?” For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, and it did, then the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect because of the glory that excels. For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious. Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech, unlike Moses.” who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. But their minds were hardened, for until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day when Moses is read, and he is every Shabbat, every Sabbath day, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there’s liberty. But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory, presumably His, to glory, presumably ours, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. Now, that may be a little difficult to comprehend if that’s the first time you’ve ever heard it or gone over it. But let me explain what it’s saying. In the law there is glory. In Christ, there is glory. In the law, it is passing away. In Christ, it is permanent. The glory that we receive because of faith in Christ, though we don’t see the visible demonstration of it, we will one day. It doth not yet appear what we shall be, the Bible says. But one day, you’re going to look at each other and say, man, glory. But today you look at them and say, you need help. But one day it will be glory. The Bible says our bodies will be fashioned like unto His glorious body, the body of glory. It’s going to happen one day.
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That’s Bible teacher and author David Hawking reminding us of the things that every believer can look forward to once we escape these earthly bonds and go to be with the Lord. I look forward to that day. How about you? Well, this is Hope for today. David’s returning in just a few moments to close out our time in the Word of God. Some additional teaching is just ahead. Just before that, Matt and I have a couple of really helpful resources you may wish to add to your home Bible study library. Matt, God keeps his word, doesn’t he? Every time. Absolutely. But think about the disdain our culture has today for biblical teaching. The denial of truth, integrity, and the perfect applicability and divine authorship of the Bible.
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You know, these issues are not just contemporary. They’re outlined and addressed in the events of Genesis chapters 1 through 11, and a thorough study through the passages provides clear answers.
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Matt, it’s very easy to get discouraged by the evil flourishing in the Bible. and it is flourishing around us today big time watching the news can be depressing pressures to acquiesce and stay silent on biblical truth they are incredible big time but with your dad’s book the beginning from creation to the flood you’ll take a confidence building exciting journey through the first 11 chapters of the bible yeah the comparison between early civilization and contemporary culture are amazing but the teaching on creation the fall
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The nature of mankind and the justice and grace of God are outstanding. They are indeed.
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Get a copy of The Beginning from Creation to the Flood by David Hawking for insights and answers today. And it’s just $15. Your purchase is going to encourage your life, but it’s also going to help the ministry of hope for today. And please pray for hope for today. Amen. And Matt, we also want to mention that the Attributes of God radio series, which you’re currently hearing on Hope for Today, is available on MP3, the complete series, for just $20. We also have David’s original sermon notes and outlines that he used to teach each of these messages, the complete collection for the series. That’s just $10. These are really wonderful resources to help you hold on to what you’re learning, to go back through these great truths again, and dig even deeper into the Word of God at your own pace, and to share the series with somebody else. And one more quick note, very important, would you please pray for Hope for Today? And as you pray, would you prayerfully consider standing with Hope for Today financially, whether it’s a one-time gift or regular support, as long as God lays Hope for Today on your heart and enables you to give? Your partnership helps keep this broadcast going out and helps us continue declaring the truth of God’s Word without compromise. Your prayers and your giving really makes a difference. It makes you a part of the ministry. To tell us you’re praying, to make a donation, or to order resources, call 800-75-BIBLE in the U.S. or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada. You can also get in touch by visiting our website, davidhocking.org. That’s davidhocking.org. To get in touch by mail, write to Hope for Today, Box 3927, Tustin, California, 92781. That’s in the U.S. In Canada, write to Hope for Today, Box 15011. RPO 7 Oaks, Abbotsford, B.C., V2S 8P1. And once again, here’s David.
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When I was putting together the series on the attributes of God, it seemed to me that a fitting conclusion to the study would be the glory of God. Glory, kavod, means heavy, the weight of something. And God’s glory is heavy. The glory of God refers to who God is and what God can do. Now, the heavens, the material and physical universe, they declare the glory of God. And our Lord Yeshua manifested the glory of God. We are also told in 2 Corinthians 4, verse 6, that God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness— has shown in our hearts to give us the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. And we have that treasure in earthen vessels, just clay pots, so that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. Do you understand God’s glory? I hope you can be with us for each one of these broadcasts. God bless you.
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Well, thank you, David. If you missed any part of today’s program or perhaps a recent broadcast, go to davidhawking.org and click on the radio tab of our homepage. When you do that, you’ll be able to catch up on the last several broadcasts. Next time, David returns with day two of his message on the glory of God. You know, this world is drunk on human glory, but all of it, human glory, well, it burns out fast, doesn’t it? David’s going to take us back to the scriptures to show us the glory that belongs to God alone. Glory no man can create, no sin can improve, and no creature can ever steal. So be sure to join us as we bring you the Bible, the whole Bible, nothing but the Bible, right here on Hope for Today. Hope for Today.
