Lesson 4 The TRINITY
Part 3
In this final part of Lesson 4 we will be doing a true Scripture search as we complete our look at the TRINITY and the attributes of GOD.
1. Eternal
GOD the FATHER
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
GOD the SON
Revelation 1: 8 and 17 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
2. Omnipotent
GOD the FATHER
I Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
GOD the SON
II Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
Romans 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
3. Omniscient
GOD the FATHER
Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
GOD the SON
Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
I Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
4. Omnipresent
GOD the FATHER
Jeremiah 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
GOD the SON
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
Psalm 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
5. Holiness
GOD the FATHER
Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
GOD the SON
Acts 3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
6. Truth
GOD the FATHER
John 7:28 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
GOD the SON
Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
I John 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
7. Benevolent
GOD the FATHER
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
GOD the SON
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
Nehemiah 9:20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.
8. Communion
GOD the FATHER
I John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
GOD the SON
I John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
II Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
IF we cannot fully understand the doctrine of the TRINITY, we should not be troubled. Let me share a quote with you about this:
“He who would try to understand the Trinity fully will lose his mind. But he who would deny the Trinity will lose his soul.” . Lindsell and Woodbridge
The TRINITY is a mystery and will remain a mystery until we meet the LORD in glory. However, this does not mean we cannot believe it. We must believe it. GOD is very different from us. HE is SPIRIT and we are human beings. Personally I feel that GOD is honored and pleased by our believing this doctrine. It is an act of faith.
Man is also a tripartite being - body, soul, and spirit - for we are made in the image and likeness of GOD. Let us worship this great and one true GOD WHO is so superior to us. Let us give thanks to each member of the TRINITY - the FATHER, the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT (GHOST) - for all that THEY have personally done for us.
Showing posts with label Trinity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trinity. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 4 The TRINITY
Part 2
In this lesson we will have a look at the TRINITY acting in UNITY.
1. In Creation
GOD the FATHER spoke.
Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
GOD the SON was the WORD spoken.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT moved upon the face of the waters.
Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Job 26:12-13 He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.
By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.
2. In the Incarnation
GOD the FATHER gave HIS only SON.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
GOD the SON was born into the world.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT came upon Mary to cause conception.
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
3. In Redemption
GOD the FATHER accepted the sacrifice of Calvary
Hebrew 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
GOD the SON offered HIMSELF as our substitute.
Hebrew 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT - JESUS offered HIMSELF “through the eternal Spirit”
Hebrew 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
4. In Salvation
GOD the FATHER received the prodigal from the far country.
Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
The FATHER welcomes the sinner, forgives him, supplies robes, rings, and a feast.
GOD the SON is the SHEPHERD that goes to seek the lost sheep.
Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT seals the new convert.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
5. In Communion
GOD the FATHER invites us to come to HIM for fellowship.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
GOD the SON is the reconciliation.
II Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT effects this union and communion.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
6. In Prayer
GOD the FATHER is the ONE WHO receives the requests.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
GOD the SON is the ONE in WHOSE NAME we pray.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT directs us in our requests.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
7. In Glory
GOD the FATHER is to eventually receive the millennial kingdom.
I Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
GOD the SON is the ONE WHO will change our vile body to one like HIS.
Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT gives the invitation.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
8. In Regeneration
GOD the FATHER records the new name in glory.
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
GOD the SON cleanses the sin in HIS precious blood.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT performs the transforming miracle of the new birth.
John 3:3-6 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Part 2
In this lesson we will have a look at the TRINITY acting in UNITY.
1. In Creation
GOD the FATHER spoke.
Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
GOD the SON was the WORD spoken.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT moved upon the face of the waters.
Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Job 26:12-13 He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.
By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.
2. In the Incarnation
GOD the FATHER gave HIS only SON.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
GOD the SON was born into the world.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT came upon Mary to cause conception.
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
3. In Redemption
GOD the FATHER accepted the sacrifice of Calvary
Hebrew 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
GOD the SON offered HIMSELF as our substitute.
Hebrew 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT - JESUS offered HIMSELF “through the eternal Spirit”
Hebrew 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
4. In Salvation
GOD the FATHER received the prodigal from the far country.
Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
The FATHER welcomes the sinner, forgives him, supplies robes, rings, and a feast.
GOD the SON is the SHEPHERD that goes to seek the lost sheep.
Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT seals the new convert.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
5. In Communion
GOD the FATHER invites us to come to HIM for fellowship.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
GOD the SON is the reconciliation.
II Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT effects this union and communion.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
6. In Prayer
GOD the FATHER is the ONE WHO receives the requests.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
GOD the SON is the ONE in WHOSE NAME we pray.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT directs us in our requests.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
7. In Glory
GOD the FATHER is to eventually receive the millennial kingdom.
I Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
GOD the SON is the ONE WHO will change our vile body to one like HIS.
Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT gives the invitation.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
8. In Regeneration
GOD the FATHER records the new name in glory.
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
GOD the SON cleanses the sin in HIS precious blood.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT performs the transforming miracle of the new birth.
John 3:3-6 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 4 The TRINITY
Part 1
In our lessons, so far, we have seen that there is one GOD. However, a careful study of the Scripture will show that GOD exists in three PERSONS. A GODHEAD manifested in three PERSONS.
Colossians. 2:9 - For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
A common objection is: How can GOD be three PERSONS and one GOD at the same time? Wouldn´t that make three GODS? The TRINITY - one GOD in three PERSONS - is hard for us as humans to grasp. However in Isaiah 55:8-9 GOD teaches us that human reason has no bearing in the study of GOD.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As a side note before actually beginning the lesson, neither the words “Trinity” nor “Triune GOD” can be found in the Scripture.
Let´s take a look at the basis of the doctrine of the TRINITY.
Matt. 3:13-17. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Here, in the baptism of Jesus, we see the TRINITY at work.
GOD the FATHER spoke from Heaven ---17.And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
GOD the SON, our LORD JESUS CHRIST, was being baptized.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT descended like a dove and alighted on the SAVIOUR.
Let´s look at Mat. 28:19 where we as Christians are given a commission.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(HOLY SPIRIT and HOLY GHOST refer to the same PERSON of the GODHEAD).
Let´s look at the benediction in II Corinthians 13:14.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Let´s have a look at Genesis 1:26 where plural terms are during during the creation on man.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Now let´s take a look at some illustrations of the doctrine of the TRINITY.
Water is revealed in three forms - liquid, ice, and vapor (steam) and yet it is still H2O.
A shamrock is a plant. It was used by Saint Patrick to illustrate the doctrine of the TRINITY. A shamrock is one leaf divided into three distinct sections.
I am an illustration of this doctrine as well (and so are you). I am only one person but I can be revealed as three persons. My mother sees me as her daughter. She sees me differently from anyone else and I respond to her in ways that are different from my responses to others. My children see me as a mother and all that is involved with being their mother. My husband sees me as a wife which, again, is a relationship that is different from the other two. However, I am still only one person although I am revealed as daughter, mother, and wife at the same time.
GOD is one indivisible GOD revealed in three separate PERSONS.
I feel it is important at this point to emphasize that the TRINITY remains a mystery and no illustration can even begin to fully explain it. However, I do feel that these illustrations given help us to get a grasp on this difficult, complex doctrine.
Remember that GOD is SPIRIT and we are physical. Because of this it is hard for us to fully comprehend GOD: HE is infinite while we are finite. To try to explain the TRINITY in terms we can grasp is an attempt to put the facts of the infinite in finite terms.
I firmly believe that there is one GOD and one GOD only, who is eternally existing and WHO manifests HIMSELF to us in three PERSONS - FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT.
Part 1
In our lessons, so far, we have seen that there is one GOD. However, a careful study of the Scripture will show that GOD exists in three PERSONS. A GODHEAD manifested in three PERSONS.
Colossians. 2:9 - For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
A common objection is: How can GOD be three PERSONS and one GOD at the same time? Wouldn´t that make three GODS? The TRINITY - one GOD in three PERSONS - is hard for us as humans to grasp. However in Isaiah 55:8-9 GOD teaches us that human reason has no bearing in the study of GOD.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As a side note before actually beginning the lesson, neither the words “Trinity” nor “Triune GOD” can be found in the Scripture.
Let´s take a look at the basis of the doctrine of the TRINITY.
Matt. 3:13-17. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Here, in the baptism of Jesus, we see the TRINITY at work.
GOD the FATHER spoke from Heaven ---17.And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
GOD the SON, our LORD JESUS CHRIST, was being baptized.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT descended like a dove and alighted on the SAVIOUR.
Let´s look at Mat. 28:19 where we as Christians are given a commission.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(HOLY SPIRIT and HOLY GHOST refer to the same PERSON of the GODHEAD).
Let´s look at the benediction in II Corinthians 13:14.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Let´s have a look at Genesis 1:26 where plural terms are during during the creation on man.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Now let´s take a look at some illustrations of the doctrine of the TRINITY.
Water is revealed in three forms - liquid, ice, and vapor (steam) and yet it is still H2O.
A shamrock is a plant. It was used by Saint Patrick to illustrate the doctrine of the TRINITY. A shamrock is one leaf divided into three distinct sections.
I am an illustration of this doctrine as well (and so are you). I am only one person but I can be revealed as three persons. My mother sees me as her daughter. She sees me differently from anyone else and I respond to her in ways that are different from my responses to others. My children see me as a mother and all that is involved with being their mother. My husband sees me as a wife which, again, is a relationship that is different from the other two. However, I am still only one person although I am revealed as daughter, mother, and wife at the same time.
GOD is one indivisible GOD revealed in three separate PERSONS.
I feel it is important at this point to emphasize that the TRINITY remains a mystery and no illustration can even begin to fully explain it. However, I do feel that these illustrations given help us to get a grasp on this difficult, complex doctrine.
Remember that GOD is SPIRIT and we are physical. Because of this it is hard for us to fully comprehend GOD: HE is infinite while we are finite. To try to explain the TRINITY in terms we can grasp is an attempt to put the facts of the infinite in finite terms.
I firmly believe that there is one GOD and one GOD only, who is eternally existing and WHO manifests HIMSELF to us in three PERSONS - FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 1: The Existence of God
Part 1
As a Christian, I belive that there is one God in three persons. This is called the Trinity and the three persons are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Personally, I am a Christian by conviction and I am a scientist by profession. Both of these aspects of my life, Christian and scientist, have instilled in me a sense of order and a desire for truth. As a Christian I do not question how one God can be three persons. As a scientist, and a finite human being, I can understand the concept of the Trinity through observing the physical world we live in. Often those who do not believe there is a God and those who are babies in their new-found belief wuestion the Trinity. How can one "person" (God) be three people (the Trinity)?
Everyone is familiar with water. Our planet is over 75% water. Without it there would be no life on this planet. Water can be in any one of three states. It can be a gas (vapor) like steam or the clouds. Water can be a liquid that flows in the rivers, rains down from the sky, and quenches our thirst. Or water can be a solid in the form of ice that make up glaciers and cools your lemonade. Gas, liquid, solid - regardless of the form it takes, it is still water. God is still God regardless of whether He is Fathe or Son or Holy Spirit. Another example in nature is an egg. An egg has an outer covering (the shell) that provies protection for what is inside. Within the shell is the yolk (the yellow part) that developes into the chick. Also within the shell is the white or clear part. Shell, yolk, white - all are still an egg. Three that make one. A trinity. Another example would be myself. I am a daughter to my parents. I am a wife to my husband. I am a mother to my children. I am, however, still me, but I have a different role to play depending on the relationship. God is the same way. Each part of the Trinity has a distinct role. God the Father will be our judge. God the Son is our advocate. God the Holy Spirit guides us in paths of righteousness (if we allow Him to do so). In this first lesson we are going to dwell on God the Father.
To begin, we will study the existence of God. In the world today many would like to deny the existence of God. We are constantly confronted by stheists and others who want proof that God exists.
Take up your Bible and turn to I Corintians 2:14. Read the verse.
People who wish to believe that there is no God are nothing new. They've been around since for most of human history. The simple truth is that the natural man (the person who does not believe in God) has a difficult time believing in what he cannot see or touch.
Once when challenged to prove the existence of God, I asked the person why he did not believe. His reply: "I don't believe in anything I cannot see or feel." My response was to ask him how his breathing was. He demanded to know what that had to do with anything. I answered, "By your own definition, if you can't see it or feel it, it doesn't exist. You can't see oxygen or feel it or hold it or smell it or taste it, but it is all around you. The proof that exygen exists is that you are standing here, alive. And the fact that you are alive is proof of God's existence." The man got angry and stomped away. He didn't like his beliefs questions. What beliefs you ask? To believe there is no God requires more faith than is needed to believe there is a God.
The question of faith in the existence of God is easily solved for the Christian. Genesis 1:1 takes care of it. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The Bible begins with the positive fact that God does exist, and it is plainly stated in Psalm 14:1 what type of person denies the existence of God. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."
Personally, I know there is a God. I talk to Him everyday and He hears me. How do I know He exists? Because I ask in prayer and He answers.
In our next lesson (part 2), we will use the Scripture to prove God's existence.
Abundant Blessings!!!!
Part 1
As a Christian, I belive that there is one God in three persons. This is called the Trinity and the three persons are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Personally, I am a Christian by conviction and I am a scientist by profession. Both of these aspects of my life, Christian and scientist, have instilled in me a sense of order and a desire for truth. As a Christian I do not question how one God can be three persons. As a scientist, and a finite human being, I can understand the concept of the Trinity through observing the physical world we live in. Often those who do not believe there is a God and those who are babies in their new-found belief wuestion the Trinity. How can one "person" (God) be three people (the Trinity)?
Everyone is familiar with water. Our planet is over 75% water. Without it there would be no life on this planet. Water can be in any one of three states. It can be a gas (vapor) like steam or the clouds. Water can be a liquid that flows in the rivers, rains down from the sky, and quenches our thirst. Or water can be a solid in the form of ice that make up glaciers and cools your lemonade. Gas, liquid, solid - regardless of the form it takes, it is still water. God is still God regardless of whether He is Fathe or Son or Holy Spirit. Another example in nature is an egg. An egg has an outer covering (the shell) that provies protection for what is inside. Within the shell is the yolk (the yellow part) that developes into the chick. Also within the shell is the white or clear part. Shell, yolk, white - all are still an egg. Three that make one. A trinity. Another example would be myself. I am a daughter to my parents. I am a wife to my husband. I am a mother to my children. I am, however, still me, but I have a different role to play depending on the relationship. God is the same way. Each part of the Trinity has a distinct role. God the Father will be our judge. God the Son is our advocate. God the Holy Spirit guides us in paths of righteousness (if we allow Him to do so). In this first lesson we are going to dwell on God the Father.
To begin, we will study the existence of God. In the world today many would like to deny the existence of God. We are constantly confronted by stheists and others who want proof that God exists.
Take up your Bible and turn to I Corintians 2:14. Read the verse.
People who wish to believe that there is no God are nothing new. They've been around since for most of human history. The simple truth is that the natural man (the person who does not believe in God) has a difficult time believing in what he cannot see or touch.
Once when challenged to prove the existence of God, I asked the person why he did not believe. His reply: "I don't believe in anything I cannot see or feel." My response was to ask him how his breathing was. He demanded to know what that had to do with anything. I answered, "By your own definition, if you can't see it or feel it, it doesn't exist. You can't see oxygen or feel it or hold it or smell it or taste it, but it is all around you. The proof that exygen exists is that you are standing here, alive. And the fact that you are alive is proof of God's existence." The man got angry and stomped away. He didn't like his beliefs questions. What beliefs you ask? To believe there is no God requires more faith than is needed to believe there is a God.
The question of faith in the existence of God is easily solved for the Christian. Genesis 1:1 takes care of it. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The Bible begins with the positive fact that God does exist, and it is plainly stated in Psalm 14:1 what type of person denies the existence of God. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."
Personally, I know there is a God. I talk to Him everyday and He hears me. How do I know He exists? Because I ask in prayer and He answers.
In our next lesson (part 2), we will use the Scripture to prove God's existence.
Abundant Blessings!!!!
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