How was your faith put into action this week?

1. The Existence of God

• The Bible does not seek to prove the existence of God. The fact that there is a God is assumed throughout the Scriptures. The first verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:1, is an example. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." God's existence is presented as a statement of fact that needs no proof. The man who says there is no god is called a fool in Psalms 14:1.
• However, even apart from the Bible, there are certain evidences for the existence of God.
  • Mankind has always believed in a universal being.
  • Creation must have a creator. The universe could not originate without a first cause.
  • The wonderful design which we see in creation demands an infinite designer.
  • Since man is an intelligent being, the creator must have been of a much higher order in order to create him.

2. The Nature of God

God is Spirit - He is invisible

• John 1:18
  
• John 4:24
  

God is a person - Personal names are used in reference to Him.

• Exodus 3:14
  
• Exodus 6:3
  

3. The Attributes (Characteristics) of God

• Omnipresent (present everywhere) - Jeremiah 23:23, 24
• Omnipotent (all powerful) - Jeremiah 32:17, 27
• Omniscient (all knowing) - Job 34:21
• Eternal (everlasting) - Deuteronomy 33:27
• Holy (free from all defilement, absolutely pure) - Isaiah 6:3
• Righteous or just (always does what is right) - Psalms 145:17
• Merciful (doesn't give us what we deserve) - Deuteronomy 4:31
• Immutable (He doesn't change) - Malachi 3:6
• Truthful (cannot lie) - Titus 1:1, 2
• Awesome (inspiring awe which is reverent wonder tinged with fear) - Deuteronomy 7:21
• Personal characteristics are ascribed to Him:
  • Knowledge - Isaiah 55:8-10
  • Emotions - Genesis 6:6
  • Will - Joshua 3:9, 10

4. The Love of God

• What is the very essence of His nature?
  • 1 John 4:7, 8, 16
    
• Whom does God love?
  • God loves His Son - Matthew 3:17
  • God loves the world - John 3:16
• How did God demonstrate his love for us?
  • Romans 5:8
    
• How do I experience God's love each day?
  • Romans 5:5
    

5. The Father is God

• The father holds the place of authority within the Godhead. He is not more important than the Son or the Holy Spirit, but authorizes their ministries (John 6:38, 14:16)

Notes/Questions

Assignment: Assignments: Read John 8, memorize 1 John 1:3, and pray for one another by name.