BASIC CHRISTIAN BELIEFSOUTLINE

I.GOD.II.CHRIST.III.HOLY SPIRIT.IV.BIBLE.V.CREATION.VI.SALVATION.VII.CHURCH.VIII.STATE.IX.HOME.X.THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.Part One.XI.THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.Part Two.XII.JUDGEMENT.Part One.XIII.JUDGEMENT.Part Two.XIV.HELL.XV.HEAVEN.81

Lesson l

BASIC CHRISTIAN BELIEFSGOD

This lesson is our first in a series of studies on Basic Christian Beliefs. During this serieswe will study what the Bible teaches about such important topics as God, Christ, the Holy Spirit,salvation, the home, and many others.Our first lesson is the most basic of all: What does the Bible teach about God? Often itis said, "The Bible does not try to prove the existence of God; it is just taken for granted." But itis not altogether true to say that the Bible assumes but does not try to prove God's existence.David says that God has revealed his existence in the world around us. Psalms 19 1-6. Paulargued that the rain and change of seasons witness to the existence of God. See Acts 14:17;Romans 1:18-20.I.HOW GOD HAS REVEALED HIMSELF.A. Though God makes himself known through nature, it is through his son, Jesus Christ,that he has revealed himself in greater detail. The miracles of Christ displayed the glory and power of God. John 2:11. Jesus declared that to see him was the same as seeing the Father.John 14:9.B. Another way God reveals himself is through the Bible. From Genesis to Revelationwe read descriptions of who God is and how we may know him.II.WHAT GOD IS LIKE.A. God knows everything (omniscient). He knows not only of things that actuallyhappen but also of things which might happen. Read Psalms 147:4 & Acts 15:18. Before youwere ever born he knew all about you. He knows the ways to be happy, and he has offered togive you this wisdom. Refer to James 1:5.B. God is holy. Holiness means an entire absence of sin. It is one of the most important,if not the most important, attributes of God. I Peter 1:15-16. God's children are told not to sin,see I John 2:1. We are to "walk in the light as he is in the light." I John 1:7.C. God is just (righteousness). This means God is no respecter of persons. SeePsalms 19:9. When men stand before God to be judged they will receive full justice. This is acomfort to those who are Christians that have been wronged in this life; but it is a warning tothose who think they can get away with evil. Read Acts 17:31.D. God is love according to I John 4:7-8. Never was a more important declaration madethan this. Because God is love, he desires our good, even though circumstances may seemotherwise at times.E. God is all powerful (omnipotent). Fifty-six times the Bible declares that God is theAlmighty One. Read Genesis 17:1.F. God is infinite and eternal. It is not uncommon for a little child to ask, "Where didGod come from?" or "Who made God". The fact is God has always existed. There never was atime when he was not. Psalms 90:2.82

Lesson l (cont’d)G. God is everywhere (omnipresent). No one can escape the presence of God, no matter where they go in this world or the universe. Psalm 139:7-10.III.GOD IS A TRINITY.God has revealed himself as three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Thereare many evidences for this belief in the scriptures.A. The Father is recognized as God. Read I Peter 1:2).B. Jesus Christ is recognized as God. John 20:28.C. The Holy Spirit is recognized as God. Acts 5:3-4.One verse that states the doctrine of the Trinity is Matthew 28:19 (also 1 John 5:7). Theunity of the Father, Son and Spirit is indicated by the use of the singular "name" rather than"names." Belief in the Trinity does not mean a belief in three Gods. It means there is only ONEGod and yet three persons in the one Godhead.

CONCLUSION

:On the basis of what we have learned about God, determine that you will do three things:First, get to know him personally. Second, worship only him, and third please him. SeeHebrews 11:6.1. What three ways does God reveal himself?a.b.c.2. Name seven things that make up God.a. b.c.d.e.f.g.3. What three persons make up the one God?a.b.c.4. List three things we should do with God.a.b.c.83