God the Father

1. The Existence of God

a. 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 doesn’t need proof. The man who says there is no God is called a fool in Psalm 14:1.

b. However, even apart from the Bible, there are certain evidences for the existence of God.

i. Mankind has always believed in a universal being.

ii. Creation must have a creator. The universe could not originate without a first cause.

iii. The wonderful design which we see in creation demands an infinite designer.

iv. Since man is an intelligent being, his creator must have been of a much higher order in order to create him.

2. The Nature of God

a. God is Spirit- He is invisible.

i. John 1:18

ii. John 4:24

b. God is a person. Personal names are used to refer to Him.

i. Exodus 3:14

ii. Exodus 6:3

3. The Attributes (Characteristics) of God

a. God is omnipresent (present everywhere) – Jeremiah 23:23-24

b. God is omnipotent (all powerful) – Jeremiah 32:17,27

c. God is omniscient (all knowing) – Job 34:21

d. God is eternal (everlasting) – Deuteronomy 33:27

e. God is holy (free from all defilement, absolutely pure) –

Isaiah 6:3

f. God is righteous or just (always does what is right) –

Psalm 145:17

g. God is merciful (doesn’t give us what we deserve) – Deuteronomy 4:31

h. God is faithful (He is trustworthy. He won’t let you down.) – Deuteronomy 7:9

i. God is immutable (He doesn’t change.) – Malachi 3:6

j. God is truthful (cannot lie) – Titus 1:1,2

k. God is awesome (filled with profound reverence, worthy of reverence and solemn respect) – Deuteronomy 7:21

l. Personal characteristics are ascribed to Him

i. Knowledge – Isaiah 55:8-10

ii. Emotions – Genesis 6:6

iii. Will – Joshua 3:9-10

4. The love of God

a. What is the very essence of His nature? (1 John 4:7-8,16)

b. Whom does God love?

i. God loves His Son – Matthew 3:17

ii. God loves the world – John 3:16

iii. How did God demonstrate His love for us? (Romans 5:8)

iv. 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: __________________________________________________________

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

The Word of God

1. Definition: The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to man, His creation. The Bible forms one continuous story; the story of humanity in relation to God. The Bible has one great theme: the Person and work of Jesus Christ.

2. Read Hebrews 1:1-3.

In these verses, we see that God’s Word is a progressive revelation.

a. Distinct times

b. Various manners

c. Times past

d. Unto the fathers by the prophets

e. In these last days

f. Unto us by/ in/ His Son (The express image of His person)

3. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

a. What portion of Scripture is inspired by God?

b. The word inspired in this verse means “God-breathed.” It’s as if God spoke it Himself. (Genesis 2:7)

c. What is God’s Word profitable for?

ii.

iii.

iv.

4. Characteristics of God’s Word:

a. The Word of God is (1 Peter 1:23, 25):

b. The Word is (Hebrews 12:12):

c. The Word is (Luke 21:33):

d. The Word is (Romans 1:16):

5. How do I know the Bible is reliable and without error?

a. 2 Peter 1:20-21 assures us that God’s Word is true and reliable.

Note: There are more than 300 prophecies in the Old Testament fulfilled during the life and ministry of Jesus. If we analyze the probability of one person fulfilling just eight, the probability would be 1 in 10 with 17 zeroes after it. We can understand why Peter declares that the written Word of prophecy gives us more confidence that His Word is true.

b. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture finds its origin in God.

c. Titus 1:2 tells us that God cannot lie.

d. What does this say about the reliability of God’s Word?

Notes: __________________________________________________________

Assignments: Read Psalm 119-1-88, memorize Psalm 119:105 and pray for one another.

6. How to study the scriptures: Isaiah 29:9-13.

a. Precept upon precept: a precept is an established fact of God’s Word, i.e. “all have sinned;” “God is love;” “Jesus has risen.”

b. Line upon line: The systematic storyline of Scripture that ties the established facts of God together.

c. Here a little, there a little: The use of foundational facts of Scripture to understand other portions of Scripture.

Note: The New Testament is contained in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is explained in the New Testament.

7. Because the Bible is inspired, we need the Holy Spirit to help us understand it.

a. The man without the Spirit does not understand the things that come from God. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

b. The Holy Spirit (Parakletos [gk.]- one called alongside to help) will teach us and help us to remember. (John 14:26)

8. One method of studying God’s Word is given below. There are others. (Turn to Mark 4:35-41 and read the passage. Then, answer the following questions from these verses.

a. Who? What is said about the person or people involved? What does the person (people) say?

b. What? What is happening? What are the events; in what order?

c. Where? Where is the event taking place? Where are people going to or coming from?

d. When? When did the events take place?

e. Why? Why is this story included? Why here in the text? Why does one person say what he does?

f. So what? What difference would it make in my life if I were to apply this truth?

Notes: __________________________________________________________

Assignments: Read Psalm 119:89-176, memorize Psalm 119:18 and pray for one another.