What Do You Believe About God's Triune Nature? Lesson 4 for June 1, 2014

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rist to Thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Merciful and Mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!

In those concluding words of that majestic hymn of praise, “God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity,” we find the summation of one of the historic doctrines of the Christian faith.  Down through the centuries, believers in Christ have steadfastly maintained that there is but one God, and that He exists eternally in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.    

“The doctrine of the Trinity is not a truth of natural theology, but of revelation.  Strong says:  ‘Reason shows us the Unity of God; only revelation shows us the Trinity of God.’” – Thiessen, Lectures in Systematic Theology pg 135.   

This lesson will continue our study on the nature of our great God. We will be focusing particularly upon the triune nature of God and the roles which the individual persons of the Godhead play in the work of redemption.  The portion underlined in Article III, Section B comprise the doctrine we will be considering. 

Article III:  DECLARATION OF FAITH 

 Section B.  The True God:     We believe that there is one and only one living and true God. (Deut. 6:4; Jer. 10:10) He is infinite, intelligent, perfect in spirit, and a personal being.  He is the creator, preserver, and supreme ruler of the universe, (1 Kings 8:27; Acts 17:24 – 28, Psalm 139:1 – 6; John 4:24; Heb. 3:4; Romans 1:20) inexpressibly glorious in holiness (Exodus 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Peter 1:5, 16; Rev. 4:6, 8) and all other perfections (love, power, righteousness, truth, etc.).  He is worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love (Mark 12:30; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12, 13).  That in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons; The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19;  1 Cor. 12:4 – 6; 1 John 5:7); equal in every Divine perfection (John 10:30; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:2 – 4; 1 Cor. 2:10, 11; Phil. 2:5, 6) and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (Eph. 2:18; Rev. 1:4, 5). 

1.      The Scriptures declare that God is one God.  Scripture also reveals to us “three eternal distinctions in the one divine essence, known respectively as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”  How do the following verses teach that there are three persons?

a.      Matthew 28:19

b.      1 Corinthians 12:4 – 6

c.       2 Corinthians 13:14

d.      1 Peter 1:2

2.      What does 1 John 5:7 declare about the three distinct persons?  (Note John 1:1, 14 for the identity of the Word)

3.      How do we know that the Father is God? See John 6:27 & 1 Pet. 1:2. 

4.      In discussing the equality of the persons, the questions primarily revolve around the Son and the Spirit.  How do the following verses teach that Jesus is God?   

a.      John 10:30

b.      John 17:5, 10

c.       Philippians 2:5-6

d.      Hebrews 1:3 – 8

5.      How do the following passages teach that the Spirit is God?

a.      Acts 5:2-4

b.      1 Corinthians 2:10 – 11

c.       1 Corinthians 6:19

6.      Which person of the Godhead planned the events related to our redemption?  See Isaiah 53:10; John 6:38, 39; and Acts 2:23. 

7.      Which person of the Godhead executed the plan for our redemption?  See 1 Peter 3:18 and Ephesians 1:7; 2:18.    

8.      Which person of the Godhead was involved “behind the scenes”? See Romans 8:11

9.      Which person of the Godhead regenerates and energizes those who believe?  See Titus 3:5 and Acts 1:8. 

A helpful summary of the tripersonality of God can also be found in the Athanasian Creed.  Formed early in the existence of the church, it contains a statement which still stands as a guide for believers today. It reads: “So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Spirit is God.  And yet there are not three gods, but one God… Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance.”

“We must admit, of course, that the full concept of the trinity is difficult to understand.  Many efforts have been made to explain it over the years, but it continues to defy human comprehension.  The Christian, however, does not let his inability to fathom it cause him to doubt it.  He is well aware that some aspects of divine truth are beyond him (especially those which relate to the nature of God).  He therefore continues to worship God the Father as his Heavenly Father, God the Son as his Redeemer, and God the Holy Spirit as his Comforter and Guide – not because he’s capable of completely understanding such truths, but simply because he’s willing to accept what the Bible says about them.  You see, those who look to the Scriptures for instruction do have good reason for their belief in the trinity.  It is not based upon mere superstition nor speculation, but upon sound biblical evidence.”  R. W. DeHaan  “How to Know God” 1981 Radio Bible Class. 

Have you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Redeemer from sin?  Do you know God as your personal Heavenly Father?  Does the Holy Spirit bear witness with your spirit that you are saved?  Consider John 3:16 and Acts 16:31. 

What Do You Believe About God? Lesson 3 For May 25th, 2014

     “The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father.” – C.H. Spurgeon 

This lesson deals with The True God.  We will be studying some Scriptures related to the identity and nature of the God whom we worship.  Take the time to consider the Scriptures and think about your own knowledge of God as revealed in the Bible.        

Article III:  DECLARATION OF FAITH 

 Section B.  The True God:     We believe that there is one and only one living and true God. (Deut. 6:4; Jer. 10:10) He is infinite, intelligent, perfect in spirit, and a personal being.  He is the creator, preserver, and supreme ruler of the universe, (1 Kings 8:27; Acts 17:24 – 28, Psalm 139:1 – 6; John 4:24; Heb. 3:4; Romans 1:20) inexpressibly glorious in holiness (Exodus 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Peter 1:5, 16; Rev. 4:6, 8) and all other perfections (love, power, righteousness, truth, etc.).  He is worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love (Mark 12:30; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12, 13).  That in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons; The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19;  1 Cor. 12:4 – 6; 1 John 5:7); equal in every Divine perfection (John 10:30; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:2 – 4; 1 Cor. 2:10, 11; Phil. 2:5, 6) and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (Eph. 2:18; Rev. 1:4, 5). 

1.      Who is the true God? See Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 6:4 & Jeremiah 10:10. 

2.      When it comes to God, why is man without excuse regarding His existence?  (Romans 1:19, 20; Ps. 19:1 – 6)

3.      How is God infinite? (1 Kings 8:27; Acts 17:24 – 28)

4.      How does Psalm 139 describe God’s intelligence? (vs. 1 – 6)

5.      What does John 4:24 teach us about God’s essence (being or substance)? 

6.       What attribute of God is described consistently in the following Scriptures? (Ex. 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:6, 8)

7.      How should this attribute of God influence our lives? (1 Pet. 1:15, 16) 

8.       The True God is “inexpressibly glorious in holiness and all other perfections”:  What other attributes might be included here?

a.      Psalm 90:2

b.      Malachi 3:6; James 1:17

c.       1 John 4:8

d.      Romans 1:20

e.      Psalm 139:7 – 11

f.        Psalm 11:7

g.      John 17:3; Titus 1:2

9.      “He is worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love.” This statement describes the proper response we should have toward the True God. 

a.      What right response must we develop toward God?  (Mark 12:30)

b.      How does this response become a reality in our lives and how may we know it is true in our lives? (1 John 4:19;  John 3:16 – 18; John 14:15, 21)

c.       What other response should we have toward God?            (1 Tim. 1:17; Proverbs 3:5, 6)

Paul when speaking to the Athenians told them that God was “not far from every one of us:  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; ….. we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commendeth all men everywhere to repent: (Acts 17:28 – 30).  The truth declared here is still relevant today.  God desires you to repent and believe that He might demonstrate His great love for you and to you.  Do you know The True God personally as your Savior? 

    

What Do You Believe About the Scriptures? Bible Study Lesson 2

Bible Study Lesson 2                                                                 May 18, 2014

      Knowing what you believe in the realm of spiritual things is critical to living the life that God intends us to live in every areas of life.  Psalm 119:130 says: “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple;” without this light we walk in darkness (Acts 26:15-18; Ephesians 5:8-11). Everyone needs the light of God’s Word in order to be established in the faith necessary to please God.  We cannot please God without faith and faith comes from the exposure to God’s Word (Hebrews 11:6; Roman 10:17).  Therefore the community of faithful believers called Bluelick Bible Church declares at the outset the importance of the authoritative, inerrant, inspired and preserved Bible which is The Word of God. 

     This lesson will continue our look at the doctrine of The Scriptures. How we should thank God for the Holy Bible!

Article III:  DECLARATION OF FAITH 

     This church receives the Bible as the all sufficient basis of faith, doctrine, and practice (John 17:17; Proverbs 30:5, 6). 

 Section A.  The Scriptures:  We believe that every Word in every part of the original manuscripts of the Bible is given by inspiration of God (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16). It is truth without any mixture or error.  We believe the Bible to be the center of true Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions shall be tried (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:19 – 21).  We believe that God has preserved His entire Word to us today through various manuscript copies and translations.  All teaching being done under the direction of this ministry will be conducted using the King James Version.    

1.      How would you define “original manuscripts”?  

2.      Read 2 Peter 1:21.  Where did the scriptures come from?

3.      How would you define “inspiration”? (2 Tim. 3:16)

4.      What are the four areas that the scriptures profit us?                       See 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. 

5.      Read 2 Peter 1:19 – 21.  How were these holy men influenced by the Holy Spirit?

6.      What kind of prophecy is given in the Bible?  See 2 Peter 1:19; Psalm 19:7b; 93:5a; 111:7b.

7.      Why should we pay close attention to the Scriptures? (2 Pet. 1:19)

8.      What attitude do we need to have toward God’s Word?

a.      Psalm 119:97

b.      1 Peter 2:2

9.      What habits do we need to develop with God’s Word?

a.      Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15

b.      Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2

c.       James 1:22 – 25 

10.   “The doctrine of preservation is based on the Bible itself.  Since the Bible is to be our authority in matters of faith and practice, it is important to see what God has stated about its preservation for each generation.”  What do you learn about the Word being kept and made available for us today?

a.      Psalm 105:8

b.      Psalm 119:89

c.       Psalm 119:16

d.      Matthew 24:35

e.      1 Peter 1:23 – 25

     Today there is a lot of discussion about translations and versions of the Bible.  Bluelick Bible Church believes that the King James Bible is a literal and accurate translation of the Word of God.  Further we have determined that for the sake of unity and consistence the KJV will be the translation that will be used for all teaching and preaching in this ministry. 

What Do You Believe About the Bible? BIble Study Series Lesson 1

Do you know what you believe?  Do you know where Bluelick Bible Church stands on the moral issues of our day?  Do you know the basic doctrine to which all members of Bluelick Bible Church should be agreed? 

This series of lessons will deal specifically with the Articles of Faith and Bylaws of our church.  We shall see that the Bible is the foundation upon which we stand and what we believe.  In these last days when people “will not endure sound doctrine;”we need to “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2Tim. 4:3a, 2).  In short, we need to know what we believe and be ready to defend our faith from God’s Word. 

May the Lord use His Word to strengthen you in the faith and equip you to be “ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”(1 Pet. 3:15). 

Article 1: Name   “The name of this church shall be Bluelick Bible Church, located at 1138 W. Bluelick Road in Lima, Allen County, Ohio, and is incorporated in the state of Ohio.  Be it resolved that Bluelick Bible Church be known as an independent, fundamental Baptist church.” 

1.      Why is the word “independent” significant in identifying the type of Baptist church we are?  Consider Ephesians 5:22 -24; Colossians 1:18. 

2.      Do you know what the fundamentals of the faith are?  Use the following scriptures to identify 5 fundamentals of the faith:

a.      John 1:1, 14; 20:28; Hebrews 1:8 – 9.  _______________________________________________

b.      Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:27.   _______________________________________________

c.       Romans 3:25, 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12 – 14.  _______________________________________________

d.      Luke 24:36 – 46; 1 Corinthians 15:1 – 4, 14 – 15.  _______________________________________________

e.      Psalm 12:6 – 7; 2Timothy 3:16 – 17; 2 Peter 1:20 – 21.  _______________________________________________

Note: “The name “Baptist” was first given, in ridicule, by Pedo-baptist opponents of the people who rejected the baptism of babies.  Like the cross, the name has been changed from a mark of shame to a badge of honor. 

The distinguishing principles of the people called “Baptists” will be born out in our study of our Statement of Faith and Bylaws but may be summed up as follows:

·         The Scriptures, the only authoritative guide-book for our faith life.  There may be no appeal from, or addition to, their precepts and principles.

·         The individual and direct access of every soul to God: none between man and God, save only the God-man.

·         The complete separation of church and state in their respective fields; the church dealing with religious, the state with civil affairs.

·         The simple polity of the church’s government; each church autonomous and self-governing.

·         The baptism of believers only, or a regenerate church membership.  Incidentally, they believe in baptism by immersion only, according to the Scriptures, as symbolizing the death, burial and resurrection of Christ; and that the Lord’s Supper is a church ordinance. “  - from The People Called Baptists by George W. McDaniel

Article II:  Purpose/Mission Statement “The purpose of Bluelick Bible Church shall be the preaching and teaching of the Word of God for the salvation of the lost, the edification of the saints, the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. 

3.      Where did the purpose statement originate from?  See Matthew 28:18 – 20 & Acts 1:8. 

Article III:  Declaration of Faith “This church receives the Bible as the all sufficient basis of faith, doctrine, and practice (John 17:17; Proverbs 30:5, 6).”

4.      According to John 17:17 what is God’s Word?  What useful purpose does it play in our lives? 

5.      What does Proverbs 30:5, 6 tell you about God’s Word? 

6.      Read 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. “The Bible (Scripture) as the all sufficient basis of faith, doctrine and practice”; what is doctrine?  

7.      Why is doctrine important?

8.      The Bible is “the all sufficient basis of faith:” How does the Bible say that faith is established in our lives?  See Romans 10:14 – 17 & Ephesians 2:8.

9.      How practical is the Bible for our everyday living?  Why is it important to know what the Bible says?  See Psalm 119:9-11 & Psalm 1. 

10.  What habit do we need to develop with God’s Word?                  See Acts 17:11; James 1:22-25; Joshua 1:8.