2. IS THERE ONLY ONE TRUE GOD and how do I find Him?
The Bible includes over 60,000 cross-references and more than 40 authors. Through His HOLY SPIRIT we have been given a timeless series of “woven thread” teachings which show us “Who God is” and “what He is doing” – which then explains where we fit into His One Woven Story!
What source do we have to validate what is actually true/what is not regarding the existence and nature of our Creator? How can we navigate all the religions of history and determine authenticity for Who is true and who is false? What can we count on? What are the pitfalls? Let’s check it out!
BEGINNINGS
The story and truth about our origins must be personally considered. Is the Bible plausible? What are the available options for our roots? Is there one King over the earth?
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light” – and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3
HONOR & DEVOTION
There is so little God requires from any human. Simple clarity in honor and devotion appear to be of high value to God.
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving-kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”
Exodus 20:2-6
THE FORETOLD WORD
How can I find out about God’s words in an informed way? How can the Bible be allowed to interpret itself, and why is it important for this to happen?
“So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
It is easy to under-value God’s gift of His Word to all humanity.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart and the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; and the judgments of the Lord are true – righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. By them Your servant is warned and in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11
THE SPIRIT AND THE NATURE OF THE BREATH OF GOD/How do I learn about and experience it?
The Hebrew word “ruach” appears over 400 times in the Bible. It is applied as spirit, wind, and breath.
“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (Genesis 1:2) The Bible is totally unflattering to mankind. It appeals to Someone or something higher than humanity, while still placing us in the middle of the Story.
NATURE, TRUE SCIENCE, PHILOSOPHY, AND FAITH
We have all we need to know, understand, and connect with our Creator.
Nature, the micro and the macro, all declare the glory of God. The search of true science is deep and broad. It focuses on what is revealed rather than merely our choices to shape discovered knowledge. Often what is purported to be science is really philosophy shaped according to human desire. Truth and faith transcend all.
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard – yet their line has gone out through all the earth, and their utterances to the end of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4
WHO IS THE “I AM” OF THE BIBLE?
What do we know about Him?
He is ancient of days. He has no beginning or end. He is Holy. He is just. He is pure. He is true. He is kind and compassionate and overflowing with lovingkindness. He is unlimited. He is over all, above all, through all, and in all.
MOSES & JOSHUA
“Then He said to Moses, ‘Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ ” Exodus 3:5/Joshua 5:15
God said to Moses, “I Am Who I Am.” You shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I Am has sent me to you.’” God then said to Moses, “Tell the sons of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.” Exodus 3:14-15
JESUS & RELIGION
Why so much conflict between Jesus and the Jews and so little with the empire?
The Jews said to Jesus, “Now we know You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets as well; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste death.’ Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Then they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.” John 8:52-59
JESUS OVER LIFE
“By one man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 Our humble and selfless King Jesus.
WHAT JESUS DISPLAYED TO ALL WHO HEAR
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:15-20
This is the core teaching about the “trinity.” One but three. Distinct yet seamless.
√ the Father is on His throne (Revelation 3:21)
√ the risen Jesus is on His throne at the Father’s right hand praying for us (Hebrews 7:25)
√ His Spirit is everywhere/and in us as well (John 14:20)
√ His Spirit lives inside of His children – disclosing Jesus to those who believe (John 16:14)
This is really cool:
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted the One who put all things in subjection to Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
THERE ONLY ONE TRUE GOD AND HE IS REVEALED THROUGH HIS OWN VOICE
How do we find God? Through His written Word and His Word made human. We MUST allow scripture to interpret itself. This is the only way we can know what is true. It is why we have the woven threads of the one testament to the truth: Law, prophets, psalms, Gospels, and the letters. We have just viewed one if not the most amazing threads of the Word of God! Following the threads along with considering the original language and relying on the Spirit is how we invite this interpretation to occur. Make sense? Pretty powerful really.
Dave and Burnadette