GOD TELLS US ABOUT HIMSELF The Natural & Revealed Knowledge of God Christianity 101 – Lesson 1 Immanuel Lutheran Church Clayton Township, Neenah, Wisconsin

Opening Discussion My 10-year-old son asked me, "How do we know that there is really only one God?" How can I explain it to him?

The Natural Knowledge of God Is there a God? The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1

The Natural Knowledge of God Is there a God? The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1 An atheist says… “There is no god.” An agnostic says… “I don’t know if there’s a god.”

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Hebrews 3:4

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Hebrews 3:4

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 1. from nature.

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them. Romans 2:14-15

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them. Romans 2: from conscience.

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God Our natural knowledge of God tells us there is a God who is… wise and powerful and also that He is holy and hates sin.

The Weakness of the Natural Knowledge of God It doesn’t tell us… 1. who the true God is 2. about a Savior from sin

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 17:26-30

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 17:26-30

All People Have a Natural Knowledge of God God gives people natural knowledge to lead them to… seek after the Lord

The Revealed Knowledge of God No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. John 1:18

The Revealed Knowledge of God No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. John 1:18

The Revealed Knowledge of God Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:8-9

The Revealed Knowledge of God Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:8-9 God reveals what He is really like through… Jesus Christ

The Revealed Knowledge of God “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” John 5:39

The Revealed Knowledge of God “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” John 5:39 This revelation is given to us in the… Bible

The Bible Tells Us… “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22

The Bible Tells Us… “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22 1.Who the true God is

The Bible Tells Us… “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

The Bible Tells Us… “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 2. Who our Savior is: Jesus Christ

Agree or Disagree? 1.What we learn about God from the Bible is called the revealed knowledge of God. 2.If God had not given us the Bible, we could still learn enough about God to be saved. 3.The Bible tells us all we need to know about God and the way of salvation. 4.Our knowledge about God from nature and conscience is not enough for salvation.

Discussion Question #1 Since there are so many religions and different gods in each religion, how can we be confident that our God is the true God?

Discussion Question #2 Couldn’t God have revealed Himself to different peoples in different ways and by different names?

Discussion Question #3 How can we be confident that the Bible is true if other religions claim that their holy books are also true?

Memory Treasure The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1

New Testament Books – First Half MatthewRomans Mark1 & 2 Corinthians LukeGalatians JohnEphesians ActsPhilippians Colossians

Closing Prayer Blessed Lord, You have given us Your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by Your Holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.