Lesson 5 - Attributes of God - 1

Attributes of God - 1

Objective:  Grow in the wisdom of God by leading a worthy life.

Bible Portion : Isaiah 40 : 12 - 31 

Memory Verse : Isaiah 40 : 25, 26

“To whom then will you liken Me,

Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One.

26 Lift up your eyes on high,

And see who has created these things,

Who brings out their host by number;

He calls them all by name,

By the greatness of His might

And the strength of His power;

Not one is missing. (Isaiah 40 : 25,26)

Introduction 

  

What idea comes into your mind when you think of God? No religion has ever reached above the idea of deity it holds, and no people ever reached above the religion they follow. The spiritual and moral standard of the people depend on the religion they follow. The term 'God' is a powerful word followed by people in all languages. There is a need of self-examination of our understanding of the reality of God. It is very important in leading a sinless life. The wrong conception of God will lead the people into errors in the realness of teachings and life. So we should possess a clear and unique idea of God, and that it must be passed to coming generations. 

Can you discover everything about the almighty? 

Who is God? What kind of person he is? To whom can be compared to? These are the important questions that we face. The conscience of man thinks and form ideas based on the foreknowledge and experience. Moreover, it is liable to the limits of place. So, God formed out of men's thoughts may not be true  and complete. God is eternal, omnipotent, infinite and creator-sustainer-destroyer one. If we can limit God in human thoughts, is that God smaller that us? It is folly to define eternity with hours and omnipotence with human power! According to Paul, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, which no one has seen or can see. To him be honer and might forever, Amen (1 Tim. 6:16). How one can know such a God? The answer of the Bible is that it is possible 'through Christ' God revealed himself to man 'in Christ and by Christ'. Faith is the wherewithal of knowledge, love and experience, As we approach Christ Jesus with faith and love, the darkness will be removed and, we will be equipped to know God by the light of eternal son, Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us with instructions. So let us learn the invisible attributes of God with prayer. 

Invisible Attributes of God 

Holy Spirit reveals us the invisible attributes of God through Jesus Christ. We get this revelation through the wherewithal in the form of nature, conscience and the work of God. The word of God is the most important among them. Like a diamond has many sides, the revelation if God has many sides. They can be divided for easy access into two parts. They are Natural Attributes and Moral Attributes. First of all let us consider the natural attributes.


1. God is Spirit 

Jesus Christ revealed this truth when he spoke to the Samaritan woman at Sukhr. What shape comes to your mind when you hear the term spirit? It is difficult to understand 'the spirit'. It does not have a physical body. it has personality, knowledge, power, emotion and feelings. It cannot be limited in a specific form. That is why God strictly detained idolatry. God cannot be contained in a place or a temple.

 “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

49 ‘Heaven is My throne,

And earth is My footstool.

What house will you build for Me? says the Lord,

Or what is the place of My rest?

50 Has My hand not made all these things?’ (Acts 7 :48,49) 

God is Spirit and invisible. He cannot be compared to anyone in the world. No one has ever seen God. If God is invisible, how could Moses and Israelites see Him? How can we explain the meeting of the angel of God to Abraham and Gideon. God, who is invisible, sometimes revealed himself visibly. They did not see the original form of God. It might be a shadow of God. God told Moses that he cannot see his face. The angel of God who had appeared to Gideon was Jesus Christ who came into the world to reveal God. He had appeared to them not in the full glory that He possesses He took the form of a man. At the end of the time, Jesus incarnated himself into the world as a man.

Though God is invisible, He has individuality. We read in the Bible that 'Gad speaks' and 'God loves'. The evidence of the personality is that it has wishes, emotions and activities. God, as spirit, is living and is source of life. We use the eyes of the heart to see the invisible and powerful God. The worshipers to truth must worship God in truth and spirit. No one limit God in physical circumstances and please God in external worship.


2. God is Omnipresent 

God's omnipresence proves that God is spirit. Psalms 139 is a meditation talk of God's omnipresence. Jeremiah 23:24 also says that no one will be able to hide from the sight of God and it is God who is filled in heaven and earth. In Hindu thought God is everywhere is right, but we cannot limit Him in a pillar or plant. Do not worship an idol. God works in the Universe independently. His presence is available to anyone at anytime. The risen Christ lives at the side of God. I will be in the midst of the one or two gather in my name. These promises show that Christ is with His people in the earth. God is omnipresent. God, the father and son Jesus are same. Moreover, the Holy Spirit transforms in the nature. He also makes the non-believers aware of sin, justice, and judgement. The prayer in the name of Jesus is being heard by God who is present everywhere. Let us submit ourselves in the presence of God to experience Him in the better way.



3. God is Omnipotent 

The most important thing for a successful life is the strong faith in the omnipresence of God.

a. Nature is under God

b. Man is under God. God made Nebuchadnezzar, the grate Babel king a grass eating ox. God reigns over the kingdom of men. Paul, the enemy of Christ was transformed at Damascus by God. So man is very weak.

c. Angels of God and Satan are under the will of God


God designs His omnipresence according to the goodness, will and perfection. Nothing is impossible to God, but he doesn't act anything which is contrary to eternal love, wisdom and holiness.


4. God is Omniscient: 

God knows everything and His wisdom do not end. God sees and knows everything. He knows the smallest and the largest in the nature in perfect way. He knows all men, their deeds and words. He understands men's sufferings and thoughts. God is wise to understand what happens from eternity and also the state of men there. God knows what is good for all men and what they will become. So, it is blessed to submit ourselves fully in the hands of God. God is the one who knows our secrecy and public matters. We should lead a holy life by submitting ourselves fully to the Lord who knows our sins, and the omnipresence of God help us to do so.


5. God is Eternal 

The subject 'eternity' is seen throughout the Bible. What do you mean by saying 'God is eternal'?  Do we get the awareness of the ages based on the events?

God is beyond times and ages. So, Moses tells in Psalms 90, 'Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Abraham also received this revelation. He worshiped in the name of Yahweh who is eternal. There are verses which talks of the eternity of God. God has not beginning and the end God is eternal and has no change in himself.


God is eternal. There is no need of talking about His beginning and sustaining. He is the life and the source of life.


We have learnt in this lesson, the natural attributes of God. He is omnipresent,omnipotent, omniscient and eternal. Let us learn the moral attributes of God in the next lesson. Let us praise God about His revelation to us.


Questions


1. Why is it necessary that one has to keep the right knowledge of God? 
2. How can once discover everything about the almighty God?
3. 'God is Spirit' Explain? 

Lesson 4 - How can find God?

Lesson 4 

How can find God?

Bible Portion: John 4:7-20, Job 23:1

Memory Verse: John 1:18

                            No one has seen God at any time. The only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

Introduction: God is above the reason and knowledge of man. No once can define him because he is eternal and omnipotent. No one can touch Him, and no media is sufficient to explain Him. We have learned that the evolution theory was the imagination of atheists. How can a man find great God? Is it possible through knowledge? Man's knowledge is limited. It remains as the fact that the Earth has gravitational force. Some men fail to understand God with their wisdom and become atheists. In order to fill their life's activities, they follow socialism, communism, nationalism, and evolution theory, but it does not give them ultimate peace and satisfaction. The question of how to find God remains unanswered. What will be the answer? 

God's Revelation: 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). Men find and know the divinity through revelation. We experience the reveled God through faith and the reason fixes the spiritual experiences and consciousness of God. Men received revelations through various ways 

1. Nature 

 The heavens declare the glory of God, And the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.  Psalm 19:1-3

God is perfect and omniscient. His matchless authority is revealed through the wonderful creation. The glory of heavens full of stars. Montanans, vast seas, the colorfulness flowers, and life-death experience show it. The inventions of modern science reveal the creator and owner of the universe.

2. Conscience of Men

Conscience is the light of men's soul. It  reveals us the holiness and love of God, and also reminds us when committing sin against God 

The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. Prov. 20:27 

3. The Word of God 

The Bible is the written word of God. It took 1200 years for writing the Bible. There were 40 writers from different social backgrounds and they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Bible contains 66 books. Both rich and poor possess the Bible in their houses. It has been translated into major languages in the world and it is a bestselling book. The Bible had to undergo through the attacks of atheists, philosophers and rulers. Nero, the great Roman ruler burnt many hand written copies of Bible. The Bible was banned in communist countries like China, Russia and Yugoslavia and the people believed in the words of God were punished brutally. But the Bible is leading its way to victory. The world witnessed various changes in the history. Empires emerged and declined. Due to the scientific advancement, the life facilities get advanced. Developed countries gather destructive Atom bombs and neutron bombs. The Bible, in the midst of these elements, enlightens the World. Philosophies and scientific truths undergo through changes, God speaks to men through the word of God. So read the Bible with prayer in order to understand the eternal power and divinity of God. 

4. Jesus Christ 

God, who is invisible and abides in the great light, is revealed in the Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But God the one and only, who is at the father's side has made him know (John. 1:18 ). The revelation of God had been revealed to men through prophets in ancient days; but in was in parts. The revelation, comes to us, through Christ at the end time, is complete (Heb. 1 :12) 'God is Love' (  1 John 4:9)

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. ( 1 John 4:9)

The love of God is revealed to us by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Jesus died for us when we were sinners, weak, ungodly and enemies. Thus God revealed us the love.

For when we were still without strength, [d]in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.(Rom. 5: 6-10)

Jesus was the very nature of God's justice, holiness and compassion of God. Divine perfection is perfectly completed in Jesus Christ (Col. 2:9). The one who believes the Lordship if Jesus finds God and receives the manifold blessings.

The failure of God searches

 Many of the searchers of God fail in their attempt. What is the reason behind it?

1. Sin made man blind: He is unable to receive the light of the gospel of Jesus.


whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (2 Cori. 4:4)

2. Sin made made deaf : The world man does not accept the teachings of the spirit of God. Many close their eyes before the gospel.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us [d]diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. (1 Cori. 2:14)


3. Sin made man dead:  Through the sin of a man, sin entered into the world. Thus everyone become sinners and the sin has been spread everywhere in the world.

 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience (Eph. 2:1)


Man cannot accept God because they are blind, deaf and dead by sin. The broken radio, though may have decorated beautifully, cannot maintain the contract with the radio station. So men need a powerful savior to save them from sin. Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners. One, who takes refuge in him, will be enlightened in heart, and they will open their ears to listen to the word of God. They will be owners of abundant life. Thus they will receive the divine revelation. Have you entered into such a blessed experience?


Questions

1. Why men cannot understand God through knowledge?
2. What are the main sources of God's revelation to men?
3. Explain the importance of the Bible?
4. Where or in whom do we find the perfect revelation of God?
5. Explain why do people fail to find God? What is the solution?

Lesson 3 - Theory of Evolution

    Theory of Evolution 

Objective :

                        Species in the universe including men, are not created from the species from lowest rank. We should understand that all species are created by God, not the result of the evolution process. 

Bible Portion: Genesis 1,2.

Memory Verse: Genesis 1:27-28

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

Bible very clearly describes that the universe and the species in it are created by God (Gen. 1,2). Not only atheists, but many Christian leaders also do not believe in the creation of narrated in the Bible. They prefer evolution theory formulated by Darwin. It is the only intuition that cannot be proved scientifically.

History of evolutionary thought 

Men in all ages try to deny the creator of the universe, and they hold the view of the creation of species from nature. Aristotle and the philosophers in ancient Greece were occupied with this view. Later, some scientists introduced the theory of spontaneous generation. They believed that species were formed from the decayed particles, worms, small fishes, frogs, and flies. Louie Pasteur asserted the fact with several experiments that the species are not created naturally or by its own. 

Louie Pasteur 

Charles Darwin published a book titled 'Origin of Species' in 1959. He described that evolution is a long term process, and the species seeing today are created from the single-celled amoeba. It took thousands of years. The way if its description is simple and attractive. But it does not contain convincing factors depending on his argument. It is only intuitions. The phrases like 'has some possibility' 'sound to believe,' and 'maybe so' are asserting the hollowness of the theory. Atheists and the people opposing the Bibleaccepted it as scientific truth and propagating it. In a short period, the theory has been spread almost everywhere and finds places in school books. But, Darwin himself had confessed in his last days that his findings were only mistakes. Lady Hopp, who visited him those days, testified so, It is notable that the scientists, who lived before and after, criticized his arguments.

Charles Darwin

A brief history of Evolution Theory 

Millions of years back, the single-celled creatures were created naturally. Evolution theorists have different views on it. Mutation and the handing over the behavior to the next generation helped the formation of single-celled species, hydra and then to the formation of birdes and animals and later to man. This is called the theory of evolution.

Laws of evolution

Let us examine some important laws put forward by evolution theorists.

1. Similarity in Anatomy  

The bones, veins, arteries, and fleshy structures are seen in a kind of animals are different slightly in other animals. To individual animals, that physical structure is more or less the same. The cat to dog and monkey to man is having the same physical structure. The species are graded according to this similarity and professed that there might be a common ancestor. 

This argument does not prove the evolution of thought. It reveals that all species are the creatures of the handiwork of great God. The houses built by the same engineer, are different from each other, but there is some common factor in the making. There is a need of commonness in necessary things. We have many high school buildings though they may be different in structures, run by the education department.

2. Gradation in classification:

We can classify the species according to the physical structures. The evolutionist arranges the species in a row. They range from single-celled Amoeba to the man with the concrete physical structure. In the lower row, we see paramecium, hydra, worm, and cockroach and in the upper range, there is dog, cat, goat, monkey, and man. Then the evolutionists raise their base of evidence in the form of the gradation takes place in these species. They assume that the gradation takes place from amoeba to paramecium and then to man. This view is utterly wrong and odd. 

a. In a library, the books are systematically ordered, and they are arranged according to the size and subject matter. Can anyone believe the false notion that the big books have been transformed from the small books? But the gradation in classification possibly considers the strength of evolution theory.

b. There finds a big gap or space between all kinds of species. For instance, the science is ignorant about the chains between species with and without spines. Dr. Alfred Roman, the zoologist form Harvard University admits it. Though there is certain common physical feature between man and monkey, there is a lot of difference in mental and moral areas. Where is the species that can be said as a link between man and monkey? Evolution theorists could not prove the existence such as animal.

2. Embryology 

Evolution theorists hold an argument over embryology. Embryo is undergone through some process. From the single celled species it becomes transformed into man. They hold the view that the embryo in mine months takes the form of protozoan, fish, amphibian and monkey; but the embryologists completely denies it. In the first phase of the growth of embryo, it does not have anything common to protozoan. Protozoan is an independent species, can eat and digest food as men. Embryo has no such peculiarities. Embryo has no gills like fish. The internal arrangements in man's body are unique. If man takes birth after millions of years, the embryo also will take some other forms. The fact is that the human embryo repeats again throughout these years. So, we can say undoubtedly that the evolutionistic arguments based on embryology are only an assumption without any basis.


3. Vestigial Organs 

The useless organs in human body are called vestigial organs.

Example: 1. Vermiform appendix in alimentary canal
 

2. Tonsils in throat

Evolution theorists believe that these organs were useful to ancestors and they became useless now. It also takes as an evidence for evolution theorists for their arguments. The modern anatomy denies their argument. It is useless to say that any organs in human body are of no use (E.S. Goodrich). Tonsils produce a hormone that is useful in absorbing poison from the food.

4. Mutation  

Mutation is a sudden departure from the parent type in one or more heritable characteristics, caused by a change in a gene. Different types of species are formed due to mutation. Evolution theorists uphold it as another proof for their arguments. Mutation was possible in medical lab in certain circumstances. Natural process of mutation is impossible. Evolution theory could not explain how mutation works from protozoan to man. Dr. H.J. Muller, the Nobel Prize winner, strongly denies the argument based on mutation.

1. In nature, mutation is rare.

2. Mutation is dangerous for species

3. The species will be destroyed gradually


5. Transmission of acquired characteristics 


Species change due to the pressure of environment. Such changes can be seen physically and also in behavior. These changes transfer to the predecessors and new species emerge. This is another argument of evolution theorists.Giraffe's forelegs and long neck is due to the transmission of acquired characteristics. The ancestors of Giraffes had to stretch their neck and forelegs to reach for the leaves. But it is not possible to transmit the physical changes and the acquired characteristics. Many scientists like Dr. Augustus Weismann, Dr. Paine and Dr. Kasin proved scientifically that the transmission acquired characteristic is a false notion.

6. Mendelism 

Mendal conducted experiments in plants for 62 years from 1882. He could discover that through cross breeding of animals and plants, new and better or them can be produced. Mendalism is not at all supporting evolution theory. Mendal took the species of same kind for the experiment, not between pulses and roots, hen and eagle. It was conducted with pulses and pulses. The process of reproduction is hereditary. New kind of species cannot be formed out of the same species. The Lord created living creatures according to their kinds.

7. Paleontological Evidence

Evolution theorists raised their base in the form of fossils of ancient creatures in layers of rocks. They hold the view that the fossils of the species of lower and higher kind can be seen in downside and upside. They imagine that the species of lower kind formed first and, from them the species with concrete physical structure. In the early stages of the theory, the evolution theorists had taken it as major evidence. They were unable to prove their view through experiments. The system of fossils up and down does indicate the places of species in a less number. There was no clarity of much species. In the lowest layer of rock, the fossils of big and small animals are found mixed. It shows the hollowness of their argument. It is clear that all creatures were living together. The later studies show that the scientists of evolution theory failed to analyze the time and age of species.


8. The Origin of Life 

Evolution theorists have nothing to say about the origin of life. There was a time men believed that wasps were formed out of manure and flies from decayed eggs and flesh. The science also had to believe the formation of bacteria through organic process. Many scientists like Louie Pasteur proved that life does not appear in not-living things. Some believe that the life was produced in American lab by Dr. Khorano, the Indian scientist. The fact is that he produced only proteins by putting together nucleotides. Life is the rendering of God. No one in the world could create the living cell of species. Those who argue the evolution of species was created. Moreover, they only discuss how different species are formed. It is acceptable and believable that the Lord created Living creatures according to their kinds








So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.(Gen. 1:21-24)

Lesson 2 The Existence of God - Evidences

 The Existence of God 

Evidence  

Bible Portion: Isaiah 40:12-31

Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:28-29 

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak. And to those who have no might, He increases strength. 

1. Order of the Univers 

a)  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands (Ps. 19:1-3). The universe witnesses the existence of God. The order, beauty, and the perfection of the universe reveal the source of power behind its creation. The Greek philosophers had given the name for the universe was 'cosmos' which means the structure which has been perfectly ordered. Suppose you have got a watch from an open place and it denotes seconds, minute, hour, day and date. Can you guess that it is accidental? Do you believe one saying that the watch is made when some iron bars put together? No one can deny the fact that power works behind it. The universe is made wonderfully than a mere watch. Let us think of the Milky Way, which is a part of a vast universe. 

Milky Way 

It has the planets, including each and every satellite. They run in the orbits given for them with the force of gravity.

 He commands the sun, and it does not rise; He seals off the stars; 8 He alone spreads out the heavens, And treads on the waves of the sea; 9 He made the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, And the chambers of the south; (Job 9:7-9)

The earth, in its imaginary axis, rotates itself and revolves the sun. Consequently, days and nights, seasons, and years have resulted in orderly. The earth becomes habitable for men. If the system undergoes a minor change, the consequences will be hazardous. 

b) Is the structure of the human body wonderfull?

We can see each other and do works because of the work of the cells in the brain. The eyes are big cameras. The self-ordered lens snaps the colors and works for many hours continually.

c) The protection of the atmosphere of the earth's surface is wonderful. The air covers the earth in a length of 500 mils like a heavy bag. It burns out comets coming to earth every day. It controls the atmospheric heat, and it contains the water vapor for sufficient rain. It has the gases filled for living beings. The gases are mixed appropriately. This is the handiwork of God.

d) One who studies the systematic arrangement of the universe, including the planet, earth, cannot deny the creator. The earth's size, its distance from the sun, and the density of population are systematically ordered.

II Testimony of the conscience 

Every human being possesses the understanding of God, who is eternal, omnipotent, and perfect. So, ethics is inherent in men. One, who believes in God sincerely, will be satisfied with moral conscience. 

III. The cosmological argument of life and the universe 

Behind everything, there is a reason or a cause. It is scientific law. As we think about the formation of life and the universe, there is a cause. Atheists profess that there is no cause of beginning if the universe. Dr. Oparin, the Russian evolutionist, wrote a book titled 'The Origin of Life' He admitted that there is no origin of life. The scientists hold the atheistic view raised the arguments related to the origin of heavenly bodies in the form of earth, moon, planets, and satellites, they also agreed with the origin of the universe. The first cause must be the one who is thoughtful, determined, and creative. 

IV. Teleological Argument of Life and the Universe

Atom is the smallest part of an element. It contains a nucleus, protons, and electrons. From the electrons of a cell to planets in the Milky Way are moving. Science theorizes the fact that a moving thing needs power behind it. It needs to produce certain new qualities that it did not have earlier. When we think about it we can come to the conclusion that there is a power who had initiated all the movements is God.

V. Gradation Arguments 

All over the universe, we can see a gradation step by step. We evaluate the progress in terms of good, better and the best. This gradation can be seen in goodness, wisdom, power, and lawmaking. There is the best in perfection, the greatest lawmaker, and the most powerful one. God is the intellect who has had the above-mentioned qualities.

VI. Theory of evolution 

The chief device atheists use against the existence of God is the theory of evolution. It was formed with illusions. It has not been proved scientifically.

God cannot be understood with man's knowledge. It needs a revelation of God. But one, who keeps a sincere endeavor to find God, can understand God as a reality. Some views related to God is beyond reason, but they are not against it. The reason is not the way to God. It is a guide towards the ultimate reality. Religions follow certain superstitions.