god tells us about himself the natural & revealed knowledge of god christianity 101 – lesson 1...

GOD TELLS US ABOUT HIMSELFThe Natural & Revealed Knowledge of God

Christianity 101 – Lesson 1Immanuel 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


For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

Hebrews 3:4


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


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.


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


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

2. from conscience.


Our natural knowledge of God tells us there is a God who is…

wise and powerfuland also that He is

holyand 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 aNatural 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 aNatural 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


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


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


“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


“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


“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


“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


“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?


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


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

Matthew RomansMark 1 & 2 CorinthiansLuke GalatiansJohn EphesiansActs Philippians

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.

god tells us about himself the natural & revealed knowledge of god christianity 101 – lesson 1...

Documents