Article 1: Who God is - COMMUNITY AND COMPASSION
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in a unity of love in three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to establish a redeemed family from among all peoples and to make all things new for His own glory.
Objective:
To know more about God and to be influenced to live differently as a result.
[In each section start with the green question and do the others as time permits.]
Open in Prayer
Watch the Video [5–10 minutes]
Video Reflections [10 minutes]
- What do you think about the doctrine of the Trinity? What about it is confusing to you? What about it do you find compelling, helpful, or even beautiful?
- How has your understanding of God grown over time?
- How have you experienced God's goodness and greatness in your own life?
Read
"We believe in one God, creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a unity of love in three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to establish a redeemed family from among all peoples and to make all things new for His own glory."
(Lake Avenue Church Statement of Faith: Article One – God)
Questions from the Statement of Faith [20 minutes]
"Up" Questions (Worship)
- How does the idea of the Trinity inspire you to adore God more?
- Read over the text from the Statement of Faith and underline all the words in it that reveal that God is worthy of worship. Which words did you underline? Which of them is most meaningful to you and why?
"In" Questions (Community)
- Our Statement of Faith says that we believe that "God has graciously purposed from eternity to establish a redeemed family from among all peoples." How have you begun to see this lived out within our community here at Lake?
- What about the diverse makeup of God's family makes being in community with one another difficult? What about it makes community a more fulfilling experience?
"Out" Questions (Service)
- We were made in God's image, and God has always existed in a community of love: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So, he made us in his image to love one another as well! How will you show someone in your life, besides your immediate family, that you love them this week? How can you be a tangible blessing?
- What about God's character helps you understand our need to reach out to our community in service and grace, loving our neighbors as ourselves?
- CHALLENGE: How can you actively get to know the triune God better this week?
Questions from Scripture [10 minutes]
- Read Matthew 28:19–20. What does this passage say about God's character? What does it say about God's mission? What does it say about our role with him in that mission?
- Read Deuteronomy 6:4. How can your life be a sign to the world that God is indeed the one and only God?
Prayer
Father, you are amazing! Your power is limitless; your knowledge is complete. You are the creator and sustainer of all things. And yet, despite your great and awe-inspiring power, you have chosen to make a way to be close to us through your Son, Jesus. Thank you! And may this fact of your grace compel us forward into love for you and for those in our world whom you created and for whom you sent your Son to die. In Jesus' holy name. Amen.