WHO IS GOD?
OPENING PRAYER (WELCOME GOD INTO OUR STUDY)
God of Truth, help us to know your revealed Word. Merciful and loving Father, help us to love you in the same abundance as you have loved us. Let us care for our neighbor as you have cared for us, in Jesus’ name we pray.
CATECHESIS (STUDY THE FAITH)
CCC 189-195 Different Creeds
Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
Apostles Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty the Creator of Heaven and Earth
CCC 201-202 One God
CCC 203-206 God’s Name
CCC 210-211 Merciful
CCC 215-217 Truth
CCC 219-226 Love
“I believe in God,” is the first affirmation in the Apostles Creed and the most fundamental of all beliefs. Nine out of ten Americans believe in the existence of God.
But do they believe what God teaches in Scripture and in His son, Jesus Christ. Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will be saved but those who do the will of my Father. Matthew 7:21
The Apostles Creed is considered a summary of the Faith of the Apostles. It is the ancient baptismal creed of the Church of early Rome. The Apostles Creed is broken into three parts in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The first part speaks of the 1st divine person and His wondrous works of Creation. The second part speaks of the 2nd Divine Person, Jesus, our Redeemer. The 3rd part speaks of the 3rd Divine Person, the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, Lord and giver of Life.
“We firmly believe and confess without reservations that there is only One True God, eternal, infinite, unchangeable, incomprehensible, almighty, and ineffable, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons indeed but one essence and substance.” Lateran Council IV DS 800
God revealed Himself progressively under different names to His people but the revelation that is fundamental for both the Old and New Testament was the revelation to Moses in the burning bush, “I AM WHO AM.” Exodus 3:4-14
God had no beginning and has no end. No one made God. He always was and always will be. God is always present, faithfully caring for His people. God is just as present in the world today as He was in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:8
After the Israelites turned away from God and worshipped the “golden calf,” God reveals Himself as a God of Mercy, “Yahweh, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Exodus 34:1-9
…Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God, For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment Joel 2:12-13
God is also the God of Truth. The sum of your word is Truth as the Psalmist sings, “Your every word is enduring;“ Psalm. 119:160
God is Love. “Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. I John 4:8 “God’s love is everlasting.” Isaiah. 54:8 Remain in my love.” John 15:9
CLOSING PRAYER (PRAY THE FAITH)
I believe in you, my God. You are a God of Truth and Love. O my God, you know my poverty and weakness, and that I am unable to do anything good without Thee; I give you thanks for caring for me. In return, I ask only that you give me your grace to never to refuse you anything. All Glory and praise be to you Almighty God, in Jesus’ name we pray!
LIFE APPLICATION (LIVE THE FAITH)
1.Why is belief in God important in my life?
2. Generally what do I know about God? What don’t I know about God?
3. Does it bother me that God is beyond all understanding… incomprehensible and ineffable a mystery in so many aspects?
4. How does the Church help me with my faith? How do my family and friends help me with my faith in God?