Session 3
Knowing God

Introduction

Think about the most beautiful scenery you have ever seen. Describe it to the group. How does it prompt you to respond?

Read Genesis 1:1-5. The world did not happen by accident - it was created by God.

The opening chapters of Genesis are not intended to be read as a scientific textbook. Their primary purpose is to teach us about God and to show that it is possible to have a relationship with Him. In other words, they answer the 'Why?' about creation, rather than giving us details about the 'How?'

Read Psalm 8:3-8. Modern science is uncovering the mysteries and scale of the universe. What do you think this passage tell us about the place of human beings in it? How significant are we as individuals?

The God who reaches out

The Bible teaches about God's concern for all that he has made, and about his desire for a relationship with us. There are two major ways in which God shows his love and interest in human beings:

• He chose the nation of Israel to demonstrate to the rest of the world who he is. Running through the Old Testament is the story of how God intervened in history in dramatic ways and revealed himself to his chosen, but often rebellious, people.
  Read Deuteronomy 7:7-11. What does this tell you about God?

• He sent his Son Jesus to earth, to show us in tangible form what God is like.
  Read Hebrews 1:1-3a.

In the next session we will look in more detail at what Jesus shows us about God, and at how a deep relationship with God is made possible through Jesus.

God the Father

We began by thinking of God as Creator. He also wants us to think of him as Father.

When Jesus introduced the Lord's Prayer to his disciples in Matthew 6:9, he told them to pray, 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name'.

How would thinking of God as Father affect your understanding of who he is?

People who call the same person 'Father' are usually brothers and sisters. In knowing God as Father, we are introduced into his family. Think about all the brothers and sisters you now have - not just the ones you know, but throughout the world!

Like any good parent, God has hopes and dreams for us and wants to show us how we should live, both as individuals and as a community. The Bible is like a letter of instruction to us from our Father. If we want to get to know God, we need to find out what he is most concerned about.

For example, the Bible teaches us that God is passionate about justice and those who are at the margins of society. Have a look at Deuteronomy10:17-19. What are the values there that God wants to be reflected in his children?

Getting to know God

Think about ways in which we can start building a relationship with God.

You may not realise it but today, in this room, God is already working in your life. He is not distant or far away. We will explain in another session that this is because God's Holy Spirit is at work.

Christians experience God with them in three ways: as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This key concept is what Christians call the Trinity, and there are some supplementary notes in Appendix 1 to enable you to look at this topic in more detail.

Your choice

Between now and next week, read through the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. What does it say to you about the character of God, and the kind of relationship he wants to have with us