Coming to KNOW our God!

Truly, this is a lifetime task and it may be full of surprises - and at 70 I’m still learning. But, how do we begin to teach others about our God? Our world is either ignorant of, or deceived about the true nature and character of God. Believers are charged with this challenge.

How do we go about it?

Some might introduce God through Genesis chapter one, identifying God as the great Creator. Others may begin at Acts 17 and use Paul’s presentation to the Greek philosophers. Another may begin with the statement of Moses in Deuteronomy. “The LORD our God is ONE.” Still others may begin at John 3:16-17.

Each of these may prove effective, convincing, and worthwhile pursuing.

There is another line of reasoning that I have found very effective. It is thoroughly Scriptural and wonderfully presented in the Bible. God has chosen, in the Old Testament, to liken Himself to things Israel knew and saw about them. Jesus used the same technique in his parables of everyday things.

Here is a typical short list: (there are many more)

Each of these comparisons is well defined for us, and we can use the Bible presentation with complete confidence. Of course there are even greater descriptions of God such as: King, Judge, Saviour, Defender, Fortress and Healer.

Our Lord chose to use “Our Father in Heaven” as the introduction to the believer’s prayer. Maybe this is the ultimate personal association. This world, without God, is like an orphan, stateless, unknown, unprotected and unwanted. However, OUR GOD wants to remedy each of these deficiencies. We can belong to Him, have citizenship in His realm, know and be known, love and be loved. These themes can go straight to the heart! I believe that our doctrinal concept of God is essential for securing a basis for faith - but it is only half of the story. Let us be sure to know and to tell this other half to our friends!

Bro Neil Todd (New Zealand)