1. ―Theology‖
SESSION FOUR:
GOD (THEOLOGY
PROPER)
DOES GOD EXIST?

2. The Meaning of Doctrine.
WORDS MEANING USAGE
Old Testament: Lekah What is received; the message Deut 32:2 Job 11:4; Prov 4:2
Shemuah What is heard Isa 28:9
Musar Discipline Jer 10:8
New Testament: Didarkalia The art of teaching 1 Tim 4:13-16; 2 Tim 3:10-16
& what is taught Matt 15:9; 2 Tim 4:3
Didache Teaching Rom 16:1
English: Doctrina, Docco To teach (both the act of Doctor, Luke 2:46; 5:17; Acts
teaching and the subject taught) 5:34
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3. Three Types of Teachers.
TYPE EXAMPLE & CHARACTERISTICS
Legalistic Pharisees A compact, definite body of teaching made of fixed
traditions. Humanly conceived doctrines revered by
religious rulers. Christ rejected them, Matt 15:9.
Realistic Christ Unconventional, occasional, discursive, unsystematic.
It arose from experience and was powered by his
personality. The people were astonished and the
lawyers fought it, Matt 7:28; 22:33.
Evangelistic The Apostles and Us Gathering the salient features of the Bible’s teaching,
proclaiming them to others through evangelism, and
teaching them to others through discipleship. Known
as the apostle’s doctrine, not church dogma, Acts
2:42.
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4. Thesis:
• The greatest need
of the church in the
Laodicean age is
for sound doctrine
on a realistic level
through
evangelistic
teachers.
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5. CREATURES WHO DENY
THEIR CREATOR
• The atheist says there is no God
• The agnostic says he cannot tell if
there is a God
• The materialist brags he does not
need a God
• The fool wishes there were no God
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6. Point 1.
• Sin temporarily eclipses our vision of
God.
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7. 1. THE LAWS OF
THERMODYNAMICS
• The First Law—matter and energy
can neither be created nor
destroyed
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8. 1. THE LAWS OF
THERMODYNAMICS
• The First Law—matter and energy
can neither be created nor
destroyed
• The Second Law—the contents of
our universe are less ordered and
more random with time
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9. Three Inescapable Truths
1) The universe must have had a
beginning
2) The universe must have had a highly
ordered beginning
3) The universe could not have begun
itself
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10. Worldwide Web of Pointers to God
1. THE LAWS OF
THERMODYNAMICS
2. EINSTEIN’S GENERAL THEORY
OF RELATIVITY
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11. Point 2.
• The equations of general relativity
show how the universe cannot be
static, it has to be expanding or
contracting.
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12. Point 3.
• God is the only cosmological
constant there is—not time—and
everything else is relative to God.
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13. Worldwide Web of Pointers to God
1. THE LAWS OF
THERMODYNAMICS
2. EINSTEIN’S GENERAL THEORY
OF RELATIVITY
3. ASTRONOMICAL
OBSERVATIONS
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14. Point 4.
• You can’t have an origin without an
originator.
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15. B. LOGICAL POINTERS TO GOD
1) Logic demands a cause for every
effect
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16. B. LOGICAL POINTERS TO GOD
1) Logic demands a cause for every
effect
2) The universe is an effect which
scientifically demands a very great
cause
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17. Point 5.
• The fact that we time-bound creatures
cannot picture with our minds how a
creator can live outside of a time-
space continuum does not remove our
need for him.
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18. Definition:
• If you do not transcend God above the
time-space continuum, then you do
not have God, because God defines
himself as a self-existing entity.
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19. B. LOGICAL POINTERS TO GOD
1) Logic demands a cause for every
effect
2) The universe is an effect which
scientifically demands a very great
cause
3) The first cause must be independent
of its effects
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20. Point 6.
• Scientific discoveries of the last
century about the universe show us
that it was an outside job.
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21. B. LOGICAL POINTERS TO GOD
4) The first cause must be infinitely
powerful (omnipotent)
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22. B. LOGICAL POINTERS TO GOD
4) The first cause must be infinitely
powerful (omnipotent)
5) The first cause must be eternal
(transcendent of time)
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23. B. LOGICAL POINTERS TO GOD
4) The first cause must be infinitely
powerful (omnipotent)
5) The first cause must be eternal
(transcendent of time)
• From our perspective God is
without beginning or end
• From God’s perspective, outside
of time, beginnings and endings
are something he created, not
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something that control him
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24. B. LOGICAL POINTERS TO GOD
4) The first cause must be infinitely
powerful (omnipotent)
5) The first cause must be eternal
(transcendent of time)
6) The first cause must be spiritual
(transcendent of space)
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25. B. LOGICAL POINTERS TO GOD
4) The first cause must be infinitely
powerful (omnipotent)
5) The first cause must be eternal
(transcendent of time)
6) The first cause must be spiritual
(transcendent of space)
7) The first cause must be all-knowing
(omniscient)
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26. B. LOGICAL POINTERS TO GOD
8) The first cause must have
personhood
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27. Definition:
• Buddhism is atheism with ethics.
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28. Definition:
• General • Special
revelation revelation
is natural is revealed
knowledge knowledge
of God of God.
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29. Special Revelation
1. THE CONTENT OF REVELATION
IS ABOUT A PERSON, NOT A
RELIGION
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30. Special Revelation
1. THE CONTENT OF REVELATION
IS ABOUT A PERSON, NOT A
RELIGION
2. THE METHOD OF REVELATION
IS BY PROPOSITION, NOT BY
MYSTICISM
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31. Special Revelation
1. THE CONTENT OF REVELATION
IS ABOUT A PERSON, NOT A
RELIGION
2. THE METHOD OF REVELATION
IS BY PROPOSITION, NOT BY
MYSTICISM
3. THE RESULTING KNOWLEDGE
FROM REVELATION IS
PERSONAL, NOT THEORETICAL
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32. Special Revelation
4. THE REASON FOR
REVELATION IS BECAUSE
THERE IS A PLAN BEYOND
HUMAN REDEMPTION
– God’s will is specially revealed in his
word
– God’s works are specially revealed
by his mighty acts in history
– God’s ways are specially revealed by
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the church

33. A FOURFOLD SPECIAL REVELATION OF GOD
THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES
• Nature shows God above us
• Providence shows God beyond us
• Law shows God against our sin
• Grace shows God for us
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34. Point 7.
• Christians do not believe in three
Gods, but in one God who manifests
himself in three eternal persons
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35. REV 1:4-5
Formula for God: X + 7Y + Jesus
Christ =
The Godhead (Trinity)
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36. Point 8.
• The doctrine of the Trinity is
the Bible’s way of guarding
the church against false
interpretations and
understandings of who God
is, what God is like, how he
works on this planet, and
what he did in saving us.
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37. Point 9.
• Our concept of God
determines our view of the
world because distorted
notions of God always
condemn us to perverted
concepts of truth.
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38. A. ATTRIBUTES (NATURE OF GOD)
1) God is Spirit, John 4:24; Deut
4:15-16,19; Ps 147:5; Isa 40:25-26
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39. A. ATTRIBUTES (NATURE OF GOD)
1) God is Spirit, John 4:24; Deut
4:15-16,19; Ps 147:5; Isa 40:25-26
2) God is a person, Exod 3:14; 1 Cor
2:11; Eph 1:9,11
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40. A. ATTRIBUTES (NATURE OF GOD)
1) God is Spirit, John 4:24; Deut
4:15-16,19; Ps 147:5; Isa 40:25-26
2) God is a person, Exod 3:14; 1 Cor
2:11; Eph 1:9,11
3) God is infinite, Eph 1:23; Jer
23:24; Job 11:7; 26:14; 36:26
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41. ―PRAISES,‖ 1 PETER 2:9 PURPOSE
Attributes that are Incommunicable but Comprehensible By His Creation
Eternality His relation to immensity, not bound by infinity
Omnipresence His relation to space; everywhere at once
Omnipotence His operation in energy; possessing all power
Omniscience His relation to facts; not limited in knowledge
Immutability His relation to consistency; not subject to change
Spirituality His relation to matter; not subject to matter
Unity His relation to number; not capable of division
Aseity (Self-Existence) His relation to self being
Attributes that are Communicable and Sharable with His Creation
Holiness His operation in purity; not subject to corruption
Righteousness or Justice His operation in equity; not diminishing fairness
Mercy and Grace His operation toward man’s sin
Goodness and Love His operation toward man
Jealousy His operation in light of the Adversary
Faithfulness and Truth His operation in light of our failure
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42. DEFINITION:
• Attributes are modes of showing either
the relation or the operation of God’s
person.
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43. KNOWING GOD BY HIS NATURE
• God is love: we don't have to be
afraid of his will
• God knows all: his direction is
always right
• God is all-powerful: he enables
us to accomplish his will
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44. 1. God (El, Elohim) 2570x
A. El Elyon
Three COMPOUND names with El
B. El Olam
C. El Shaddai
Three PRIMARY 2. LORD (Jah, Jehovah) 6800+x
names in the Old A. Jehovah Elohim
Testament Three COMPOUND names with
B. Adonai Jehovah
Jehovah
C. Jehovah Sabaoth
3. Lord (Adonai) 340x
1. Father
2. Son
Three PRIMARY A. Lord
Full COMPOUND name of the Son
names in the New B. Jesus
Testament C. Christ
3. Holy Ghost
Survey of the Names of God.
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45. Primary Names for God.
PRIMARY NAMES MEANING SHOWING
El, Eloah, Elohim Mighty one; God His Might—Strong
The Creator God Worship Connection—His Glory
Jah, Jehovah (Yahweh) He who is; LORD His Mercy—Savior
The Covenant God Work Connection—His Grace
Adon, Adonai Master, owner; Lord His Majesty—Sovereign
The Controlling God Will Connection—His
Government
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46. Three Compound Names with El.
COMPOUND NAMES TRANSLATED SHOWING
El, Elyon Most High God Lofty; supreme possessor
El Olam Everlasting God God of the ages
El Shaddai Almighty God Powerful God
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47. Three Titles with El.
TITLE MEANING IMPLICATION
El-hai The living God Our God cannot die
El-alah The faithful God Our God cannot lie
El-roi The hearing God Our God can respond
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48. Compound Names with Jehovah.
COMPOUND APPELLATIONS TRANSLATED
Jehovah Elohim LORD GOD
Adonai Jehovah LORD God
Jehovah Sabaoth LORD of Hosts
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49. Seven Titles with Jehovah.
TITLE MEANING IMPLICATION
Jehovah-jireh The LORD will see Our God knows
Jehovah-rapha The LORD that heals Our God saves
Jehovah-shalom The LORD our peace Our God gives rest
Jehova-tsidkenu The LORD our righteousness Our God in our place
Jehovah-shammah The LORD is there Our God is present
Jehovah-raah The LORD my shepherd Our God provides
Jehovah-nissi The LORD our banner Our God leads
Jehovah-qadash The LORD who sanctifies Our God uses us
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50. THE PURPOSE OF GOD
1) God’s will is eternal and not subject
to change, Eph 3:11
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51. THE PURPOSE OF GOD
1) God’s will is eternal and not subject
to change, Eph 3:11
2) God’s plan was made freely, Ps
135:6
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52. THE PURPOSE OF GOD
1) God’s will is eternal and not subject
to change, Eph 3:11
2) God’s plan was made freely, Ps
135:6
3) God’s will includes everything that
happens, Eph 1:11
• International boundaries
• Deeds of the wicked
• Length of your life
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• Way you die
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53. THE PURPOSE OF GOD
4) Because God’s will is comprehensive
does not mean God controls men and
women against their will, Luke 22:22;
Mat 18:7
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54. THE PURPOSE OF GOD
4) Because God’s will is comprehensive
does not mean God controls men and
women against their will, Luke 22:22;
Mat 18:7
5) Because God’s will is comprehensive
does not make God responsible for
evil, Acts 27:22-24,30-31
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55. Point 10.
• Allowance for evil does not constitute
responsibility for evil since the
person who chooses evil is a free
moral agent.
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56. Point 11.
• God is not unrighteous because his
will allows the results of sin to occur;
rather God’s mercy is to be marveled
at because we all deserved Hell the
moment we were born.
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57. THE PLAN OF GOD
a. His Will for the UNIVERSE Isa 9:7; Rev 5:13
• God’s will for the universe is fulfilled in eternity as
Christ delivers the kingdom to God (1 Cor 15:24).
b. His Will for the WORLD Psa 29:1-2
• God’s will for the world is fulfilled through the
Millennial reign of Christ, which will be the
kingdom of heaven on earth.
c. His Will for YOUR LIFE 1 Cor 6:20
• God’s will for your life is fulfilled by Christ’s control
of your life through the kingdom of God in your
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heart.
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58. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will,
according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself (Eph 1:9)
REVEALED UNREVEALED
Will of God Will of God
1. Salvation — 2 Pet 3:9; 1 Tim 2:3-4
2. Thankfulness — 1 Thes 5:18; Eph 5:20
3. Submission — 1 Pet 2:13-15; Eph 5:21
4. Sanctification — 1 Thes 4:3-7 GOD'S PLAN
5. Suffering — 1 Pet 3:17; 4:19; 2 Tim 3:12 FOR OUR
6. Surrender to Service — 2 Cor 8:5 INDIVIDUAL
7. Spirit Filling — Eph 5:17-18 LIVES
8. Knowledge of His Revealed Will — Luke 2:47; Rom 2:18;
Eph 5:17
9. Doing His Revealed Will — Eph 6:6; Ps 40:8; 143:10;
Heb 10:36; 13:21; John 4:34; 7:17
Will of God Plan of God
A Goal — A Roadmap —
Found Through the Word of God Found Through the Church
Psalm 37:4
"Delight" "Desires"
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59. Geography #4 Place
WHERE Where Movement
Location
CELEBRATION
ISM #3 Generation X
People Ministry Work Discipleship
WHAT will I do? Vocation Ministry
CLASS
Wisdom Understanding #2 Discretion Temperanc
Self-Control Mercy Walk e
WHY will I go? Motivation Charity Hospitality
CELL Heart attitude
#1
Prayer Praise Bible Study Worship Meditation Singing Giving
For WHOM will I go? Relation Relationship with God
CORE
GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE
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60. Definition:
• Providence is God’s control in bringing
the movement of all things to his
predetermined goal in accordance with
his purposed plan.
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61. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD
1) God controls all things, Ps 103:19
2) God usually exercises control
through secondary means, not
miracles, Ps 148:8
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62. DEFINITION:
• Worship is all that I am
giving homage to all that
God is.
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63. NEXT CLASS
Wk DATE Subject GRUDEM DUE
5 Feb 10 The Church & the Ordinances (Ecclesiology) 79-98
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