Lesson 1 - Knowing the real God
Key verse:
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. - Romans 1:20 (NIV)
Objectives
God's Creations Prove His Existence
A. The mysteries and wonders of the universe testify for God
B. The earth itself testifies for God
C. The wonders of the human body testify for God
How to Know the True God
A. The whole world and all the things in it can testify God’s eternal power (His power and greatness) and Godhead or His divine attributes (harmony, goodness and kindness).
B. Although we cannot see God with our physical eyes, we can know the Creator through His creations.
C. The Bible has already introduced the Creator of all things to us.
Our Response
A. Respect and fear God: This God of Greatness is righteous, and despises sins, therefore we must have a heart of reverence, and not sin against Him.
B. Thank Him: To thank Him and thank Him always for all the things He has made, for giving us grace, and for all His rich provisions.
Introduction
Many people do not believe in the existence of a god, some due to their hardened hearts, others ignorance. The God whom we believe has the desire for man to come to know Him, and to return to His bosom.
Section I - God's Creations Prove His Existence
The Mysteries and Wonders of the Universe testify for God
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The mysteries and wonders of the universe testify for God
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The Solar System: the satellites revolve around the planets in circular orbits, while the planets revolve around the sun. The distance between the sun and the earth measured in the speed of light (traveling at the speed of 7.5 times around the earth in 1 second) is 8min19secs
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The Milky Way System: The sun is just one of the 200 billion stars in the Milky Way. The size of the Milky Way: spans – 100 thousand light years, in width – 30 thousand light years. The whole solar system orbits around the Milky Way in its configuration, and one revolution takes around 250 million light years.
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The Universe: we can find about 1 billion galaxies of similar size to the Milky Way in this universe. The most advanced telescope can observe a distance up to 10 billion light years, yet it still won’t reach the end of this universe!
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Short Summary:
The size of the universe is immeasurable; yet everything in it is in perfect order. The satellite stars revolve around the planets. The planets, on the one hand rotate on its own, and on the other hand revolve around stars, and the whole solar system orbits around the Milky Way. Billions of galaxies orbit systematically on their own tracks in an orderly fashion. All these point towards the whole universe being under the sovereign arrangement of a true God.
The Earth itself testifies for God (Isaiah 40:12; 45:18)
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1. The distance between earth and the sun: the average distance is 93 million miles, it is not too far or too close, just perfect. It allows the earth to receive the light and heat sent off by the sun in addition to other kinds of energy.
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The axis of the earth: it is inclined in a 23.5° angle, creating four distinct seasons. If the angle were any greater, the climate of some areas would go to the extremes.
Short summary:
Who created the earth’s perfect environment for men to live in? Do you think all these happened coincidentally?
The Wonders of the Human Body testifies for God (Psalm 139:13-14; Job 10:8a)
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Fingers: when a pianist plays on the piano, up to 120 keys can be pressed in a second, which means on average every finger can press 12 keys in a second, and at the same time he/she has to take into account the rhythm, timing and the dynamics of the song. Do you think this is quite amazing?
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Brain: several special layers of tissue called meninges serve to protect the brain from concussions. Even though it’s only 1.5-3 pounds, the brain is sophisticatedly designed. 30 billion nerve cells send messages to 200 sets of muscle, working in a synchronized yet precise manner in split seconds, causing the body to function properly. Although computers are now quite advanced, they are made from the design by human brains.
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Hair follicle: our eyebrows are designed to prevent sweats or rain from entering our eyes, thus they grow above our eyes and out towards each side of the face. Our eyelashes, to guard against dust, grow on the edge of the upper and lower eyelids. They curve up and out from the eyes so they will not hinder vision nor cause damage to the eyes. The intestinal villi (hair-like protrusions from cell membranes) grow downwards, assisting to guide the stomach contents downwards. The respiratory tract villi grow upwards, beating up mucus to be expectorated from the body
Short summary:
The human body is such an intricate and wonderful piece of work, who could possibly be behind this design and creation?
Section II - How to Know the True God
How to Know the Real God (Romans 1:20)
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The whole world and all the things in it can testify God’s eternal power (His power and greatness) and Godhead or His divine attributes (harmony, goodness and kindness).
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Although we cannot see God with our physical eyes, we can know the Creator through His creations.
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The Bible has already introduced the Creator of all things to us.
Our Response (Romans 1:21)
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Respect and fear God: This God of Greatness is righteous, and despises sins, therefore we must have a heart of reverence, and not sin against Him.
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Thank Him: To thank Him and thank Him always for all the things He has made, for giving us grace, and for all His rich provisions.
Summary:
God desires man to know Him; He reveals Himself to man through the things that are made; we should have a heart of reverence and thanksgiving.
Practice and Exercise:
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Do we respect and fear God during the meetings? (If we do, we would not arrive late/leave early for the meetings casually, and will put God’s Word in our hearts)
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Learn to give thanks always.