Super Natural

 

SUPER. NATURAL

                                                             Isaiah 35:1-10                                                            

One year ago, our current President of the United States, Trump was elected. Some were excited and hopeful while others fearful.  Sixteen years ago, President Obama promised Hope and Change.  Some were happy about the change and others not.  My purpose is not to raise a political issue, but to illustrate that placing hope in anyone or anything, other than God, is False Hope.

Advent is four weeks focused on the Hope of the One who came and promises to come again. The Advent Candles remind us of the hope of the Prophets.  Read Isaiah 35:1-39.  It is a message of hope, an oasis between the wasteland of chapters 1-34 and 36-39, which are messages of judgment, on all nations including Israel and Judah and a history of war and sickness, for rejecting God.

God Never Allowed His People to Go Without Hope or Comfort.

The same is true for us.  God Will Never Leave Us Without Hope.

When our hands are feeble, and our knees give way.
When our hearts are filled with fear-Disease, Death, Age. 
God says: Be strong, do not fear, I will Come, I AM With You!

                                                                     As time drew near for the Israelites to return to their homeland after being held as captives for 48 years in Babylon, it was important for them to remember the lessons of their ancestors.  The coming Exodus would be greater than the first, when they were liberated from Egypt.  Inspired by the Holy Spirit, in chapter 34, Isaiah exhausts the picture of a stricken earth, shrouded in smoke from the smoldering ruins, haunted by wild beasts, empty of all human life, the stench of the slain, clinging to the very soil drenched with rotten death. In Contrast, in Chapter 35, One passes from a sense of despair to hope, thanksgiving, beauty and joy, “oracle of divine redemption.”   The homecoming would be glorious, traveling on the Kings Highway.  God’s Coming makes the desert blossom.  The King’s Highway would take the pilgrims from the desert of suffering to Jerusalem.  The way was found only by following God.   The theme of this Advent is Super. Natural Sign. Note that God doesn’t simply point the way.  God is the Way and always beside us.   The One we anticipate during Advent said: I AM the Way; I AM With You!

 QUESTION:  What pressures are causing your hands and knees to tremble?  How might the message of verse 4 bring strength to you?  When you were ready to “give up,” how did God come to you?   

PRAYER:  Gracious God, I put myself before you with a waiting heart and expectant desire.  Open my eyes that I may see your promise fulfilled; open my ears that I may hear your word whispered to my deepest being.  Strengthen my hands and trembling knees while I await your coming anew. 

Christ The King

 

 

                                 “Christ Is King* (Revelation 5:12)

     Two years ago, we visited the first “Protestant” (Anglican) church build in Latin America. Belize City, Belize, C.A. (Belize used to be called British Honduras, Thus the reason of British influence. Belize was granted Independence in 1981 and became the seventh country in Central America.) Across the street was a house built for Queen Elizabeth II.  She only stayed there only once.  King Charles III has yet to visit Belize, let alone live in the house. We were struck by the power and wealth of the monarch, surrounded by poverty.  Since the building has not been used, Belize is going to use it for a museum. (See Below)

          This Sunday, the last of the Christian Year, is called “Christ the King Sunday.” It is a time for focusing on KING, Jesus Christ! 

           Living in the United States, Royalty is something we fought.  Our leaders are elected not crowned.  Blood line doesn’t determine who is elected as president.  For us Royalty is more associated with Hollywood Movies.

Thinking of the Second Person of the Trinity, SON, as King is difficult. That is what Revelation 11:15 says:

The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ., and he will reign for ever and ever. Both Jews and Christians affirm this and believe that many of the Psalms referred to the Promised Messiah, as much as they did to the events of their time... Christians noted how many of the passages describe, in detail, Christ’s life and death.  Jesus quoted from the Psalms.

          The difference is the Jews are still waiting for the Messiah.    We believe and celebrate that Jesus was the Messiah, Christ (Greek for Messiah).  We now wait for his promised return.

Read John 18:33-38.  Note the dialogue between Pilot, Roman Governor, and what he asks Jesus. John 18:33-38 Pilate:                “Are you the King of the Jews?” (Royal Threat) 

Jesus: “My kingdom is not an earthly kingdom ...My kingdom is not of this world.”

           Pilate: “So you are a King.” 

          Jesus: “You say I AM a king... came to tell of Truth.”

          Pilate: “What is Truth?”

          Jesus taught his Disciples, and through them, us how to pray.  We call the pattern he gave us:  The Lord’s Prayer: This wonderful prayer begins focused on Who God Is: “Our Father who is in heaven.”

There are six petitions. The first: "God’s name be hallowed.”

                                      The second: "Thy Kingdom Come:” May thy kingly rule be established in our life-time and n our day.  God is sovereign.  We are seeking to live in that kingdom.  Jesus began his ministry: “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”  All his teaching revolved around his conception of the Kingdom of God and the new order of things when God alone will reign.  He told of how all things would be transformed and how people’s characters would be different.

“The Kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ. And he will reign forever and ever.”

                             “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."*

Rev. 5:12 Worthy is the Lamb who was slain – to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessings.

          The Third Petition: “Thy will be done.”

Asking for God’s Kingdom to Come is Asking for God’s Will/Plan to be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.  We use: “Thy will be done ...” in our weekly prayers, it may be the most difficult of the petitions to make.  Because God’s will/kingdom has meant: suffering, loneliness and even death for some who faithfully followed God and not Culture.  Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is such an example. Other examples are The Apostle Paul’s imprisonment. Others are Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox, (Founders of Reformed/Scottish Church and known as Presbyterian, in the United States of America.)

                     If we believe God Cares For Us, God’s Kingdom means direction, purpose, plan and security, no matter the circumstances.  (Read Romans 8:25-28) Note that even out of what might be seen as disaster/failure God brings good. Thus, we can live in hope!

Hope for the future fills the present with significance.  All that is happening is furthering God’s Kingdom.  Our desire is to cooperate with God’s plan.  The Kingdom is in the future, but it is not remote and imaginary. In praying “Your Kingdom Come” we are saying: “May your rule be the norm for my life.”  May God help us live in that Kingdom now. The Gospel of Mark records: “Jesus went about proclaiming the kingdom of God is at hand.” Jesus’ actions and teachings evidenced God’s presence/kingdom.

                      If God’s kingdom has already come, why do we pray that it will come?  We are affirming our desire that God will continue working in our lives.  We are saying:

“I am willing to do whatever you want me to do.  It was because of Paul’s obedience that he wrote from jail, The letters to the Philippian and Colossian Churches:

“Rejoice in the Lord always ...”  (Philippians. 4:4)

          Read Joshua 5:13-15. The power present with Joshua was neither impersonal nor magical. Power related to a Person: a Person who has continuity in history.  The continuity of a Supernatural Leader was made explicit in the incident near Jericho.  Here the One who met Joshua said:

“As commander of the LORD’S the army I AM come,” implying that this ONE had been present, before, in a

different capacity.  Joshua had been present and seen this Presence before.  Now this One was coming as Commander. of the LORD’s Army.  “Joshua fell face down in reverence.”

          This parallels Moses experience. Read Exodus 3:1-22. Moses was called by a Person – The Great “I AM.”   Through the Burning Bush.

“Take off your sandals for you are standing on holy ground.” Joshua received the same instruction.  He quickly unstrapped his sandals and kicked them off, knowing he was in Moses’ place.  When God spoke to Moses from a burning bush, God mentioned the past.  “I AM the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face before the same God who appeared before and called Abram.” 

“I AM not a new God.”  Continuity in Leadership --Joshua. Moses had said, as he transferred leadership to Joshua: 

Deut. 31:7-8 “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them and must divide it among them as their inheritance.  The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will neither leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

God had lead Moses and the people through a cloud in the day and fire at night.  Those ended when the people crossed the Jordan River, on dry ground, and the men were circumcised, and they celebrated the Passover.  Now Commander of the LORD’S Army meets, affirms and gives orders on how Jericho will be taken. 

Because Joshua knew the ONE kept his promises, Joshua was able to say to the people, in front of the walls of Jericho, without fear: “Shout for the LORD has given you the city.”  (Joshua 6:16) Why? (Schaeffer, Joshua)

“Because the Power was Personal, and Person was there.” (Jericho was about 7 Acers and walled, Fortress.) The Rear Guard started marching, totally surrounding the city.  It had a psychological impact.  There was fear of leaving the security/city. They knew what the Jews had done on other side of Jordan.  They were aware that the river had stopped.  “Their hearts melted, and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.” (Josh 5:1)    

The kingdom of God comes through Jesus, comes through us, and will come when Jesus returns to this earth, to complete what he began.  We cannot build the kingdom of God.  Only God can.  But we can make ourselves available for God’s use.

Ph. 2:9-11    God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

When Jesus told his disciples he would leave for a while: “I AM going to prepare a place for you.  I will come back and take you to where I AM.” 

“Do not be Afraid.  I will not Leave or Forsake you.  The Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.  (Will Guide and Empower you.)  Peace, I give to you, not as the world gives.  Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.”(John 14:27) 

When Christ returns to this earth he will come in the capacity as King.  “Word of God.”  (Revelation 19:13) and will rule. All will recognize his right to rule. There will be peace.  We can regard Jesus as Lord now as a willing commitment or when he returns/called into his presence.

There is a Hym that affirms the meaning of Christ as King: 

The King Is Coming! 

O the King is coming, the King is coming!  I just heard the trumpets sounding. And now His face I see. O the King is coming, the King is coming! Praise God, He is coming for me!

Are you ready to meet the King?  Have you bowed your knee and acknowledged Him as Lord?  If not, today is a good time?

If you are ready to meet the King I invite you to affirm your faith, using the Apostle’s Creed.

          Next week I will begin a new set of blogs during the Four Weeks Advent in Preparation for the First Coming of Jesus born as a baby in a humble setting.  We call it Christmas.  The blogs will focus on the promised return of Jesus Christ the Christ.

*The Messiah composed by Frederic Handle

      

                                             

UNIVERSAL CONDITION

UNIVERSAL CONDITION

Dr. Glen A. Thorp October 19, 2025
I Timothy 6:3-21, Luke 16:19-31 (All Rights Reserved)

“UNIVERSAL CONDITION”

INTRODUCTION: Some of the richest people I know are poor
Some of poorest people I know are rich.
It is not what we own that is important.
It is what we do with what we have &
whether we are content with what we have.

There is a universal condition which all people have in common, whether living in the United States, Korea, Angola, the Congo, Colombia, Israel, Egypt, Spain, France or Syria which may lead to personal or national conflict.
That universal condition is Discontentment.
Proverbs.30:7-9 says:
7 “Two things I ask of you, LORD;
do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.

Rich caught in endless cycle. “The one who dies with most toys, wins.” Solutions: Wealth, Fame, Filling Time or Withdrawing.
Greek Philosophers defined contentment as
autarkeia - self-sufficiency, autonomy & autocratic.
Frame of Mind completely independent of all outward or external things.
Contentment comes from an inner attitude towards life
Those having wealth & power don’t have to flaunt it.

Henry VI, Shakespeare, Third Act draws a picture of the king wandering through the country un-recognized. Meeting two gamekeepers he tells them he is the king. One of them asks:
“If thou be king, where is thy crown?”
The king gives this great answer:

“My crown is in my heart, not on my head,
not decked with diamonds & Indian stones,
nor to be seen: My crown is call’d contentment
a crown it is that seldom kings enjoy.

Epicurious wrote: “The secret to Contentment:
Add not to a man’s possessions,
But take away his desires.”

Christianity does not promote poverty.
There is no virtue in being poor. (Blessed are the poor ...)

It acknowledges what I Timothy 6:7 says:

We brought nothing into the world & it is clear
that we can take nothing with us when we die.

Beatles’ Songs: Which best expresses your attitude towards money:
Money (That’s what I want) or
Money Can’t Buy Me Love?

ILLUSTRATION: A close friend worked hard & long hours
became a millionaire. That was not his goal. It was the result of his labor & investments. He was proud of doing it on his own. Not quite:
• long hours meant his family was neglected.
• drain on his energy & health.
• a major law suite took away years of life & finances.
• result he was divorced from his wife.
“I would give anything, money, if I could have my wife back”

Jesus said: What good is it for a person to gain
the whole world but loose her/his soul?

Read Luke 16:19-31. It is a parable ( a story with a point) taught by Jesus about a Rich man & a poor man named Lazarus ... Notice what the rich man asks in vs. 27, 28 & Abraham’s responses.

Jesus also said: Seek first the kingdom of God and these thinngs will be given to as well. (Matthew 6:33)

We acknowledge that all we have comes from God.
We are not autonomous: Don’t need anything or anyone.

There is no such thing as a self-made person.

Wealthy Barron - discovered minerals:
gold, silver, diamonds, oil etc.
Used cheap labor ...

Business person - Markets products or services
Needs customers...

Athlete or Actor - Someone: discovered him/her, developed his/her talent.
payed to see him/her play or act.

Autonomy often leads to loneliness.

That is not what the Greek Philosophers & definitely, not Paul, meant by “contentment.”

“Happiness/Contentment comes from relationships.

Paul, nearing the end of his life, writes to Timothy: (6:6)
Do you want to be rich?
You are when you are content.

On another occasion Paul wrote: (Philippines 4:11-12)
I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need.
I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any & every
situation, whether fed or hungry, in plenty or in want.

Contentment comes when we escape the servitude to things & find our wealth in the love, friendships & especially our friendship with God made possible through Jesus Christ.

TRANSITION: It is that love & friendship we celebrate each Sunday.

1. God loved us so much that he came in human form.
Jesus took our place of condemnation,
dying that we might live.
We read a story or see a movie where some saves another’s life.
What is the response? “Because you saved my life,
I owe you.”
Jesus saved our lives, yet ...
we owe nothing except gratitude.

2. We are God’s children, so are those born in bamboo huts.
We each came into the world the same.
We each will leave this world the same.
What is the difference?
We have been given opportunity, good diet,
medical care, education & an atmosphere of support.
Acknowledge it all as God’s provision.
Use it wisely
Share what we have learned & earned with others.
We enjoy:
The Good News given to us.
The beautiful churches which have been entrusted to us
What will we do with what we have received?
Paul writes:
You are people of God:
Walk with shoulders straight,
head high.
Given commission from God.

I Timothy 6:11-16 Pursue: (Greek Words - Translated)
dikaiosune: Right Relationships - God, others, self.
eusebeia: Godliness - Aware of God’s presence.
pistis: Faith - Fidelity to God.
agape: Love - Love of God for us.
hupomone: Patience - Victorious endurance.
paupatheia: Gentleness - Doesn’t blaze into anger for
for its own wrongs, but
for wrongs against others.
- Humility that all one has comes from God &
- Pride of calling from God.

Remembering our Baptism:
Our Helplessness
Public Confession of Faith
All we have comes from God.

Joel 2:23, 26 Affirms how we respond to God for all that God
provides for us:

Be glad, oh people of (insert you city),
rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.
He sends you abundant showers, but autumn & spring rains..
You will have plenty to eat, you are full &
you will praise the name of the Lord.

Stuart Hamblem “had a series of highly popular radio programs on the West Coast or the United States (1931-1952.)
He composed music & acted with others stars as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers & John Wayne ...Hamblem didn’t cope well with the pressure ... sought relief in alcohol ... which often landed him in jail for public brawling & other destructive behavior...
In 1949 he attended a Billy Graham crusade in Los Angeles.
His life was dramatically changed when he turned his life over to Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior. He described this as “the turning point” of my life. He was fired from his radio career when he declined to continue with his radio station’s sponsor’s beer commercials. Hard times were upon him. During this struggle, John Wayne took him aside & told him “your troubles started when you ‘got religion’ & asked if it was worth it all. Hamblen answered simply, “Yes.”
Then John said, “You liked booze so much. Don’t you ever miss it?”
The answer was “no.” John continued:
“I don’t understand how you could give it up so easily.”
Hamblen’s response was “It’s no big secret. All things are possible with God.” To this John said,
“That’s a catch phrase. You should write a song about it.”

He did and it is called: It Is No Secret . The first verse is:

“The chimes of time ring out the news Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell Was that someone you?
You may have longed for added strenght Your courage to renew
Do not be disheartened For I bring hope to you.

It is no secret, what God can do What he's done for others, he'll do for you With arms wide open, he'll pardon you It is no secret what God can do. With arms wide open, he'll pardon you It is no secret what God can do.” 

 Dr. Glen A. Thorp June 15, 2025

Romans 8:15-17, Isaiah 6:1-8 (Trinity Sunday)
(All Rights Reserved)

TRINITARIANS:
(“Worshiping One God, not Three”)

INTRODUCTION: Christians are often accused of being tri-theists
by Muslims and Jews. We are not. We are Trinitarians.
Today, Trinity Sunday in the Christian calendar, I am going to try explaining the concept and implications of believing in a Triune God.

“The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the deepest and most sacred in the Christian system. * Yet it is one of the most confusing of Christian doctrines.

The term “Trinity” came from man (Tertullian, 220 AD) and
not expressed in a creed until the Council of Nicea (325 AD)
from which came the first Christian Creed: “Nicean Creed.”

The Triune Nature of God is NOT a human invention.
Nor is the term “Trinity” simply a metaphysical attempt of describing God.

Both the unity and tri-unity of God are revealed in Scripture.
“Reason shows unity of God; only Revelation shows Trinity of God.”+
Although the term “Trinity” is not found in Scripture,
the concept definitely is Biblical.

The term “trinity” designates Facts that help us better understand the Implications of what God has revealed about God’s self to us.

The First Fact is: There is but One God.

We do not believe in three Gods. Along with Muslims and Jews we affirm the powerful phrase in Deuteronomy 6:4
"The Lord our God is One Lord."
“In the midst of the most seductive forms of polytheism, it was necessary that the Israelites be thoroughly instructed in divine unity.”*
St. Patrick of Ireland used a Shamrock, 3 leaf clover in explaining the Trinity. Three leaves yet one clover. By the way that is why all those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day wearing green and Shamrocks.
I wonder how many realize they are affirming their belief in the Trinity.

The first and foundational in the Ten Commandments was
You shall have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)
I could list many other Scripture stating there is but One God.

The Second Fact is: God is Revealed in Three Ways.

From the first verse of the Bible:
"In the beginning God ... Elohim-the Hebrew word for God is plural
created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:26 states:
"God ... Elohim, said:
'Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness." In Genesis 3:22:
The Lord said, this man has become like one of us. Isaiah 6:8:
"The Lord said: Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?"

Even the sacred phrase for Jews, Muslims and Christians:
"The Lord, Elohim (Our Gods) is One Lord."

When Jews and Muslims are asked to explain these verses, their response is: “this is a council in Heaven of which God is the Moderator.”
Jews acknowledge God’s Spirit came upon prophets and priests but will not say the Spirit is God. Numbers 11:24-24 tells of God’s Spirit being given to seventy elders who had be chosen to assist Moses.
"The Lord took of the Spirit that was on him (Moses)
and put the Spirit on the seventy elders." (11:25)

Though there is but One God, God is revealed in the Three Ways.
The Greek word hypostasis means “substance” and became the technical term explaining that God is One revealed in Three Ways.

A. The Father is recognized as God.

For the Jews and Muslims this is no problem.
Many Scriptures affirm the Father as God. Two:
John 6:27 "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."

I Peter 1:2 "Peter as apostle of Jesus Christ ... chosen and destined by God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit for the obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood."

The Lord’s Prayer begins: "Our Father in Heaven ..."

For us to address God as Father is a privilege given by Jesus.

B. The Son, Jesus Christ, is recognized as God.

This is what separates Christians from Jews, Muslims and every other religion. Each acknowledges Jesus was a great prophet who lived a exemplary life. But saying that Jesus born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth and crucified in Jerusalem was God is blasphemy. This is the accusation that ultimately lead to Jesus’ death. Again, there are many
Scriptures declaring Jesus was God. Two:

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, (Greek is Logos) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

This chapter and the Gospel affirm that the Word was Jesus.

John 20:28 One of Jesus’ resurrection appearances was to the
Apostle Thomas, who did not believe Jesus was alive. Jesus said:
"Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe." Notice Thomas’s response:
"My Lord and My God!"

While Jesus was on earth he prayed to the Father:
"I do what the Father tells me to do."
How can God be in two places at once?
We say God is omnipresent, God can be in all places at once.
(Try Comprehending one God being both on earth in a physical human form and yet be transcendent, not bound by earth’s restrictions.)

There are many who say Jesus was a Son of God, just like you and I are Children of God. That is Not What Scripture says. It was against that heresy the Council of Nicea met and drafted what we call the Necean Creed.
(Read the Creed at the end of this blog**) Notice that Jesus is
described as Substance that is the Greek word: hypostasis.

In Jesus, God revealed God’s self to us.
In Jesus, we who were separated from God by sin were
brought to God through our faith in Jesus, his dying on
a cross and resurrection from the dead. From John and
other Scriptures we read Jesus was present at creation.
We believe that God revealed as the Son is Elohim.

C. The Holy Spirit is recognized as God,

Jesus says to his disciples: (John 14:16)
"I will never leave you or forsake you.
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor."

Last Sunday I wrote about Pentecost, the time when the promised Counselor,
the Holy Spirit, came and permanently dwelt among Jesus’ followers.
It was the Holy Spirit’s presence who enabled the disciples to boldly speak about Jesus.                Two Scriptures: First Peter’s response to Ananias & Sapheria.

Read Acts 5:1-12 to understand who they were and why Peter said the following:

"How is that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself of the money you received for the land. Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing?
You have not lied to men but to God." (Acts 5:3-4)

Notice how the Holy Spirit is God.

I Corinthians 3:16:
"Don’t you know that you yourselves
are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit lives in you?"

Throughout the New and Old Testaments, the Spirit of God,
the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, the Guide and other
names are given to that manifestation of God, is God.

That is why we Christians believe that though God is One,
God is also Triune. Bringing together these two diametrically opposed opinions was the struggle of the early Christian Community, which developed the term, Trinity.

Reading the Scriptures: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are interchangeable. Each has a particular function. Each in interconnected with the other. Father is primarily revealed as Creator,
Son is primarily revealed as Redeemer and
Holy Spirit is primarily revealed as Enabler.

An illustration: The Formula H2O = Water. Combining 2 molecules (hypostasis) of Hydrogen and             1 molecule of Oxygen results in water.
It is liquid and can be swallowed. Same liquid cooled to at least 32*F results in a solid object.         Still H2O - different form.
Heat that solid and it becomes liquid and then steam vapor.
That same H2O can be taken to different locations and used in the three forms all at once.

Any analogy trying to illustrate the Trinity is difficult and falls short of explaining the different ways God has revealed God’s self to humanity.

Some of you are asking: “What difference does it make whether we believe in a triune God?” or         “I don’t understand the Trinity, but I am willing to accept that God is revealed in Three Ways in Scripture.”

There are Three Implications for us.

1. Understanding that we may be accused of worshiping more than one God.

We do Not Worship Three Gods, Only One.
Some say God is ultimate. Jesus is subservient and
the Holy Spirit is at the bottom of the authority grid.

That is Not what Scripture says.
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all equal. They are God.

2. God did not create us because it was necessary for God to have relationships.                           God already had relationships, Elohim.
Elohim wants a relationship with humanity,
but not because God was lonely. God created humanity out of love.

3. God is not restricted to a transcendent state, that is God is not just in Heaven,                            God the Holy Spirit dwells with us in this 21st century.
God’s presence is God’s Spirit.
We serve God enabled and empowered by The Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of God joins with our spirit testifying that we are God’s children,                                       and if God’s children, then heirs.

"The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
We are God’s heirs and Christ’s fellow-heirs." (Rom. 8:16-17)

CONCLUSION: Trinity is Not a human invention.
It is an aspect of God revealed in Scripture.
As Trinitarians we “believe in a God who is revealed in three different ways.” Each of the Elohim has a particular relationship to us, as God’s children. Each brings a depth of relationship that would not be present if we had only one aspect of God revealed to us.

God may be called Father, Son or Holy Spirit.
Each possess all the substance and all the attributes of the deity.
God is not: Three and One, but Three in One.

The Trinity is not a partnership in which each member can sign for the name of the firm; this is unity of council and operation only (Synchronicity) not essence. God’s nature is not an abstract but an organic unity.

Footnotes: * H. Orton Wiley, Christian Theology, Vol. 1
(Beacon Hill Press: Kansas City, 1969. 393, 395)

+ Augustus H. Strong, Systematic Theology.
(The Judson Press: Valley Forge, 1907, 1967. 304)

The Nicene Creed:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light,
very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.