God the Father

How does one know God?

Level: Beginning Catechism

Purpose: An overview of the nature of the Father from an Orthodox viewpoint

Objective: Students will recite aloud assigned Bible verses, will discuss what can be known for certain about God, will discuss how God can touch and act without being known. A thorough understanding of the fact that God is ultimately unknowable should be reached.

Materials Required: 1 Bible per student, blackboard or large drawing pad with appropriate writing implement.

Presentation:

Instructor will write on board:

How does one know God?

-- no one has seen Him (John 1:18)

-- no one has known Him (Matthew 11:27)

Have students read verses aloud, and discuss the problem.

Instructor will write on board:

God reveals Himself

Have students read the following verses aloud:
Wisdom 13:5, Romans 1:20, Romans 3:1,2, Hebrews 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15.
Have the students discuss ways that God reveals Himself

As discussion continues, Instructor will write on board:

-- knowledge implanted in nature (Wisdom 13:5) (Romans 1:20)

-- in the Law and the Prophets (Romans 3:1,2) (Hebrews 1:1)

-- in the person of Christ Jesus (Hebrews 1:2,3) (Colossians 1:15)

Discuss why students should be satisfied with these sources.
Have read aloud Proverbs 22:28 and Psalm 131 (KJV)