Series Introduction

What do Christians believe…what are the basics of our faith? Over the next seven days, Australian Christian leaders from Youth Alive will explore with us foundational truths of the Christian faith, offering insights into what we believe about God, the transformative power of prayer, the importance of God’s Word, and the hope of salvation.

Reflection: What Christians believe about God

It may seem like an impossible task to adequately define God. How can we truly describe and understand an infinite God with our finite minds? Pastor A. W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” From our belief and understanding of him, we form our beliefs about ourselves, others, and how we relate to the world around us.

By reading and recognising God’s essence, attributes and character in Scripture, we are able to build a relationship with God.

God is three persons: Father, Spirit and Son. All fully God and unified, yet diverse. All are essential to us for walking in our daily relationship with God.

The absolute attributes of God demonstrate his characteristics that prove he is God. He is self-existent, immutable, eternal, omnipresent, omniscient and sovereign. He also carries moral attributes, that are shared to a limited degree with humankind. These include that God is holy, righteous, full of love and truth.

God is Spirit, meaning he is not made of anything, and he is without body. This leads us to understand that even though he might manifest himself in visible forms, by nature he is invisible. Whilst he is Spirit, he is not merely some impersonal force that moves amongst his creation. He operates with a will, intellect and emotions.

It is only through the Father sending his Son Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins that we receive forgiveness of sins, relationship with God and life eternal. As Colossians 2:9 shows us, to know God, all we have to do is look at Jesus.

Author: Seth Behn is the Youth Pastor at Futures Church and the Director of Youth Alive South Australia.

Prayer:

Dear God, I desire to know more of who you are. Draw me into deeper levels of intimacy and relationship with you, as I spend time in your word and presence. I am forever grateful to you and the life I have because of your Son.  Amen!