Scriptural Foundations of the Christian Faith
by Pastor Gary Craun
This is a brief systematic theology built around the theme of God’s Kingdom. Discovery Bible Study (DBS) lessons follow this document by topic. Corresponding DBS lesson numbers are listed at the beginning of each section
Lesson #1: The Nature and Existence of God
DownloadGod is the I AM (DBS#1)
God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush on Mount Horeb, and told him to go and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses asked God what he should tell the Israelites when they asked him for the name of the God who sent him. God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM” This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.” (Exodus 3:13-15) But why did God call Himself the I AM? What was He trying to tell Moses (and us) about Himself?
Simply speaking God was saying that He exists, that He is real, that He always has been, and He always will be. God had no beginning and He will have no end. God needs nothing and no one. He is completely independent. He is not dependent on anyone or anything outside of Himself. God never changes. We grow and change with time, but God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. (Revelation 9:9-20; Hebrews 13:8)
God was the first.
He is the only being in all of the heavens and the earth that was not created. God created the heavens and the earth. He made the angels and all heavenly beings. He made the stars, the sun, the earth, all plants and animals, and every human being. He can do whatever He wants, because He answers to no one but Himself. But God is not selfish, He is self-fulfilling. He is fulfilled in all He does. God is creative and He loves to create. He found great joy in creating the heavens and the earth. God especially delights in showing mercy, and He rejoices over every sinner who repents. The work of redeeming a people for Himself in Christ Jesus is bringing God great satisfaction. God loves to love, to give, and to bless. (Psalm 33:6-11; Isaiah 44:6-10; Ephesians 2:4)
God is spirit.
Men have had visions of God, but no man has ever seen God. He is not part of creation. He cannot be seen, because He is not physical. We can think of God as a man who builds a house. He is not part of the house he builds, but the house belongs to him. He can live in and can do as he pleases in his house, because he built it. The heavens and the earth are God’s house, and He is present in all of creation. (John 1:18, 4:24)
Because He made everything, He is Lord over all.
God is all powerful and all knowing. Nothing is hidden from His sight. He knows our every thought. Every man, woman, and child will stand before God and answer to Him as their creator and judge. God is rightfully King over all the heavens and the earth. All authority comes from Him, including all authority in human governments, the church, and the family. Everyone in positions of authority will answer to Him for how they use the authority that He has granted them. (Psalm 139; Isaiah 40; Psalm 2)
God is to be feared, not because He wishes to harm us, but because He is Creator, King, and Lord over all. The disciples stood in awe of Jesus when He calmed the wind and the waves on the Sea of Galilee with a simple, “peace be still.” They were rightly in fear of Him when after His crucifixion Jesus suddenly appeared to them very much alive. God is not to be taken lightly. (Psalm 33:6-11)
Discovery Bible Study Outline
Lesson #1: God is the I AM
Exodus 3:13-15
Questions to help guide the discussion:
- What is the context of this passage?
- When God calls Himself the “I AM”, what is He telling us about Himself?
- Did God have a beginning?
- Can anyone besides God also be an “I AM”?
- If not, what special place belongs to God alone?
- How did God create the heavens and the earth?
- Why should we fear God and stand in awe of Him?
- How is the fear of God different from the fear of evil or pain?
- Why will the plans of God’s heart alone be fulfilled?
- What is God telling us about Himself when He says that He is the first and the last?
- Is there any God but God? Why is that important to you?
- When people make idols, or images of a god, what does God think about them?
Other passages for study: Colossians 1:13-17, John 1:1-3, Proverbs 8:22-31;Revelation 1:9-20
Photo by Ravi Pinisetti on Unsplash