Lesson 7: The Doctrine of God: The Being of God

Reading

Read Know the Truth: Chapter 4: The Being of God (Pages 67-78)

Questions for Discussion

1. Rehearse the various philosophical arguments for God’s existence. Which do you find most persuasive?

2. Assess the role of these arguments in the light of (a) the Bible’s teaching on the nature of God, (b) the Bible’s teaching on the nature of humankind, (c) the witness of the apostles.

3. What are the function and limits of apologetics in (a) strengthening the faith of Christians, (b) defending the faith against critics, (c) presenting the gospel to non-Christians?

4. What is the Bible’s view of the relationship between faith and human reason?

Milne, Bruce (2012-11-28). Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (pp. 78-79). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism

Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.

Other Resources

Lesson 7 PDF

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Lesson 6: Review & Application from Part 1

Reading

Briefly review the content of Part 1 (Pages 21-61)

Read Know the Truth: Application (Pages 63-65)

Questions for Discussion

1. What in Part 1 has been most impactful to you?

2. Discuss the four points of application made by Milne on Pages 63-65. Which one applies to you the most?

3. Can you think of any other applications that can be drawn from Part 1?

4. What questions do you have about the teaching you have encountered in this section?

Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism

Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.

Other Resources 

Lesson 6 PDF

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Lesson 5: The Final Authority in Matters of Faith: Scripture (Part 2)

Reading

Read Know the Truth: Chapter 3: Scripture (Pages 49-61)

Questions for Discussion

1. Examine the basis for the claim that the Bible is infallible and inerrant. How far does the infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture extend?

2. List the considerations that need to be weighed when facing an apparent contradiction or inaccuracy in Scripture. How would you answer the charge, ‘The Bible is full of errors’ and ‘Intelligent people no longer believe the Bible is true’?

3. Identify the main hermeneutical principles. Illustrate their significance with examples of errors which arise from their neglect.

4. ‘The Holy Spirit is all we need to understand the Bible.’ Discuss.

5. What is the role of ‘secondary helps’, such as Bible study notes and commentaries, in understanding Scripture? What is the place of preaching in increasing the understanding of Scripture, and how do hermeneutical principles affect it?

Milne, Bruce (2012-11-28). Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (p. 62). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism

Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.

Other Resources 

Lesson 5 PDF

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Lesson 4: The Final Authority in Matters of Faith: Scripture (Part 1)

Reading

Notice: This chapter will be covered in two parts. Do not read the entire chapter this week.

Read Know the Truth: Chapter 3: Scripture (Pages 34-49)

Questions for Discussion

1. Distinguish the various meanings of ‘Word of God’. Outline the case for viewing the Scriptures as God’s Word.

2. What was Jesus’ view of the OT, and what is the significance of that for our attitude to Scripture today? How would you answer the objection that his view was culturally conditioned and hence not relevant to us?

3. What is the ‘inward witness of the Holy Spirit’ and what is its significance for our understanding of the authority of Scripture?

4. What is meant by ‘the inspiration of Scripture’? Outline the various approaches, assessing their strengths and weaknesses.

5. Why do we speak of (a) verbal inspiration and (b) plenary inspiration?

6. Explore the link between the authority of Scripture and its inspiration.

7. What is meant by the ‘canon of Scripture’? Outline the process by which (a) the OT canon and (b) the NT canon were settled.

Milne, Bruce (2012-11-28). Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (pp. 61-62). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism

Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.

Other Resources 

Lesson 4 PDF

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Lesson 3: The Final Authority in Matters of Faith: Revelation

Reading

Read Know the Truth: Chapter 2: Revelation (Pages 25-33)

Questions for Discussion

1. ‘Only God can be a fit witness concerning himself.’ ‘We can know God only as he places himself within the reach of our knowledge.’ Can these maxims be supported from Scripture? Investigate the implications for the way in which God can be known by us.

2. Distinguish between general and special revelation. Is this a necessary distinction? Can you suggest an alternative terminology?

3. What are the implications of general revelation for (a) evangelism, (b) a Christian view of culture, (c) Christian apologetics, (d) the Christian view of the state?

4. Is there any sense in which God is known in other world religions?

5. In what sense may conscience be a guide to our knowledge of God?

6. Explore the relationship between Christ and Scripture in Christian revelation.

7. What is the function of the Holy Spirit in our coming to know God truly?

Milne, Bruce (2012-11-28). Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (p. 33). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism

Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.

Other Resources 

Lesson 3 PDF

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Lesson 2: The Final Authority in Matters of Faith: Authority

Reading

Read Know the Truth: Chapter 1: Authority (Pages 21-24)

Questions for Discussion

1. State the Christian view of authority.

2. Explore the implications of this view for (a) Christians working at all levels of education, (b) questions of law and order, (c) a Christian approach to the arts.

3. Summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the various claimants to final authority in the sphere of Christian truth.

4. Outline the advice you would give a Christian seeking to know God’s will in a specific matter.

Milne, Bruce (2012-11-28). Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (pp. 24-25). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism

Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.

Other Resources 

Lesson 2 PDF

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Lesson 1: Know the Truth: Forward, Preface, and Introduction

Reading

Read Know the Truth: Forward, Preface, and Introduction (Pages 7-17)

Questions for Discussion

1. What is doctrine? What is theology?

2. Have you encountered this “anti-doctrine spirit” that Milne refers to?

3. How would you respond to Milne’s claim that “every Christian is a theologian?”

4. Can you give examples from your own experience that support the claim that “getting doctrine right is the key to getting everything else right”?

5. Why is it that “doctrine itself is not enough” in the Christian life?

6. Look up Matthew 22:37 and discuss the meaning of that text. Have you loved the Lord with all of your mind, as Jesus has commanded?

7. Elaborate upon the statement, “doctrine is vital because it is impossible finally to separate Christ from the truths which Scripture reveals concerning him”. What does the author mean by this?

8. Are you convinced that the study of Christian doctrine (or theology) is worth the time and effort?

Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism

Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ Catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.

Other Resources 

Lesson 1 PDF

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"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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