The search for God has been described as “meeting a stranger” (Michael Horton, Karl Barth). This search for God in inseparable from our search for truth. In fact, we begin to understand that whether or nor we accept the existence of God often shapes our search for truth and our views for the search for truth.

Notes:

Acts 17:23

It is impossible for us to know God.

We can’t reason our way to knowing him even though we might be able to reason that there is a deity.

We can’t “figure God out” because he is truly transcendent. We are very finite. 

How can we know anything?

We can only know God because he has revealed himself to us. •But the righteousness that comes from faith speaks like this: Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ that is, to bring Christ down or, “Do not say in your heart ‘who will go down into the abyss?’ That is, to bring Christ up from the dead. On the contrary what does it say? The message is near you, and in your mouth and in your heart” Rom 10:6-7•God has made himself known to us in Christ—that is the Gospel of John

John’s Gospel: The God Who Makes Himself Known

God’s communication—John 1:1-5

Introductions to God:•John the Baptist—John 1•Miracle of Quality—John 2•Miracle of knowledge—John 4•Healing of sickness-John 5•Feeding the hungry—John 6•Walking on water—John 6

Choosing a path

Jesus’ brothers and the Pharisees are brought up to ask the readersto decide if they are going to follow the path of belief or disbelief John 7-8

The Samaritans hear of Jesus and believe—John 8

Accept Jesus?

Accept him as the Son of God?

Accept him, therefore, as the truth?

“As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Then, Jesus, said to the Jews who had believed in him, ’If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free….Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin….So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.”