We Believe in God, Part 1
GMC Catechism Question & Answer 1
Question and Answer
Question 1: Do you believe in God?
Answer: Yes. I believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. (Gen. 1:1-31; 17:1; Josh. 2:11; Ps. 8:3-8; Isa. 42:5; 1 Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6; Heb. 1:5; Rev 4:11; CoF I.)
Scripture Proofs
· Genesis 17:1 - When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,
· Joshua 2:11 – And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.
· Isaiah 42:5 – Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
· 1 Corinthians 8:6 – yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
· Ephesians 4:6 – one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
· Hebrews 1:5 – For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?
· Revelation 4:11 - “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Articles of Religion: Article 1
There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and good; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Confession of Faith: Article 1
We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.
The Testimony of Wesleyan Scholars
The existence of God, God alone can reveal. He has wrought this supreme truth into the constitution of human nature as its Creator. Scripture, which never proves the being of the Supreme, appeals to this consciousness; it also gives the reason of its disturbance, and thus by anticipation obviates the force of every argument against it. The history of the human race demonstrates, by the very perversions of the idea of God to which it bears witness, the fact that His existence needs no demonstration. And there is no sound philosophical or psychological reasoning which can withstand this principle, rightly understood and adequately guarded. (William Burt Pope)
Man needs only to look about him at the wonderful order and harmony in the universe, the magnificence of the heavens, the beauty of the earth, and all the charming variety of plants and animals in order to come to the conclusion that these things could not have come into being of themselves. The universe must have had a Creator. This was the conclusion of the Psalmist when he said, The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handywork (Psalms 19:1). All nations have believed that which the psalmist declared, even from the remotest ages of antiquity. Nor has this idea ever been lost; but in every age, belief in God has been the foundation upon which every religion, whether natural or revealed, has rested. From the ancient Athenians to the Incas of Peru, altars have been raised and homage paid to the “One who animates the Universe: unknown, unseen, shapeless, formless—the Cause of Causes.” (H. Orton Wiley and Paul T. Culbertson)
The doctrine which the first sentence in this Divine revelation unfolds is, that there is a God, the Creator of heaven and earth; and as this is fundamental to the whole scheme of duty, promise, and hope, which the books of Scripture successively unfold and explain, it demands our earliest consideration. (Richard Watson)
Insights from Wesleyan and Methodist Scholars
William Burt Pope highlights the self-revealing nature of God. God has imprinted the knowledge of Himself into human consciousness as Creator, making the reality of His existence evident. The Bible does not attempt to prove God’s existence; instead, it assumes and declares it, addressing the human inclination to suppress this truth due to sin. Pope asserts that no philosophical or psychological argument can genuinely refute the existence of God when this truth is rightly understood.
H. Orton Wiley and Paul T. Culbertson emphasize the witness of creation to the Creator. The beauty, harmony, and complexity of the universe point undeniably to a divine Creator. They note that belief in God has been a universal characteristic of humanity across cultures and ages. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the instinct to worship a higher power is evidence of God’s enduring revelation through the created order, as expressed in Psalm 19:1.
Richard Watson focuses on the foundational role of belief in God as Creator. He describes this doctrine as the cornerstone of Scripture’s entire narrative. Without belief in God, the Scriptures’ teachings on duty, promise, and hope lose their meaning. Watson underscores the primacy of acknowledging God’s existence and creative authority in understanding the Bible’s overarching message.
Devotional Exposition
The first question in the Global Methodist Church Catechism asks, “Do you believe in God?” This seemingly simple query forms the bedrock of our Christian faith. The answer provided is a resounding “Yes,” followed by an affirmation of belief in God as Father, Almighty, and Creator of all things, both visible and invisible.
In calling God “Father,” we acknowledge a personal relationship with the Divine. This is not a distant, impersonal force, but a loving Parent who cares deeply for his creation. Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), inviting us into an intimate connection with the Creator of the universe.
The catechism affirms God as “the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” This echoes the opening words of Scripture: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). It reminds us of God’s unlimited power and his role as the source of all existence. We will be studying more deeply many of these attributes in lessons to come, but here we are simply being introduced to whom we are speaking of when we say we “believe in God.”
Importantly, our belief extends to God as Creator of “all that is, seen and unseen.” This acknowledges that reality extends beyond what we can perceive with our physical senses. It includes the spiritual realm, angelic beings, and the very fabric of the cosmos that lies beyond human perception.
The catechism provides a wealth of scriptural support for this belief. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible consistently presents God as the sovereign Creator. Joshua 2:11 declares him as “God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” Psalm 8 marvels at his handiwork in creation, while Isaiah 42:5 speaks of God stretching out the heavens and spreading out the earth.
While focusing on God the Father, the supporting documents hint at the Trinitarian nature of God. The Article of Religion speak of “three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” This complex yet beautiful doctrine reminds us that the God we believe in is a community of love within himself.
Our belief in God isn’t just about his power and creative acts. The Confession of Faith describes God as “infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love.” This paints a picture of a God who is not only capable of creating the universe but who does so with purpose, wisdom, and love.
1 Corinthians 8:6 reminds us that God is not only the source of all things but also the purpose for which we exist. Our belief in God, therefore, isn’t a mere intellectual assent to his existence, but a recognition of our ultimate purpose and meaning.
The catechism’s answer describes God as “living and true.” This distinguishes our faith from belief in abstract concepts or inanimate idols. We believe in a God who is active, engaged, and personally involved in his creation and in our lives.
Implications of Belief
Believing in God as described in this catechism has serious implications. It means recognizing our dependence on him, our responsibility to him, and the potential for a relationship with him. It shapes our worldview, our values, and our understanding of our place in the universe.
Revelation 4:11 declares God worthy of glory, honor, and power because of his creative acts. Our belief in God should naturally lead to worship, gratitude, and a desire to align our lives with his purposes.
This first question of the catechism is an invitation to explore the depths of who God is and what it means to believe in him. It’s a starting point for a lifelong journey of faith, discovery, and growing relationship with our Creator.
Key Principles
1. As Creator of all things seen and unseen, God is the ultimate source of life, meaning, and purpose. This principle is rooted in Genesis 1:1 and echoed throughout Scripture, reminding us that our very existence is a gift from God.
2. The catechism’s affirmation of God as Father underscores his desire for a personal relationship with us. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:9 invites us into this intimate connection with our Creator.
3. The attributes of God described in the Confession of Faith - his power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love - form the basis of all that is good and true in the universe. Understanding this helps us align our lives with his nature, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:1.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Genesis 1:1-31 portray God’s creative power, and what does this reveal about his nature?
2. In Genesis 17:1, God describes himself as “God Almighty.” How does this title relate to the catechism’s description of God, and what implications does it have for our faith?
3. Joshua 2:11 acknowledges God’s sovereignty “in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” How does this comprehensive view of God’s rule challenge or comfort you?
4. Reflect on Psalm 8:3-8. How does the psalmist’s wonder at creation inform our understanding of humanity’s place in God’s design?
5. Isaiah 42:5 speaks of God giving “breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it.” How does this verse enhance our understanding of God as Creator?
6. In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul speaks of God as the one “from whom are all things and for whom we exist.” How does this shape our understanding of life’s purpose?
7. Ephesians 4:6 describes God as “over all and through all and in all.” How does this relate to the catechism’s affirmation of God as creator of all things “seen and unseen?”
8. Hebrews 1:5 touches on the relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son. How does this verse contribute to our understanding of God’s nature?
9. Revelation 4:11 presents creation as a reason for worshiping God. How can recognizing God as Creator enhance our worship?
10. The Articles of Religion speak of God as “without body or parts.” How does this description challenge our understanding of God, especially in light of Genesis 1:27?
11. The Confession of Faith describes God as “infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love.” How do you see these attributes reflected in the biblical account of creation?
12. In light of Psalm 19:1, how might we “read” God's revelation in nature alongside his revelation in Scripture?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
1. How has your understanding of God as Creator influenced your view of the world and your place in it?
2. In what ways do you find it challenging to believe in a God who is both transcendent (beyond creation) and immanent (present within creation)?
3. How does believing in God as “maker of heaven and earth” impact your approach to environmental stewardship?
4. Reflect on a time when the reality of God as “Almighty” brought you comfort or challenged you. What did you learn from that experience?
5. How does the concept of God as Father resonate with you personally? How might this understanding of God be challenging for some people?
6. In what ways does believing in God as Creator of “all that is, seen and unseen” influence your worldview and daily decisions?
7. How do you reconcile the idea of a loving Creator with the existence of suffering and evil in the world?
8. Reflect on the phrase “living and true God.” How does this distinguish the Christian understanding of God from other concepts of deity?
9. How might a deeper understanding of God’s nature as described in the Confession of Faith (infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love) change the way you pray or relate to God?
10. In what areas of your life do you find it most difficult to acknowledge God’s sovereignty? Why do you think this is?
Action Steps
1. Set aside time each day this week to observe and appreciate the intricacies of God’s creation. Whether it’s watching a sunrise, examining a flower, or contemplating the vastness of the night sky, use these moments to reflect on God’s power and creativity. Journal your observations and how they deepen your faith.
2. Choose one attribute of God mentioned in the catechism or supporting documents (e.g., Almighty, wise, just) and spend a week studying it. Look up relevant Bible verses, read theological commentaries, and reflect on how this attribute of God is evident in your life.
3. Practice articulating your belief in God to others. Start by writing out your personal testimony of why you believe in God. Then, find opportunities to share this with a friend, family member, or even a stranger, focusing on how your belief in God as Creator and Father has impacted your life.
Closing Prayer
Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, we stand in awe of your majesty and power. You who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, who breathed life into humanity and sustains all things by your word, we worship you. Father, we thank you for revealing yourself to us, not only in the grandeur of creation but in the intimacy of relationship.
Lord, deepen our understanding of who you are. May our belief in you not be merely intellectual, but experiential and transformative. Shape our lives according to your wisdom, justice, goodness, and love. Help us to see your hand in all of creation and to live in a way that honors you as Creator and Father. In the name of Jesus Christ, through whom all things were made, we pray. Amen.
Thank you again for joining me for this study. I encourage you to reflect deeply on these truths and allow them to shape your faith… your doctrine, devotion, and discipleship.
Please consider sharing this resource with others who might benefit from it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more weekly devotionals and Bible studies. Remember, you can find additional resources that aren’t included in the email by visiting our Walking Points page. May God bless you as you continue to grow in your knowledge and love of him.