31 Aug 1.1 Discussion Devotional

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
2. Read Chapter 1 of the text, This We Believe Meditations on the Apostles Creed, by Timothy Tennent.
3. Before responding to the reflection questions below, read the first line of the Apostle’s Creed slowly and out loud to yourself 2-3 times; reflecting on its words and meaning.
4. Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following discussion prompts:
   1. Dr. Tennet reminds us that the Christian faith is unique in its declaration that God is a Father.
      1. What does it mean to you that God is a Father?
      2. What positive or negative reactions do you have to think of God in this way?
   2. As a perfect Father, Dr. Tennent states that “God has all power, yet exercises it in a way that reveals His love and compassion for us."
      1. How do you respond to the idea that God is equally loving yet powerful?
      2. Explain why God’s being loving and powerful and mighty at the same time is important for you or the world?
   3. Dr. Tennet states, "For the Christian, one of the first steps in the faith is to accept by faith that God created the universe” – that matter is not all that exists – “that God’s mighty hand and presence is behind the entire created order” and that “as our Creator, we are dependent on Him as the source and sustainer of all life."
      1. Is it difficult for you to accept God as the creator in this way? Explain why or why not.
   4. Finally, if God is almighty, then He is indeed the Lord that is sovereign over everything and on the throne. In America, we are not used to the idea of kings, queens, and royalty and don’t like the idea of being ruled by anyone.
      1. How is God being both Lord and King a good thing? What do you think about the idea of a loving father who is also a king?
      2. How can this view of God help you as a social worker?

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