The Character of God - "Bethlehem Star" DVD

Koinonia Bible study # 3, January 31,08

Presented by Kathy Fogie

Kathy used the first 15 minutes to set the context for a DVD titled, “Bethlehem Star”.
She talked about the basic attributes of God, acknowledging that this was only a brief view.

She divided the attributes of God into two categories:
Incommunicable Attributes
Communicable Attributes

Incommunicable Attributes are those aspects of God we don’t share with Him. These are attributes God has not passed on to us either in ourselves or in creation.
God is:
Independent / Transcendent
God does not need any of his creation for any reason
( Ex.3:14 ; Acts 17:24-25 ; Is. 62:5 )
God does not change in any way
( Ps. 102:25-27 ; Malachi 3:6 )
God is eternal
( Ps. 90:2 ; Rev. 1:8 ; I Pet 3:8 )
God is Omnipresent ( Present everywhere )
Jeremiah 23:23-24

Communicable Attributes are those attributes of God refer to those divine attributes of which we should have some form of personal experience and understanding.
God is:
Spiritual
( John 4:24 ; I Tim. 1:17 ; John 1:18 )
Omniscient ( all-knowing )
( I John 3:20 ; Ps. 139:16 )
Wise
( Job 12:13 ; Rom. 11:33 )
Truthful & Faithful
( Titus 1:2 ; Heb. 6:18 )
Good
( Luke 18:19 ; Ps. 100:5 )
Loving
( John 4:16 ; Rom. 5:8 ; Ex. 34:6 ; 2 Cor. 1:3 )
Graceful
( Rom. 3:23-24 ; I Pet. 5:10 )
Patient
( Ps. 103:8 ; I Tim 1:16 )
Holy
( Is. 6:3 ; Ps. 99:9 ; Lev. 19:2 )
Wrathful
( Ex. 32:9-10 ; Deut. 9:7-8 ; John 3:36 )
Peaceful
( I Cor. 14:33 ; Rom. 15:33 )
Righteous & Just
( Deut. 32:4 ; Is. 45:19 )
Jealous
( Ex. 20:5-6 , 34:14 )
Perfect
( Matt. 5:48 ; Ps. 18:30 )
Beautiful
( Ps. 27:4 )
Glory-filled
( Rom. 3:23 ; Ps. 24:10 )

Myron comments that every person must study and learn “who God is” before they can live a life of victory and be able to witness effectively for God. This is especially important in the life and ministry of a Biblical counselor. The character of God is the place to begin when counseling the terminally ill.

Kathy’s presentation set the stage for the DVD, Bethlehem Star.
The DVD was approximately one hour.
Bethlehem Star is about God’s communication to man using the starry hosts. The lawyer who gave the presentation spoke often about his personal search for how and when God had used the heavenly bodies to speak of the birth of Christ and then tied that birth to the death of Christ.

This was a fascinating, thought-provoking study. One had to diligently focus upon what was being said. I especially liked the fact that many scriptures were used and that the teacher spoke often about his personal faith. The DVD was very graphic. Mathematics, science, history, Biblical text and personal comments were woven into a compelling case. Each viewer, be they Christian or non-Christian, was challenged to consider God’s witness to them using the heavenly bodies as His messengers. Any teacher who can speak without notes for an hour must know his subject well. This man did.

This DVD should be shown to your church group. It is available at www.bethlehemstar.net

Study held in the home of Ric and Kathy Fogie
Attending were: Esther Shirk, David Fry, Myron and Ruth, and Ric and Kathy
Next study in the home of Esther Shirk on Thursday, February 7.
No topic was suggested. We will give time for a brief Bible blurb and spend the rest of
the time in taking prayer requests and praying.