[Steve Myers] Do you know God? How important is biblical truth to your relationship with God and your future? There are those who say the triune God is a mystery and can't be explained, yet the Bible paints a very different picture.

I remember sitting in church as a young boy, being a little bored. Looking around at all the stained-glass windows and the various icons in my church, I started to wonder about one of them. I didn't understand the images and later at Sunday school I asked my teacher, "What was that all about?" Well, she told me that window represented God. It was the Trinity. "God is three in one," she told me.

Now as a little boy she could see I didn't get the idea of how God could be three in one and where I fit in. So then she told me I should think of God like an egg. It has a shell, it has the white part and the yolk. And so she explained God is like that egg. "The shell is like God the Father," she told me. “And the white was representative of the Holy Spirit. And the yolk is Jesus. And together," she said, "They make up one God." Now at the time, I didn't say anything at the time, but I was very confused. How could that be true? Of course my teacher used that analogy to try to explain the idea of the triune God, as three in one. But I couldn't understand how to relate to that idea of an egg. I mean, where did my future fit into a three in one egg when that kind of seems complete? So after that I remember sitting in church looking at those stained glass windows thinking of eggs.

Later, I came to understand that the truth was quite different. In fact in Bible times there was not a thought of God existing as a Trinity. It was several hundred years after the New Testament was written and onward that that the idea developed and ever since, some Christians have fought to defend that very idea. But does the doctrine of the Trinity matter today? I believe the answer is deeply embedded in one critical question: do you know God?

The Bible is God's Word and it is consistent. We're told over and over it is truly possible to know and to love God. It is so amazing that God is our creator, the creator of the universe; He wants a deep relationship with you. Scripture says so over and over and over again. There's a beautiful passage in the Old Testament, it says this; "The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." I mean, isn't that a beautiful picture? How much God loves you, how He wants a connection with you, a bond with us? I mean have you ever imagined this? That God is singing over you? He is proud of you. And that is a painting about care, and concern, and love, and a close relationship. And in fact, in 1 John we're told, that "Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." And so we can have connection, and in fact, other translations say we have a great spiritual relationship with the Father and Jesus Christ.

So do you think God wants us to know Him? Undoubtedly He does. Yet when it comes to knowing God, knowing who He is, that He wants a relationship with us, the Trinity stands in opposition; kind of like that idea of an egg. I mean, do you understand the concept of the Trinity? I mean we're told there's one God, but that the Father, the Son and the Spirit, is each fully and eternally God. Each a distinct person. Was that easy to comprehend, easy to understand?

Well Augustine, one of the Latin fathers, a preeminent Catholic doctor of the church, a theologian, a bishop, allegedly said, "Anyone who denies the Trinity is in danger of losing their salvation. But anyone who tries to understand it is in danger of losing their mind." Well what's that saying? Well it's kind of like saying you really can't comprehend. You can't really grasp and understand God; or in other words, can you really have a relationship with Him? Well, is that statement true?

You see I think on the contrary, God says something very different. In fact in the book of Jeremiah chapter nine verse 24, it tells us this, "let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord." Obviously God has revealed Himself to us in His word. We can know Him personally. He is spirit, He is love, He's devoted to us. He cares about us. In fact, He wants us to get to know Him in the deepest spiritual sense and that's so far removed from that idea of an egg, isn't it? I mean, it's comforting to know that God says we can understand Him. In fact, we're on God's mind. Have you ever thought of it like that?

A few chapters later in Jeremiah chapter 29, He tells us this; "I know the thoughts I think toward you," says the Lord. "Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." He says, "Then you will call on me and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart." So what we see is scripture reveals a loving God who's kind and compassionate. He wants and desires a close family relationship with us and when you think of God, that's a good idea. Think of God as a wonderful family. Because from the very beginning, His purpose was to create an extraordinary family. God is producing spiritual children. And when I learned that, I realized that's what was missing from those stained glass windows from when I was young.

Now of course this concept is a challenge; realizing the truth and understanding what the real facts are is critical to our relationship with God and our future. And you don't want to be deceived by a false notion that says you can't understand. There's so much to say about the true God, which is why we produced this Bible study aid, "Is God a Trinity?" Now there's more to the subject than I can possibly cover today. But you can order our free study aid by calling the number on your screen or going to our website at, beyondtoday.tv, and we will send you a free copy of, "Is God a Trinity?" You can read this helpful guide with your Bible open right next to it. Because you'll begin to find insight into the true nature of God and His purpose for you. So call us at the number on your screen, or go online where you can read it for yourself at beyondtoday.tv. You'll begin to find how God is revealed in your Bible. You'll appreciate being able to read your Bible with greater understanding. And so it's something that you just don't want to take for granted. So make sure you order your free copy of, "Is God a Trinity?"

You see, it is important to remember what God said at the very beginning. If you go all the way back to the very first book in the Bible, Genesis one in verse 26, it has God talking. And God says, "Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness." So God created man in His own image. What's that telling us? Well we're created to have a relationship with Him in His image. He loves human beings, He loves us. We're the highest expression of His creation. But did you notice something else interesting about that verse? There's more than one individual being mentioned here; at the beginning, there were two divine beings; God and the word.

Now if you remember John chapter one verse one, it reminds us of that very fact. Because it's talking about something even before Genesis one. John 1:1 says; "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." And so that's why your Bible says, "let us make man in our image, according to our likeness." You see like John 1:1 says, let us, we have the one who's known as God, the one who would be the Father, and His son, Jesus Christ. The one the Word would become Jesus Christ. So at the very beginning, we see that word God used in that passage not just referring to the Father, but both of them. In fact, it's about family; one God family.

So who's in the family of God right now? Well as then, today the God family is made up of the Father and the Son; God the Father and Jesus Christ. Now the good news is, God wants to add you to His divine family. He wants to increase the God family with us as His very own spiritual children. And so your incredible potential is to be born into God's own family; literally, His spiritual children. Now here's a way to think about it; have you ever cut out a paper family? Ever made a cutout, maybe something like this? Or maybe you did a better job than this. We know what this represents. These characters represent a dad, and a mom and a son and a daughter, and of course we recognize this is one family. And here's the point, God gave us the human family as a representation of what He's doing spiritually.

Obviously the family goes together and when you're born into a physical family, you're like your dad and your mom. Now when you're born into the God family, you'll be like God. And so at creation, God gave us that representation. He said, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature." Do you remember the story about the days of creation? He said, "Let it bring forth the living creature each according to its kind; cattle and creeping thing, and beast of the earth, each according to its kind." That's in Genesis 1:24. Now it's interesting, how did those animals reproduce? Well, it says each according to its kind; so pretty simple, right? Lions produce lions, giraffes produce giraffes, flowers produce more flowers and we go on and on.

The truth is, it's no different for mankind. After what kind are we created? You see, the interesting part is. People were created after the God kind; not just to be physical beings. In fact that's why God said, "Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness." So God's purpose goes far beyond the creation of mortal, physical, perishable human beings. Ultimately, God wants us to be a part of His spiritual family. In His kingdom, we are to be like God; spirit born members of His family.

Now that's an entirely different concept than what I was told about that three in one egg. And so when you think about a paper family, and I've got another version here, our paper family represents what God's doing. And so we've got God the Father, He's the head of the family. And of course we also have Jesus Christ. Our potential is to be right there with them as a part of the divine family. We'll be full-fledged family members. That's a family relationship; becoming spirit born children of God the Father. That's at the heart and core of what God's incredible plan is all about for you and for all of mankind. God wants to bring you into His eternal family forever as one of His offspring. And so no wonder God desires to have a relationship with us. He wants to help us, take care of us like a father takes care of his child. And we see that in scripture over and over again, that father/child relationship.

There's a beautiful passage in 1 John chapter three verse one. Notice what it says, it says; "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God!" Now that's not all. I mean when it comes to family, we not only have a spiritual father but we also have a spiritual brother, an elder brother. There's a brother to brother kind of relationship that the Bible speaks about as well; Jesus Christ as our elder brother. In fact Hebrews chapter two verse 11, it says this; "so now this Jesus and the ones He makes holy have the same Father. That's why Jesus is not ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters." So we are Jesus' brothers and sisters. Not now, in a sense we are right now, but in the future, fully we will be His brothers and sisters. And we see because He loves us so much and cares for us, He sacrificed His life for us so we could become eternal brothers and sisters. So today we see this physical family symbolizes what God is doing spiritually, and that's an important concept that I hope you'll take time to learn about.

There's so much to learn about the truth of the Bible and so we've created an in-depth study for you. If you'll order our study aid, "Is God a Trinity?" You can call us at the number on your screen or go to our website at beyondtoday.tv. With all the information that, I'm sure probably raises some questions in your mind, you want answers. And this study aid will help you to get those answers straight out of your Bible. You'll learn about the origins of the Trinity doctrine. You'll learn how God is one, and what exactly is the Holy Spirit after all. And most importantly, you'll begin to recognize God's purpose for you. I know you'll appreciate being able to understand and read your Bible with greater understanding, and so don't take it for granted. Don't necessarily believe what you were taught when you were little like I was; order your free copy today, go to beyondtoday.tv, or call us at the number on your screen.

Now, did you know, that Jesus Himself taught about man's purpose? That purpose to be in God's spiritual family? I know sometimes people overlook that fact. But it's interesting to notice a certain event that happened in the life of Jesus. The Jews of His day accused Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God, and they wanted Him dead. They wanted Him totally out of the picture. And we read of that account in John chapter 10; and in verse 33. Here's why they wanted Him dead. They said, "For a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy, and because you, being a man, make yourself God!" That's why they wanted Him dead.

What do you suppose Christ said back to them? He said, "Is it not written in your law, I said, 'you are gods'?' If He called them gods, why do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent to the world, 'you're blaspheming,' because I said, 'I'm the Son of God.’" You see in other words Christ is saying scripture outright calls human beings gods. Why are you so upset that I'm merely stating I'm the Son of God. And in fact Christ was quoting Psalm 82 verse six; where it says, "I said, ‘you are gods and all of you, children of the Most High.’" So Christ Himself makes a powerful point. Human children are like their human parents, like their brothers and sisters. They're all the same kind of beings, human beings. Now, what will God's children be like? Well, God's children will be like the Father and like Jesus, their divine brother.

Jesus Christ is God the Son and is like God the Father; with the same kind of glory, the same kind of power. And it's crucial to grasp that Jesus is telling us that God's future children will be resurrected and they'll be glorified, and they will be like the Father and like Christ. And that's talking about us, we'll be the same kind of beings that the Father and Jesus are, divine beings. And that's why it's so critical to understand the true nature of God.

This powerful truth should really drastically change your thinking and perception of who God is. And beyond that we can realize He has an amazing plan for mankind, because this awesome future is the whole purpose and reason that God made us. It's why we were born. It's why we exist. And in fact, He tells us later in the book of John. John 17:3 says this; "and this is eternal life that they may know you," and this is Christ speaking, "that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." You see the powerful nature of that statement? I mean your worship, your salvation, your eternal life depends on knowing the Father and Jesus Christ. Now that's serious. Eternal life is fundamentally connected to knowing and having a close relationship with Jesus and the Father. And you probably recognize there's no mention of the spirit here as a third person. Now of course famous Christian scholars might tell you something a little bit different. They might say, "You really can't understand God, it's all a mystery. You just have to accept it." But is that really the case? It doesn't have to be a mystery.

The Apostle Paul in fact, shows the truth. He explains this in Ephesians chapter three verse 17. Notice what he says, well, let's begin in verse 14. He says, "for this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Now, imagine that for a second. What does he mean? Well if you're named after God, what's your family's last name? Well it would have to be God. Well when you think about that, the Bible says you're named after God; meaning you've got to be a full-fledged member of God's family. And it's incredible, if you're filled with the fullness of God, whose family are you part? Well, you'd have to be a divine spirit being like God in His eternal family. And so Paul emphasizes that very point and this powerful truth is so important. It is so critical, and the Bible reveals this truth, if you'll take the time to really read it for yourself.

And I hope you'll take this opportunity to call us at the number on your screen. Order your free copy of "Is God a Trinity?" Or you can go to our website at, beyondtoday.tv. These are critical understandings of who God is. You can have a personal relationship with Him. He wants and craves that personal relationship. And so it doesn't have to be a mystery. So I hope you'll order our study aid, it'll take the mystery out of the whole concept of the nature of God. And so you can have those questions that maybe you've always wondered about. You can have them answered if you'll order a free copy of "Is God a Trinity?" So be sure and call us at the number on your screen or go to our website at beyondtoday.tv.

Now we're not quite finished with what Paul had to say in Ephesians because there's one other thing that the New Testament makes very clear. The Apostle Paul made it clear as well. In the kingdom of God, we won't be sort of like God, we won't be kind of a little bit like Him, we won't be like an angel, we won't be somewhat like God. What we find is, holy scripture reveals, we will be filled with the fullness of God. That's what Ephesians said. And in fact, not just a little bit, but do you notice the qualifier in this verse? It says, "all the fullness of God." All the fullness of God. So that has to mean, we'll be like Jesus Christ, we'll be like God the Father. That doesn't sound like an egg, does it?

You see the incredible reality is that God is building His family. He wants us to be a part of His divine family. That's been His purpose so that we can become His sons and His daughters in His family, and what does that mean? That means we'll have His attitude, we'll have His perspective, we'll have His character. In fact scripture tells us, we'll have His divine nature. And that awesome future is the whole purpose and reason that God made mankind. It's why you were born, it's why you exist. God chose His people as scripture says, to become like His Son; so that His Son would be the first-born among many brothers and sisters.

No wonder God is called our Father. He's fathering His own spiritual children. You see, the Holy Bible teaches us that Jesus is our first-born elder brother. So God is not a Trinity. The Father will be the head of the family for all eternity and Jesus Christ will reign right under Him forever. Forever. And the amazing part, is that we can be spirit born members of His family, like Jesus Christ. Now that powerful truth comes right out of the word of God. So I hope you'll take the challenge, learn His wonderful plan for you and for all mankind and get to know the true God.

[Narrator] Call now to receive the free booklet, "Is God a Trinity?" Many churches teach the Trinity as a foundational doctrine, but at the same time they call it a mystery, impossible to understand. What does the Bible say? Our free study aid, "Is God a Trinity?" Uncovers the truth about the nature of God. Our booklet will walk you through the origins of this doctrine, and will show you the truth about who and what God really is. The Bible paints a picture of God as a Father, Jesus Christ as His Son, and the Holy Spirit as the divine power of God working in Christians. Order now; call toll-free 1-888-886-8632, or write to the address shown on your screen. Learn the truth from your Bible. The nature of God does not have to be confusing. When you order this free study aid, we'll also send you a complimentary one year subscription to "Beyond Today" magazine. "Beyond Today" magazine brings you understanding of today's world and hope for the future. Six times a year, you'll read about current world events in the light of Bible prophecy, and godly principles to guide you toward a life that leads to peace. Call today to receive your free booklet, "Is God a Trinity" and your free one year subscription to "Beyond Today" magazine; 1-888-886-8632, or go online to beyondtoday.tv.