To Know God

This episode of Pine Knoll SSL, titled 'To Know God,' explores the foundational concept of developing a living relationship with God through a biblical understanding of His character. The lesson, led by Dr. John Pauline, emphasizes that eternal life is defined not by mere belief but by knowing God through Jesus Christ. The discussion unfolds through a deep examination of six theological perspectives on God—naturalism, pantheism, deism, determinism, appeasement theism, and benevolent theism—highlighting that only the last three allow for a genuine, dynamic relationship with God. The core of the lesson centers on the biblical view of God as both 'great and good,' transcendent yet intimately present. Key passages from Genesis, Isaiah, and the Gospels are analyzed to reveal God’s holiness, love, and self-sacrificial nature, particularly through the example of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. The episode underscores that knowing God involves moving beyond distorted images of a distant, controlling, or hostile deity toward a vision of a loving, gracious, and relational God who desires communion with humanity. Participants reflect on personal experiences of divine presence, the importance of gratitude, and the transformative power of servant love as a reflection of God’s character.