Monthly Leader Guide

1.     (Slide 9) In this session we will focus on three concepts: The Trinity, the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

2.     (Slide 10) Ahead of time, read https://www.presbyterianmission.org/what-we-believe/trinity/. Summarize the historical understanding of the Trinity, illustrated in the Trinity Knot symbol, often found in European cathedral windows. The central ring affirms monotheism. There is one essence of God; the emphasis is on oneness, not three-ness. The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God—but they are one God. An equilateral triangle around the circle represents the equality of the three expressions of the Godhead. This symbol also conveys the idea that there are three simultaneous expressions of the divine substance. It is not that first we have God the Father, then, at a later time, God the Son, and after both of these the Holy Spirit carries the relay torch.

3.     Read the illustration of the Trinity in the resource material as another way to understand the Trinity: three aspects of the sun—light, warmth, comfort.

4.     (Slide 11) How many names are there for God in the Bible? An internet search will reveal somewhere between 20 and 953. In this question, we find two of the most common names for Jesus—Lord and Savior—names we may often take for granted that we understand.

5.     Summarize the resource material on the Lordship of Christ, highlighting the historical roots of the word “lord.”

6.     Summarize the meaning of the Greek word Soter, noting again the historical associations with political rulers, like Caesar.

7.     (Slide 12) Salvation is a repeating cycle of God’s action and our response. “God acts with grace; we respond with gratitude. God claims us as beloved children; we proclaim God’s saving love. God redeems from sin and death; we rejoice in the gift of new life. This rhythm of divine action and human response—found throughout scripture, human history, and everyday events—shapes all of Christian faith, life, and worship” (Book of Confessions [BOC], W-1.0102).

1.     How would you explain the Trinity to a new Christian?

2.     What does it mean to you to call Jesus Christ the Lord and Head of the Church?

3.     What responsibilities do we carry as people and as leaders who have received the salvation of God?

(Slide 13) Print copies of the names included below for each participant.

What name do you use most often for God? Ask participants to look at the names and choose one that is new or unfamiliar or one that particularly speaks to them. Close in prayer. Create space at the beginning or during the prayer for each person to take turns and say their name for God out loud.