10/7/2015 - Chosen - Lesson 4 - How do I know God is real?

Welcome & Introduction

Video: Review Game (1:44)

 How did you do with last week's challenges?

This week we will look at the ways in which God makes himself known to us and how we should respond to what he has revealed.

Opening Song: You Are God Alone by Phillips, Craig & Dean (4:18)

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:24

Catechism Reading: Paragraph #142 - 149 (YouCat - Question #20)

Chosen Opening Prayer

Chosen - Lesson 4 - How do I know God is real? (Understanding Divine Revelation) 

Dive In: A God Who Wants to Be Known

Yes, God wants you to know him! And though he already knows everything about you...he wants you to open your heart and life up to him!

Video: Seg. 1 - How do I know God is Real? (9:22)

• Answer the "Watch It!" questions. 

• Small Group Discussion

Video: Seg. 2 - Scripture and Tradition (8:27)

• Answer the "Watch It!" questions.

• Small Group Discussion 

Video: Seg. 3 - Our Response to God (9:03)

• Answer the "Watch It!" questions.

• Small Group Discussion

To The Heart

When we acknowledge the beauty of a painting we are acknowledging the painter.  When we acknowledge the beauty of nature around us we are acknowledging the creator that we know to be God. To deny that God is the intelligent designer and creator of the universe is to put faith in random chance. Which is more rational...to believe in an all powerful and loving God that resides outside this universe or in random chance with odds that are higher than the odds of an entire unabridged dictionary being created by an explosion of a print shop that randomly placed letters on paper to create the dictionary. 

Hero of the Week - St. Thomas Aquinas

Challenges of the Week (Complete at Least One)

• Read from one of the Gospels for three minutes every day.  Take two minutes afterward to think about what you read.  Write about your thoughts each time you read.

• Choose a prayer space at home for a daily conversation with God.  Make sure a Bible is handy for your use along with any images or items (natural or man-made) that help you focus your mind on God. Write about your time with God..

• Practice your listening skills.  Meet with a close friend or family member. For a full five minutes, listen attentively and ask questions as needed.  Write about something you learned about the person and how it affected your relationship.

Taking It Home

Closing Song: Strangely Dim  by Francesca Battistelli  (3:21)

Closing Prayer

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Bonus Link: The Existence of God 

The above link is to a posting on Gary's Blog that highlights a Podcast from Catholic Answers Live where proofs for the existence of God are discussed.

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