What is the Trinity?

In this episode, hosts Oren Martin and Caitlin Van Wagoner are joined by Timothy "TA" Ateek to discuss the doctrine of the Trinity: what it is,  how to explain it, and its' implications for our daily lives. Part I: 01:30-06:59What is Trinity?
The Trinity: the word that describes the conviction that God exists as three co-equal, co-eternal persons that are distinct yet are one in essence.  

Trinitarian Heresies 
Scott Swain, The Trinity: An Introduction


1 Minute Videos on the Trinity 
 Part II: 07:00-10:20How can I explain the Trinity in a simple way?
Use an illustration, knowing it ultimately breaks down

Catechesis: teaching in the form of questions  

The New City Catechism  
Brandon Smith, The Biblical Trinity: Encountering the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Scripture 

 Part III: 10:20-15:30Why is the Trinity important in our everyday lives?
To love God rightly, you have to know God rightly 
The Trinity helps us understand God more fully, ourselves more fully, and the Gospel more fully. 
 Scripture Mentioned: Deuteronomy 29:29, Galatians 4:4-7  Part IV: 15:30-19:40Where do we see the Trinity in the Bible?
“The Old Testament may be likened to a chamber richly furnished but dimly lit...” – B.B. Warfield


Progressive Revelation 

Tertullian: Early Church father who coined the term Trinity to describe who God is
Scott Swain, The Trinity & the Bible: On Theological Interpretation 

The Nicene Creed 

Tertullian’s View of the Trinity 
 Scripture Mentioned: Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 3:13-17, Genesis 1:1-2, 26, Colossians 1:15-23   Part V: 19:40-22:46Is the Trinity unique in comparison to other religions? 
While Jews and Muslims believe that only one God exists, they reject the Christian belief in a Triune God.
Do Christians, Jews, and Muslims Worship the Same God?
5 Reasons the Trinity Matters So Much
 Part VI:  22:46-26:50Common questions on the Trinity
Is there a person of the Trinity that you favor? 
“…When I think of anyone of the three, I think of him as the whole, and my eyes are filled, and the greater part of what I am thinking escapes me. I cannot grasp the greatness of that one so as to attribute a greater greatness to the rest. When I contemplate the three together, I see but one torch, and cannot divide or measure out the undivided light.” – Gregory Nazianzen

Who do we pray to?  We pray to the Father, by the Son, and through the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Mentioned: Matthew 6:5-15, Acts 7:59   Recommended Resources:  Michael Reeves, Delighting in the Trinity
__ Learn more about Watermark Community Church at watermark.org Follow along with WatermarkInstagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter