Yesterday was Trinity Sunday and I heard a very helpful sermon on the theme. Over the years I have listened to many some of which have been more helpful than others.
The difficulty with trying to understand the concept of The Trinity is that it is a mystery beyond our human understanding. Many have tried to find illustrations from our understanding but none quite work. Three persons in one and one person in three goes against all our logic.
Some years ago I did hear a suggestion from a retired minister that I found helpful. We were discussing Islam and the difficulties of trying to explain the Trinity to a Moslem. He suggested that it may be more helpful to speak of three manifestations of God rather than three persons. The Koran speaks of the Spirit of God and he explained that in conversations that he had shared people had been more receptive to the concept of manifestations. The difficulty with this is that for many people the words conjure up images of ghosts and the supernatural but then again God is beyond the natural which He created.
Whatever the difficulties of understanding the Trinity, it is clear from Scripture that there are the father, The Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit as we can see from the following two passages.
Matthew 28 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
2 Corinthians 13 14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
It is something that I have to accept although I cannot fully understand it but that is true of so much of our Faith. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
After a conversation about The Trinity a few years ago, I write the fallowing that you may, or may not, find helpful’
The Trinity
- Central to Christianity
is belief in the Trinity.
Three in one and yet one in Three!
Can that make any sense to me? - Much greater minds than mine have tried
to explain the deep truths that hide
in the almighty God above
Father, Son, Spirit, always love. - An answer to me lies in prayer
to my God who is always there
praying in many different ways
to the three persons through the days - To God the father in heaven
formal petitions are given
for people and situations
close by and across the nations. - Jesus my saviour and friend
I know is always there to lend
a listening and receptive ear
as I chat about my joys and fear - At the times when my mind is dull
the Holy Spirit is there, full
of God’s love and just the right word
so, my unknown prayers will be heard. - Does this explain the Trinity?
I guess not, but I know for me
it helps engage with God above
and know the fullness of his love
30th May 2022
Occasional thoughts 
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