The Holy Trinity--Here to Help You

Hello there! I’m thrilled that you’re here to dive into the intriguing and enriching topic of the Holy Trinity. This concept has long fascinated thinkers, scholars, and spiritual seekers alike, and for good reason. The Trinity is a cornerstone of Christian theology, offering an extraordinary blend of wonder, truth, and mystery.

But you’re not just here for the theory—let’s uncover some practical aspects and life-changing benefits.

What is a "Person"?

Let’s define what I mean by a “person.” A person possesses a mind (intellect), emotions (feelings), and will (volition).  This is a common definition of a “person,” not mine alone. Notice that a person does not necessarily have a physical body. Nor is he a tree (inanimate object) or an animal. I raise sheep, and yes, individual sheep do have “personalities.” But “no,” sheep and dogs and cats are not “persons.”

The Holy Trinity comprises three distinct Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are each fully and completely God. The Three Persons comprise a divine trio working harmoniously as One-- not three gods--but one God in a divine mystery that beckons us deeper.

No analogy fully describes the holy Trinity. Maybe the egg, comprised of the yolk, the white, and the shell comes close. Another illustration which speaks to some people is H20. Water frozen can represent God the Father. Running, drinkable water represents Jesus, the Life-giver. Vaporous steam or fog is said to represent the Holy Spirit. All are "water." They are all One, yet in three distinct forms. Can you think of any other illustrations of the holy trinity?

Picture yourself stepping into a dance of love and unity where each player has a unique role yet moves in perfect sync with the others.

Let’s first explore God the Father. As the creator of the universe, the Father is often seen as the architect of existence. Imagine the vastness of everything and you’ll start to glimpse the Father’s power. This aspect of God embodies unprecedented power, unconditional love, nurturing strength, and an eternal welcoming presence. He is like the parent always ready to listen, understand, and support, giving you immense comfort.

Turning to God the Son, Jesus Christ, we find the bridge between heaven and earth. He claimed Himself to be the Messiah who died for the sin of the world (Mark 14:61-62). He is the Savior of the world. All who come to Him in humility and faith in HIs sacrifice on the cross, receive forgivenesll of sins. Through Jesus, we see compassion in action—the Word made flesh, as the gospel of John puts it. He showed the ultimate form of love and sacrifice, offering us grace and forgiveness. You can think of Him as the Teacher and Savior who knows the human experience deeply. His life invites us to embrace love, mercy, and change in your own life.

Jesus, member of the holy Trinity, holding a lamb. We raise lambs on our farm. As a result, pictures of Jesus embracing a lamb add special meaning to us.

Now, let's examine the Person of the Holy Spirit, often considered the most mysterious part of the Trinity. The Spirit is not just a distant force; rather, He is dynamic, inspiring, and deeply personal. You might not realize it, but the Holy Spirit can engage directly with you. I chose this young farmer with overalls (from Freepik.com) as my icon of the Holy Spirit. He's NOT an impersonal, inanimate force; rather, he talks and he's likable. He's pointing upwards to Jesus. I hope you'll like him too. The Helper, the third member of the holy Trinity, is like having a mentor and guide whispering advice and comfort into daily situations.

This hard-working Counselor is your Empowerer, whispering inspiration and guidance to help you make choices aligned with Jesus. He energizes us. Imagine suddenly getting an idea to call a friend just when they need it, or maybe finding peace in the middle of chaotic traffic. That’s the Spirit in action—practical, ever-present, and ready to assist us. This is the Spirit showing up in a unique and personal way.

Historical Background of the Holy Trinity

You may wonder about the history of the holy Trinity. How did this concept originate? Historically, the idea of the Trinity did NOT take shape after centuries of debate as some uninformed and unbiblical scholars teach. They say, “Early Christians grappled with understanding Jesus’ relationship with God, which eventually led to the formulation of the Trinity in the Nicene Creed during the 4th century.” However, this is non-historical and un-biblical.

Go ahead and read the historical documents. Peter, the fisherman declared Jesus as the divine Son of God as recorded in Matthew 16:16. Thomas, the doubter, evidenced Jesus as “Lord and God” (!) as early as 29 AD.

The Megiddo Mosaic, perhaps the most important archeological discovery(?) ever made, affirms the fact that Christians worshipped Jesus as God prior to the Nicene Council of 325 AD. 

Fast forward to today, where the Holy Trinity remains relevant. This unified concept of Father God, Jesus the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit of God helps frame daily life not just in rituals but as an experience of continuous wonder and joy. Each element—Father, Son, and Spirit—offers a layer of spiritual richness for our curious minds and thirsty souls.

Let's Be Practical

A relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit fosters a life imbued with peace, direction, and purpose. We can awaken to a sense of wonder; each sunrise can carry a whisper of divine artistry; each encounter an opportunity to share a day with the Creator.

The practical benefits multiply with engagement. The Father can instill a comforting routine in times of turmoil, reminding us of order in the universe and that we are never alone. (The sun rises and sets approximately every 24 hours.) Jesus paid the price for our sins and offers us the opportunity for salvation. He also offers teachings that can redefine how we interact with other people—injecting forgiveness, and compassion into our day-to-day experience.

As for the Holy Spirit, this is where the adventure truly expands. Imagine having a trusted advisor eliminating fears and anxieties via gentle nudges or insights, leading us to better life decisions. Whether through a sudden sense of calm or a newly found courage, the Spirit works to refine our character and keep us moving forward.

By cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, we can tap into heavenly guidance. In fact, divine guidance is the forte of the Spirit.

Let me tell a story to illustrate. I pastored the Church of the Living Water in Muscatine, Iowa from 1976 to 2020. My wife and I sensed the time approaching to install a new and younger pastor. But who? We sensed by the Spirit that our son Ethan was the man for the job. However, Ethan and his wife had their eyes set on moving to the Middle East as missionaries. I felt stymied.

Then God gave me a series of dreams. In one dream I saw Ethan traveling away on a nearby highway. I concluded the time was not yet right for the change. That gave me rest and peace. So, we kept praying and waiting.

Ethan, his wife and family spent some time in Jordan. Upon their return, they felt God was changing their plans.

My next dream indicated the time for the switch was near. We approached Ethan with the offer to become lead pastor of the church. The church knew him well-- he had grown up in the fellowship and had served the people admirably for years. The church was ready. The elders were onboard. To the joy of all, including other pastors in the city, we made the switch.

Notice the interplay of the holy Trinity: God the Father had sovereignly prepared Ethan for many years, Christ had call him to ministry early on, now the Holy Spirit was guiding the Church, the leadership, Ethan and his family, my wife and me, and even other pastors in the area the plan and the timing for the next pastor.

Don't let the mystery of the Holy Trinity overwhelm you. Engage with the Holy Spirit by inviting His divine Presence into your thoughts, prayers, and reflections. He’s ready to guide you, illuminating paths with clarity and infusing your life with transcendent meanings.

If there’s a practical takeaway here, it’s this: Actively seek this divine friendship. The Spirit is exceptionally relational and accessible. Picture yourself actively engaging in conversations with the God who talks, listening for guidance as if speaking with a trusted friend. It’s an invitation to be awed by daily supernatural adventures. My wife and I often marvel out loud about how good God is to us.

It's not that we have not suffered or been down. We have, like everyone else. I had stage four, inoperable cancer—but God brought me through over 10 years ago! I even wrote a book about how God healed me. It’s named Answer for Cancer: 9 keys. Find it on Amazon if you know anyone suffering from our enemy--cancer.

3 Parts of Egg--Yolk, White. Shell--All Unified into a Whole--Illustrate the Trinity.

As you think about these truths, know that the Holy Trinity offers more than theological confusion. It’s a living, breathing relationship that beckons each of us with endless exploration. Isn’t it fascinating to think about how this all plays out in our life? Sometimes I hear people talk about their lives as mundane, so same ol’, same ol’. Maybe sometimes I feel that, but mostly. . . at our house, we live in the marvel and mystery of a triune God who cares.

Remember, venturing into the mysteries of the Holy Trinity is an experience like no other. It’s vibrant, exciting, and utterly empowering. As you walk along this path, may you uncover more about the Father, the enrichment of the Son, and the perpetual friendship of the Holy Spirit. Embrace this journey with hope and enthusiasm, and let it transform every corner of your existence.