WHO IS GOD?
- God is a Spirit (John 4:24)
- God is a Supreme Being.
- God is the Creator of the Universe (Isa.. 45:12, Rev. 4:11)
- God is ‘I AM THAT I AM “ (Exod. 3:14)
- God is “Alpha and Omega”. The beginning and the ending (Rev. 1:8), God is the Ancient of Days.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). God is the Lord of all Lords, King of all Kings, the Invisible.
The Miracle Worker, The Most High, etc. God is also called Yahweh, Jehovah etc.
Any time we are referring to God, we must use a capital letter to start, or else it will mean that we are referring to smaller gods.
ATTRIBUTES OF GOD
The following are the attributes of God
- God is Eternal: This means that there never was a time when He was not . He is, He was, and forever more He shall be”
- God is Omniscient: This means that God knows all things (Ps.
- God is Omnipresent: This means that God is present everywhere, at the same time (Ps. 139:17)
- God is Omnipotent: This means that He is Almighty God, He is all-powerful. He can do all things. (Luke 1:37)
- God is Immutable: This means that God cannot change. God is the same yesterday, today and forever more
- God is Invincible: This means that God is too strong to be overcome or defeated.
- God is Holy: This means that God cannot sin.
- God is Glorious: Holy and fearful in praises, doing wonders, all the time.
- God is Merciful and He loves to inhabit the praises of His people.
NAMES OF GOD IN DIFFERENT NIGERIAN LANGUAGES
In the Traditional religion, all the various tribes have their own names for God. For example, the Yoruba call God Olodumare.
The Igbo call God Chineke, and the Hausa call God Ubangiji. The names tell us that God is the Supreme Being, the source of all life in heaven and on earth.
Some Nigerian names for God in African Traditional Religions.
NAMES OF GOD IN DIFFERENT NIGERIAN LANGUAGES
PEOPLE NAMES OF GOD MEANING
BIROM Dagwi Father of the sun; source of beings
Edo Osanobuwa the source of all beings and sustainer of the world.
Osa-Nakpame God, the great Artist, Moulder, Creator
Osa-Nudazi The Impregnable Lord
Efiki Abasi The God who directs the Universe from Heaven.
Ibibio/
Calabar
Hausa/
Fulani Ubangiji The Almighty God. The Supreme Being.
Igbo Chineke God the Creator
Chukwu The great spirit, Source of beings
Obasi-di-n’elu God above
Chukwu The greatSpirit
Onyeokike The Creator of all
Olisabuluwa The immense, sustainer of the world.
Eze-enu King of Heaven
Ijaw Egbesu The Supreme protector
Temearau He, who is Almighty.
Ayiba Maker of Soul, the Creator
Nupe Soko The Creator, Owner of the world. The Great God.
TIV Anodos The Sustainer
Urhobo Ogbene God, Lord of all
Uku The Great one
Orhorwara The feared One
Omanomohowo The Creator, the Moulder
Out nyo The One who the multitude must hear when He speaks
Yoruba Olodumare Almighty Supreme Being
Olorun Owner of Lord of Heaven
Eleda The Creator, The maker
Oba Airi Theinvisible King
Orise The very source of being
Itsekiri Oritse Owner of Heaven.
GENERAL EVALUATION
- List the names of God according to Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa.
- Write the names of God in four Nigerian Languages and state the meanings.
- Who is God?
- Mention five attributes of God.
READING ASSIGNMENT
- Christian Religious Education for JSS Bk 1 by Adeyinkaet’alPage 4
- Christian Religious Education for JSS BK1 by T.N.O Quarcoopone et al.,Page 30
- Holy Bible (R.S.V) John 4:24, ICor. 3:7, Rev. 1, 2, 3, 4:1-11, Ezekiel 1,2, Gen. 1, 2, 3, Daniel 10:1-21
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- ____ was regarded as a Supreme Being (a) god (b) gods (c) God
- The world ‘Alpha’ means ______ (a) beginning (b) ending (c)beginning and end
- God is Omniscience because ____ (a) He possesses all power (b) He is present everywhere (c) He knows everything
- According to Edo, God is called ________(a) Abas (b)Osanobwa (c)Ubangiji
- Which of the tribe in Nigeria referred to God as the ‘Great Artist? (a) Igbo (b) Edo (c) Ibibio
THEORY
- Does God exist? Give reasons for your answer.
- Write the names of God in five Nigerian languages