How are the Father and Jesus related?

Question:

Dear Brethren in Christ,

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I hope this email finds you in good health and spirit.

Recently, certain doctrinal questions have arisen within our congregation. Some members are concerned that our local preacher's teachings regarding the nature and deity of Christ differ from what has traditionally been taught and believed in many churches of Christ in the area.

Because of the confusion these matters have caused, we would greatly appreciate your biblical insight and comments on the following points.

Is Jesus God?

Our local preacher teaches that Jesus is not only the Son of God but is also God. In support of this position, he cites passages such as Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; and I John 5:20.

The common belief in many churches of Christ in my region is that Jesus is the Son of God but is not God Himself.

Could you please provide your biblical understanding and comments on this matter?

Is Jesus Jehovah, or Does He Share in the Divine Identity of Jehovah?

Our local preacher teaches that Jesus is Jehovah or shares in Jehovah's divine identity with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He cites Hebrews 11:26; Matthew 12:28; I Corinthians 10:9; Psalms 102:25–27 with Hebrews 1:10–12; Psalm 89:8–9; Mark 4:39; Isaiah 6; and John 12:41.

He also refers to the article "Is Jesus Jehovah?" to support his view.

For many decades, the churches in my region have generally understood Jehovah to refer exclusively to the Father. Consequently, this teaching has generated considerable discussion and confusion among our brethren.

Would you kindly provide your comments and biblical perspective on this subject?

Is Jesus Worthy of Worship?

Our local preacher teaches that Jesus is worthy of worship. He cites passages such as Romans 9:5 and Revelation 7:10.

The common belief in many churches of Christ in my region is that worship should be directed only to the Father, based on passages such as John 4:23–24.

Could you please explain your understanding of this matter from Scripture?

Does God Have a Triune Nature?

Our local preacher teaches that God is triune in nature (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He cites Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, and I John 5:7 (NKJV).

The churches in my region do not traditionally hold the doctrine of the Trinity. Rather, we believe that God is one, namely the Father.

Would you please share your biblical assessment of this teaching?

We sincerely desire to understand the Scriptures correctly and to preserve unity in the truth. Therefore, we would be grateful for any biblical guidance, explanations, or resources you can provide regarding these matters.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.