Finding Fault with God vs. Trusting in God

Sometimes people allow questions about why God acts as He does to hinder them from believing in Him or serving Him. Must we answer every such question in order to serve God, or is the solution found in evidence for faith and trusting God to always know and do what is good?

Glory and Honor to the Lord Our God

Why does God deserve to receive glory and honor? How should we express honor for God? Should we honor God for His majesty, character, and works? Are we expressing proper honor by our worship and our lives?

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Introduction:

If someone asked why you should serve God, what reasons would you list?

It is possible to have improper reasons, but here are some good reasons:

* Salvation from sin

* Heaven and hell

* Spiritual blessings (peace, hope, guidance for life, etc.)

* Better life (moral uprightness, good family relations, etc.)

* Love of God

We want to discuss a reason that I fear our lists would often omit.

Why Is Bible History Important to You?

What claims do Bible writers make about the accuracy of their history? Did they write myths and legends or historical events? Did they record eyewitness testimony? How important is this history to our evidence for God, Jesus, and the Bible? Is Bible history essential to our understanding of our purpose in life and salvation from sin?

Consensus Thinking: Right / Wrong Based on Mainstream / Majority

People often determine what they believe in religion and morality based on the consensus, majority, or "mainstream" thinking, especially experts, scholars, or scientists. This occurs in government, media, education, denominations, etc. Is truth determined by polls and surveys or by the Bible?

Rejoice in the Lord: The Christian's Joy

The Christian's joy is not based on physical circumstances or human relationships. We can rejoice even as we suffer in these physical ways. Our joy is based on spiritual circumstances: forgiveness of sins, our fellowship with God, and the blessings of serving Him and the hope of eternal life.

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How to Persuade Unbelievers: Evidence from Acts

When someone does not believe in the Bible, Jesus, or God, how can we convince them? Should we use archaeology, science, logic, secular history? Yes, but examples in the book of Acts emphasize creation, miracles, fulfilled prophecy, and the resurrection of Jesus.

The Significance of Jesus' Resurrection

The Fact Jesus Arose Gives Evidence for Faith and Hope for Salvation and Eternal Destinies.

Why is the resurrection of Jesus fundamentally important to the Christian faith? What evidence does it give us about Christ as Lord, Son of God, Deity, and Savior from sin? What can we learn about our own resurrection from the dead, judgment, and eternal destiny? What does it teach about forgiveness of sins, the conditions of salvation, and the life of Christians? Why is Jesus resurrection important to you?

Emotions in Religion: What Standard Should Guide Us?

How much should we emphasize feelings in religion? Are emotions good or bad? Can we trust our feelings to tell us right from wrong or do we need a better standard in religion? Should our worship seek primarily to honor and praise God or to produce feelings that satisfy the people?

What Does It Mean to Forgive Others?

When people sin against us should we seek vengeance, hold a grudge, hurt them with words and threats? Or should we love them, pray for them, and seek their good? When and how do we forgive? Must they repent and confess their sin? Is forgiveness conditional or unconditional?

Ready for Judgment Day: Preparation or Procrastination

Jesus' parable of the Ten Virgins teaches the need for preparing and staying ready for His return. We should not procrastinate obedience but should prepare completely. We will be judged and rewarded individually for how we lived our lives.