Apologetics Series – Summer 2023

WHY YOUR FAITH MATTERS

Why talk about deep questions?

Why try to understand others’ points of view?

Does God exist?

1. The universe had a beginning – cosmological argument – the beginning of the universe points to a beginner
   
2. The fine-tuning of the universe – points to a fine-tuner
   
3. DNA – the amount of info in one cell is the equivalent of 500,000 movies – a book points toward the author
   The information points to the author of life
   
4. The moral argument – objective moral values – CS Lewis – Across cultures, universally, there are common principles that everybody knows and lives as if they are true.
   moral law points to a moral law giver
   
5. The resurrection of Jesus Christ – points to God entering human history
   Jesus claimed to be God in human flesh
   He died on the cross
   The tomb is empty
   There are radical accounts of Jesus appearing alive
   Witnesses were willing to die for their convictions

Do all roads lead to God?

• What is a road? – a path to get from point A to B
• Every religion has a path – those paths are very different
• The path is different and the destination is different
• Jesus is the only way to get to God because He is the only one who fixed the problem – sin
  All other religions don’t address the problem
  

Biblical validity

• What makes the Bible special?
  • The Bible is the most read, most translated, and most copied book in history
  • The Bible was written by at least 40 authors
    • Different time periods and places 
    • Over 1500 years
  • Survived criticism and persecution
  • It’s changed more lives than any book 
  • It records miracles 
  • It talks about salvation

• Is the Old Testament historically reliable?
  • Is there evidence outside of the book in archeology?
  • The precision of the scriptures – the care taken to copy exactly what a manuscript said – trained scribes – no errors allowed – 
  • Look at the teachings of Jesus – He believed it is reliable – 

• Is the New Testament Historically reliable?
  • Does it claim to be true? Internal evidence test – Luke 1:1-4 – the authors claim to be eyewitnesses, accurate information
  • The bibliographical test – how early and how many manuscripts
    • Within 40-50 years of the events 
    • 40,000 to 50,000 copies
  • External evidence test
    • Writings outside the Bible 
    • Archeology – places, people, claims

Where in scripture does Jesus actually claim to be God? How do we know that is what He meant?

• John 14:8-11
• John 5:18
• John 8:58-59 – Exodus 3:14
• John 10:30-33
• Mark 14:61-62 – Daniel 7:13-14
• Mark 2:5-7, Luke 5:20
• Matthew 11:27
  • Ten times in Matthew, Jesus corrected misunderstandings of the law or overruled Jewish custom by his own authority, saying, “You have heard that it was said . . . But I tell you” (see, for example, Matthew 5:22, 27–28, 31–32).
    

Messianic prophesies Jesus fulfilled:

• Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem.
  See Micah 5:2; fulfilled in Matt. 2:1-7; John 7:42; Luke 2:4-7
• Messiah is to be preceded by a Messenger.
  See Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; fulfilled in Matthew 3:1-3; 11:10; John 1:23; Luke 1:17
• Messiah is to enter Jerusalem on a donkey.
  See Zechariah 9:9; fulfilled in Luke 35-37; Matthew 21:6-11
• Messiah is to be betrayed by a friend.
  See Psalms 41:9; 55:12-14; fulfilled in Matthew 10:4; 26:49-50; John 13:21
• Messiah is to be sold for 30 pieces of silver.
  See Zechariah 11:12; fulfilled in Matthew 26:15; 27:3
• The money for which Messiah is sold is to be thrown “to the potter” in God’s house.
  See Zechariah 11:13; fulfilled in Matthew 27:5-7
• Messiah is to be born of a virgin.
  See Isaiah 7:14; fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-2:1; Luke 1:26-35
• Messiah is to be hated without cause.
  See Isaiah 49:7; Psalm 69:5; fulfilled in John 15:24-25
• Messiah is to be silent before His accusers.
  See Isaiah 53:7; fulfilled in Matthew 27:12
• Messiah is to be executed by crucifixion, by having His hands and feet pierced.
  See Psalm 22:16; fulfilled in John 19:28
• Messiah is to be given vinegar to quench His thirst.
  See Psalm 69:21; fulfilled in Matthew 27:34
• Messiah is to be executed without having a bone broken.
  See Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:21; fulfilled in John 19:33-36
• Messiah is to be buried with the rich when dead.
  See Isaiah 53:9; fulfilled in Matthew 27:57-60
• Messiah is to be raised from the dead.
  See Isaiah 53:9-10; Psalm 2:7; 16:10; fulfilled in Matthew 28:1-20; Acts 2:23-36;13;33-37; 1 Corinthians 11:4-6
• Messiah is to be executed by crucifixion as a thief.
  See Psalm 22:16; Zechariah 12:10; Isaiah 53:5, 12; fulfilled in Luke 23:33; John 20:25; Matthew 27:38; Mark 5:27, 28

How does a good God allow suffering?

• What is evil?
  • A thing or the absence of something?
• Does evil being present mean there is no God?
• Could God have created a world without evil?
  • Yes but does that mean a better world?
  • If he forced everyone to do good then there is no freedom to choose 
• Hebrews 9:27
•  

Three Messages From Suffering

In suffering there is also a message of compassion. Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me” (Matthew 25:35–36).

In suffering there is a message of unity. Isaac’s twin sons, Jacob and Esau, had been feuding and fighting. But when Isaac died, they came to bury him. Because of their father’s death, the two sons came together.

Jesus prayed “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You” (John 17:21). And that’s the way we ought to be as Christians, one in Christ. If you have been born into the family of God, you are a child of God. You are brothers and sisters.

Suffering holds a message of comfort. In 2 Corinthians we read:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
—2 Corinthians 1:3–4

Because tragedy happened to you, it gives you a greater sense of oneness with others who experience tragedy. You can feel for them in that suffering situation. Because we have been comforted through the Word of God, we in turn may be able to comfort others.

The Christian’s Reaction to Suffering

First, it should be one of worship. We ought to say, “O God, I believe You are the great and mighty God. I don’t understand all the things that are happening in my life, but, O God, I trust in You.”
Second, we should ask God to teach us all He would have us learn about Him, about ourselves, about others, and how we can minister to those who are suffering.

Third, our attitude in suffering should glorify God. People are going to watch us as Christians. They will ask, “How is it that Christ is so in control of his or her life that he or she was able to help others?”

John 11:1-46 – story of Lazarus

1. Your suffering does not indicate a lack of love on Jesus’ part.
2. For those in Christ, your suffering does not end in death
3. Our suffering is a part of the grand beautiful story God is telling
   
   

1)    How can the belief in God be reconciled with science‐ especially evolution?

a.     It must be made known that Evolution is a theory of existence, not a fact. Evolution, like religion, is a faith system based on what is believed to be true. However, evolution, like religion is not a question that science can fully explore. Science can add support and weight to an argument, but ultimately we are left to a belief based on the weight of evidence. Therefore, religion is not in opposition to science, nor is science on the side of evolution.

b.     Evolution does not fully explain how the evolution process has worked over billions of years and significant suspicion results from gaps in the sequence. These gaps include the fossil record, transitional species and the jump to punctuated equilibrium.

c.      Creationists hold that modifications within a certain species, (micro‐evolution) is possible. However adaptations between species (macro‐evolution), is rejected. Creationists also ask the question, ‘where did the first/necessary cause come from in the evolution equation?”

d.     Even Darwin himself had his own doubts. In his book Origin of Species, he stated, “If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, then my theory would absolutely break down.” At the end of his life, he verbally admitted that he was not sure if his theories were true.

1)    What about those who have never heard?

This is a tough question. Why have some people never heard?   The sin of generations previous has lead people away from the truth so that a testimony for Christ does not exist within a people group. Therefore, though God wishes everyone come to a saving knowledge of Himself, man, in his rebellion, has kept that from happening. Is God powerless in such people groups? No, of course not. Today we hear of miracles as we have seen throughout all history where God reveals Himself to people in un‐reached people groups so that they can have an adequate saving knowledge of His son. Yet, we see in the Bible that the sins of generations previous will have an effect on future generations, not that it is God’s desire, but in his divine wisdom, he has allowed man to make such choices and have such an impact in generations to follow. Will God hold man responsible for his sin? He certainly will and must. Does He desire all to come to a knowledge of Himself? This is also certainly true. How do the two exist in a culture where there is no effective testimony for Christ?

Fairness is not a quality of God’s character. Justice, mercy, grace, and holiness, these are all qualities of God. Were He fair…none of us would enter the paradise of Heaven….none of us deserve entrance, and so fairness would preclude such. Thank God that He is not fair.

2)    What’s the difference between Protestants and Catholics?

a.    Catholics require an intercessor to communicate with God‐ priests or saints to pray through for forgiveness of sins. Protestants believe that Christ himself is the great high priest and you can communicate directly with Him.

b.   Catholicism put an emphasis on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary is thought of as a mediator between God and man.  They elevate her to sinless perfection status.

c. Catholicism suggests that good works or sacraments might decrease the time spent in purgatory, paying for their sins before they can enter into heaven. Protestants believe Jesus paid the price for all sin and that people are seen as blameless before the Lord when they profess faith in Christ.

d.    At the Vatican, the Pope was given authority as a mouthpiece for God, his words are considered revelation on the same lines as Biblical scripture.

3)    Can you be sure if you are going to Heaven?

a.     Yes. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) God’s Word is Truth, so if you truly believe Christ is Lord, then you can truly believe He has saved you.

b.     Our relationship with Christ is based firstly on fact, followed by faith and then feeling. As the 4‐ Spiritual Laws book says, “We as Christians do not depend on feelings or emotions, but we place our faith (trust) in the trustworthiness of God and the promises of His Word.”

c.      “I write these things to those of you that believe in the name of the son of God, in order that you may

know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:11

d.     If it were up to us…no, there would be no certainty. However, Christianity is not based on our work, but the work of a savior who brought redemption between man and God. If it were up to us, we could never make it, but if it’s up to Him, we can be sure!

Our Young Adult group had a great discussion about What is Church. See the full notes below.

What is the Church?

The church is the community of all true believers for all time. Those who have been, are now, and will be true believers in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:25

Invisible yet visible church
Invisible church: God is the only one who knows the condition of people’s hearts in relation to His Son. If God is the only one who can see our hearts or know our hearts, then He is the only one who can really know who is in the church – so to us it’s invisible.
2 Timothy 2:19

The visible church will contain people who are truly followers of Jesus and some who are not really followers of his. They will do some things followers do, but they don’t truly KNOW Jesus in a salvific relationship.

What is the church in our sense of the word?
The NT shows a few different types of “churches”
A small house church: Romans 16:5, 1 Cor 16:19
An entire city church: 1 Cor 1:2, 2 Cor 1:1, 1 Thess 1:1
A church in a region: Acts 9:31
The entire world: Ephesians 5:25, 1 Cor 12:28
In this sense the church is a community of God’s people at any level or size.

How is the church described in scripture?
A Family: 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Eph 5:32, 2 Cor 11:2
A body: 1 Cor 12, Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15-16
A new temple & a holy priesthood: 1 Peter 2:4-8
Branches on a vine: John 15:5
An Olive tree: Romans 11:17-24
A field of crops: 1 Cor 3:6-9
What do each of these metaphors tell you about the church?

What distinguishes a church from a gathering of believers meeting in a coffee shop?
2 main things that most scholars agree must be present to make a group of people a “church”.
First – correct preaching of the Bible – salvation in Christ alone through faith alone by someone who’s called specifically to serve that role in that place at that time.
Second – The correct administration of the sacraments – baptism and the Lord’s Supper – these two things serve as membership controls – people enter the church through baptism and show a continual growth through the Lord’s supper

Another mark of a church is that the “church” should be attempting to function as a church – example – a college ministry on a campus will say at some point, we want our students to find a local church to attend – that means they are not a church and don’t intend to be a church

Another distinction can also be made based on the NT – a church should be striving for:  Unity and Purity
Purity – Ephesians 5:26-27
Unity – John 17:21
What do these look like in our church or other churches in our area – state – country – world

What are churches supposed to do?
Minister to God – Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 1:12
Minister to its members – Colossians 1:28 – build them up and nurturing them Ephesians 4:12-13
Ministry to the World – Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8

Other things we can do:
Ministry to poor and oppressed: Galatians 2:10, James 1:27
Physical needs – Acts 11:29, 2 Corinthians 8:4, 1 John 3:17
Do good to everyone – Galatians 6:10

What power do we have to fulfill the church’s mission?
The Holy Spirit – John 14:26, Acts 1:8
Spiritual gifts – Paul doesn’t seem to place one group as more important than the other – Rom 12:6-8, 1 Cor 7:7, 12:8-10, Eph 4:11
All gifts are to be used for the common good and building up the church – they come from the same place

What are some things you like about Glen Haven or your church?
What are some things you don’t like?
How can we do a better job?

This was a great couple week discussion on some central concepts to Christianity. Thanks for letting me share.

1. What is Salvation, Justification and Adoption into God’s Family
   
   The call to come to faith in Jesus Christ
   1 Peter 2:9
   1 Corinthians 1:9
   1 Thessalonians 2:12
   1 Peter 5:10
   Romans 1:6-7
   Galatians 5:13
   
   The simple elements of a gospel call
   All people have sinned – Romans 3:23
   The penalty for sin is death – Romans 6:23
   Jesus died to pay the penalty for my sin Romans 5:8
   
   Matthew 11:28-30
   
   Salvation requires knowledge, approval and trust
   
   Justification – the act of God declaring me righteous because of my faith in Him
   It is an instantaneous act in which he thinks of my sins as forgiven and declares me to be “just” or morally righteous in his sight.
   Romans 3:26
   Galatians 2:16
   2 Corinthians 5:21
   Justification through faith alone – Ephesians 2:8-9
   Romans 8:1
   
   Adoption
   Because we are justified – legal term – by God only because of the work of Jesus – NOW we can be counted as in His family
   John 1:12
   Ephesians 2:2-3
   Romans 8:15
   1 John 3:2
   
   
   
2. What are sanctification and perseverance?
   
   Sanctification is the progressive work of both God and man that makes Christians more and more free from sin and more and more like Christ in their actual lives.
   
   Romans 6:18 – set free from sin
   Romans 6:11, 14 – Dead to sin and alive to God – sin has no more dominion over us
   
   While we are on this journey, we will continue to sin
   1 John 1:8, Ecclesiastes 7:20
   Jesus told the disciples to pray about forgiveness of their sins Luke 11:4
   Once we die and are in God’s presence in heaven, we are freed from sinning – Hebrews 12:23
   But we are moving forward the whole time here on earth – 2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 3:13-14
   
   Sanctification is primarily the work of God – 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:20-21
   Our sanctification through the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
   Our part – Romans 8:13, Philippians 2:12-13, Hebrews 12:14
   Becoming a Christian is something that requires our involvement – the same is true for sanctification.
   Several areas of our “working out our faith” that God honors:
   Bible Reading – Ps 1:2, Matt 4:4, John 17:17
   Prayer – Eph 6:18, Phil 4:6
   Worship – Eph 5:18-20
   Witnessing – Matt 28:19-20
   Acts of mercy – Matt 23:23, James 1:27
   Christian Fellowship – Heb 10:24-25
   Self Discipline or self-control – Gal 5:23, Titus 1:8
   
   What if someone says they’re a Christian but seems to “fall away” from their faith or at least not actively practicing it?
   The people who persevere to the end are truly Christians – John 6:38-40
   Jesus says in this passage that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life, He will raise up that person at the last day, and it is God’s will that He loses nothing that God has given to Him.
   John 10:27-29 – no one will snatch them out of my hand and they will never perish
   
   Ephesians 1:13-14 – the Holy Spirit is our “seal”
   
   An evidence of genuine faith is that we will continue to believe and obey what Jesus said and commanded to the end – persevere – John 8:31
   Colossians 1:22-23
   True Christians will fight against sin through faith and repentance their entire lives – not just give up and walk away from God and their faith in Jesus to live in sin all the time
   Hebrews 3:14 – hold my original confidence firm to the end.
   We not only have our salvation as a reference point for our true relationship with Christ – but we also have His ongoing work of sanctification in us as a mark we really belong to Him.
   1 John 4:13, 1 John 2:4-6, 2 Peter 1:5-8
   
   

We tackled the real, bodily resurrection of Jesus – it was a great discussion. Here are the notes. Please let me know if you have any questions. PWG

What is the Resurrection?
Jesus died on the cross – but did not stay in the tomb He was buried in – He rose and ascended to heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:14-19

Details of the Resurrection:
1. All four Gospels contain accounts of the resurrection – Matthew 28:1-20, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-53, and John 20:1-21:25
2. Other places in the NT where faith because of the resurrection is mentioned – Acts – 10,11,13,15,17,24,26
3. Jesus didn’t just come back to life – like Lazarus – but He came back to a new kind of life in a new body
4. It was a physical resurrection – Matthew 28:9, Acts 10:41, Luke 24:30 & 39, John 20:27

Results of the Resurrection:
1. 1 Peter 1:3 – born again with hope because of it
2. Victory over sin – not final here on earth but – sin has no hold over us anymore – Romans 6:11 & 14
3. It seals our standing before God – Romans 4:25, Hebrews 1:3
4. Because of His resurrection – we will have a resurrection of our own – 1 Corinthians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 4:14, 1 Corinthians 15:51-53

Jesus’ Ascension:
1. Luke 24:50-51 – Jesus left earth and went to a specific place – heaven
2. Once He arrived there He was at God the Father’s right hand – Acts 2:33, Philippians 2:9
3. He receives praise – Revelation 5:12
4. His ascension lets us know what is in store for us – Romans 8:19

Proofs of the Resurrection:
1. Empty tomb – the fact that women are the primary witnesses to the original empty tomb is very important – no one in this day would have used the testimony of women as their primary source. Women’s testimony was admissible in legal matters but it was the least reputable. No one constructing a story would have picked women to the story tellers.
     4 theories about other alternatives:
        1. Conspiracy Hypothesis – the disciples took the body to keep the lie going that Jesus was God
       2. Apparent Death Hypothesis – Jesus didn’t really die
       3. Wrong Tomb Hypothesis – those going to see Jesus went to the wrong tomb
       4. Displaced body Hypothesis – Joseph who placed Jesus in the tomb actually came back and moved the body to a criminal graveyard

2. Post Resurrection appearances – 1 Corinthians account
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
‘For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. ‘

3. The existence of Christianity
The fact that Christianity started and grew is also evidence of the resurrection. For Jews, the Messiah was viewed as a figure that would be triumphant and rule on David’s throne, not a figure that would be crucified and die.
The resurrection of Jesus undid the catastrophe of the crucifixion. The Messiah, who had died, is risen! The resurrection validated and verified the claims Jesus had made about his own identity. The origin of Christianity rests solely on the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

I asked our young adult group at Glen Haven to answer 2 questions. One, what are some changes you’d like to make in your life during 2023? Second, what is a scripture passage that you could use as encouragement to keep fighting for that change when it gets tough? Here are the responses.

• To stop thinking something is wrong with me because I don’t think or act like everyone else.
  
  1 Corinthians 15:10
  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.
  
• Being more consistent – Being patient and willing
  
  Galatians 6:9
  Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.
  
  Psalm 51:12
  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit
  
• Relying more on God instead of just myself
  
  Psalm 28:7
  The Lord is my strength and my shield;
  My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
  Therefore my heart triumphs,
  And with my song I shall thank Him.
  
• Recognizing the secret to contentment in this life is in Jesus Christ and His strength – and nothing else
  
  1 Thessalonians 5:18
  18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
  
  Philippians 4:11-13
  11 Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
  12 I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
  13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
  
• My confidence in God and in myself
  
  2 Corinthians 12:9
  And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
  
• Not trying to set new goals, but being a better follower of Christ where I am right now – student, employee, friend, sibling, child of my parents, church member
  
  Hebrews 12:1-3
  1 Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
  
• Being judgmental towards others
  
  Matthew 7:1-3
  Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
  John 8:7
  And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
  
• Take care of my body, physically become bigger and stronger
  
  1 Corinthians 6:19-20
  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

• Quick to listen and slow to speak
  
  James 1:19
  Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
  
  James 1:2
  Be grateful while facing adversity
  Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
  
• Keep God first through everything
  
  Matthew 6:33
  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
  
  Exodus 20:3
  You shall have no other gods before me.

• Be careful about what comes out of my mouth
  
  Ephesians 4:29
  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
  
• Pray about things more than I worry about things
  
  Philippians 4:6
  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
  
• Make some healthier choices like drinking more water
  
  James 3:10-12
  10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.
  11 Does a spring send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
  12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
  
  John 4:14
  but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty, but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.
  
• Focus more on things that are truly important
  
  Philippians 4:8
  Finally, Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
  
• Be more intentional with people
  
  Hebrews 10:24-25
  and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
  
• To have victory over a porn addiction
  
  Jeremiah 17:4
  And you will, even of yourself, let go of your inheritance that I gave you; and I will make you serve your enemies in the land which you do not know; For you have kindled a fire in My anger which will burn forever.
  
  Galatians 5:1
  It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
  
• More patience about things I have no control over
  
  Psalm 5:13
  In the morning, Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will present my prayer to you and be on the watch.
  
• Pray more during the day – not just meals and at night
  
  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
  
• Be intentional in my relationship with Jesus and others
  
  Psalm 46:10
  Stop striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.
  
  Romans 5:3-5
  And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
  
  Philippians 4:9
  As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
  
• Love fiercely and don’t let worry or my busyness steal my joy
  
  James 1:2-4
  Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
  
• Live out of the overflow of my relationship with Jesus instead of trying to do it on my own
  
  John 10:10
  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.
  
  Romans 15:13
  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
  
  Ephesians 2:10
  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
  

4. What is Creation?

God created the universe out of nothing.
Use this to explain the faults of the evolutionary process.

John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16

God spoke all of creation into existence. Genesis 1:3-25. With man, He created us with His hands and breathed life into us.
When scripture says we were created in God’s image, it means we were created like God – similar to – and to represent Him.
The creation story is clearly seen in scripture, so we can trust it is true.

If God created everything then God existed before the creation – He is eternal.
He is worthy of our worship because nothing else can make something from nothing.

Our worth begins with the fact that we are His special creation – We are in His image and made by His hands.
What other things do we place our worth in?

God is greater than creation – He made all things and rules over all things

He is, however, intimately involved in creation. Job 12:10
Acts 17:25,28,29

We are dependent on Him but He is not dependent on creation. Psalm 46:1

All of creation was made to give glory to God – Psalm 19:1, Isaiah 43:7, Revelation 4:11, Jeremiah 10:12

He created the universe to show his greatness, to demonstrate his excellence, and to delight in his work.

Creation is also “very good” – Genesis 1:31, 1 Timothy 4:4

What are some ways the earth, animals, and us bring glory to God as creator?

Evidence for Biblical creation:
Geology: Radiocarbon in Diamonds
Astronomy: Recession of the Moon
Geology: Earth’s Decaying Magnetic Field
Biology: Dinosaur Soft Tissue
Anthropology: Human Population Growth
Geology: Tightly Folded Rock Strata
Anatomy: Design of the human body – nervous system
Anatomy: Embryo development
Intelligent Design: Irreducible Complexity
Molecular machines are considered to be irreducibly complex. An irreducibly complex machine is made of a number of essential parts, and all these parts must be present for it to function properly. If even one of these parts is missing the machine is non-functional. Evolution, which supposedly works in a stepwise fashion over long periods of time, can’t form these complex machines. Evolution is not goal-oriented; it cannot work towards a specific outcome. If a part of the machine would happen to form by random chance mutation (which itself is not plausible, see “Are Mutations Part of the ‘Engine’ of Evolution?”), but the other parts of the machine were not formed at the same time, then the organism containing that individual part (by itself non-functional) would not have a particular survival advantage and would not be selected for. Since the part offers no advantage to the organism, it would likely be lost from the population, and evolution would be back to square one in forming the parts for the machine. There is essentially no way to collect the parts over time because the individual parts do not have a function (without the other parts) and do not give the organism a survival advantage. Remember, all the necessary parts must be present for the machine to be functional and convey a survival advantage that could be selected for.

For further questions,  go to answersingenesis.org

5. What is Prayer

6. Angels, Demons, and Satan
Tonight we jump into discussing the spiritual creations of God.

Characteristics:
Created
Spiritual Beings
Moral Judgement
High Intelligence
No physical body

Angels
They form a group referred to in scripture as the host or army of heaven – Nehemiah 9:6
God can open our eyes to see them – Numbers 22:31
God can have them take on a bodily form – Matt 28:5

What do they do?
Guarding us – Psalm 91:11
Joining us in worship – Hebrews 12:22
Moral judgement when they decided to sin – 2 Peter 2:4
Have great power – Psalm 103:20, 2 Peter 2:11
(Contrast their punishment with Adam and Eve’s in Genesis 3:21-23)
They obediently carry out God’s plan –
They give us an example to follow in worship – Rev 5:11-12
Not to be worshiped – they are created like us – they are not God – Rev 19:10

Demons
Angels who sinned against God and now work evil in the world.
2 Peter 2:4
They fell because of their choices – they were a part of God’s creation that was called “very good” in Genesis 1:31
Jude 6 –

Satan is the name of the head demon – he is mentioned by name a number of times in scripture
1 Chronicles 21:1
Matthew 4:10
Luke 10:18
Other names for satan include: devil, serpent, Beelzebub, the ruler of this world, the prince of power of the air, the evil one
Satan is the originator of sin – 1 John 3:8, John 8:44,
Tempting of Jesus – Matthew 4:1-11

How do they deal with us:
Temptation
Doubt
Lies
Murder
Guilt
Fear
Confusion
Sickness
Envy
Pride
Slander

Satan and demons are limited in their power and acts by God himself
We can overcome them: James 4:7
They can observe us but not know the future or what we are thinking.

They are not responsible for all the evil in the world
Much of the evil in the world is the result of my own actions – I don’t need their help to sin
James 1:14, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Ephesians 4:27
I can fight – 2 Corinthians 10:4, 1 John 4:4

How are angels like us?
What do angels do in our world today?
What things about satan cause me to fear him? What about him is not that scary?

7. What is Man?
Genesis 1:27-28
Isaiah 43:7

Created for God’s Glory
John 10:10
Psalm 16:11
Zephaniah 3:17

Created in God’s Image
Psalm 19:1
James 3:9
Romans 8:29
Colossians 1:15
Colossians 3:10
2 Corinthians 3:18
1 Corinthians 15:49
2 Corinthians 4:4

Responsibilities as creatures in God’s Image

We are God’s representatives
As God’s image bearers on the earth it is our responsibility to help His people and His creation be like He intended for it to be

3. What is the Trinity?
The God of the Bible is ONE GOD in three distinct persons: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit.
The word “trinity” is never found in scripture – but the concept is seen in scripture.
Genesis 1:26-27
Matthew 3:16-17 – each member of the Trinity is performing a distinct activity – the Father is speaking, the Son is being baptized, and the Holy Spirit is resting on the Son
Matthew 28:19
Jude 1:20-21

Each person of the trinity is fully God. The Bible refers to God – normally meaning God the Father.
Jesus is also fully God – Colossians 2:9, John 20:28,31
The Holy Spirit is fully God – Acts 5:3-4, 1 Corinthians 2:11

The Bible also says there is only one God – not 3 separate Gods
Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5, Romans 3:30, 1 Timothy 2:5, James 2:19

The trinity is a doctrine we won’t fully understand on earth because it is not like anything we can know here.

Each member of the trinity has distinct roles:
God spoke the earth into being Genesis 1:9-10 – but John 1:3 says that Jesus carried that out.
Genesis 1:2 says the Spirit was hovering over the face of the waters

Our salvation is another example of the Trinity at work together – God the Father sent His Son to be our payment for sin – John 3:16-17. Jesus came to do the will of the one who sent Him – John 6:38. The Holy Spirit brought the work to completion – John 14:26, 16:27

The unity and diversity we see in God – one person but 3 distinct personalities and functions – is seen in a small part in things on earth –
Marriage – 2 people become 1 flesh – they are seen as one before God, but each person has distinct roles, and each has individual value before God – 1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:22-25, Colossians 3:18-19, 1 Peter 3:1-7

Another example is the different people who make up the body of Christ – many members but one body – 1 Corinthians 12:12, Revelation 7:9

Why does this matter?
We want to know God and who He really is.
My salvation is built on this triune relationship of God to us – God gave His Son Jesus who gave us the Holy Spirit

The 3 persons who love each other, glorify each other and always go together in every decision and every way.

Application points
Prayer
Look for these things in scripture

Here is the 3rd set of characteristics

1. God is Wrathful toward Sin
   God hates sin – if He didn’t hate it then He wouldn’t be God. His wrath will eventually consume everyone who rejects Jesus, but for now He is holding His wrath back.
   John 3:36
   His wrath is satisfied because of Jesus – Romans 3:25, 5:8-9
   

2. God Wills what He Will
God’s will is the reason for everything that happens. He chooses what He does and doesn’t do.
Creation – Revelation 4:11
Human governments – Romans 13:1
His children suffer – 1 Peter 3:17
God’s will can be clearly defined in scripture – Matthew 6:10
Other times we don’t know every step – James 4:15
Always use scripture as our guide – we have to be careful not to put our will onto what God says.

3. God has Freedom
Psalm 115:3
Nothing can hinder God from doing His will
He isn’t constrained by anything outside of himself. He’s not under authority or restraint
We are allowed to make choices, but we don’t have the same freedom God has – Proverbs 16:9, 21:1

4. God is Omnipotent
Nothing is too hard for God – Jeremiah 32:17
God is able to do anything He wills – Ephesians 3:20
He cannot do anything that goes against who He is…lie, be tempted, deny himself,

5. God is Perfect
Matthew 5:48
God fully possesses all qualities and lacks no part of anything that makes Him God
We want to be “perfect” but we fall short

6. God is Blessed
God’s blessedness means that He fully delights in himself and in all that reflects His character. Genesis 1:31, Isaiah 62:5
We are blessed by Him and the things He has placed in our lives – our blessing comes through Him

7. God is Beautiful
Psalm 27:4
God has every desirable quality – so He is the very definition of beauty

8. God is Unity
God has so many attributes, but none of them are better or more than any other. He is all of these things at the same time.
God is light and God is love – He isn’t part of each – He is both at the same time – 1 John 1:5, 4:8
Each of His attributes gives us a snapshot of who He is – and who He has made us to be in our limited capacities.

What are some attributes we share with God?

What are some we don’t share with Him?

What are some of His attributes you’d like to imitate more fully?

Why is it dangerous to consider some of God’s attributes more important 

Tonight, September 8th, we’ll explore more attributes of God. Tonight’s list would be numbers 7-16 overall, but they show up here starting with number 1.

1. God is Spirit
   God’s existence is different from any created being. He is not limited by spatial constraints. He is described in scripture as “spirit” – John 4:24. We can’t think about Him as we think about anything else in the universe. His existence is different – and way beyond. 1 Corinthians 6:17, Romans 8:16, Ecclesiastes 12:7
   
2. God is Invisible
   No one has ever seen God – John 1:18
   But God did show certain manifestations of himself to people in scripture – but not his whole self
   Isaiah 6:1, Genesis 18:1, Genesis 32:30, John 14:9
   
3. God is Omniscient
   God is all-knowing. He has full knowledge of the past, present, and future. Nothing surprises Him or catches Him off guard. He knows what would have happened had He chosen to create something differently. 1 John 3:20, Hebrews 4:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, Matthew 11:21, Isaiah 42:9, Isaiah 46:9-10
   
4. God is Wise
   God always chooses the best possible way to accomplish His goals and outcomes. Romans 16:27, Job 9:4, 12:13
   We see His wisdom in creation and how He works things in our lives – Psalm 104:24, Romans 8:28
   He offers wisdom to us as His children – and He encourages us to ask for it – James 1:5, Psalm 19:7
   We will never have His full measure of wisdom because He is above us – Romans 11:33, Proverbs 3:5
   
5. God is Truthful
   God’s words and His thoughts define what truth is. When He says something, it will happen – Numbers 23:19.
   We can imitate God in His truthfulness. We try to be like Him – not be Him – Colossians 3:9-10
   
6. God is Good
   God is the final standard of good – He defines good. Genesis 1:31
   Since He defines goodness – He is the source of goodness – James 1:17, Psalm 84:11, Matthew 7:11, Hebrews 12:10, Psalm 73:25
   His goodness is seen by knowing we deserve punishment for our sin, but instead, God gave us grace and mercy through Jesus. He wants us to treat others well like He treated us well – Galatians 6:10
   
7. God is Love
   1 John 4:8
   God eternally gives of himself for the good of others – that quality defines His love – it was there from the beginning – John 17:24, 14:31
   He shows us His love by giving to us and by offering our salvation – 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8
   He demonstrates love for us so we can give it away to others – Matthew 22:37-39, 1 John 3:16-18
   
8. God is Holy
   Psalm 99:9
   God is holy and we are separated from Him because we are not holy. We are to seek to imitate His holiness
   
9. God is Righteous and Just
   Deuteronomy 32:4
   He is the final standard for what is right. Because He is also just, He must treat people as they deserve, but He forgives sin because of Jesus – Romans 3:25-26
   
10. God is Jealous
    He is the only one worthy of worship and praise. He seeks to protect His own honor – because He knows we are never complete until we give Him the honor He deserves. Exodus 20:5, Isaiah 48:11
    

This is our first week exploring the question “what is God like?”. We will look at 24 separate characteristics of God and His nature. Here are the 6 attributes we studied August 25th.

What is God Like?
If there is a higher source of information about God than God himself, then He would not be God.

Characteristics of God:

1. God Exists
   Scripture assumes God’s existence. Genesis declares Him as the creator.
   Romans 1:19 says that even people who aren’t believers know that He exists. Romans 1:25
   Human beings are the greatest proof because we are created in His image.
   

2. God is Knowable
We can know God personally – not just know about Him. We do get to know Him better by understanding His characteristics, but He is infinite and we are finite. That difference prevents us from fully understanding who He fully is.
Psalm 145:3, 147:5, 139:6,17-18; Jeremiah 9:24, 1 John 4:8, 1:5, Isaiah 43:7

3. God is Independent
The truth is, God doesn’t need us. We were not created to “complete” God – like in Jerry Maguire. Acts 17:24-25
God always was – He wasn’t created – Psalm 90:2, Romans 11:36
God is completely ok without us, but He chooses to give us significance and value. All of His creation glorifies Him and brings Him joy. Isaiah 43:7

4. God is Unchangeable
God is unchangeable in His being, attributes, purposes, and promises.
Psalm 102:27, Malachi 3:6
His purposes are going to be done once He determines to do them – Psalm 33:11, Matthew 25:34, Ephesians 1:4,11
Numbers 23:19 – God is not us – He fulfills ALL of His promises
There are times in scripture where God changes His intentions toward a person or group of people – but this doesn’t contradict His unchangeableness. He doesn’t change who He is, but He allows us to repent and change our ways so His intentions toward us change. Jonah 3:4, Exodus 32:9-14, Isaiah 38:1-6

5. God is Eternal
God has no beginning and no end. That is impossible for us to fully understand, but it is affirmed in scripture – Psalm 90:2, Ephesians 1:4, Revelation 1:8, Jude 25.
Because He doesn’t have a beginning and end, His view of time is very different from mine. He sees our past, present, and future equally as vivid. He doesn’t struggle to see my past or my future, while He’s right with me in the present.

6. God is Omnipresent
Just like time doesn’t define God, neither does space. He isn’t too big or too small for something. He created material space, so He can’t be limited by it. Genesis 1:1,
His presence fills everything – Jeremiah 23:23-24
He’s everywhere – Psalm 139:7-10
He is present to accomplish different things in different places – Psalm 16:11, Amos 9:1-4
He holds the universe together – Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 1:3

More to come…