Are you ever afraid someone will ask you why you believe what you believe? Do you fear someone might question what you believe? Responding to people’s questions and challenges can get complicated. But what if you were confident that you had the answer to these critical questions about your faith? And what if you knew how to best express your faith to others?
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
(1) hope on the ropes: sunday, april 19th
One of the most frustrating things about being a Christian is when someone asks you a question about what you believe. If you had fifteen minutes of their undivided attention, you could answer it. But what are you supposed to say in just a few seconds? How can you defend your faith without losing your mind? Perhaps the real question we need to be prepared to answer even though no one is going to ask it is: Why have we chosen to follow Jesus?
“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
Hope On The Ropes Message Notes
(2) reliable witness: Sunday, april 26th
If you’re a Christian, be prepared to defend your decision to follow Jesus. Be prepared to defend your hope or confidence in Jesus. You believe that he died for your sins and rose from the grave. That’s amazing! But you don’t have to believe it because the Bible says so. It’s better than that. You can believe it because Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James and Paul said so.
“ … he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that…he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time. … Then he appeared to James, … and last of all he appeared to me (Paul) also.” 1 Corinthians 15:5-8
Reliable Witness Message Notes
(3) good god?: sunday, may 3rd
There’s one question about God that elicits the most emotion, but has no emotionally satisfying answer. If God is good, why is there so much suffering in the world? If God is all-powerful, he could eliminate suffering. If God is loving, he would eliminate suffering. So, is he unable or unwilling? Christianity offers both an explanation and a solution to these questions on pain and suffering. As a matter of fact, suffering is why we believe.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
(4) love comes first: sunday, may 10th
If you have decided to follow Jesus you have been called by him to a missionary purpose called The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). This commission begins with your family, friends and neighbors, and calls you to an “as you go” lifestyle of making disciples. This process must start with the love of our Heavenly Father “who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).
Jesus called us as his followers to obey one New Law (John 13: 34-35) that is expressed in the two Great Commandments. He stated that these two commandments fulfill all of the laws of Moses and the Prophets under the Old Covenant (Matthew 22: 34-40). Growing in your faith as a follower of Jesus is validated by a growing love for God and for others.
“ For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision or uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” Galatians 5:6
Love Comes First Message Notes
(5) discovering multiplication: sunday, may 17th
Jesus lived in a world very similar to ours in some ways:
-Spiritually things looked dead.
-Paganism (the worship of idols) permeated society.
-Political change as an answer looked hopeless.
But Jesus launched a new kingdom with ordinary, empowered followers that started a movement in a difficult and dangerous world. What was the secret of these early disciples? What enabled them to speed the spread of the good news of Jesus to go wide, deep and long?
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:1-2
Discovering Multiplication Message Notes
