We all have questions about life – both the purpose and how we ought to live to day. Where can we find the answers to our questions? Do we look to ourselves? Do we look to another person past or present? Is there more than one place to find an answer? If there is something that exists outside of it all that offers a complete perspective – God – how do we get answers from there?
Here is the main claim that we hold as followers of Jesus
Jesus is God
Jesus taught He had existed outside of it all – as God – and had come to earth as a human being to explain life, help us live better, and prepare us for eternity (John 5:18; 8:58; 10:30-33, 14:9). To prove who He was – he exercised God’s power over nature (Luke 4:31-36; 5:1-11; 7:24-30), disease (John 4:43-54) evil spirits (Luke 4:31-36; 7:24-30), death (Luke 7:13-16, John 11) and sin (Mark 2:7-11). He read peoples thoughts and motives (Mark 2:8) and expressed extraordinary love (Luke 19:10; John 8). Jesus accurately predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection (Matthew 16:21; 20:17-10; Luke 9:21). His life fulfilled over 500 prophecies made in Jewish scriptures. His simple message to humanity is “follow me” (Luke 9:23-25).
The Bible is God’s Word
Jesus affirmed the historical accuracy, authorship, and divine inspiration of the Jewish scriptures (Old Testament) over 60 times (Matthew 5:17, 7:10). He instructed His disciples pass on His life and message to the world (Matthew 10:11-20, 28:18). The Christian writings (New Testament) is a fulfilment of that commission. The Bible as a whole makes the following claims about itself: it is the word of God given through prophets (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21); It’s the truth – and without error (Ps 119:160; John 17:17); it’s complete (Rev 22:18); it helps us understand God (Ps 119); we will experience God’s blessing if we do what it says (Deut 28; Ps 1:1-3; Prov 30:5-6).
Questions
- What sources of belief have you considered?
- Is there anything in Jesus’ life and message or the Bible that you question?
- Is there anything in your own experience that prevents you from believing?
- How would looking to the Jesus and the Bible change how you live your life?
- What questions do you have that you would like answered in our time together?
Challenge
The focus of your faith determines your destination. What is your source for answers?