Response: Can I Know God?

1. How can sin be a barrier between us and God, if He loves us so much? Does He really turn away as the verse in Isaiah says?
I understand there to be two types of sin. The first is Original Sin that was introduced into the world from the beginning, and has been passed down through humanity since. The second is sin that followers of Jesus still struggle to overcome as they try to do what God wants.

The Original Sin separated the first man and woman from God's presence (see Genesis 1-3). As a result, this Sin in us is what separates us from God. This separation results in death (physically and eternally). God is a Holy God who can not be in the presence of sin. This is why He has to turn away.

On the other side, God lives and offers eternal life through Jesus (physical death, but the soul lives with Him forever). After that, God can no longer see our sin because Jesus covers us. With this security, we know that "Nothing at all can ever separate us from God's love because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done." Romans 8:39(b). We still have the responsibility to strive to do the right thing and ask forgiveness when we do wrong, but we can be sure that God loves us.

2. There was some interesting discussion about reincarnation.
To summarize, reincarnation is a continual proccess to become good. The Bible teaches that no one can become good enough, the only Way to eternal life is to accept Jesus.

3. What are some factors influencing a change in belief to accept the Living God and Jesus as the only Way to eternal life?
When an individual experiences God for themselves, there is undeniable evidence of His love and the Truth. Another factor is divine revelation. God is infinite. Because of this, our finite minds have difficulty understanding Him. However, the Bible says that we can "know the love of Christ which passes knowledge" Ephesians 3:19. We can not understand God. But He will help us understand who He is, so that it is possible to know Him.

4. Why would God only accept those that believe in Jesus? Why doesn't He accept good people?
First, God prepares a home for each one who invites Jesus into his/her life. When followers of Jesus die, they go to live with Him in His home. If good people have rejected Jesus Christ all of their life, why would they now want to spend eternity with Him?
Another thought, God's Truth is objective. He has clearly explained the Way to eternal life. A person can know whether or not he/she is going to heaven. If God was subjective in accepting good people, what would define goodness? How would a person ever know if he/she was good enough?

Gospel Message
The illustration above and below show that Man (humankind) has been separated from God because of sin. This results in eternal death. Jesus has come to bridge that separation and make a way for us to be restored to the Living God. When we believe in Jesus as the verses in the summary below have shown, we can cross over to eternal life!

Response: Does God Care About Us?

1. One person commented that a person should cherish what he has remaining and not leave to find what is lost because it would risk losing what is left.
"and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20
As we discussed last week, God is Omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere. Unlike humans, God has the ability to stay with those who remain and look for the lost at the same time.

2. Does God care more for the lost one?
"God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. " John 3:16
"How did God show his love for us? He sent his one and only Son into the world. He sent him so we could receive life through him." 1 John 4:9
God's love for the lost is so big that He sent Jesus to die so that they (we) could have eternal life. God also loves believers so much that He promises life through Jesus. This life is "abundant," peace, joy, and hope. God cares for the lost and the believers with an infinite love.

3. Does God always care?
"I am absolutely sure that not even death or life can separate us from God's love. Not even angels or demons, the present or the future, or any powers can do that. Not even the highest places or the lowest, or anything else in all creation can do that. Nothing at all can ever separate us from God's love because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done." Romans 8:38-39
Nothing can separate us from His love.

"May you have power with all God's people to understand Christ's love. May you know how wide and long and high and deep it is. And may you know his love, even though it can't be known completely. Then you will be filled with everything God has for you." Ephesians 3:18-19
God is not bound by human limits that can only love in certain conditions. God is Love. I pray that you would know God's love and how He always cares for you.

4. The Lost Son: Shouldn't he get what he deserves for acting so foolishly?
"Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" Romans 2:4 (NLT)
The Lost Son had natural consequences from his actions. But his heart began to change. The Bible calls this, "repentance." This means that he had made bad choices, but began to see that those decisions were wrong, and wanted to change; so he began a new direction for his life. The Bible says that God's kindness brings us to repentance. God's grace (favor beyond what we deserve) treats us much differently than what human reasoning would think should happen.

Does God Care About Us?

"As you think about the vastness of the universe, it's hard to find much significance in one human life. How could any of us really matter in the eternal plan and purpose of God?" (Garry Poole)

Jesus tells three parables (interesting stories) to explain an important point that He wants to communicate.
The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7)
The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
In these two stories, the person looks for the lost coin/sheep, and rejoices when it is found.
The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-24)
In this story, the son left his family with his inheritance and foolishly spent it all. After a time, he realized the wrong he had done. He went back to his father's house to become like a servant. Instead, his father welcomed him back with excitement and celebration as a son who was dead but was now alive.

These stories can be read fully at this link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015&version=76

Response: What Is God Really Like?

Thoughts from our discussion:

1. If God is Loving and Sovereign, why do natural disasters occur?
You don't know the path the wind takes. You don't know how a baby is made inside its mother. So you can't understand how God works either. He made everything. Ecclesiastes 11:5
As it says in Ecclesiastes, it is impossible to understand all about God. There are some hard questions that seem to have no answer, although there are lots of opinions and thoughts.
One person in our discussion suggested that Satan, as the ruler of the earth, was to blame for the chaos. I think I agree. Whether or not this is the Truth, I am comforted by the fact that God is always there providing strength and help in the midst of tragedy.
So do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. My powerful right hand will take good care of you. I always do what is right. Isaiah 41:10

2. If the demons believe in God, what is the difference between their beliefs and your beliefs?

You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that.
And they tremble! James 2:19

I believe faith in God is a necessary first step. But it is just the beginning. God created mankind to have relationships. God desires you. He wants you to love Him and commit your life to Him. The demons don't want anything to do with the love of God. They want to go their own way, definitely not committing their life to Him. They care nothing about His desires. So what about you? Do you believe? Do you care?

3. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

"It's one thing to believe the God described in the Bible exists,

and quite another to let that belief influence your life."

For some it takes quite a lot of effort, research and faith to believe that there is One True Living God as described in the Bible. But as explained above in number 2, there's the next step which is to accept Jesus (the Son of God) as your personal Savior, and invite Him into your life. This means that you trust Him enough to allow Him to influence everything you do. It doesn't mean it will be easy, but it does mean that God will be your constant companion.

Response--How Did The World Begin?

1. From where did plants that don't have seed come? (after reading Genesis chapter 1)
I couldn't find an answer to this question. But I have sent an email to an agricultural friend of mine. Maybe, he will have an idea.

2. What about cloning? It seems that humans can create life.
This seems to be the general viewpoint that I read,
"All attempts at cloning are nothing but copying the nature. Humans can only destroy God's work and mix its elements to find new forms of life (genetic mutations), but it's still God's design."
There are many questions about cloning that Christians have. You can read more at these links: http://www.gotquestions.org/cloning-Christian.html
http://www.doesgodexist.org/SepOct97/CloningProblemOrSolution.html

3. Siblings have intermarried in early history, but now it is dangerous. Why has it changed?
It seems to be generally understood that in early history, relatives did intermarry. Here is a quote from the following website:
"The law forbidding marriage between close relatives was not given until the time of Moses (Leviticus 18-20). " http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/tools/cains_wife.asp

4. When was the Bible written?
"The Bible was written over a period of 1400 to 1800 years by more than 40 different authors."
http://www.allabouttruth.org/when-was-the-bible-written-faq.htm

The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) was completed by 500 BC. The Greek Bible (New Testament) was completed in the 1st century AD. Later, these were translated into Latin (382 AD). John Wycliffe made a handwritten English translation in 1384 AD. Later, after the printing presses were invented, the Bible was translated again into English in 1526 AD.
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/#timeline

I also found that the Bible was translated into Chinese in the 1800's.

One Last Note:
Here is another interesting quote that I found in researching. Someone commented that it was difficult to believe that God created the world in just 6 days. This might help.
“Historically, neither most Jews nor Christians interpreted Genesis 1 as referring to twenty-four-hour time periods.” From the book Who Made God? by Ravi K. Zacharias and Norman L. Geisler

See you next time!

Does God Exist? Is Anybody Out There?

From last week's lesson:
Just a summary. The six positions about God that we discussed were:

1. Atheist--no god(s) exist at all.
2. Agnostic--it is not possible to know if there is a god or not.
3. Deist--God created the universe, but has left it alone ever since.
4. Theist--God exists and is involved in the world.
5. Polytheist--many gods exist.
6. Pantheist--God exists in and through everything in the universe (trees, sun, moon, etc.)

The question during our discussion was asked to me, "Which one are you?" I didn't answer specifically in our group. But I will now.

I am a Theist. I believe that there is a Living God who wants a relationship with me and you. I believe that He created the world for this purpose: relationship with mankind. After sin entered the world, God sent His Son (Jesus) to come and restore the relationship that had been broken in the beginning (Genesis chapter 3). Each person has a choice to make whether they believe in this Living God and His Son, and whether they want to accept Jesus into their life. I have made that choice. I call God my Savior, my Lord, my King, my Guide, my Teacher, and even my Friend.

I pray someday you will too. But I am glad to know you and talk, even if you don't make that choice.

Introduction

This blog is designed to give further information about questions that come up in our small group study. The material is adapted by Craig, and comes from a series of books called "Tough Questions" by Garry Poole, etc.

Scripture references are generally given in the New Reader's International Version (NIrV), unless otherwise noted.

Class participants are free to comment or send me an email with further discussion. But please avoid using names of class participants for security reasons.

I hope this helps as you think about these Tough Questions!