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CONNECT

Describe the most awkward conversation youve had with someone about politics. Describe the most awkward conversation youve had with someone about religion. What was the outcome? Do you think its possible to prove Gods existence using scienti c methods? Why or why not?

WORD
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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15,16

WHAT

What does the Bible say?

In a world where Christianity is often considered anti-science and anti-reason, how should the Church respond? One possible response is to ght ridicule with ridicule, retreating to our cultural corners and throwing stones. Or we can explore what the Bible says about the relationship between reason and faith. Well be better equipped to give an answer for our hope in Christ if we remember the following:

Faith is reasonable.
For since the creation of the world Gods invisible qualitieshis eternal power and divine naturehave been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 John Lennox says, Faith is not a leap in the dark; its the exact opposite. Its a commitment based on evidence. Paul says that evidence for God is clearly seen. The Bible is logical and reasonable. The Bible doesnt endorse a blind faith, and people can become disciples by wrestling with logical questions. What are some popular doubts people have about God and Christianity? _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________

Unbelief is avoiding implications.


The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. Romans 1:18,19 Its important to realize that people dont disbelieve because of reason. If the truth of God is plain to them, then there must be a dierent reason for unbelief. Believing in an all-powerful God has serious personal implications. Unbelief is not about wrestling with the questions to nd truth; its about avoiding the implications of belief. What implications are being avoided by not believing in God? _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________

Reason and intellect develop faith.


Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the rst and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37,38 Reasoning and researching are not just about proving Gods existence. Were showing love to our Heavenly Father by engaging our faith with our minds. This goes to show that Christianity is anything but anti-reason. Reasoning is at the core of a disciples ability to love God, and loving God is the rst and greatest commandment. _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________

SO

WHAT

What is the relevance of the Word to my life?

Describe your personal view on religion and faith. How comfortable are you giving someone a reason for your faith?

NOW WHAT

How do I apply the Word to my life?

Have you made a decision to become a disciple of Christ? If not, would you like to now? How can you love God with all your mind in your life?

PRAYER
Pray for anyone accepting Christ for the rst time. Pray for inspiration to love God with our minds. Pray for any requests that people in the group may have.

Print double-sided. Copyright 2013 Permission to photocopy this material from THEGODTEST is granted for church & small group use.

How To Use This Material


This material is designed for small group discussion. The goal is not to just teach a lesson but to apply truth to our lives. The best preparation for each small groups leader is to have these guides in hand during the Sunday message so they can take notes to prepare for their group meeting. Each weeks lesson is taken from the GODS NOT DEAD book chapter of the same title. Reading that chapter will prepare the leader for a successful group discussion. These materials work best with a group of four to twelve people. Each lesson has four parts: connect, word, application, and prayer: CONNECT (1015 minutes) Most lessons have three warm-up questions provided. Pick the question or questions that will relate best to the group. If you think of a better warm-up question, feel free to use it. A good warm-up question is not controversial, should require no Bible knowledge, and should have no right or wrong answer. Good warm-up questions ask for a persons opinion and experience and should be loosely related to the topic in the word section. Everybody is encouraged to talk during the CONNECT time. WORD (1520 minutes) Each lesson has several key points in bold type followed by scripture, brief comments, questions, and blank lines. Use the extra lines to record additional comments, cross references, illustrations, and other thoughts that might help communicate the point. APPLICATION (1020 minutes) Maturity is not about how much we mark up or read our Bibles, but about how much we obey our Bibles. The goal is for truth to be absorbed into our hearts, not just into our heads. Therefore, personal application is at the very heart of discipleship and spiritual growth. Everybody is encouraged to speak during the personal application time. PRAYER (1020 minutes) The prayer time may begin with some answers to prayers to encourage and build the faith of the group. If your group has eight or more people, it may be a good idea to break into two or three smaller groups during the prayer time. Everyone should be encouraged to participate in the prayer time. Expect God to answer your prayers.

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