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Do believers have to choose between science and faith? Does science mean that only natural causes – not supernatural causes – can exist? What evidence do we have for the God who brought everything into existence and promises to make “all things (including people) new?” Today we will examine evidence for creation as opposed to evolution, which also points us to the hope of the new creation!

Sooner or later, each person must deal with the problem of pain and suffering in this world. Why did we lose a child? Why do I have cancer? Where was God when I was being abused? How do we understand the presence of evil and hardship when we also confess a good God? I mean, if God is all-good, He would defeat evil. If God is all-powerful, he could defeat evil. Evil is not yet defeated. Does that mean there is no God or that He cannot be good? Moreover, how could a good God judge people to hell? Here are some additional questions to ponder: (1) if suffering and evil appear pointless to me, does that make them pointless? (2) Just because I cannot see any good in tragedy, does that mean that God cannot be working through it for good? Ultimately, God’s answer to pain and suffering was not magical but merciful…the death of His only Son. While God does not promise us a reason for every loss and hardship, He does promise profound grace to bear up under our burdens with courage and eternal hope. In fact, one day soon, all evil and suffering will be forever defeated by our Good God.

Genesis 1-11 are often the most disputed chapters in the Bible. Are creation, Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, the fall into sin, the global flood, the Tower of Babel, the confusion of languages and spreading of humanity over the earth really historical? Or are these people, places, and events myth, legend, and fable? Today we will focus on the evidence for the historicity of The Flood. I mean, wouldn’t a global flood have left permanent marks - even scars - on this planet? What do the fossil record, rock layers, and sediment layers reveal? More importantly, if Jesus is in fact God in human flesh, does He ever speak into the historicity of The Flood?

Chuck Colson once said, “If the Bible is not accurate and reliable, then nothing we Christians believe about ourselves, the world around us, or even God, has any ultimate foundation.” Hence, can we trust the Bible and fasten our lives, our choices, our worldview, and even our eternity to its message inside? 100%. In addition to its manuscript evidence, historical and archaeological accuracy (Lk 1:1-4), fulfilled prophecy, eyewitness testimony (Lk 1:1-4), and thematic consistency, Jesus affirms the divine nature and authority of Scripture. Jesus even calls the Bible the Word of God (John 10:35).

The truth of Christianity depends entirely on the truth and truthfulness of Jesus Christ. Did He exist? If so, who is He? Why should we believe in Him above all others? Without affirmative answers to these questions, Christianity implodes. We will briefly examine the evidence that the historical Jesus of Nazareth is THE GOD of the Bible. We have powerful evidence in Scripture; from 1st century, non-Christian historians; from eyewitness testimony, and from Jesus’ own life and lips.

The existence of a personal, almighty, sovereign God is fundamental to all that Christianity believes. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, His resurrection is an act of God, the Bible is the Word of God, and Jesus is the only way to God. None of these can be true if there is no God. Moreover, if there is no moral God, there is no moral being against whom we have sinned...-rendering salvation unnecessary. Hence the pivotal question: “Does God exist?” We have ample evidence for God in the existence of the Universe & its fine-tuning (Rom 1:20); in the universal moral law that is written upon man’s heart (Rom 1:18-19); as well as in the testimony of Holy Scripture (Rom 1:18-23).

Our culture is increasingly un-Christian. Hence, many people are likely unsure about the existence of God, objective truth, Jesus of Nazareth, and creation ex nihilo. God calls us in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks about the hope that we have in Christ. Five things stand out in this verse; God calls to be in (1) a posture of constant readiness (2) to defend the faith (3) without human discrimination (4) in order to provide the rationale for our hope (5) in a winsome manner. Skeptics and unbelievers have good questions; Christianity has the answer!

We know what it is like to run the “hamster wheel” of work, deadlines, homework, and projects. Demands upon us, our families, and our time say, “More, more, more.” Weekends come around, and many times, the frantic pace continues – even increases. The result? We deplete ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What if God and Jesus had a different rhythm for our lives? What would it look like to get in-line with His rhythm of resting, then working … or “working from rest [in Him]” rather trying to rest from endless work? Let’s turn to God’s design for us from the very beginning!

One of the hardest attributes of God to understand can be His omnipresence. Textual questions for Gen 35: Bethel means “House of God.” What does this tell you about God’s presence with Jacob? What does the end of v3 teach? How does it comfort you? God’s presence means that we rid ourselves of idols (v4). What idols want to grip your heart? Where does God promise He is present with you now? Where have you seen His presence in your story? In church? In this world?

God is a gracious God. Grace means He gives us what we do not deserve. Textual questions for Eph 2:1-10: What do vv1-3 tell you? How many times does Paul use the word “grace” in these verses? How many additional grace-filled words does he employ? We are not saved by works, but for works. How important are the prepositions “by” and “for”? Where have you seen God’s grace in this world? In your story? In your salvation?

Textual questions for 2 Cor 1:18-22: Paul makes some stunning claims! See 2 Cor 1:8-9 to get the context. God is not faithful in a general, vague way. What does Paul specifically teach us about God’s faithfulness? Someone once counted God’s promises in the Bible. They number over 7,000! Where have you seen God’s faithfulness in your story? In your salvation? How does His faithfulness invite your trust today?

Have you ever wondered how air traffic controllers can manage thousands of airplanes in our airspace at the same time? How about THE GOD who oversees +8 billion people, a universe, heaven, and everything under-the-earth all at the same time? Textual questions from Ps 47: How many times does this Psalm say God is a King? What does He rule over? What is the psalm’s response to God’s kingship - His sovereignty? Vs8 says, “God sits on His holy throne.” We all try to sit on the throne, thinking that we are in charge. How has that worked for you lately? Where have you seen God’s sovereignty in this world? In your story? In your salvation?

One of the greatest attributes of THE ONLY GOD is that He is love. Love is not primarily an emotion or fuzzy feeling; rather, love is a commitment that is willing to do anything for and pay any price for the beloved. Textual questions for Ephesians 3: why does Paul describe God’s love as wide, long, high, and deep? The apostle says that God’s love surpasses knowledge. What do you think he means by that? What are some other biblical texts that describe God’s love? Share one of those this week with someone who feels unloved. Title: Our Loving God

Our God is sovereign; He is almighty, all-powerful, and always in complete control. Textual questions for Isaiah 40: How does God compare with the nations, the world, great people, and the stars (v12ff)? How do our thoughts about God need to change (v25)? Our thoughts about ourselves need to change (v27)? And our thoughts about God’s power need to change (v28)? Where have you seen God’s power at work in this world? In you? In your salvation?

God’s omniscience is hard for our earthly minds to comprehend. In fact, AI and the world’s supercomputers do not even come close to the all-knowing God. He knows everything about everyone and everything for all-time, which includes you and your needs now. In fact, He even knows you personally in His Son! Bask in that knowledge today.