Earlier this summer we asked you to submit questions about being a follower of Jesus. We wanted to know what was on your mind. Nothing was off limits. We received a wide range of questions, then selected the most popular and though-provoking questions you wanted us to answer. Throughout this series we will look at five different questions ranging from the supposed conflict between faith and science to God’s will and how to deal with doubt. Each week, we’ll get a biblical perspective on each topic and how that should affect our lives.
What can we help you find?
You Asked For It 2015
Must I Choose Between Science And Faith?
August 9, 2015
by Mark Stuenzi
In our culture, faith and science are often seen as being conflicting world views. People of faith are often seen as anti-intellectual; and enemies of science. We need to understand that science is not the problem; the problem is philosophical naturalism – a worldview that does not allow for any possibility of the supernatural. The truth is, scientific discoveries can actually be a source of revelation about God.
How Do I Know God's Will For My Life?
August 16, 2015
by Dan White
If God has a great plan for my life, then how do I find out what it is? The Bible says a lot about the ethics of our lives but not much about the job opportunities or vacation plans we should make. The Bible doesn’t contain a formula for figuring out God’s will. So, how does a Christian make decisions? Even though God doesn’t give us a written plan He does give us guidance. Wisely weighing our decisions is as simple as prioritizing God and making a choice.
I'm Stuck Spiritually. What Now?
August 23, 2015
by Dan White
Many times we stall out in our faith when we don’t take our questions and tensions to God. In Psalm 27, David faced some serious tension and what he does is a powerful example for us. David made God his first response instead of his last resort. Instead of blaming God, he started praising Him. And even with the tension mounting he found his faith soaring. He responded to the tension as an invitation to seek God’s face. God didn’t save us to abandon us. God pursued us for a purpose and He’s not done yet.
How Should I Handle My Doubts?
August 30, 2015
by Mark Stuenzi
Almost every conscientious Christian has struggled with doubts. There are people who seem drawn to believe, but feel like they would have to turn off their minds to do so, and aren’t willing to do that – so their doubts hold them captive to unbelief. Our doubts may spring from disappointing circumstances that shake our faith, or they may come from intellectual questions. The Bible is full of stories of people who doubted, including Abraham, Gideon, Peter and Thomas. Another doubter was John the Baptist. In Matthew 11, he sends word to Jesus saying, ‘’Are you the one who was to come or should we look for another?’’ Jesus’ response to John teaches us some important lesson for dealing with our own doubts. In times of doubt, we tend to focus on the unexplainable or the painful rather than what is undeniable and irrefutable. Instead, what we need to do is to embrace what we can’t deny and accept what we don’t understand.
How Should The Church Respond To Gay Marriage?
September 6, 2015
by Mark Stuenzi
The most hotly debated social issue of our day is homosexuality and gay marriage. It is widely believed that those who see homosexuality as a sin are bigoted and homophobic. The truth is that homosexual behavior (or any sexual intimacy outside of marriage) is outside the boundaries will of God. As believers, we have been called to speak the truth on this issue, while showing unconditional love and acceptance to those within the gay community.