“Talk It Over” is a new, weekly resource created to help you have great discussions with your small group, family, and friends. Let us know what you think!

Matt Carder - November 22, 2015

Start With What You Know

When considering the Old Testament, there are lots of passages in it that can be difficult to understand and maybe leaving us feeling like God is vengeful, jealous, or petty. What are we supposed to do with these “problem texts?” and how do we approach them as part of God's redemptive arc?

More Messages Associated With "Dealing with Criticism"...

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KEY SCRIPTURE


In the first message in this new series, Matt drew from several Bible passages to point out the tension that exists between having faith and applying rational investigation. (Click on each passage listed to view it at bible.com).

START TALKING


  • What sports, movies, or traditions have you grown up loving or enjoying because of your family or environment?
  • When have you experienced being in the minority when it comes to a favorite sports team, belief, or tradition?

START SHARING


  • Have you thought about how and why you came to believe what you believe about God? Where have you inherited belief or faith from?
  • Matt talked about the difference between faith and “psychological certainty.” How do you define faith?
  • How has doubt or questioning played a part in your life? Has doubt been something you embrace or something you are fearful of?
  • Matt said, “I’m convinced it’s possible to be a passionate, full on follower of Jesus and still think through and wrestle deeply with what you believe.” Is it hard for you to picture what it looks like to hold faith and ask hard questions at the same time?

START LIVING


  • Spend a few minutes on your own taking time to inventory where you have questions or doubt. What questions are at the core of your thinking?
  • As part of this series, we’d love to know what questions you identify. You can even send them to us by texting us at (765) 399-2000. If possible, we’ll work some of these questions into the coming Sunday messages. (The questions will remain anonymous and we won’t know who is doing the asking.)

PEOPLE AND QUOTES MENTIONED


“One can never wrestle enough with God if one does so out of pure regard for the truth.” – Simon Weil

“God loves an honest question.” – Athol Dickson

WORSHIP SET


Click each song title to listen to the song on YouTube (external links)

 

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