Faith for Skeptics: Reasons to Believe
Those who are skeptical about the Christian faith are encouraged to wrestle with these two basic reasons to believe.
Talking Points:
- Reasons to give up skepticism and step into belief:
- Faith is good. If you are a follower of Jesus many aspects of your life will be better. This isn’t to say that you can’t have a good life outside of Christianity, but it will be more fulfilling and satisfying with Christ. John 10:10
- Faith is true. If God’s word is true it is the most compelling reason to have faith in God. One of the major themes of the gospels in the Bible is truth. Jesus claimed to know and speak the truth. John 8:31-32
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read John 10:10. Name a Christian you know who demonstrates that “faith is good.” How does their relationship with God get reflected to the people around them?
- Read Galatians 5:19-24. Identify two lists: (1) the works of the sinful nature and (2) the fruit of the Spirit. Do you agree with Paul’s assessment of right and wrong? What would you add or take away from his lists?
- What are some truth claims of Jesus or Christianity that you agree with? That you disagree with? What do you base your opinion on?
- Read John 8:31-32. What truth is Jesus speaking about? How does truth set us free?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Faith for Skeptics: The 2 Sides of Belief
Overcoming skepticism requires more than reason; there is a spiritual component to faith that is undeniable.
Talking Points:
- The first side of belief is having the right information. The only way to get the right information is to keep studying God’s word and keep asking questions. However, you can’t reason your way to a belief in God.
- The second side of belief is having the right attitude. You have to be able to come to God and trust his perspective and put it above your own. You have to come to God on his terms, not your own. Hebrews 11:6
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- List the two sides of belief from this video. Which one is easier for you to accept, and why?
- Describe a time in your life when you experienced something that you didn’t understand with your mind. How did you react?
- Name a few people who are less skeptical than you. Why do you think it’s easier for them to believe? How does their faith affect your attitude toward them?
- “You can’t reason your way into a relationship with God.” Defend or debate this statement.
- Read Hebrews 11:6. In your own words, describe the “spiritual” side of a person. How is it different than the “rational” side?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Faith for Skeptics: 2 Keys to Belief
Skeptics can move toward faith through a simple combination of investigation and conversation.
Talking Points:
- The first key is to keep investigating. Don’t stop learning about Christian beliefs. You have to do your part in continuing to pursue God. Jeremiah 29:13, Acts 17:10-12
- The second key is conversation. God designed relationships with him to involve not only investigation, but conversation with other believers. A great way to find other believers is to find a church, small group, or mentor. Acts 9:3-19
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read Jeremiah 29:13. List the ways you are investigating faith. What is your motivation for doing it? How has God revealed himself to you?
- Read Acts 17:10-12. What is the difference between a whole-hearted pursuit of God and a half-hearted pursuit? Which one best describes your interest?
- Read Acts 9:3-19. How did Ananias help Paul to make sense of what happened?
- What makes some Christians hard to trust when it comes to investigating your faith questions? Who are some of the Christians you trust enough to talk to? Why do you trust them?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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