Believable Lie #2: I’m Too Far Gone for God

We’ve all heard them—little phrases that sound wise, comforting, or even spiritual—but they’re not true. That’s the whole point of this series: exposing the “believable lies” that can shape how we think about God, life, and faith. Last time we looked at the lie, “God is a killjoy.” The truth was that from the very beginning, God created everything for our good, our joy, and our flourishing.

This week we turn to another common lie: “I’m too far gone for God.”

The Lie: “I’m Too Far Gone”

Maybe you’ve thought something like this:

• “If God knew where I’ve been or what I’ve done, He would never want me.”

• “I’ve crossed the line too many times.”

• “My past disqualifies me from God’s love.”

Some of us feel this because of choices we’ve made—bad relationships, addictions, destructive habits. Others feel it because of what was done to them—words spoken, abuse suffered, or rejection from people who should have shown love.

Whatever the reason, shame whispers the lie: “You’re too far gone.” But the Bible tells us the exact opposite.

The Truth: No One Is Too Far Gone

The story of Scripture, from beginning to end, is that God’s mercy is bigger than our sin. He is not repelled by brokenness—He moves toward it. Over and over, God proves that His heart is to forgive and restore, even when people seem beyond hope.

Let’s look at two powerful examples—one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament—that prove no one is too far gone for God.

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Story #1: The People of Nineveh

In the time of Jonah (8th century BC), Nineveh was the capital of the brutal Assyrian Empire. They were notorious for cruelty, violence, and idolatry. Ancient inscriptions describe their kings boasting about flaying captives alive, impaling prisoners, and piling up enemy heads like trophies. To Israel, Nineveh represented everything evil.

When God sent Jonah to preach to Nineveh, it seemed ridiculous. These people were far too wicked. Surely God would judge them, not forgive them. Jonah’s message was short and sharp:

“Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” (Jonah 3:4 NLT)

But what happened next is shocking:

“The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.” (Jonah 3:5 NLT)
“When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, He changed His mind and did not carry out the destruction He had threatened.” (Jonah 3:10 NLT)

Think about that. God forgave Nineveh—one of the most ruthless cities in history.

Jonah was furious because he knew this about God all along:

“I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” (Jonah 4:2 NLT)

This wasn’t a new idea. It echoes God’s self-revelation in Exodus 34:6-7 and shows up again in places like Psalm 103:8, Joel 2:13, and Nehemiah 9:17. And the New Testament repeats the theme:

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT)

The lesson? If God could forgive Nineveh, He can forgive you.

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Story #2: The Prodigal Son

Jesus reinforced this truth with one of His most famous parables in Luke 15. The younger son insulted his father by demanding his inheritance early. In that culture, this was essentially saying, “I wish you were dead.”

He then ran to a distant land, wasted everything on wild living, and ended up broke, starving, and living among pigs—a picture of shame and disgrace. Surely, he thought, he was too far gone.

But Jesus said:

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 NLT)

Instead of rejection, the father welcomed him home with open arms, restoring him as a son and throwing a celebration.

This story paints a vivid picture of God’s heart. He is not waiting to condemn you—He is watching, waiting, and ready to run toward you the moment you turn back.

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Your Next Step

The Ninevites weren’t too far gone. The prodigal son wasn’t too far gone. And you aren’t too far gone either.

Here’s the truth: There is nothing you have done that can disqualify you from the love of God.

But notice the pattern in both stories:

• They turned back to God.

• They admitted their sin.

• They submitted to Him.

That’s what repentance looks like. And when we repent, we find God’s mercy waiting on the other side.

So here’s God’s honest truth: You are not too far gone. He is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and overflowing with unfailing love. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, He is ready to forgive and restore you today.

Lesson Summary
Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

Sometimes people feel like they’ve messed up too much for God to love them. Maybe it’s because of choices they’ve made, or because of hurtful things that happened to them. Shame whispers, “You’re too far gone.” But the Bible says the opposite—God’s mercy is greater than our past.

God forgave the wicked city of Nineveh when they turned to Him. Jesus told the story of the prodigal son, who thought he was beyond hope, but his father ran to welcome him back. These stories remind us: no one is too far gone for God’s love.

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Activity: Comeback Stories
5–10 minutes

Break into small groups and come up with a “comeback story.” It could be from sports, movies, or real life—like a team that came back from a big loss, or a character who turned their life around. Share it with the group. Then talk about how that connects to the idea that God gives people a second chance.

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What You Need to Know
Instructions: Have someone else read this to the group.

• The lie says, “I’m too far gone,” but the truth is that God’s mercy is greater than our past. Jonah 4:2, Luke 15:20

• Nineveh was violent and cruel, but when they repented, God forgave them. Jonah 3:4-10

• God’s character has always been merciful and compassionate. Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 103:8

• The prodigal son thought he was unworthy, but the father welcomed him back with love. Luke 15:11-20

• Repentance—turning from sin and back to God—is the key to finding His mercy. 2 Peter 3:9

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Let’s Talk About It

1. Why do you think so many people believe the lie that they’re “too far gone” for God?

2. How does God’s forgiveness of Nineveh show His mercy?

3. In the story of the prodigal son, what do you notice about the father’s response?

4. Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s love? What helped you push through that?

5. What would it look like for you to take a step toward God this week?

Believable Lie #3: God Won’t Give Me More Than I Can Handle

Many Christians have heard or even said the phrase: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” It sounds comforting, but it’s not actually biblical. In fact, the Bible says the opposite.

Paul admitted openly:

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)
“We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.”

God never intended for us to handle life on our own. He allows more than we can bear so that we’ll finally lean on Him. The promise isn’t that we’ll never be overwhelmed—the promise is that we’ll never be abandoned.

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The Verse We Misread

The phrase “God won’t give you more than you can handle” usually comes from a misunderstanding of 1 Corinthians 10:13.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

This verse isn’t talking about suffering; it’s talking about temptation. God promises that no temptation will be so strong that we are forced to give in. He always provides a way of escape. That’s very different from saying we won’t experience suffering that overwhelms us.

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The Truth About Temptation

Temptations are real—but they are not irresistible. Israel’s story in the wilderness is a warning: some gave in to temptation, while others trusted God. The difference wasn’t in the strength of the temptation but in their willingness to rely on God.

Hebrews 2:18 (NLT)
“Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”

James 1:12 (NLT)
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

God always provides a “way out.” That way out might be changing your environment, fighting back with Scripture (like Jesus did in Matthew 4), or reaching out for help from trusted friends. His faithfulness—not our willpower—is the reason we can endure.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NLT)
“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.”

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The Truth About Suffering

While temptation always comes with an exit door, suffering is different. Sometimes suffering really is “more than we can handle.” Paul himself admitted he was crushed and overwhelmed to the point of despair.

But even then, God was at work. Suffering forces us to stop relying on ourselves and to start relying fully on Him.

Suffering also reminds us of the gift of community.

2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

The church family is essential when we walk through seasons of pain, grief, or fear. God often works through His people to bring encouragement and strength in times of trial.

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The Big Truth

So here’s the truth: God may give us more than we can handle—but He will never give us more than He can handle.

Suffering pushes us to depend on Christ. It draws us closer to our church family. And it prepares us to pass on comfort to the next generation.

We can cling to the hope that God’s power is greater than our weakness. He carried Paul. He carried Bonhoeffer. And He will carry you.

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Final Word

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor martyred for his resistance to Hitler, once wrote: “Only a suffering God can help.” He knew firsthand what it meant to face more than he could handle. But he also knew the faithfulness of a God who never abandons His people.

So don’t believe the lie. God never promised you won’t be overwhelmed. He promised something far better—His presence and His power.

When suffering comes, remember: God may give you more than you can handle, but He will never give you more than He can handle.

Lesson Summary
Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

A lot of people say: “God won’t give me more than I can handle.” It sounds nice, but it’s actually not in the Bible. In fact, the Bible says the opposite! Paul admitted he was “overwhelmed beyond his ability to endure” and thought he would die (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). The truth is, sometimes life is too much for us—but it’s never too much for God.

God didn’t design us to handle everything on our own. When suffering comes, He wants us to lean on Him and on His people. And when temptation comes, He promises a way out. The real hope isn’t in our strength, but in God’s faithfulness.

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Activity: Temptation vs. Suffering Sort
Instructions: Do this together as a group. This should take about 5-10 minutes.

• Print or write on slips of paper some real-life examples (like: “You’re tempted to cheat on a test,” “A close friend moves away,” “You lose a big game,” “Someone offers you drugs,” “A family member gets really sick,” etc.).

• Have students take turns sorting each example into one of two categories: Temptation or Suffering.

• After sorting, discuss: What’s different about these two categories? How does God respond differently in each situation?

Point: God always provides a way out of temptation. But in suffering, He promises His presence and strength—even when it feels overwhelming.

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What You Need to Know
Instructions: Have someone else read this to the group.

• The phrase “God won’t give me more than I can handle” is not in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 10:13

• God promises a way out of temptation, but not freedom from all suffering. Hebrews 2:18, James 1:12

• Sometimes life really is more than we can handle—but never more than God can handle. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

• God uses suffering to teach us to rely on Him instead of ourselves. 2 Corinthians 1:9

• God comforts us in our pain so we can comfort others. This is why community matters. 2 Corinthians 1:4

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Let’s Talk About It

1. Have you ever heard someone say, “God won’t give me more than I can handle”? How does it feel now to know that’s not true?

2. What’s the difference between temptation and suffering? Why is it important to know the difference?

3. Share a time you felt overwhelmed. How did God show up for you, or how did you wish He had?

4. How can God use your hard experiences to help someone else?

5. Why is it good news that God may give us more than we can handle—but never more than He can handle?

Believable Lie #4: Real Faith Means No Doubts

Many Christians quietly carry a burden they rarely admit out loud: “If I really had faith, I wouldn’t have doubts.” The idea sounds spiritual, but it’s simply not true. Even the Bible’s greatest heroes wrestled with questions—including John the Baptist. Real faith isn’t the absence of doubt; it’s the choice to keep trusting Jesus even when life leaves us with a boxful of questions.

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John the Baptist Looked Like a “Super Christian”

When John the Baptist burst onto the scene, he seemed like the last person who would ever doubt. He preached with fiery conviction:

“But when John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. ‘You brood of snakes!’ he exclaimed. ‘Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.’” (Matthew 3:7-8, NLT)

John didn’t mince words. He lived boldly, called people to repentance, and baptized crowds in the Jordan River. He even recognized Jesus for who He truly was:

“Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NLT)

At first glance, John seemed like a rock of unshakable faith. But even this great prophet had questions.

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John’s First Doubts: “Why Me?”

When Jesus came to be baptized, John tried to stop Him:

“But John tried to talk him out of it. ‘I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,’ he said, ‘so why are you coming to me?’” (Matthew 3:14, NLT)

John didn’t fully understand what Jesus was doing. His theology was still “under construction.” And that’s an important lesson for us: you don’t have to have perfect doctrine before you belong to Jesus. From the very beginning of Christianity, the core message was simple—Jesus is God, He died and rose again, and those who repent and believe will be saved. (Acts 2:36-39)

If John the Baptist could wrestle with holes in his understanding and still be called a man of faith, then we can, too.

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John’s Expectations of Jesus Didn’t Match Reality

Like many Jews of his day, John expected the Messiah to bring immediate judgment:

“He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” (Matthew 3:12, NLT)

John pictured a Messiah who was fiery, fierce, and forceful—someone who looked a lot like himself. But Jesus showed up gentle, merciful, and compassionate. He healed the sick, blessed outcasts, and even ate meals with tax collectors and sinners.

When Jesus didn’t match John’s expectations, it created space for doubt. And the same thing happens to us. When our picture of Jesus is shaped by culture, politics, or personal preference instead of Scripture, we can feel disappointed when He doesn’t act like we thought He would.

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John’s Dungeon of Doubt

Eventually John was imprisoned for speaking the truth about Herod’s sin. Sitting in a dark dungeon, cut off from ministry and friends, his questions grew heavier.

“John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’” (Matthew 11:2-3, NLT)

This is one of the most shocking questions in the New Testament. The very man who once pointed everyone to Jesus now wasn’t sure himself. Yet his doubt didn’t disqualify him from being used by God.

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Jesus’ Response to Honest Questions

How did Jesus respond? He didn’t scold John or shame him. Instead, He pointed John back to the evidence:

“Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And he added, ‘God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.’” (Matthew 11:4-6, NLT)

Jesus reminded John that the signs of the kingdom were unfolding all around him. Miracles, changed lives, and fulfilled prophecy confirmed that He truly was the Messiah.

Then Jesus said something remarkable about John:

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11, NLT)

Think about that. Jesus honored John as the greatest prophet, not after he resolved his doubts, but right in the middle of them.

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What This Means for Us

Your doubts don’t mean you lack faith. They mean you’re human. Real faith is choosing to trust Jesus when life doesn’t make sense. It’s holding onto Him when your theology feels unfinished, when your expectations are unmet, and when your dungeon feels dark.

Like John the Baptist, you may not have every answer. But you can trust the same Jesus who heals, restores, and raises the dead. And He blesses those who keep holding onto Him—even with questions still in their hands.

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Takeaway Truth

Real faith isn’t the absence of doubt. It’s trusting Jesus in spite of your doubts.

Lesson Overview

(Have someone read this to the group)

Some people think that if you really have faith, you’ll never have doubts. But that’s not true. Even John the Baptist—one of the boldest preachers in the Bible—struggled with questions. He loved God, served Him faithfully, and still wondered if Jesus was really the One.

Real faith isn’t about never doubting. It’s about trusting Jesus even when you have questions. John learned that Jesus doesn’t shame us for our doubts—He reminds us of the truth and points us to what He’s already done.

When life gets confusing or hard, your doubts don’t disqualify you. Jesus can handle your questions, and He still calls you to keep trusting Him.

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Activity: “Faith vs. Doubt” Challenge

(5–10 minutes)

How to Play:
Divide into small groups or pairs. Give each group two signs or cards: one that says “FAITH” and one that says “DOUBT.” The leader will read short statements out loud, and the group has to hold up which card they think it is—faith or doubt.

Example statements:

• “I’m not sure God hears me, but I’ll keep praying anyway.”

• “God must not care about me because things didn’t go my way.”

• “I believe Jesus is real, even when I don’t feel it.”

• “If life is hard, God must not exist.”

• “I don’t understand what God is doing, but I’ll trust Him.”

Talk about it:
After a few rounds, discuss: Can faith and doubt exist at the same time? What’s the difference between having doubts and giving up on God?

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What You Need to Know

(Have someone else read this to the group)

• Even John the Baptist, one of the strongest prophets, had doubts. Matthew 3:7-14

• Our faith doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be real. Acts 2:36-39

• Sometimes we doubt when Jesus doesn’t meet our expectations. Matthew 3:12

• John’s time in prison shows how hard times can test our trust in God. Matthew 11:2-3

• Jesus doesn’t shame our questions—He points us to what’s true. Matthew 11:4-6

• God still called John “the greatest,” proving that doubt and faith can exist together. Matthew 11:11

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Let’s Talk About It

1. Have you ever thought that having doubts made you less of a Christian?

2. How does John the Baptist’s story change the way you think about doubt?

3. What’s one time you expected God to do something and He didn’t? How did that make you feel?

4. When you go through a “dungeon season” (a hard or lonely time), how can you still trust Jesus?

5. Why do you think Jesus points us to evidence of His work instead of scolding us for our doubts?

6. How can your group be a safe place for people to ask honest questions about faith?

7. What’s one area of your life right now where you need to trust Jesus, even with your doubts?

Believable Lies: Loving Means Affirming

Our culture has embraced a powerful but dangerous idea — that real love means total affirmation. We’re told that if we truly love someone, we must agree with everything they believe, approve of every lifestyle choice they make, and celebrate every identity they claim. To do anything less, we’re told, is hateful or judgmental. But when we look at the life of Jesus, we find a radically different picture of love. His love was never about blind affirmation — it was about truth and transformation.

Jesus Shows a Third Way

In John 8:1–11 (NLT), the religious leaders dragged before Jesus a woman caught in adultery. They demanded a verdict:

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” (v. 4–5)

The crowd waited, silent and tense. Would Jesus condemn her or affirm her? Those seemed like the only two options. But Jesus revealed a third way — a love that was both truthful and gracious.

When the accusers persisted, Jesus replied:

“All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” (v. 7)

One by one, the accusers slipped away until only Jesus and the woman remained. Then He said:

“Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (v. 11)

Jesus didn’t excuse her sin, but He didn’t crush her either. He forgave her and called her to a new life. That’s what real love does — it offers mercy and transformation side by side.

Our world says: If you love me, affirm me.
Jesus says: If I love you, I’ll free you.

God’s Love Is Faithful, Not Affirming

From the very beginning, God’s love has been faithful — but never permissive. In the Old Testament, God loved His people Israel deeply, yet He never affirmed their rebellion or idolatry. His love led Him to correct them, discipline them, and restore them.

In Jeremiah 31:3–4 (NLT), God tells His people:

“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.
With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.
I will rebuild you, my virgin Israel.”

What’s remarkable about this passage is when God said it — right before Israel faced exile and destruction for their sin. Even as judgment approached, God promised His love would remain. His discipline was not the absence of love, but its expression. Like a good parent, He cared too much to let His children destroy themselves.

Proverbs 13:24 (NLT) says:

“Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.”

True love doesn’t affirm destructive choices. It steps in to correct and rebuild. God’s love was faithful enough to discipline, patient enough to rebuild, and strong enough to keep His promises.

That’s not the kind of love our culture celebrates — but it’s the kind that saves us.

God’s Love for Us Is Sacrificial, Not Sentimental

Many modern songs and slogans present love as soft, sentimental, and affirming. But God’s love is much deeper. It’s not sentimental — it’s sacrificial.

Romans 5:8 (NLT) says:

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

God didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up before He loved us. His love met us in our brokenness — but it didn’t leave us there. Jesus didn’t come to tell us that everything about us was fine. He came to set us free from sin.

When Jesus touched the leper in Mark 1, He didn’t leave him in his unclean condition. He healed him. His touch was compassionate, but it was also transforming. That’s how Jesus loves us.

John 15:13 (NLT) reminds us:

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Jesus didn’t affirm our sin — He died to overcome it. His love tells us the truth, even when it hurts.

When Peter tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross, Jesus rebuked him:

“Get away from me, Satan! You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (Mark 8:33 NLT)

That’s not affirming language. It’s the tough love of a Savior who sees what’s at stake.

Our Love Should Be Humble and Bold

If God’s love is faithful and sacrificial, then our love should be the same. We are called to love others enough to tell them the truth — not harshly, but humbly.

Galatians 6:1 (NLT) says:

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.”

True love doesn’t look the other way when someone is headed for destruction. It gently restores. It speaks truth with grace.

Jesus calls us to love others in a way that mirrors His — not with passive approval, but with courageous compassion.

Matthew 28:19–20 (NLT) gives us the mission:

“Go and make disciples of all the nations… Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”

Making disciples isn’t about affirming people where they are. It’s about helping them obey Jesus and become more like Him. That means real change — and real love.

The Third Way of Jesus

At the end of John 8, Jesus shows us what love looks like in action. He doesn’t say, “I affirm you.” He says, “I forgive you. Go and sin no more.”

That’s the third way — the way of truth and grace. The way that refuses both cruelty and compromise.

Jesus’ love doesn’t ignore sin; it overcomes it. It doesn’t celebrate brokenness; it heals it. It doesn’t tell us we’re fine as we are; it makes us new.

The world says: Love me by affirming me.
Jesus says: I love you — now let me change you.

That’s the kind of love that changes hearts, families, and eternities.

Lesson Summary

(Have someone read this to the group)
Our world often says that love means you have to agree with people about everything — their choices, their beliefs, and their identity. But Jesus showed us a different kind of love. In John 8, when a woman was caught in sin, He didn’t shame her, but He also didn’t say her sin was fine. He showed mercy and told her the truth. Real love isn’t about affirmation; it’s about transformation. True love helps people find freedom and new life in Jesus.

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Activity: Truth or Love?

Divide into two teams. Your leader will read a few statements, and your team must decide if each one sounds like “the world’s kind of love” (affirming everything) or “Jesus’ kind of love” (truth and grace together).
Example statements:

• “If you love me, you’ll agree with me.”

• “Real love tells the truth, even when it’s hard.”

• “You do you!”

• “I forgive you. Go and sin no more.”

• “Don’t judge me.”

• “I love you too much to let you stay stuck.”

Keep score — whichever team answers the most correctly wins!
Takes about 5–10 minutes.

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What You Need to Know

(Have someone else read this to the group)

• Jesus didn’t condemn the woman caught in sin, but He didn’t excuse her either. His love brought forgiveness and change. John 8:11

• God’s love is faithful. He loves us enough to correct and rebuild us when we go the wrong way. Jeremiah 31:3–4

• Real love doesn’t mean saying “everything you do is fine.” It means helping others follow God’s truth. Proverbs 13:24

• God’s love is sacrificial, not sentimental. He showed it by sending Jesus to die for us. Romans 5:8

• We’re called to love others with the same kind of love — humble, truthful, and life-changing. Galatians 6:1

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Let’s Talk About It

1. Why do you think people today often confuse love with affirmation?

2. What’s the difference between “judging someone” and “loving them enough to tell the truth”?

3. Can you think of a time when someone loved you enough to be honest, even when it was hard to hear?

4. How can you show both truth and grace to your friends or family this week?

5. Why do you think Jesus’ kind of love — the kind that changes people — is harder but better than the world’s version?

Believable Lie: God Is Dead

Big Idea: God isn’t dead — but when a culture thinks He is, we don’t just lose religion, we lose our way.

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The Lie That Won’t Die

In our final week of the Believable Lies series, we’re confronting one of the oldest and most dangerous deceptions ever whispered into human ears — the claim that “God is dead.”

Most people today wouldn’t say that phrase out loud. But many live as if it were true. They treat faith as outdated, truth as relative, and God as irrelevant. In everyday life, this belief shows up as:

• “Follow your heart.”

• “You define your own meaning.”

• “Science has replaced faith.”

• Or even, “My family, career, or hobbies are my religion.”

This mindset is everywhere — from YouTube videos and classroom lectures to social media influencers and political movements. It’s the air we breathe in a culture that has forgotten its Creator.

But this idea didn’t start today. In the late 1800s, the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously wrote, “God is dead — and we have killed Him.” Ironically, Nietzsche wasn’t celebrating atheism; he was lamenting what would happen to a society that stops believing in God. He warned that when belief in God collapses, meaning, morality, and truth collapse with it.

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The Cultural Context of the Lie

Nietzsche grew up in a Christian home. His father was a Lutheran pastor, but both his father and younger brother died when Nietzsche was a child. Disillusioned, he walked away from his faith and turned to philosophy. He lived in isolation and produced writings that were mostly ignored during his lifetime — but profoundly influential after his death.

By Nietzsche’s time, Europe had already undergone massive change:

• The Enlightenment (1700s–1800s) had elevated human reason above divine revelation.

• Darwin’s theory of evolution (1859) provided a natural explanation for life that seemed to make God unnecessary.

• The Industrial Revolution gave humanity a sense of power and progress like never before.

• And after centuries of religious conflict, many saw Christianity as a tired institution.

Nietzsche concluded that the modern world no longer truly believed in God — even if people still went to church. He warned that this “death of God” would unleash chaos, confusion, and despair.

He predicted the rise of nihilism, a worldview that says life has no objective truth, purpose, or meaning. To fill that void, Nietzsche proposed a new kind of human — the Übermensch (or “Superman”) — a person who creates his own values and meaning without reference to God.

Sound familiar? That same spirit lives on today in what we call deconstruction — questioning biblical authority, moral absolutes, and the very idea of divine truth. Modern culture has become Nietzsche’s prophecy fulfilled.

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Testing the Lie: Three Reasons God Is Not Dead

The Bible challenges us to think critically: “Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT). In that spirit, let’s test this lie through three timeless arguments for God’s existence — drawn from both Scripture and reason.

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1. The Cosmological Argument: The Universe Has a Cause

Everything that begins to exist has a cause. The universe began to exist. Therefore, the universe must have a cause.
This cause must be immaterial, timeless, and powerful — exactly how the Bible describes God. “The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.” Psalm 33:6 (NLT).

Even the Big Bang theory supports a cosmic beginning — a single moment when time, space, and matter came into existence. Science can describe how it happened, but only God explains why.

The very existence of a universe points to a First Cause — an eternal Creator who stands outside of space and time.

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2. The Teleological Argument: Creation Shows Design

From the Greek word telos (“purpose”), the Teleological Argument points to the order and precision in creation. The universe isn’t random — it’s designed.

Just consider our planet:

• Earth sits in the “Goldilocks Zone,” perfectly placed for life — not too hot, not too cold.

• A 23.5° axial tilt gives us stable seasons and climate balance.

• DNA carries complex information, like a digital code written by an intelligent mind.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” Psalm 19:1 (NLT).

Random chance cannot produce order and complexity. A painting requires a painter. A building requires a builder. Creation requires a Creator.

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3. The Moral Argument: Our Conscience Points to a Lawgiver

Every human being instinctively knows that some things are right and others are wrong. That universal moral awareness points to a divine source.

If morality were simply a product of evolution or social preference, then right and wrong would change from person to person or culture to culture. But deep down, we all know some things are always evil — like cruelty, murder, or betrayal.

That moral conviction reveals the image of a righteous God who has “planted eternity in the human heart.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT).

When a society rejects the moral foundation of God, it becomes untethered — redefining good and evil based on human opinion. Nietzsche saw that coming, and history proved him right.

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Lessons from History: What Happens When God Is “Dead”

After Nietzsche’s death, his sister edited and promoted his writings. She twisted his ideas into a political ideology that influenced Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. Their obsession with racial purity and power led to genocide and global war.

This is what happens when humanity becomes its own god. When we erase God from the picture, we don’t just lose religion — we lose morality, meaning, and hope.

Nietzsche’s life itself became a warning. His pursuit of self-made truth ended in madness and despair. He once wrote, “If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.” Tragically, he became a living example of that truth.

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The Real Übermensch: Jesus Christ

The Bible gives us a very different picture of strength and meaning. The true “Superman” is not a self-made man but a self-giving Savior. His name is Jesus.

• He lived the perfect, sinless life we couldn’t live.

• He revealed the truth of God through His words and actions.

• He conquered sin and death through His resurrection.

Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” John 11:25 (NLT).

The resurrection is God’s ultimate rebuttal to the lie that He is dead. The tomb is empty. The Church is alive. Billions of lives continue to be transformed by the living Christ.

The fool may say in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1. But creation, conscience, and history all say otherwise.

God is not dead — and when we trust in Him, we find not only truth but purpose, meaning, and eternal life.

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Final Takeaway

When a culture thinks God is dead, it loses its way. But when people rediscover the truth of a living Savior, they find the life they were made for.

Jesus is alive — and because He lives, hope lives too.

Lesson Overview

(Have someone read this to the group.)

Today we’re wrapping up our Believable Lies series with a big one — “God is Dead.”
Most people don’t say those words out loud, but they live like it’s true. They act like faith is outdated, truth is whatever you make it, and God doesn’t matter anymore.

That lie isn’t new. In the 1800s, a philosopher named Friedrich Nietzsche said, “God is dead — and we have killed Him.” He didn’t mean God actually died. He meant people had stopped believing, and without God, the world would lose its sense of meaning and right and wrong.
Sadly, he was right about what happens when people forget about God. When we erase God, life starts to lose purpose.

But the Bible says the opposite: God is alive and active in the world today.
Jesus rose from the dead to prove it, and that truth changes everything about who we are and what we live for.

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Activity: Dead or Alive?

Instructions: Read the following statements one at a time. After each one, students should decide if it sounds like “God is dead thinking” or “God is alive thinking.”
Stand up if it’s “God is alive,” stay seated if it’s “God is dead.”

Example Statements:

1. “Do whatever makes you happy.”

2. “The heavens proclaim the glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1)

3. “Right and wrong are just opinions.”

4. “God made me for a purpose.”

5. “I decide my own truth.”

6. “Jesus is alive today.”

Wrap-Up Thought:
The way we think shapes the way we live. When we believe God is real and alive, our choices and values start to reflect His truth.

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What You Need to Know

(Have someone else read this to the group.)

• The lie “God is dead” started with a philosopher named Nietzsche, but it shows up today whenever people act like God doesn’t matter. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

• The Cosmological Argument says the universe had to come from somewhere — and that “somewhere” is God. Psalm 33:6

• The Teleological Argument says creation shows design and purpose. A world this ordered points to a Creator. Psalm 19:1

• The Moral Argument says our sense of right and wrong comes from a holy God who wrote His law on our hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:11

• Jesus’ resurrection proves once and for all that God is not dead. He’s alive — and because He lives, we can truly live. John 11:25

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Let’s Talk About It

1. Why do you think so many people today live like God doesn’t matter, even if they say they believe in Him?

2. Which of the three arguments — cosmological (everything has a cause), teleological (creation shows design), or moral (right and wrong come from God) — makes the most sense to you?

3. What do you think happens to a culture when people stop believing in right and wrong?

4. How does the resurrection of Jesus prove that God is still alive and active today?

5. What would it look like for you to live like God is alive this week — in your words, habits, or priorities?