Embracing Faith: Questions, Listening, and God's Presence
Summary
In our journey through the Advent season, we are reminded of the profound promise of God, Emmanuel—God with us. This promise invites us to live our lives in partnership with God, rather than apart from Him. Today, I had the privilege of speaking with Nicky Gumbel, a man who has witnessed countless individuals embark on their spiritual journeys through the Alpha course. This course, which has reached over 30 million people worldwide, provides a space for individuals to explore their faith and ask the deep questions of life.
Nicky shared his personal story of transformation from atheism to faith, sparked by reading the New Testament. This encounter with Jesus changed his life and ignited a passion to share his faith with others. He emphasized that the greatest injustice is for people to never hear about Jesus, and the greatest act of love is to introduce someone to Him. The Alpha course was born out of this desire to communicate faith effectively, especially to those outside the church.
The course is designed to be a safe space where people can explore their questions without the pressure of having to give the "right" answers. It’s about drawing out the deep well within each person, as Proverbs 20:5 suggests. This approach fosters genuine connections and allows individuals to encounter Jesus in a personal and transformative way. Nicky highlighted the importance of listening and creating an environment of unconditional love and respect, which mirrors the way Jesus interacted with people.
As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to embrace our common humanity and engage with the questions that matter most. Who do we need to forgive? From whom do we need to seek forgiveness? These questions open the door to deeper relationships and a fuller understanding of God’s presence in our lives. In a world where answers often seem elusive, we are reminded that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Instead, we can focus on the core truths of our faith and trust in God’s guidance.
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing Questions: God is not primarily concerned with us having the right answers but desires to meet us in our questions. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of faith and fosters genuine connections with others. [20:16]
- The Power of Listening: Creating a space where people feel heard and respected is crucial. By listening rather than preaching, we invite others to explore their faith journey authentically. [21:01]
- Common Humanity: We connect with others through our vulnerabilities and shared experiences. Embracing our common humanity allows us to journey together in faith, regardless of where we are on that path. [18:00]
- The Role of Scripture: Engaging with the Bible daily nourishes our spiritual hunger and provides guidance for our lives. It is a source of strength and wisdom that helps us navigate life's challenges. [26:09]
- Focus on Core Truths: While we may not have all the answers to life's questions, we can hold onto the essential truths of our faith—Jesus' life, death, and resurrection—and trust in His promise of eternal life. [31:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to the Gospel and Alpha
[00:27] - Advent Season and God's Promise
[00:55] - Conversation with Nicky Gumbel
[02:16] - The Alpha Course and Its Impact
[03:16] - Nicky's Personal Journey to Faith
[05:27] - Communicating Faith Effectively
[06:59] - The Birth of the Alpha Course
[09:14] - Global Expansion of Alpha
[11:01] - Cultural Adaptations of Alpha
[12:57] - The Importance of Questions in Faith
[14:01] - Drawing Out the Deep Well in Others
[18:52] - Embracing Curiosity and Humanity
[22:41] - The Role of Listening and Respect
[25:09] - Finding God in Daily Practices
[31:22] - Holding onto Core Truths of Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 2:1-12 - The Visit of the Magi
2. Proverbs 20:5 - "The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out."
3. John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of the Magi's journey in Matthew 2:1-12, and how does it relate to the theme of seeking and finding Jesus? [02:32]
2. How does Proverbs 20:5 illustrate the approach of the Alpha course in drawing out the deep questions and thoughts of individuals? [14:19]
3. In John 10:10, Jesus speaks about life in its fullness. How did Nicky Gumbel's personal story reflect this promise of abundant life? [05:27]
4. What role does listening play in the Alpha course, and how is it connected to the way Jesus interacted with people? [21:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the journey of the Magi serve as a metaphor for modern spiritual seekers, and what can be learned from their persistence and curiosity? [02:47]
2. In what ways does the Alpha course create a safe space for individuals to explore their faith, and how does this align with the biblical principle found in Proverbs 20:5? [14:01]
3. How does the concept of "life in all its fullness" in John 10:10 challenge or affirm your understanding of what it means to live a life of faith? [05:58]
4. How does the practice of listening, as emphasized in the sermon, reflect the biblical model of engaging with others in their spiritual journey? [21:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were a seeker like the Magi. What steps did you take to find answers, and how did that journey impact your faith? [02:47]
2. Consider the deep questions you have about life and faith. How can you create a space in your life to explore these questions without the pressure of having the "right" answers? [14:01]
3. Identify a person in your life who might benefit from a listening ear. How can you practice the art of listening to help them explore their own faith journey? [21:01]
4. Think about a situation where you need to forgive someone or seek forgiveness. How can addressing this need deepen your relationships and understanding of God's presence in your life? [16:43]
5. How can you incorporate daily Bible reading into your routine to nourish your spiritual hunger, as Nicky Gumbel described? What specific steps will you take to make this a consistent practice? [26:09]
6. Reflect on the core truths of your faith. How can focusing on these truths help you navigate life's uncertainties and challenges? [31:22]
7. In what ways can you engage with others in your community to share the message of Jesus, as inspired by the Alpha course's approach? What specific actions will you take this week? [06:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Journey of Questions
In our spiritual journey, God invites us to bring our questions to Him, not necessarily to find immediate answers, but to deepen our relationship with Him. This approach allows us to explore our faith more profoundly and connect with others on a genuine level. By embracing our questions, we open ourselves to the transformative work of God in our lives, trusting that He meets us in our curiosity and wonder. This journey is not about having all the answers but about being open to the mystery of faith and the presence of God in our lives. [20:16]
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one question about your faith that you have been hesitant to explore? How can you bring this question to God in prayer today, trusting Him to guide you in your journey?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Listening
Creating a space where people feel heard and respected is crucial in fostering authentic faith journeys. By listening rather than preaching, we invite others to explore their spiritual paths genuinely. This approach mirrors the way Jesus interacted with people, offering unconditional love and respect. When we listen, we create an environment where individuals can encounter Jesus personally and transformatively, allowing their faith to grow in a supportive community. [21:01]
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." (James 1:19, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you could have listened more attentively. How can you practice being a better listener in your interactions this week, creating a space for others to share their faith journey?
Day 3: Embracing Our Common Humanity
We connect with others through our vulnerabilities and shared experiences, recognizing our common humanity. This connection allows us to journey together in faith, regardless of where we are on that path. By embracing our shared humanity, we open ourselves to deeper relationships and a fuller understanding of God's presence in our lives. This approach encourages us to engage with the questions that matter most, fostering a community of support and love. [18:00]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt connected to someone through a shared experience. How can you reach out to someone this week to share in their journey and offer support?
Day 4: Nourishment Through Scripture
Engaging with the Bible daily nourishes our spiritual hunger and provides guidance for our lives. Scripture is a source of strength and wisdom that helps us navigate life's challenges, offering insights into God's character and His promises. By immersing ourselves in the Word, we find the sustenance we need to grow in our faith and trust in God's guidance. This practice encourages us to seek God's presence in our daily lives, drawing us closer to Him. [26:09]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: What is one Bible passage that has been meaningful to you recently? How can you incorporate regular Bible reading into your daily routine to nourish your spiritual journey?
Day 5: Holding onto Core Truths
While we may not have all the answers to life's questions, we can hold onto the essential truths of our faith—Jesus' life, death, and resurrection—and trust in His promise of eternal life. These core truths provide a foundation for our faith, offering hope and assurance in uncertain times. By focusing on these truths, we can navigate the complexities of life with confidence, knowing that God's love and grace are constant. [31:22]
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: What is one core truth of your faith that you can hold onto today? How can this truth provide comfort and guidance in a current challenge you are facing?
Quotes
What if God is not mainly concerned with you giving the right answer to questions? What if God wants to meet you in your questions? There is a unique presentation of the Gospel based on this idea, and it's changing the world today. [00:00:00]
You can do life today anyway—you can do it with God, you can do it without God, and it's better to do it with God. I am thrilled to be able to talk and for us to be able to learn today from the man who has maybe watched more people look for God and discover how to walk with God than anybody in our generation. [00:00:45]
I realized, although perhaps I wouldn't have put it like this at the time, that the greatest injustice in the world is for people never to have heard about Jesus, and the greatest act of love is to introduce someone to Jesus. So from that moment onwards, I wanted to communicate my faith. [00:06:10]
Alpha is not about us sharing our faith with people outside the church; it's about providing a space where people can explore and find their own faith. In that sense, having people who are Christians who are very keen to share their own faith can be very off-putting for people outside the church. [00:13:48]
In the heart of every individual is a deep well, and the wise person draws it out. That's what you're doing on your podcast; you're trying to draw out from everyone you interview what's in there—the deep well that is in not in my heart but in all the other people that you interview. [00:14:19]
We connect with people through our vulnerabilities. When we say, actually, we've had a tough life, it hasn't all worked out, I've made many mistakes, you get these unbelievable connections in the small group between the people because of the humanity. It's the humanity that we're actually—we're all, none of us are perfect. [00:17:47]
I think all of us are on that journey, whether you're not, whether you're Christian, whether you're not. We share this desire to learn more, to grow in our relationships, our human relationships, grow in our relationship with God. There's something so powerful in that approach where it's not divisive. [00:19:11]
We can give them absolutely the right answer, and you can have evangelized them, but you'll never see them again. Whereas if you listen, they'll come back. If you're genuinely interested in them and listen to them, they'll come back. So, you know, we said to people, if when say who is Jesus, if someone says, well, I don't think Jesus ever existed, they just say how interesting. [00:21:03]
The Apostle Peter says always be ready to give an answer, but do it with gentleness and respect. So respect for every human being. What we find is in that atmosphere, people after a bit relax, and they open up, and they come back because actually people love being in an atmosphere because in the workplace, often people are not really respected or encouraged or loved. [00:23:10]
I first encountered Jesus through reading the New Testament, and it was almost 50 years ago. It'll be 50 years in February. For me, and I know this is not true for everyone, some people say, you know, I encountered Jesus through the sacrament, some people say I encounter Jesus and my wife Pippa would say the main way she encounters Jesus is worship. [00:25:09]
I do this, the Bible in one year, and every day, I have pretty much—I don't think I can't think of a day in my Christian life when I haven't started the day. I don't do it because I feel I should. I do it for the same reason I have breakfast. I'm hungry. I'm just, you know, I have breakfast not because it's a sort of, I feel this is a, I've done so well, well done, you've had breakfast. [00:26:09]
The more I go on in life, the more I think I don't know very much. I know Jesus lived, I know Jesus died for me, I know he was resurrected, but there's so many things I did. People ask me questions about you. Somebody asked me, do my friends at the serpentine, they're all, you know, most of them are not like church girls. [00:30:21]
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