Embracing Questions: A Journey to Deeper Faith
Summary
Today was a unique and lively gathering where we opened the floor to your questions—no matter how challenging or controversial. The heart behind this is simple: Christianity is not afraid of questions. In fact, honest questions are a pathway to deeper faith and understanding. We tackled a wide range of topics, from the origins of Easter and the nature of salvation, to practical issues like marriage, sexuality, and church life. Some questions had clear biblical answers, while others required humility to admit, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” The promise stands: every question submitted will be answered, whether from the stage, on our podcast, or through social media.
We explored the importance of biblical literacy, encouraging everyone to read, listen to, and wrestle with Scripture as the primary way to hear God’s voice. We discussed the difference between descriptive and prescriptive passages in the Bible, especially when it comes to difficult topics like polygamy or slavery. The call was to discern what God is actually commanding versus what is simply being described in the lives of flawed people.
On practical matters, we talked about the value of community and discipleship, the necessity of walking out our faith daily, and the importance of authenticity—especially for parents modeling faith to their children. We addressed tough questions about suffering, mental health, and the reality that following Jesus doesn’t guarantee an easy life, but it does promise hope and freedom.
Throughout, the invitation was clear: don’t hide your doubts or questions. Bring them into the light, into community, and let’s pursue truth together. Whether you’re wrestling with doctrine, struggling in your marriage, or just curious about why we do what we do, this is a safe place to ask, seek, and grow. And as we continue to answer every question, may we all be drawn closer to Jesus, the One who welcomes our questions and meets us in our searching.
Key Takeaways
- Questions Are a Pathway to Deeper Faith
Honest questions are not a threat to faith but an invitation to grow. When we bring our doubts and uncertainties into the open, we create space for God to reveal truth and for our community to be strengthened. Suppressing questions leads to stagnation, but wrestling with them leads to maturity and a more resilient trust in Christ. [03:43]
- Scripture Is Our Anchor Amid Complexity
The Bible contains both clear commands and complex narratives. It’s crucial to distinguish between what is descriptive (what happened) and what is prescriptive (what God commands). This discernment helps us navigate difficult topics like polygamy, slavery, or cultural practices, ensuring we don’t mistake human failure for divine endorsement. [42:25]
- Authenticity in Faith Begins at Home
The most powerful discipleship happens when faith is lived out authentically, especially in the home. Children and youth are deeply impacted by the consistency (or inconsistency) they see in their parents’ lives. If we want the next generation to follow Jesus, our own daily walk must reflect the gospel we profess. [50:47]
- Obedience Is Not Conditional on Others’ Behavior
In relationships, especially marriage, Scripture calls us to fulfill our role regardless of how the other person responds. Wives are called to submit, husbands to sacrificially love—not based on the other’s performance, but as an act of obedience to Christ. This is challenging, but it’s where God’s grace and transformative power are most evident. [27:16]
- Following Jesus Means Embracing Both Suffering and Hope
The Christian life is not a guarantee of comfort or ease. In fact, following Jesus often brings new challenges and opposition. Yet, in every trial, Christ offers hope, freedom, and the promise of His presence. Suffering is not a sign of failure, but often a mark of genuine discipleship and a catalyst for deeper dependence on God. [33:54]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:43] - Is Easter Pagan? Debunking Myths
[07:10] - Once Saved, Always Saved?
[08:52] - Foundations Classes and Discipleship
[11:46] - Praise, Worship, and the Heart of Our Band
[13:05] - The Jezebel Spirit: What Does the Bible Say?
[16:02] - Marriage, Trauma, and Premarital Counseling
[17:32] - Is Masturbation Sinful?
[18:36] - Seeker-Sensitive Church? Our Four Purposes
[22:34] - Palestine, Flags, and Reading Your Bible
[25:09] - Special Needs Ministry Challenges
[26:22] - Marriage to an Unbeliever: Submission and Hope
[29:22] - Slavery, Evil, and Biblical Context
[31:02] - Is the U.S. Babylon? Revelation and End Times
[33:54] - Suffering, Persecution, and Hope in Christ
[35:37] - Kids’ Productions and Simplicity in Ministry
[39:38] - Singles Ministry and Community
[41:07] - Dream Interpretation: Discernment and Dangers
[42:25] - Polygamy: Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Scripture
[44:10] - Suicide and God’s Mercy
[46:05] - Tithing: Pre-Tax or Post-Tax?
[47:25] - Youth Discipleship and Authentic Faith
[50:47] - Parents Modeling Faith for Youth
[52:01] - Denim, Coolness, and Final Questions
[53:07] - Why We Welcome Questions
[54:42] - National Day of Prayer and Dismissal
[58:16] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
1. John 20:24-29
(The story of “Doubting Thomas” and Jesus’ response to honest questions.)
2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
(“All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”)
3. James 1:2-4
(“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance…”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Thomas (John 20:24-29), how does Jesus respond to Thomas’s doubts and questions?
2. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what is the purpose of Scripture in the life of a believer?
3. The sermon mentioned that some Bible passages are descriptive (telling what happened) and some are prescriptive (telling us what to do). What examples did the pastor give of each? ([42:25])
4. What are some of the practical issues and tough questions that were brought up during the Q&A service? ([03:43])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus welcomed Thomas’s questions instead of rebuking him for doubting? What does this say about how God views our honest questions?
2. The pastor said, “Questions actually lead us to greater faith… God invites us to ask questions.” Why might wrestling with doubts and questions be important for spiritual growth? ([53:07])
3. How does understanding the difference between descriptive and prescriptive passages help us avoid misusing Scripture, especially on difficult topics like polygamy or slavery? ([42:25])
4. The sermon emphasized that following Jesus doesn’t guarantee an easy life, but it does promise hope and freedom. How does James 1:2-4 help us understand the role of suffering in the Christian life? ([33:54])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor encouraged everyone not to hide their doubts or questions but to bring them into the light and community. Is there a question or doubt about faith you’ve been holding back? What would it look like to share it with this group or someone you trust? ([53:07])
2. The sermon highlighted the importance of reading and wrestling with Scripture as the main way to hear God’s voice. What is your current habit of engaging with the Bible? Is there a specific step you could take this week to grow in biblical literacy? ([23:46])
3. When you encounter a difficult or confusing passage in the Bible, what is your usual response? How could you practice distinguishing between what is descriptive and what is prescriptive? ([42:25])
4. The pastor talked about the power of authenticity in the home, especially for parents modeling faith to their children. If you’re a parent, what is one way you can be more authentic in living out your faith at home? If you’re not a parent, how can you model authenticity in your relationships? ([50:47])
5. In relationships, especially marriage, the sermon said obedience to God’s commands isn’t conditional on the other person’s behavior. Is there a relationship in your life where you find this challenging? What would it look like to focus on your own obedience to Christ in that situation? ([27:16])
6. The Christian life includes both suffering and hope. Can you share a time when following Jesus brought you into a difficult season? How did you experience God’s hope or presence during that time? ([33:54])
7. The church promised to answer every question submitted, even if the answer is “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” How does this approach to questions and humility impact your view of church community? ([53:07])
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Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Questions Leads to Deeper Faith
God is not afraid of our questions; in fact, asking honest questions and seeking answers in Scripture is a vital part of growing in faith. When we bring our doubts and uncertainties into the light, we open ourselves to greater understanding, deeper trust, and a more authentic relationship with God. Rather than hiding our struggles or pretending to have it all together, we are invited to wrestle with our faith, knowing that God meets us in our searching and often reveals profound truths through our questions. [53:07]
James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Reflection: What is one question about faith or life that you’ve been hesitant to ask God or others? How can you take a step today to bring that question into the open and seek God’s wisdom?
Day 2: The Power and Necessity of God’s Word
God’s Word is the surest way to hear His voice and know His will. While God can speak through people, nature, or circumstances, Scripture is the foundation for discernment and spiritual growth. Regularly reading, listening to, and meditating on the Bible equips us to recognize God’s guidance, strengthens our faith, and prepares us for the challenges of daily life. Making time for God’s Word—whether reading silently, aloud, or listening in the car—invites His truth to shape our hearts and minds. [23:46]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Reflection: How can you intentionally make space today to engage with God’s Word, and what might change in your life if you made this a daily habit?
Day 3: Following Jesus Means Persevering Through Struggles
Choosing to follow Jesus does not guarantee an easy life; in fact, it often brings new challenges and opposition. True discipleship means taking up our cross daily, persevering through hardships, and trusting that Jesus has overcome the world. Our hope is not in comfort or ease, but in the freedom, salvation, and joy that Christ promises—even in the midst of suffering. When life gets harder after committing to Christ, it’s often a sign that we are on the right path, and God gives us strength to endure. [35:37]
John 16:33 (ESV)
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Reflection: Where are you experiencing difficulty or resistance in your walk with Jesus, and how can you lean into His promise of peace and victory today?
Day 4: Living Out Faith Authentically at Home
The most powerful witness to the next generation is a faith that is lived out genuinely at home. When children and youth see their parents and elders practicing what they preach—worshiping, serving, and following Jesus in everyday life—it lays a foundation for lasting faith. Inconsistency between what is taught at church and what is modeled at home can undermine belief, but authentic discipleship in the family leads to spiritual growth and resilience for all. [50:47]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally demonstrate your faith at home today, so that those closest to you see Jesus in your daily life?
Day 5: The Church Is a Place for Celebration, Inspiration, Preparation, and Salvation
Gathering as the church is about more than just attending a service; it’s a time to celebrate what Jesus has done, be inspired by the Holy Spirit, prepare for the week ahead, and invite others to experience salvation. Every Sunday is an opportunity to rejoice in our freedom, be equipped for daily discipleship, and share the gospel with those who need hope. The church exists to help people find Jesus and grow together, making space for both deep questions and joyful worship. [22:34]
Psalm 122:1 (ESV)
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Reflection: How can you approach church this week with a heart ready to celebrate, be inspired, prepare for your calling, and invite someone else to encounter Jesus?
Quotes
Coming to faith in Jesus doesn't make life easy. In fact, in most ways, it makes it a lot harder, right? Because before Jesus, you got to do whatever you felt like whenever you felt like doing it. After Jesus, you got to take up your cross daily. That's not fun. That's not easy. But we aren't in this because we're promised wealth and health and all kinds of stuff. We're in this because it's truth. And we are promised freedom, and we're promised salvation. [00:35:34] (29 seconds)
If tomorrow the U .S. government outlaws gathering as a church like this, guess what? We're in houses all over Chicagoland praising Jesus same day, okay? Like, if the church can thrive in China right now, the fastest growing church is in Iran right now. I mean, if the church can thrive and grow and people can hear the gospel and give their lives to Jesus in countries that have outlawed the gospel, I ain't worried about what happens in the U .S. [00:34:31] (28 seconds)
The biggest detriment to a youth's faith is when they come to church, they hear a youth pastor say something, they hear a lead pastor say something, their parents are like, yes and amen. And then they go home and their parents are living completely different. The number of youth that leave their faith because it was never genuine at home is way too high. And so if you want your youth to follow Jesus, you need to follow Jesus. [00:51:13] (24 seconds)
Read your Bible and then read your Bible. And then if you're feeling up to it, read your Bible out loud. Or in your car, open up the YouVersion Bible app and hit play because it'll read it to you. But yeah, God's word is how we hear the voice of God. Can he speak through other things? Absolutely, 100%. Can God speak through people? Absolutely. Can he speak through nature? Absolutely. But you want a surefire way to hear from God, read your Bible. [00:23:46] (30 seconds)
Absolutely not. So where this question comes from is there are a lot of polygamous relationships in the Bible. But what we have to understand is that the Bible is descriptive in a lot of places, prescriptive in others, and we have to know the difference. And the Bible is usually very clear about which one it is. So the Bible is also, yes, it's God's word. It's also a historical book. It is giving you the details of people's lives. Those people were in sin, right? And so to read about how David had multiple wives and say, oh, well, that means it's okay. Well, when you read about David having somebody murdered, does that mean that murder's okay? When you read about David watching a woman bathe on a rooftop and then sleeping with her, does that mean that we should do the same? Absolutely not. [00:42:39] (53 seconds)
The instruction is for you to do your part. It's never to enforce their part, right? So husbands, your job is never to make your wife submit. The moment you're trying to make your wife submit, that's abuse. And so your job is not to make her submit, it is to love her. Wives, it's not your job to force the husband to love you, it is to submit. And so we've gotta make sure that we do our part. [00:27:23] (29 seconds)
I think asking questions is a good thing. I hate it when Christians feel like they have to keep their questions to themselves because they don't want to come across as doubting or having struggles. I think we're supposed to wrestle with our faith. I think that the Bible bears that out, that we are so, man, we call Thomas doubting Thomas, but every time he asked a question, Jesus revealed an amazing truth to us, and we get to be edified, and we get to grow because of his questions. And so if you have questions, ask them. Don't just hold onto them on your own. Don't just bury them deep. Ask the questions. Wrestle with these things. There are some questions that we don't have great answers to. There are some questions that we do have great answers to. And you won't know the difference until you ask it. And as we wrestle with these things and as we grow, we're all lifted up. We're all encouraged. And so keep asking your questions. [00:53:47] (56 seconds)
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