Embracing Questions: Faith, Forgiveness, and Community
Summary
Today was a unique and interactive Sunday, dedicated to answering the real and sometimes difficult questions that are on your hearts. We created space for honest inquiry, recognizing that faith is not about suppressing doubts or ignoring tough topics, but about bringing them into the light and seeking God’s wisdom together. Whether the questions were about shame, marriage, sexuality, forgiveness, or even dinosaurs, the goal was to approach each one with biblical truth, humility, and a willingness to admit when the answer is nuanced or not fully clear in Scripture.
One of the central themes that emerged is the difference between condemnation and conviction. Shame is never from God; it drives us away from Him, while conviction draws us closer, inviting us to repentance and grace. God’s love is not based on our performance, and the story of the prodigal son is a powerful reminder that the Father’s arms are always open, no matter how far we’ve wandered.
We also explored the importance of context when reading Scripture, especially on topics like submission in marriage, the role of women in ministry, and the boundaries of sexuality. The Bible was written to specific people in specific times, and understanding that context helps us apply its truths faithfully today. At the same time, some things are clear: Jesus must be Lord of every area of our lives, including our sexuality, our words, and our relationships.
Forgiveness was another significant topic. It’s not a one-time event but a continual process, and while we may not always forget the hurt, we are called to release others from the debt they owe us. Boundaries are healthy, and forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation, but it does mean refusing to let bitterness take root.
Finally, we affirmed the value of community and wise counsel. Whether discerning God’s will, navigating relationships, or wrestling with doubts, we are not meant to do this alone. Asking questions is not a sign of weak faith but of a living, growing relationship with God. Let’s keep seeking, keep asking, and keep walking together in grace and truth.
Key Takeaways
- Shame is not from God; conviction is. Shame pushes us away from God, making us feel unworthy of His love, while conviction draws us to repentance and deeper relationship. Resting in God’s love means remembering that Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and nothing we do can earn or forfeit His love. When shame arises, return to the truth of the Father’s heart, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son. [05:39]
- Submission, whether in marriage or in our walk with Christ, is not about inferiority or control but about unity and love. Jesus Himself submitted to the Father, and it did not diminish His worth. True biblical submission creates harmony and reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church, but it must never be used to justify abuse or diminish the value of any person. [08:08]
- The authority and inspiration of Scripture require both faith and thoughtful engagement. The Bible is not a single book but a collection of writings, each with its own context and purpose. Allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and examining the fruit of the authors’ lives help us discern its divine origin and apply its truths wisely. [13:02]
- Forgiveness is a journey, not a destination. We may need to forgive the same person multiple times as memories and pain resurface. True forgiveness means releasing others from the debt they owe us, even if the hurt remains, and it does not always require reconciliation or the removal of healthy boundaries. Jesus calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven, making forgiveness a continual act of obedience and grace. [22:00]
- Asking questions is essential for spiritual growth. God is not threatened by our doubts or uncertainties; in fact, some of the greatest revelations in Scripture came because someone dared to ask. The worst thing we can do is keep our questions hidden, as unasked questions can lead us away from truth. Bring your questions into community, seek wise counsel, and trust that God welcomes your honest pursuit of understanding. [46:36]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:31] - How to Handle Shame and Guilt
[05:39] - Intentional vs. Unintentional Sin
[06:30] - Submission in Marriage: What Does It Mean?
[08:08] - Women in Ministry and Biblical Context
[10:38] - Diversity, Culture, and the Church
[11:30] - Keeping the Marriage Bed Undefiled
[13:02] - Can We Trust the Bible?
[15:51] - Is There a Soulmate? God’s Role in Relationships
[16:48] - The Purpose of Marriage and Singleness
[20:07] - Christians and Substance Use
[22:00] - The Challenge and Necessity of Forgiveness
[25:12] - Sexuality, Salvation, and Lordship
[27:52] - Speaking in Tongues and Church Order
[29:01] - Fraternities, Secret Societies, and Christian Wisdom
[31:45] - Re-Baptism and Its Meaning
[32:39] - Mental Illness: Spiritual and Physical Dimensions
[35:43] - Entertainment Choices and Spiritual Discernment
[37:38] - True Forgiveness and Healthy Boundaries
[40:14] - The Husband’s Role: Loving Like Christ
[41:30] - Dinosaurs and the Bible
[42:45] - Discerning God’s Voice and Counsel
[43:57] - Should Christians Cuss?
[46:36] - The Value of Asking Questions and Community
[48:00] - Closing Blessing and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
1. Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
2. Luke 15:11-32
(The Parable of the Prodigal Son)
3. Ephesians 5:21-25
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
---
### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), how does the father respond when the son returns home? What does this reveal about the father's heart?
2. According to Romans 5:8, when did Christ die for us, and what does that say about the basis of God’s love?
3. In Ephesians 5:21-25, what are both husbands and wives called to do in their relationship with each other?
4. The sermon made a distinction between shame and conviction. What is the difference between the two, according to the message? ([02:31])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand the difference between shame and conviction in our relationship with God? How might confusing the two affect our spiritual lives? ([02:31])
2. The sermon emphasized reading Scripture in context. Why does understanding the original audience and culture matter when applying biblical passages today? ([08:08])
3. The story of the prodigal son was used to illustrate God’s response to our failures. What does this story teach us about God’s attitude toward those who have messed up or wandered away? ([02:31])
4. The message said that forgiveness is a journey, not a one-time event. What does it mean to “release others from the debt they owe us,” and how is this different from forgetting the hurt? ([22:00])
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### Application Questions
1. When you experience feelings of shame, what is your usual response? How can you remind yourself of God’s love and the truth of the prodigal son story in those moments? ([02:31])
2. Are there areas in your life where you feel conviction from God? How can you respond to conviction in a way that draws you closer to Him, rather than pulling away? ([02:31])
3. Think about a time when you struggled to forgive someone. What made it difficult? What practical steps can you take to begin or continue the process of forgiveness, even if the pain is still there? ([22:00])
4. The sermon talked about the importance of healthy boundaries in forgiveness. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to set or adjust boundaries while still choosing to forgive? ([37:38])
5. The message encouraged asking honest questions and seeking wise counsel in community. Is there a question or doubt you’ve been holding back? What would it look like to bring that into the light with trusted believers? ([46:36])
6. Submission in marriage and in our walk with Christ was described as about unity and love, not control. How does this understanding challenge or encourage you in your relationships? ([08:08])
7. The sermon said that God’s love is not based on our performance. Are there ways you try to “earn” God’s love or approval? How can you rest more fully in His grace this week? ([02:31])
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Devotional
Day 1: God’s Love Overcomes Shame
Shame is not from God; instead, God’s love is steadfast and unconditional, inviting us to return to Him no matter our failures. When we feel weighed down by guilt or condemnation, we are called to remember that conviction draws us closer to Christ, while shame pushes us away. God’s love is not based on our performance; even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, God waits with open arms to forgive and restore us when we come home. Rest in the truth that you are loved and accepted, not because of what you have done, but because of who He is. [05:39]
Romans 5:8 (ESV)
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Reflection: When you feel shame over past mistakes, can you take a moment today to intentionally rest in God’s love and acceptance, perhaps by rereading the parable of the prodigal son or meditating on Romans 5:8?
Day 2: Submission Reflects Christlike Unity
Biblical submission is not about inferiority or control, but about unity and mutual respect, modeled after Christ’s own submission to the Father. In marriage, the call for wives to submit to their husbands is paralleled by the call for all believers to submit to Christ, and for husbands to love their wives sacrificially. Submission, when rightly understood, creates harmony and reflects the relationship between Jesus and the Father—where submission does not diminish value but fosters oneness and purpose. In every relationship, the goal is to follow Christ’s example, seeking unity and love above all else. [08:08]
Ephesians 5:21-25 (ESV)
“Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Reflection: In what relationship can you practice Christlike submission or sacrificial love today, seeking unity rather than control or self-interest?
Day 3: Forgiveness Is a Lifelong Journey
Forgiveness is not a one-time event but a continual process, sometimes requiring us to “re-forgive” when old wounds resurface. True forgiveness means releasing others from the debt of what they have done, even if the pain remains. Jesus commands us to forgive, and Scripture warns that withholding forgiveness blocks our own experience of God’s forgiveness. While forgetting may not always be possible, choosing to forgive—again and again—frees us from bitterness and opens the door to healing. Boundaries may still be necessary, but forgiveness is always the path Christ calls us to walk. [22:00]
Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV)
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive again today, even if the pain still lingers? What step can you take to release them and entrust your hurt to God?
Day 4: Let Your Words Reflect Christ
Our words have power, shaping the direction of our lives and the lives of those around us. Scripture calls us to let no unwholesome talk come from our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up. The goal is not to see how close we can get to the “sin line” with our speech, but to draw as close to Jesus as possible, letting our tongues be instruments of blessing, encouragement, and truth. If you struggle with your words, seek God’s help for deliverance and freedom, and don’t make excuses for patterns that don’t honor Him. [43:57]
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally use your words to encourage or bless someone today, instead of tearing down or speaking negatively?
Day 5: Asking Questions Leads to Deeper Faith
God welcomes our questions, and honest inquiry can lead to greater revelation and understanding. The Bible shows that when people like Thomas asked questions, Jesus responded with truth and clarity. It is dangerous to suppress doubts or questions, as they can lead us away from faith, but bringing them into the light—discussing them with wise believers and seeking answers—can strengthen our relationship with God. The church should be a safe place to ask, wrestle, and grow, trusting that God is not threatened by our curiosity but uses it to draw us closer to Him. [46:36]
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 or doubt you’ve been carrying? Who can you talk to this week—whether a pastor, elder, or trusted friend—to seek wisdom and deeper understanding?
Quotes
Forgiveness is a long-term journey. And to say that, I think some people with that whole phrase of forgive and forget, the forgetting part, that's not really something that we're capable of as human beings. And like, I've had moments where there's somebody that I know I forgave. I forgave them a long time ago. And then something triggers like a moment. And so for me in those moments, just re-forgive, right? [00:21:38] (27 seconds)
For me, baptism is, it is partnering with Christ, it's saying I'm being laid down in death with him and I'm being raised up to life with him. So like the whole act of baptism is death and resurrection. And so to say, hey, there was a moment in my life where my faith became more real and I want to symbolize that moment with a baptism, go for it. [00:32:06] (27 seconds)
True forgiveness is when you are not, you're not holding this person ransom to what they did. I think that you can still, there's still pain. Like, you know, I think that there's, sometimes we say like forgiveness, you know, you've really forgiven when you can remember something and it doesn't hurt. I don't know if I fully agree with that. I think that's probably true like 90% of the time. I think there's some things that people do or have done that I don't think that you could ever get over the hurt of that. If somebody, you know, killed the person you love, you can forgive them and still, when you see them, still have a heartache, right? So I think that forgiveness is just when you're no longer holding them responsible. [00:38:06] (45 seconds)
The goal of your life is to get as close to Jesus as you can. And Jesus doesn't hang out on the sin line. He's in the other direction, right? And so what I want, I want to control my tongue because the Bible was very clear as well. The tongue is a rudder for the ship. Like where, where my tongue goes, that's where my life goes. [00:44:34] (23 seconds)
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