Exploring God's Revelation and the Nature of Salvation

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we embarked on a journey through a series of tough questions that challenge our understanding and faith. We began by addressing the nature of God's revelation to humanity, emphasizing that God's ways are not limited to our conventional understanding. God reveals Himself through various means, including nature, dreams, and direct spiritual experiences, underscoring His sovereignty and the diverse ways He can make Himself known to us.

We then transitioned into a panel discussion, where we tackled several complex theological questions. One of the key topics was the salvation of individuals who have never heard of Jesus. We explored the idea that God's responsibility is to reveal Himself, which He can do beyond the conventional means of scripture or direct evangelism. This led us into a broader discussion about the nature of God's revelation and the importance of recognizing that God is not confined by our limited human expectations.

Another significant part of our discussion focused on the concept of salvation and the various ways people understand and engage with this concept. We delved into the historical and theological contexts of salvation, discussing how people in the Old Testament were saved and how this relates to the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

The panel also addressed practical questions about living out our faith in daily life. We discussed how to connect with unchurched people in a way that is welcoming and loving, emphasizing the importance of finding common ground and focusing on shared human experiences rather than differences.

Throughout the sermon, we continually came back to the theme of seeking wisdom and understanding through community and scripture. We emphasized the importance of engaging with tough questions not just for the sake of answers, but as a way to deepen our faith and understanding of God's will.

As we wrapped up, we reflected on the importance of being open to God's guidance, whether it comes through patience or a call to move in a new direction. We discussed the dynamic nature of God's will and how it encompasses a range of possibilities that are all within His sovereign plan.

### Key Takeaways:

1. God's Unlimited Revelation:
God reveals Himself in myriad ways, not confined to scripture or direct evangelism. This understanding helps us appreciate the breadth of God's sovereignty and His ability to reach every individual uniquely. Recognizing this can alleviate concerns about the fate of those who haven't heard the Gospel traditionally. [50:57]

2. Salvation Across Time:
The discussion on how people were saved in the Old Testament highlights the continuity and evolution of God's plan for salvation. It's crucial to understand that the essence of salvation—God's grace—remains constant, even as the specifics of its revelation through history change. [41:20]

3. Engaging the Unchurched:
Connecting with unchurched individuals requires focusing on commonalities rather than differences. Starting conversations on shared experiences or universally understood values can open doors to deeper discussions about faith. [01:02:06]

4. The Nature of God's Will:
Understanding God's will as both specific and general allows us to navigate life with flexibility and faith. Recognizing that God provides multiple paths within His will encourages us to make choices aligned with His character and purpose. [01:11:01]

5. Community and Tough Questions:
Engaging with difficult theological questions in a community setting is invaluable. It not only helps clarify individual and collective understanding but also strengthens communal bonds through shared spiritual exploration. [01:29:25]

### Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome
17:16 - Introduction and Announcements
18:19 - Celebrating Community Achievements
19:36 - Scripture Reading and Reflection
36:35 - Panel Introduction: Addressing Tough Questions
41:20 - Discussion on Old Testament Salvation
46:24 - Exploring God's Universal Revelation
50:57 - Sovereignty and Revelation of God
55:04 - Understanding Salvation through Jesus
01:02:06 - Connecting with the Unchurched
01:11:01 - Discussing God's Will and Our Choices
01:29:25 - Closing Remarks and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Samuel 22:31-32: "God's way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?"
2. Romans 10:9: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
3. Romans 1:20: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Samuel 22:31-32, what attributes of God are highlighted, and how do they provide assurance to believers?
2. In Romans 10:9, what are the two actions required for salvation, and why are both important?
3. How does Romans 1:20 explain the way God reveals Himself to humanity through nature?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God's perfect way in 2 Samuel 22:31-32 relate to the sermon’s discussion on the nature of God's will and revelation? [01:11:01]
2. What does Romans 10:9 suggest about the simplicity of salvation, and how does this align with the sermon’s point about God making salvation accessible? [55:04]
3. How does Romans 1:20 support the sermon’s assertion that God reveals Himself through various means beyond scripture and direct evangelism? [50:57]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God’s protection as described in 2 Samuel 22:31-32. How did this experience strengthen your faith?
2. Romans 10:9 emphasizes the importance of confessing and believing. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily life to deepen your relationship with Jesus?
3. Considering Romans 1:20, how can you become more aware of God’s presence in nature and everyday experiences? Share a recent moment when you felt God’s presence in an unexpected way.
4. The sermon discussed the importance of engaging with unchurched individuals by focusing on commonalities. Identify one person in your life who is unchurched. What common ground can you find to start a meaningful conversation about faith? [01:02:06]
5. How do you discern whether God is calling you to be patient or to move in a new direction? Share a current situation where you are seeking God’s guidance and discuss how you can remain open to His will. [01:11:01]
6. The sermon emphasized the value of community in seeking wisdom and understanding. How can you actively participate in your church community to engage with tough theological questions and grow in your faith? [01:29:25]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s discussion about the dynamic nature of God’s will. How can you apply this understanding to make decisions that align with God’s character and purpose in your daily life? [01:11:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Infinite Ways of Revelation
God reveals Himself not just through scripture or direct evangelism, but in myriad ways that transcend our conventional understanding. This expansive view of divine revelation invites us to look for God's presence in all aspects of life, from the beauty of nature to the depths of our dreams and spiritual experiences. Such an understanding broadens our perspective and alleviates concerns about those who have not encountered the Gospel in traditional forms. It challenges us to be open to the unexpected and to recognize the sovereignty of God in reaching every individual uniquely. [50:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3LAN5Zunj4&t=3042s)

Psalm 19:1-4 ESV: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world."

Reflection: How can you expand your understanding of the ways God might be communicating with you outside of traditional scripture reading?

---

Day 2: Continuity and Evolution of Salvation
The concept of salvation has evolved over time, yet the essence of God's grace remains constant. From the Old Testament to the New, God's plan for salvation adapts to the context of humanity's needs and understanding. This historical and theological perspective helps us appreciate the continuity of God's grace while recognizing the specific revelations of salvation through different eras. Understanding this can deepen our faith in God's unchanging nature and His adaptive methods throughout history. [41:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3LAN5Zunj4&t=2465s)

Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV: "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."

Reflection: How does understanding the historical context of salvation enhance your appreciation of God's plan for humanity?

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Day 3: Building Bridges with the Unchurched
Connecting with unchurched individuals requires focusing on shared human experiences and values rather than differences. This approach fosters a welcoming and loving environment that encourages open dialogue about faith. By starting conversations on common ground, we can more effectively share the love and grace of God, opening doors to deeper spiritual discussions and understanding. [01:02:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3LAN5Zunj4&t=3711s)

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 ESV: "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Reflection: What common ground can you find this week with someone who does not attend church, and how can you use it as a starting point for a conversation about faith?

---

Day 4: Understanding the Flexibility of God's Will
God's will is not a narrow path but a broad field of possibilities, each aligning with His character and purpose. Recognizing that God provides multiple paths within His will encourages us to explore life's options with faith and flexibility. This understanding helps us to make choices that are aligned with God's character, trusting that He guides us through various potential paths that fit within His sovereign plan. [01:11:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3LAN5Zunj4&t=4246s)

Romans 11:33-36 ESV: "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."

Reflection: In what ways can you practice trusting in the flexibility of God's will this week, especially in areas where you feel uncertain?

---

Day 5: Engaging with Community on Tough Questions
Discussing difficult theological questions within a community setting is crucial for deepening both individual and collective understanding of faith. It strengthens communal bonds and fosters a shared journey of spiritual exploration. This engagement not only clarifies beliefs but also enriches our spiritual lives through the diverse perspectives within our community. [01:29:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3LAN5Zunj4&t=5350s)

Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV: "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: What tough question have you been avoiding in your faith journey, and how can you bring this to your community for deeper exploration this week?

Quotes

"think about how we do that so often. Like, God makes himself so available to us, right? He presents himself. He reveals himself to us directly and indirectly as we've been talking this morning. But sometimes we're just like, but that's still not enough, right? I need you to reveal more of yourself to me, and then I'll say yes, right? I need a little bit more information." [56:34]( | | )

"How do you connect with unchurched people in a way that makes them feel welcomed and loved? Yeah, that's great, that's great. Somebody else in here? Yeah, yeah, that's great. I think Erica. Yeah. No, that's great. In our first service, part of the panel, Pastor Caitlin was a part of our panel. And one of the things that she was kind of talking about, I really resonated with, because I think it really, like that, gets to the heart of being available, you know, to everybody." [01:01:40]( | | )

"God, we pray that you will continue, to give us some clarity, and focus, on trusting you, and we're letting you, shape the way that we think, and ultimately then, the way we behave, so that we can be, reflections of your holiness, to a world around us, who needs you, and God, you want to use us, it's your plan, to use us, and so we pray that you continue, to show us how to do that, first by saying yes, to you, and then saying yes, to the way, in which you call us to go." [01:30:53]( | | )

"It's meant to be processed. It's meant to look at it from different angles and allow God to bring clarity to his wisdom, you know, through that. And, you do that by studying his word, reading it, by engaging in Bible study, by engaging in conversations, in relationship with other people who are studying it and growing it together. But at the end of the day, it is the word of God, and it is the revelation of the Trinity, right? Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as he, as he brings us clarity to his plan and purpose for us." [01:27:28]( | | )

"right? He's looking for his people to be available to walk that journey with them. And, and what I learned about that is that a lot of times, like the will that God has for us isn't so much linear as it is circular, right? That within God's will, there are a lot of times he gives us choices, right? And the choices that we make aren't do this and you're in God's will, do this and you're not in God's will. He's saying, you have this option, this option, and this option, and whatever you choose is within my will." [01:11:01]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?