Strengthening Faith in a Changing World
Summary
### Summary
Today, we began a new series called "Faith Fundamentals," focusing on the importance of strengthening our faith in a world increasingly moving away from God. We live in times where even atheists, when cornered, often turn to faith. This highlights the universal need for spiritual grounding. Jesus Christ is central to history, not just for believers but also acknowledged by non-believers as a transformative figure. His impact extends beyond salvation; He changed the world in numerous ways, including our dating system, the elevation of women's rights, and the foundation of modern science.
The Gregorian calendar, which we use today, is based on the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite attempts to secularize it, the years still count from His birth. Christianity also played a significant role in elevating the status of women, making it a religion that attracted many women in the ancient world. Furthermore, the scientific method, which emerged from Christian scholarship, shows how faith and reason can coexist.
We then turned to the book of Acts, which bridges the gap between the Gospel of Luke and the early church's formation. Acts emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers. The Holy Spirit provides assurance of salvation, guidance, and the power to witness. This assurance is crucial, especially in times of doubt. The Holy Spirit also convicts us, guides us, and assures us of the validity of Scripture.
We concluded by emphasizing the importance of witnessing and the assurance that Jesus is coming again. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share the Gospel, starting with our families and extending to the world. The promise of Jesus' return should motivate us to live lives of repentance and faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Impact on History: Jesus Christ is a central figure in history, acknowledged even by non-believers. His influence extends beyond spiritual salvation to societal structures like the Gregorian calendar, which is based on His birth. This shows that Jesus' impact is inescapable and foundational to our understanding of time and history. [02:54]
2. Elevation of Women's Rights: Christianity significantly elevated the status of women in the ancient world. While other religions marginalized women, Christianity attracted them in large numbers because it offered them dignity and importance. This historical fact underscores the inclusive and transformative nature of Jesus' teachings. [05:54]
3. Christian Roots of Modern Science: The scientific method was developed by Christians who believed that understanding God's creation was a form of worship. This historical insight challenges the modern notion that science and faith are incompatible, showing that many foundational scientists were motivated by their faith. [07:25]
4. Assurance of Salvation through the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit provides believers with the assurance of their salvation, especially in times of doubt. This assurance is a powerful tool for maintaining faith and confidence in God's promises. The Holy Spirit's role in our lives is to guide, convict, and assure us of our standing with God. [26:56]
5. The Power to Witness: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness effectively, providing the words and courage needed to share the Gospel. This empowerment is crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission and should start within our families and extend outward. The Holy Spirit's guidance ensures that our witness is impactful and authentic. [32:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - The Need for Faith in Dark Times
[02:54] - Jesus' Impact on History
[04:23] - The Gregorian Calendar
[05:54] - Elevation of Women's Rights
[07:25] - Christian Roots of Modern Science
[08:48] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[10:14] - Acts 1:1-11: The Ascension
[11:42] - The Historical Context of Acts
[13:15] - The Shift from Jesus to the Holy Spirit
[14:42] - Historical Evidence of Jesus
[16:28] - The Criterion of Embarrassment
[18:18] - The Early Christian Creed
[19:40] - The Importance of 1 Corinthians 15
[21:21] - The Assurance of the Resurrection
[22:49] - The Power of Truth
[24:15] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
[25:38] - The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
[26:56] - Assurance of Salvation
[28:19] - The Holy Spirit's Guidance
[29:54] - The Holy Spirit in Witnessing
[31:17] - The Danger of Pride
[32:51] - The Power to Witness
[34:13] - Assurance of Jesus' Return
[35:38] - Invitation to Accept Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faith Fundamentals
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:1-11
2. Romans 8:16
3. Galatians 4:6
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some ways Jesus Christ has impacted history beyond spiritual salvation? [02:54]
2. How did Christianity elevate the status of women in the ancient world? [05:54]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the lives of believers according to Acts 1:1-11? [10:14]
4. How does the Holy Spirit provide assurance of salvation to believers? [26:56]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Gregorian calendar significant in understanding Jesus' impact on history? [04:23]
2. How does the historical elevation of women's rights by Christianity reflect the inclusive nature of Jesus' teachings? [05:54]
3. In what ways does the scientific method's Christian roots challenge the modern notion that science and faith are incompatible? [07:25]
4. How does the Holy Spirit empower believers to witness effectively, and why is this empowerment crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission? [32:51]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the statement, "Jesus changed the world." How has Jesus changed your personal world, and in what ways can you share this impact with others? [02:54]
2. Considering the historical elevation of women's rights by Christianity, how can you contribute to promoting dignity and importance for women in your community today? [05:54]
3. The scientific method was developed by Christians who saw it as a form of worship. How can you integrate your faith with your professional or academic pursuits to honor God? [07:25]
4. The Holy Spirit provides assurance of salvation. Have you ever experienced doubt about your salvation? How did you seek assurance, and what role did the Holy Spirit play in that process? [26:56]
5. The Holy Spirit empowers us to witness. Identify one person in your family or close circle who needs to hear the Gospel. How can you start a conversation with them this week, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance? [32:51]
6. Jesus is coming again. Are you living a life of repentance and faith in anticipation of His return? What changes can you make in your daily life to be more prepared for His coming? [34:13]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your current life decisions? [28:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Impact on History
Jesus Christ is a central figure in history, acknowledged even by non-believers. His influence extends beyond spiritual salvation to societal structures like the Gregorian calendar, which is based on His birth. This shows that Jesus' impact is inescapable and foundational to our understanding of time and history. The Gregorian calendar, which we use today, is based on the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite attempts to secularize it, the years still count from His birth. This historical fact underscores the universal significance of Jesus' life and teachings. His impact is not limited to religious contexts but permeates various aspects of our daily lives, reminding us of His enduring presence and influence. [02:54]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus' influence on history change the way you view your daily life and the world around you?
Day 2: Elevation of Women's Rights
Christianity significantly elevated the status of women in the ancient world. While other religions marginalized women, Christianity attracted them in large numbers because it offered them dignity and importance. This historical fact underscores the inclusive and transformative nature of Jesus' teachings. In a time when women were often seen as property or second-class citizens, Jesus' interactions with women were revolutionary. He spoke to them, healed them, and included them in His ministry, setting a precedent for their value and equality. This elevation of women's rights is a testament to the inclusive and transformative power of the Gospel. [05:54]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively promote the dignity and importance of women in your community, following Jesus' example?
Day 3: Christian Roots of Modern Science
The scientific method was developed by Christians who believed that understanding God's creation was a form of worship. This historical insight challenges the modern notion that science and faith are incompatible, showing that many foundational scientists were motivated by their faith. The scientific method, which emerged from Christian scholarship, shows how faith and reason can coexist. Early scientists like Isaac Newton and Johannes Kepler saw their work as uncovering the divine order of the universe. This perspective encourages us to see the pursuit of knowledge as a way to glorify God and understand His creation better. [07:25]
Proverbs 25:2 (ESV): "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out."
Reflection: How can you integrate your faith with your pursuit of knowledge and understanding in your daily life?
Day 4: Assurance of Salvation through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit provides believers with the assurance of their salvation, especially in times of doubt. This assurance is a powerful tool for maintaining faith and confidence in God's promises. The Holy Spirit's role in our lives is to guide, convict, and assure us of our standing with God. This assurance is crucial, especially in times of doubt. The Holy Spirit also convicts us, guides us, and assures us of the validity of Scripture. This divine presence in our lives is a constant reminder of God's love and commitment to us, providing peace and confidence in our salvation. [26:56]
Romans 8:16 (ESV): "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Reflection: When you face doubts about your faith, how can you seek the Holy Spirit's assurance and guidance?
Day 5: The Power to Witness
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness effectively, providing the words and courage needed to share the Gospel. This empowerment is crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission and should start within our families and extend outward. The Holy Spirit's guidance ensures that our witness is impactful and authentic. The promise of Jesus' return should motivate us to live lives of repentance and faith. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share the Gospel, starting with our families and extending to the world. This divine empowerment is essential for fulfilling our mission as Christians and spreading the message of Jesus' love and salvation. [32:51]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions in sharing it with them?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It seems like when we're in trouble, even atheists try to find help in places that they don't even believe in. When we're cornered, when we're backed up against a wall, oftentimes we cry out to God when we have nothing else. Even atheists do this today. It's very interesting. People that claim to have no faith often rely on faith when they're cornered." [01:23] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus brought salvation to the world. He changed the world. Jesus changing the world only begins there with salvation. He changed the world in so many other ways as well. H.G. Wells, he said this, I am a historian. I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all of history." [02:54] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our entire calendar system is based on Jesus Christ. Every time you give someone a date, every time you write a date on a piece of paper, you are invoking the name of Jesus Christ, whether you realize it or not. Modern secularists have tried to change this. They've changed, instead of saying AD and BC, they say CE, common era, or BCE, four common era. They're trying to take Christ out of our society. But guess what? You can change AD and BC to CE and BCE, but you can't change the years." [04:23] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Christianity in the ancient world was considered a woman's religion. It was primarily made up of women. Sociologist Rodney Stark estimates that perhaps two-thirds of the Christian community during the second century was made up of women. This was exactly opposite of what the Christian community was made up of. To the broader Greco-Roman world, where women only made up about one-third of the population. So there were other religions that women could have chosen to be a part of, yet they chose in numbers to be a part of Christianity. Why? Why did they choose this? It's because Christ elevated the status of women." [05:54] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Many people don't realize that science was actually started by Christians. Medieval scientists understood that since God made the world, he would have given us a way to understand his creation. Thus, the scientific method, emerged. Professor Rodney Stark in his book, For the Glory of God, says, the scientific revolution of the 16th century was the result of Christian scholarship starting in the 11th century. Why did real science develop in Europe and not anywhere else? I find answers to those questions and unique features of Christian theology." [07:25] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "One of the primary ways that the Holy Spirit helps us is through assurance of salvation. Assurance of salvation. We see this in Romans 8 and Galatians 4. Romans 8, 16. The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Galatians 4, 6. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of a son into your hearts, crying out, Abba, Father. I don't know about you, but there have been times in my life where I've questioned my salvation. There have been times in my life where I wasn't quite sure if I was going to be saved. I wasn't quite sure if I was really saved. And it was the Holy Spirit that gave me assurance of that." [26:56] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Holy Spirit can radically change the direction you're on if you're willing to listen and obey. And if you ask him, if you're still enough, if you pray and just calm your thoughts and calm your mind to listen, to what the Holy Spirit is telling you in that still small voice, he will tell you what he wants you to do. This is very real. This happens. This is as real as the ground that I'm standing on right now. The Holy Spirit speaks to us in that voice." [28:19] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus promised that when we're speaking about him, the Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance the things that we have been taught. You can have confidence in the Holy Spirit. You can have confidence that when you start that conversation with that unbeliever, the Holy Spirit's going to kick in and he's going to tell you everything that you need to say. I've experienced this in my life. I've gone into conversations thinking, Lord, I have no clue what I'm about to say. Please help. And I go into the conversation and all of a sudden there are things that are popping into my head that I'm like, how on earth am I thinking about that? And it's the Holy Spirit working through my life." [29:54] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you find yourself prideful, when you find yourself replacing God with yourself, you should run. You should turn your back on that sin and repent as fast as you possibly can. Proverbs 16, 18 says, pride goes before what? Ah, what does it say? Destruction. Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. This is probably one of the most misquoted verses of all time. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. When you find yourself prideful, the next step is destruction. This is true. This has been true in my life. I've seen this true in many people's lives. As soon as you get proud of yourself, the next step is destruction. We have to be careful and we run away from pride." [31:17] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "One of the best assurances that God is real, is when you witness and you find the spirit moving in your life. The English word for witness means to bear witness, to tell about something that has happened to you. The word martyr actually comes from the Greek word translated witness. So even under persecution, even under death, we should be witness of Christ in our life. The Holy Spirit gives us power to witness to people. Start with your family at home. Let it move to the rest of the world. Oswald Smith said, the light that shines the farthest will shine the brightest at home. So go home today and witness to your family and you can have the assurance that the Holy Spirit will help you. He will give you the power for that." [32:51] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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