Hot Topics: Deconstruction – 07.09.23

Jude 1:22-24, Mark 9:24, Matt. 11: 2,6, Psalm 73:2,21-22, 28 Psalm 131:1, 1 Cor. 15:3, Heb 2:8-9, Luke 7:22, 2 Peter 1:5-7

Zach had 7 points.
#1 Have mercy on those who doubt – including yourself.

a. How do you respond to those who doubt?  Do you try to convince them, or do you enter to the process with them?

#2 Doubt can lead to stronger faith.
b. Where have you seen this in your life or lives of others?

Tim Keller – “A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it. People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic. A person’s faith can collapse almost overnight if she has failed over the years to listen patiently to her own doubts, which should only be discarded after long reflection. Believers should acknowledge and wrestle with doubts — not only their own but their friends’ and neighbors’. It is no longer sufficient to hold beliefs just because you inherited them. Only if you struggle long and hard with objections to your faith will you be able to provide the grounds for your beliefs to skeptics, including yourself, that are plausible rather than ridiculous or offensive. And, just as important for our current situation, such a process will lead you, even after you come to a position of strong faith, to respect and understand those who doubt.”

c. What do you think of this quote?

#3 Doubt our Doubts – What does this look like for you?
#4 Seek humility –How do you do in the humility dept? Easy for you or hard?

#5 Seek to see your beliefs through Jesus. What does this look like through you as you read Scripture ?

#6 Doubt is not just intellectual, Hungry. Angry, Lonely. Tired. How has H.A.L.T. played out in your relationships with Jesus at times?

#7 Grow your beliefs? How do you grow in your walk with Jesus?