Who is God?
(Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 40:28)
- Faith: God is the eternal, all-powerful Creator of the universe, Who loves us unconditionally and desires a relationship with each of us.
- Ethan: God is not a distant figure, but a personal Being who is actively involved in our lives, guiding and supporting us through life.
Who is Jesus Christ, and why is He important?
(John 14:6, Romans 5:8)
- Faith: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, second person in the Trinity (God, the Son), who came to Earth as both fully God and fully human. He is important because through His life, death, and resurrection, He made it possible for us to have a relationship with God.
- Ethan: Jesus is our Savior and Lord. His teachings show us how to live, and His sacrifice demonstrates God's love for us, offering forgiveness and the possibility of transformation through God's grace.
What does it mean to be saved or born again?
(John 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Faith: Being saved or born again means experiencing a spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ. It is accepting God's prevenient grace (divine influence), which enables us to respond to His offer of salvation.
- Ethan: It is the beginning of a transformative journey with God. When we are saved, we start a new life guided by God's grace, growing in holiness and love for God and others.
How can I develop a relationship with God?
(James 4:8, Matthew 6:6)
- Faith: Developing a relationship with God involves responding to His grace through prayer, studying Scripture, and participating in the means of grace like communion and Christian fellowship.
- Ethan: It is a lifelong journey of growing closer to God. Start by talking to God regularly, reading His Word, and joining a community of believers to support and encourage your faith.
How does God guide or speak to us today?
(Psalm 119:105, John 10:27)
- Faith: God primarily speaks to us through Scripture, which is central to understanding His will. He also guides us through prayer, the church community, and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
- Ethan: God's guidance comes as we align our lives with His Word and will. It is about learning to recognize His voice through Scripture study, prayer, and the wisdom of mature believers.
What does the Bible say about finding purpose in life?
(Jeremiah 29:11, Ecclesiastes 3:1)
- Faith: The Bible teaches that our purpose is to love God, grow in Christlikeness, and serve others. God has a unique plan for each of us to participate in His work of redemption and restoration.
- Ethan: Finding our purpose involves discovering how our unique gifts can be used to love God and serve others. It is about joining God's mission to bring His love and truth to the world.
How can I experience peace and hope in my life?
(Philippians 4:7, Romans 15:13)
- Faith: True peace and hope come from trusting in God's love and promises. As we grow in faith and holiness, we experience the assurance of God's presence and future glory.
- Ethan: It is about anchoring our lives in God's unchanging nature and promises. When we focus on growing in love for God and others, we find a deep, lasting peace that transcends circumstances.
How can I deal with feelings of guilt and forgiveness?
(1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:12)
- Faith: God offers complete forgiveness when we confess our sins to Him. His forgiveness is based on Christ's atoning work and enables us to move forward in our journey of sanctification (being made holy).
- Ethan: Dealing with guilt involves accepting God's forgiveness and allowing His grace to transform us. It is about embracing God's love and letting it empower us to live holy lives.
What does the Bible say about suffering and hardship?
(Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- Faith: The Bible acknowledges that suffering is part of life in a fallen world, but assures us that God is with us in our trials and can use them to shape us more into the image of Christ.
- Ethan: Hardships, while challenging, can be opportunities for spiritual growth and witnessing to God's grace. God promises to be with us in our struggles, providing comfort and strength to persevere.
What happens after we die?
(John 11:25-26, 2 Corinthians 5:8)
- Faith: For those who have put their faith in Jesus, death leads to eternal life in God's presence. We look forward to the resurrection and the new creation, where we will live in perfect communion with God.
- Ethan: While we do not know all the details, we trust in God's promise of a future free from sin and suffering for believers. Our hope is in eternal life with Christ and the fulfillment of God's kingdom.