Science and God: Mutually Exclusive?

A sensuous person is one who is ruled by their senses. Because this term has a negative connotation, however, modern thought substitutes “sensuality” to “empirical science.” This is merely a mask for the rulership of the senses–complete reliance upon that which can be seen, felt, tasted, heard, and smelled to whatever degree of scientific “repeatability” you desire. And yet, it is largely believed that if something is not observable, then it does not exist. This was true of cells, molecules, and atoms at one time. Did they suddenly exist when we sensed them? How about dark matter (the majority of the universe)–did it, too, suddenly exist when formulas necessitated it? How about the supernatural?

If a claim exists beyond the bounds of the senses, one cannot use the lack of senses to refute the claim–only to become skeptical. However, the claim can be rejected if the senses prove otherwise–just as the senses can serve as inductive evidence that the claim stands.

If there is such an intersection between the natural and supernatural, a true scientist ought to ask questions (second step of the scientific method) of the supernatural claim to determine if it is supported by the natural world. If the claim fails the test of coherence among the categories of origin, meaning, morality, or destiny, or if natural observation definitively negates the claim, then the scientist can rightly deem the claim as false. Short of this thorough investigation, however, no valid conclusion may be reached.

Philosophical science today (that’s what I call a scientist who steps outside the bounds of his or her trade) desperately attempts to prove there is no God because science can describe new things. Admittedly, theists have argued, insubstantially, that God must be the missing piece when something is unknown (God particles and the like). It’s not that God is the missing piece of our understanding as much as He is the cause and controller of everything. Science merely observes. It connects. It attempts to explain. It does not create. It controls precious little. Science may, ironically, be God’s biggest indictment against atheists and agnostics because of the sheer volume of its witness to and interaction with the created order.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 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.

–Romans 1:18-20

 

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

–Ephesians 4:17-23

Painting the Leaves Green

The Situation:

See that massive tree trunk blurring into a thicket of a thousand branches? Each of the hundreds of swaying leaves cling tightly to its claim, giving the illusion of a tossing green sea.

Man 1:

He stands there admiring the complex foliage. He looks closely at each branch and its leaves. But there’s something. There it is. He can see it plainly now. That leaf isn’t green. It’s brown. Dead or sick—he can’t tell. And there’s another! His eyes search frantically—leaping from branch to branch. There, there, there, there…the imperfections are maddening. The impression of total green is gone. Not one branch bears a complete collection of healthy sprouts.

It’s all wrong. What was just a moment ago a beautiful organism is now twisted in disease. What should be done? An idea drifts to mind: someone should make it green again.

Recognizing, however, the impossible vastness of the project to be completed on his own, he resorts to standing there, arms folded, squinting and grimacing at the tree, pointing out to all who walk by which leaves are wrong, muttering about what color they ought to be and how someone should apply the appropriate color to each leaf. With all who will listen he commiserates and argues, discusses and debates, gestures and points…

Man 2:

He notices as many mangled and discolored leaves as the first man, but not all the same leaves bother him which did the former. Clearly this monstrous plant is in distress!

What must be done? An idea emerges: he should make it green again.

So he gathers buckets containing various shades of green paint. The process is tedious. He stands on his toes to paint the lower leaves, climbs out on branches to reach those higher up inside the canopy.

As the leaves turn from brown to green, his heart leaps with happiness! He’s doing it! He’s fixing the tree! But what’s this? He frowns at a branch formerly completed. Why is there another shriveled brown leaf? Confused but dismissive, he is compelled to thrust a hand back into the bucket to slather on more green. There. See—he can do it! What a ridiculous tree. Now what’s this? Another! Fury clouds his vision. His impulse continues, driving him to paint and paint and…

Man 3:

He observes all that the tree contains, but also carefully watches the reactions of the first two men. He sees leaves that are discolored, but he is a wise man. Who’s to say that the leaves are “discolored”? He tells himself, “What is to one man is not to another and vice versa.” Therefore, when the first two men ask what is to be done, he replies, “Nothing. It’s all perception—there’s not necessarily anything wrong with the tree, and there’s no way to know if it should be changed. Absolutist approaches are offensive and it is clear that nothing is really changing the situation.” He sits in the shade, reminding himself that no two leaves are alike, that those ugly leaves aren’t really ugly, that the shriveled leaves are an expression of unique texture, that…

Man 4:

He’s reading a book. It’s the oldest book in the world—a book about trees with numerous authors contributing to the subject.

He tells the first man that he’s right—the tree is dying—and he points to pictures in the book which show similar trees dying. But the first man becomes enraged and insists that the color of the leaves needs to change.

He suggests to the second man that he consider a more systemic approach—the roots, water, soil, nutrients, access to light and air as the book suggests—but the second man waves him off, concluding that he’s almost done fixing the tree.

He approaches the third man and tries to convince him that he, too, is grasping to a perception evidenced by the claim that he can’t know if the tree is o.k. or not. He tries reading to him what the book bears out with regard to dying trees. The third man watches him until he’s through and says, “That’s a fantastic idea, but we live in a world of fantastic ideas. How can you possibly claim to have a better idea about trees than the rest of us?”

The man answers, “The book seems to be correct, it claims to have the answer, and it has proven to work in a variety of cases.”

“You think what you want and we’ll think what we want,” the wise man sneers.

Dismayed but resolute, the man walks to the tree, reaches into his backpack and finds a small water bottle. He pours the contents over one of the roots. He loosens some dirt, and reaches again into his pack and pulls out an old banana peel. This he buries next to the old tree.

The three men watch…

True or False: I Can’t Help It

false

30. List at least twenty specific biblical steps a person should take to overcome a life-dominating sin.

  1. Consider thoroughly the issue of your salvation
  2. Remember that God has promised to care for you and has broken Satan’s power through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
  3. Confess all sinful thoughts to God and ask for His help in overcoming the sinful pattern
  4. Rejoice and give thanks in every situation, knowing that endurance in trials conforms you to the image of Christ
  5. Use the forgiveness of God as the springboard from which you forgive others
  6. Realize that your love for others demonstrates the love you have for God
  7. Focus your thoughts on glorifying and pleasing God and on being a blessing to others in all situations
  8. Say and sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
  9. Think of ways to consider and encourage others
  10. Do not: speak about past accomplishments, sorrows, or defeats; sins of others, worries about the future, comparison to others, boastful promises, slander, gossip, argue, use pointless humor, speak foolishly, accuse, speak vengefully, etc., but rather edify others with God’s truth about His goodness, loving kindness, mercy, and grace
  11. Identify all danger signals (e.g., situations, places, times, and personal contacts that bring temptation) and take immediate steps to eliminate, flee, or resist temptation
  12. Fill all voids created by putting off old ways with a vigorous plan of living righteously, putting on the new ways
  13. Spend much time with other believers and wholeheartedly put on the full armor of God in order to stand firm against the devil
  14. Memorize Scripture verses and study Scripture passages specifically related to facing and dealing with the problem by taking advantage of the overcoming power that is yours in Christ Jesus
  15. Pray always with thanksgiving
  16. Seek reconciliation with those you have offended (go beyond confession)
  17. Correct deficiencies in your life that exist because of a lack of discipline or neglect
  18. If you need help, ask Christian friends to hold you accountable
  19. Ask God for help if you fail
  20. Review memorized Scripture and others
  21. Immediately seek God’s perspective again by returning to His Word, allowing the Spirit to convict you, shunning the evil, and reestablish a disciplined, Godly lifestyle again

True or False: Satan is the Opposite of God

false. God has no opposite. Satan was created by God, and is therefore subject to Him: Colossians 1

29. Write a brief paragraph describing how God has broken Satan’s power.

Jesus demonstrated power over the devil in his ministry on the earth (Gen. 3:15; I John 3:8) through sinlessness (Matt. 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13), truth (red letters), healing (see all healing cases), deliverance (Mark 3:22-27, Matt. 9:32-33, 12:22, 17:14-18; etc.), sacrifice (see crucifixion), and resurrection (Acts 26:14-18, Hebrews 2:14-15), thereby defeating temptation, lies, sickness, bondage, sin, and death. This is not to say we do not still experience what Christ defeated, but if we believe in Him, His power through His Spirit, enables us to conquer some elements now, others eventually (II Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:10-18; Rom. 8:31-39; Jas. 4:7; I Peter 5:8-10; Rev. 12:10-11)

True or False: That’s Just the Way I Am

false. There is only one “I Am” who is unchangeable. You and I? We are to be conformed to His image.

29. Write a brief paragraph describing how God has broken Satan’s power.

Jesus demonstrated power over the devil in his ministry on the earth (Gen. 3:15; I John 3:8) through sinlessness (Matt. 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13), truth (red letters), healing (see all healing cases), deliverance (Mark 3:22-27, Matt. 9:32-33, 12:22, 17:14-18; etc.), sacrifice (see crucifixion), and resurrection (Acts 26:14-18, Hebrews 2:14-15), thereby defeating temptation, lies, sickness, bondage, sin, and death. This is not to say we do not still experience what Christ defeated, but if we believe in Him, His power through His Spirit, enables us to conquer some elements now, others eventually (II Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:10-18; Rom. 8:31-39; Jas. 4:7; I Peter 5:8-10; Rev. 12:10-11)

True or False: Worry is Part of my Personality

true, but what else are you saying? If this is another way of saying “this is just the way I am and I cannot change”, then it is false. If this is another way of saying “I am, by nature, sinful”, then it is true.

Regardless of whether a sin is part of your genes or not, the Bible is clear: we are all sinful and naturally alienated from God.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. – Ephesians 2:1-3

But praise be to God who does not leave us there:

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2: 4-10

28. List five specific steps of biblical action a person suffering from fear and worry should take.

  1. Forgive others.

    Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32

  2. Bask in God’s truth.

    Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

  3. Rejoice in the Lord, pray always with thanksgiving.

    Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:4-7

  4. Think purely.

    Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9

  5. Avoid situations which bring worry and fear if possible. Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. – Psalm 1:1-3

True or False: Depression is a Real Condition

true

27. What are five key areas for discussion with someone suffering from depression?

  1. The symptoms which comprise what is labeled “depression” may need to be treated medically, and may often be precipitated by sin (living to please self rather than God). Me slamming my thumb with a hammer may also need to be treated medically, and I would need to understand that just as the cause of the medical treatment was the condition of my thumb, so also the cause of my jacked-up thumb was me slamming it. While depression may require medical intervention, it may often be necessary to examine the actions leading to the symptoms/feelings.
    How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!– Psalm 32

  2. There are actions which may need to betaken in order to deal fully with depression.Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. – 1 Peter 3:10-12
  3. There is great hope in that Jesus has overcome, and he is able to work all things out for our good (though it may not make sense at the time).“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

     …we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. – Romans 8:28-29

  4. Whether symptoms of depression are experienced or not, we all must recognize the need to put off disobedience to God’s ways, and put on His truth.“Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” – Genesis 4:7

    Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires…Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey–whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? – Romans 6:12, 16

  5. Do it. Once you have examined the pieces of your depression (medical and/or sin), researched God’s view, recognized your hope, conceded your need for change, it’s time to practice actively (includes speaking truth, singing, thanksgiving, confession, prayer, working as unto the Lord, etc.)!Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:15-20

True or False: Discipline Should Be Minimal

depends how you define “discipline”; it should be consistent in whatever loving form it takes

What is the purpose of discipline? When is it necessary to discipline a child?

  • Poverty and shame, in one form or another, is the result of a lack of discipline.

    • Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored. – Proverbs 13:18

  • Righteousness and peace result from biblical discipline.

    • Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:7-11

  • Discipline is applied when disobedience occurs

    • Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Punish them with the rod and save them from death. – Proverbs 23:13-14

      Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. – Proverbs 13:24

      When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong. – Ecclesiastes 8:11

      Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. – Proverbs 22:15

      Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. – Ephesians 6:1

      …the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. – Proverbs 3:12

      …we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. – 1 Corinthians 11:32

True or False: There’s no One Right Way to Raise Kids

depends what you mean by “right way”…

25. What are important biblical guidelines for Christian parents to follow in training up their children?

  • Live a godly example.

    • As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:1-3

  • Be a diligent instructor

    • Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. – Deuteronomy 6:5-9

  • Provide consistent discipline

    • Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death. – Proverbs 19:18

  • Do not exasperate them, but rather train them in God’s wisdom

    • Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. – Ephesians 6:4

True or False: Love is Dead in my Marriage

false

24. Write a short outline, with Scripture references, of biblical truths to guide your discussion with someone who tells you that love is dead in his marriage.

  • Fights and quarrels come from within ourselves

    • What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? – James 4:1

  • Biblical love is not a feeling; it is an action

    • Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives – 1 Peter 3:1

  •  Biblical love is based solely on God’s past action demonstrated toward us

    • This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. – 1 John 4:10-11

  • Biblical love is a choice

    • Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
      Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
      Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

      “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
      Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12:9-21

True or False: Christian and non-Christian Marriages Experience the Same Rate of Divorce

false (by definition, a “Christian marriage” will not be broken by divorce; see below)

23. What are at least five major elements in a biblical marriage?

1. God has ordained marriage.

They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.”

“It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” – Mark 10:4-12

2. God has established the character of marriage.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. – I John 4:7-12

3.Marriage partners are equal in value.

Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. – I Corinthians 7:11-12

4. God has made the marriage relationship basic to society.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.  – Ephesians 4:21-33

5. God has designed some to receive the blessing of remaining single.

I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.

A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God. – 1 Corinthians 7:32-40

True or False: Biblical Communication is Hyper-Spiritual, Bless the Lord

Untitled

yes, but not in the way you might think…

22. Name at least five characteristics of biblical communication.

1. The recipient of communication should be wise.

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. – Proverbs 9:7-9

2. Communication should occur after facts have been gathered.

To answer before listening—that is folly and shame…The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out…In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,until someone comes forward and cross-examines. – Proverbs 18:13,15,17

3. Communication is always done in love.

…we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. – Ephesians 4:14-15

4. Communication avoids evil and remains thankful.

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. – Ephesians 5:4

5. Communication is designed to build people up.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:25-32

True or False: Love is in the Eye of the Beholder

false

21. Name at least ten characteristics of biblical love.

  1. Love is patient.
  2. Love is kind.
  3. Love is not jealous.
  4. Love does not brag.
  5. Love is not arrogant.
  6. Love is not act or joke rudely.
  7. Love does not look after self.
  8. Love does not become angry (frustrated, upset) easily.
  9. Love does not keep track of wrongs.
  10. Love does not find entertainment in things God calls evil.
  11. Love delights in truth.
  12. Love always protects.
  13. Love always trusts.
  14. Love always hopes.
  15. Love always endures situations.
  16. Love never fails.

(All adapted from 1 Corinthians 13)

True or False: There are Certain People I Cannot Forgive

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19. Name at lease five biblical truths you could tell a fellow believer who said that he “couldn’t forgive another.” List Scripture references.

1.   God’s nature is to forgive

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:6-8

2.   We are to be imitators of God

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – Ephesians 5:1-2

3.   Therefore, we are to forgive out of the overflow of that from which we have been forgiven

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32

4.   We will remain under God’s punishment if we fail to love through forgiveness

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of goldh was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.i He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” – Matthew 18:21-35

5.   Refusing to forgive is sinful

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. – James 4:17

True or False: I Have a Right To Be Angry

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not necessarily…

18. List five ways in which you can know if your anger is a violation of Scripture. List verse references.

  1. Outbursts of anger are of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
  2. Lack of mercy (Eph. 4:32)
  3. Non-edifying words (Eph. 4:29)
  4. Harboring anger (Matthew 5:21-22)
  5. Failing to rejoice/pray/give thanks (1 Thes 5:16-18)

True or False: I Know I’m Going to Heaven Because I Prayed “The Prayer”

not necessarily…

17. List five statements (along with supporting verse references) that emphasize the need for a believer to be a faithful steward of the Lord.

  1. A believer must be demonstrating Christlikeness (1 Cor. 4:1-4)
  2. A believer must give glory to God (1 Cor. 10:31)
  3. A believer must study God’s Word (Psalm 119)
  4. A believer must use the body in accordance with God’s will (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
  5. A believer must use material resources in accordance with proper perspective (Matthew 6:19-21)

True or False: I Need to Love Myself More

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16. What is the primary problem with a believer emphasizing the “need” to have a “good self-esteem” or “positive self-image?” List at least five reasons (with supporting Scriptures) why a focus on self in any dimension is contrary to God’s Word.

These bits of worldy wisdom are under the heading of “self trust.” Psalm 49 says that the fate of people who trust in themselves will be subject to death feeding on them. Isaiah 25, however, promises that God will swallow up death for those who trust in Him. Nothing good is in us according to Romans 7, so trusting in ourselves is worthless! Romans 6:16-18 says that we are a slave to sin on our own. John 15:5 says that we can do nothing apart from Jesus. Proverbs 14:12 says that we might plan our ways but God directs our steps.

True or False: You Don’t Know What I’ve Been Through…

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15. List at least five biblical steps that must be taken in order to walk again in a manner worthy of the Lord after a person has sinned and has recognized it. (Give the supporting Scripture verses).

  1. Identify your failure; recognize the “put-off” components (Matthew 7:1-5)
  2. Confess your sin and pray (James 5:16)
  3. Recognize the “put-on” components (Eph. 4)
  4. Construct a plan for accomplishing the “put-ons” (Philippians 2:12-13)
  5. Live God’s way again (Revelation 2:12-13)

True or False: I Can’t Change; This is the Way I Am

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14. What does it mean to “put off the old” and “put on the new?” (Refer to Romans Chapter 6; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:5-15.)

Putting off the old means to get rid of unloving behavior (crucify the flesh), which God gives believers the power to do by His Spirit. Putting on the new means acting in love as the Spirit enables (new creation).

True or False: Bad Things Happen, God Is Dead

false

13. Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4 state that trials are for a believer’s good. In a brief paragraph, describe how you would explain this spiritual truth to someone who has lost hope in an extremely difficult trial.

Gold is not naturally purified. It takes a lot of heat to melt it so the dross separates and can be scraped off the top. The gold may not find the heat to be at all comfortable, but that’s because it doesn’t have the bigger perspective. God is purifying us, and He uses difficult trials to accomplish a great purity in us; if we persist in faithfulness, he will grow us to maturity–a new creation in which Love is fully formed!

 

True or False: If This is What I Want, Then God Made Me This Way

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12. List at least three “statements of hope” in I Corinthians 10:13. Then explain each of these statements as though you were telling someone how to have hope in any situation. Also explain how you would use this verse with an unbeliever.

“a. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. b. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. c. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

  1. temptations faced are common; many people have faced the situation you are experiencing
  2. God does not allow temptation beyond capacity; God is in control, and ensures that we do not face anything beyond our ability to withstand it
  3. God provides a way out in temptation so we can stand; God has equipped us to find the way out of any temptation we face

 

True or False: You’re OK If You Just Read Your Bible Everyday

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10. List five scriptural references that emphasize the importance of being a “doer of the word.”

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. John 3:36

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. Revelation 22:12

… The man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25

Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed, I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord. Jonah 2:8-9

Jesus replied, “if anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. John 14:23-24

 

True or False: I Please God When I…

false

9. List three reasons – with scripture references – why the natural man cannot please God.

1. The natural man is a sinner

… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Romans 3:23

2. The natural man is inadequate and cannot comprehend God’s ways

The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. I Corinthians 2:14

3. The natural man is rebellious

With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with 10,000 rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruits of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does The Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:6-8