Christianity - Message Study Questions
Part of What's the Difference?
January 1, 2023

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Christianity - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

Christianity is the gospel. God, the almighty, eternal, creator, is a personal God who is infinitely loving and just. Because God is infinitely holy, he must punish sin, embodied in human selfishness, pride and imperfection. Because God is infinite love, he desires a restored relationship with humankind. God solved that problem by sending his son, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, to earth to die on the cross, pay for our sins and purchase a place for us in heaven. This forgiveness and its attending eternal life is now offered to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ.

Counterfeit gospels include: we’re all basically good people, believe in yourself—self is God, Jesus is not the only way, the prosperity gospel, and faith in Jesus, plus something else will save me. But in the true gospel, Jesus is enough.

  1. How would your life differ if you had to earn God’s acceptance and somehow work off your sins? Who’d get the glory, and who’d be in control?

  2. How did you come to faith in Christ? Did anyone share the Gospel with you?

Consider This

The Trinitarian Triangle. God is eternal—he existed before time, space and matter were created. He is distinct from the creation. God is the unique, the One and only—unity. But He exists in three co-equal persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit—diversity. Without this diversity, God could not have the attribute of Love independent from the creation. Only the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit can exist in a loving relationship from all eternity. Only the Bible teaches a triune God, and only a triune God solves the need for unity and diversity in God.

  1. Who is God according to Genesis 1:1 and Isaiah 44:24?

    • Was anyone else involved in creation?

  2. How is Jesus revealed in the New Testament and the Old Testament according to Isaiah 44:6 and Revelation 1:17-18?

    • Is there any other God?

  3. How would you define sin?

  4. Since God is just and therefore must punish all transgressions (Nahum 1:3b), how can He forgive believers’ sins?

    • Where does the punishment for our sins go? (Isaiah 53:6, Col. 2:13-14)

    • How does this affect your feelings toward God and the way you live?

  5. Read Colossians 1:21-22. If you are in Christ, how does God see you right this moment?

  6. Are you sure that you are redeemed, a child of God? Read 1 John 5:11-13.

    • How does that affect your relationship with God, with others?

    • How does that affect your confidence regarding your future?

  7. What is the difference between Christianity and every other religion and worldview?

Moving Forward—Application

  1. Which “empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense,” (Col 2:8) are you most susceptible to being captured by? How can you defend yourself from wrong thinking?

  2. Jesus said, “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). How can you apply this command to your life this week regarding the gospel?

  3. Is there something that you need supernatural power for this week?
    This week, read Isaiah 31:1, Psalm 119:28, Proverbs 24:5, Ephesians 3:16 and 1 Thessalonians 3:2. Write out how these principles might apply to your need.