In this second session on “How Can There Be One True Religion?” Pastor Ron Kool focuses on how Christians should respond when someone they love says, “I don’t believe what you believe anymore.” Instead of rushing into arguments, he urges us to pray first, pick a wise time and place, and be clear on our goals—whether that’s inviting them to rethink, clarifying our beliefs, or simply learning how to live together in disagreement.

He encourages Christians to admit hard truths: that believers have often been arrogant and intolerant, that we can’t offer airtight proof for our faith, and that as humans we must humbly admit, “I could be wrong,” even while fully believing the gospel.

Pastor Ron Kool distinguishes dialogue (listening and understanding) from debate (trying to persuade) and says we should usually start with patient listening, fair questions, and honest representation of the other person’s view. When it’s time to give reasons, he shows how many objections to exclusivism are inconsistent and how Christianity’s message of grace, humility, and a Savior who died for his enemies actually pushes believers toward love, not arrogance, as we point others to Jesus.

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In the wonderful Christmas carol Joy to the World, we sing the words, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” We need to do that! This morning, we begin the season of Advent—a time when we prepare room in our hearts for Jesus to come to us.  Today, we begin by recognizing that, more than anything else, we need Jesus. - Pastor Ron Kool

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Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on the goodness of God in our daily lives, provisions, relationships, and in God's faithfulness. This Thanksgiving, Pastor Morné Marais will share on being thankful for hope.

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We all have rhythms in our lives—patterns, certain times when we do certain things.  This morning, we’ll see that God knows we need some of those patterns in our lives, as we look at the rituals, celebrations, and offerings that God called upon Israel to practice.  And we’ll think about how those practices might impact our rhythms of life today. - Pastor Ron Kool

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Pastor Ron Kool opens by noting the enormous religious diversity in the world—over 11,000 religions—yet almost everyone falls into seven major groups, with Christianity and Islam comprising more than half of the global population. Using worldwide and North American statistics, he highlights the rapid rise of the religiously “non-affiliated” and the decline of Christianity in the West, which increases our proximity to people of different faiths.

From there, he introduces the idea of religious exclusivism—the belief that only one faith is ultimately true—and shows that Scripture supports this claim. He then explores why many people push back against exclusivism today, citing concerns about arrogance, cultural bias, and the fear that exclusive truth claims create conflict. The session ends by acknowledging these tensions and preparing to address how Christians can thoughtfully respond in the next part.

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God's people are just about to head into the Promised Land, but are completely unaware of a threat behind the scenes. The prophet Balaam was hired to curse the Israelites and damage their relationship with the God of Israel. What we'll explore together this Sunday is how God can turn the intended curses of others into blessings, promises, and hope for our future. - Pastor Arek O'Connell

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God’s people are on the move and the nations around them are getting extremely nervous.  They band together and call on a Prophet for Profit—Balaam.  Balaam knows God and knows he should obey God.  But, like us, sometimes it’s hard for Balaam to obey God when there is so much money on the line. - Pastor Ron Kool

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In this session, Pastor Arek O'Connell explores the central Christian claim that Jesus is truly God. He begins by affirming that for Christians, the trustworthiness of Scripture matters deeply because so much rests on what it says about Jesus. He unpacks how the Gospels present Jesus claiming divinity—not only through his words, but through his miracles, forgiveness of sins, fulfillment of prophecy, resurrection, and the worship he receives. He then addresses objections: Was Jesus simply a great moral teacher or prophet? Was the Divine claim added later? Pastor Arek O'Connell points to historical, textual, and archaeological evidence that the Gospel accounts are reliable.

The takeaway is that believing in Jesus as God is not mere faith without basis—but faith grounded in historical claims, the character of the witnesses, and the power of the risen Christ.

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In one of the strangest and most memorable stories in the book of Numbers, God sends salvation to His people—but it’s a bronze snake on a pole! The people at the time didn’t know it, but that snake on a pole would become a great picture of Jesus. - Pastor Ron Kool

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One of the lessons we’re learning about being in the wilderness with God is that the wilderness is a mixed bag.  There are extremely difficult moments followed by instances of amazing grace.  This morning, we’ll see that so clearly as we come to one of the saddest, most graceful chapters in the book of Numbers. - Pastor Ron Kool

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