Why would anyone in our modern culture still cling to relics of the past? What good are the ancient superstitions and close-minded restrictions of a book written by Middle Eastern peasants two thousand years ago? To put it plainly: Isn’t Christianity too narrow for our progressive culture? We have many choices—from the products we buy and the time we spend to the various religious options of a pluralistic society. But one invitation continues to beckon us. It is not a narrow, exclusive, or restrictive command. Rather, it is the simple invitation of Jesus to all who are interested: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

If God is all good and all powerful, why is there pain and suffering in the world? There is perhaps no greater challenge to faith; it is a question that has plagued humanity since our very first thoughts about God. No matter the reason, it seems pain and suffering are unavoidable; we seemingly have no choice in the matter. What we do control is our reaction, how we deal with our pain, and what we do with our experience. How will you respond when things go bad–will you lament, or look forward? Will you ask, "Why me?" or "What now?"

We all think about God from time to time, even if we conclude we do not believe. It’s nearly impossible not to consider it occasionally. The problem for some of us is, if God doesn’t write back, eventually we wonder if he even exists. Have you been there before? Are you there now? Though he might not write his name in the sky or respond to your prayer with a handwritten note, God has given us lots of indications of his presence. If you have questions about God, you’re welcome here!

Many of us do not spend a lot of time thinking about our purpose, at least on a cosmic scale. But the times we do can be pretty troubling, especially if we suspect that there is no purpose. On the other hand, even for those who believe that our lives are heading somewhere—who believe there is an ultimate meaning—finding answers to life’s simple, everyday questions can be difficult. In this first session of Explore God, we invite you to consider how you live your life and why–as if God exists, or not.

In John 14:1-14, Jesus comforts his disciples, assuring them not to be troubled and to have faith in God the Father and in Him as the Son. He speaks of preparing a place in heaven for them and emphasizes that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one can come to the Father except through Him. Jesus also promises them that they will do great works and that their prayers will be answered, bringing glory to God.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20, the apostle Paul reflects on his ministry in Thessalonica, emphasizing that he and his companions preached the gospel with sincerity and integrity, not seeking personal gain or glory. They faced persecution but were undeterred in sharing the message of Christ's salvation. Paul also expresses his deep affection for the Thessalonian believers and his desire to be with them.

In John 13:18-38, Jesus predicts his betrayal by one of his disciples, later revealed to be Judas Iscariot. He emphasizes the importance of love and humility among his followers, giving them the commandment to love one another as he has loved them. Jesus also foretells Peter's denial of him three times before the rooster crows.

In John 13:1-17, Jesus and His disciples gather for a meal before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus being fully aware that he would soon be betrayed by Judas and crucified. Despite his authority, Jesus washes the disciples' feet as an act of service. Initially, Peter objects, but Jesus insists, and He proceeds to wash their feet, challenging them (and us) to follow His example of sacrificial love.

In John 12:20-50, some Greeks approach Philip expressing a desire to see Jesus. Jesus then speaks about his impending death, comparing it to a grain that must fall and die to bear much fruit. He emphasizes the importance of believing in Him as the light, while warning about the consequences of rejecting him. This passage invites us to examine our own relationship with Jesus. Are we seeking after Him, or turning away from Him?

In John 11:45-12:19, following the resurrection of Lazarus, the religious leaders become increasingly alarmed by Jesus's growing influence and the crowds drawn to him. They convene to discuss their concerns and the potential threat to their authority. Meanwhile, Jesus attends a dinner in his honor at the home of Lazarus, where Mary anoints his feet with expensive perfume, foreshadowing his impending death and burial.