Our culture is increasingly un-Christian. Hence, many people are likely unsure about the existence of God, objective truth, Jesus of Nazareth, and creation ex nihilo. God calls us in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks about the hope that we have in Christ. Five things stand out in this verse; God calls to be in (1) a posture of constant readiness (2) to defend the faith (3) without human discrimination (4) in order to provide the rationale for our hope (5) in a winsome manner. Skeptics and unbelievers have good questions; Christianity has the answer!

We know what it is like to run the “hamster wheel” of work, deadlines, homework, and projects. Demands upon us, our families, and our time say, “More, more, more.” Weekends come around, and many times, the frantic pace continues – even increases. The result? We deplete ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What if God and Jesus had a different rhythm for our lives? What would it look like to get in-line with His rhythm of resting, then working … or “working from rest [in Him]” rather trying to rest from endless work? Let’s turn to God’s design for us from the very beginning!

One of the hardest attributes of God to understand can be His omnipresence. Textual questions for Gen 35: Bethel means “House of God.” What does this tell you about God’s presence with Jacob? What does the end of v3 teach? How does it comfort you? God’s presence means that we rid ourselves of idols (v4). What idols want to grip your heart? Where does God promise He is present with you now? Where have you seen His presence in your story? In church? In this world?

God is a gracious God. Grace means He gives us what we do not deserve. Textual questions for Eph 2:1-10: What do vv1-3 tell you? How many times does Paul use the word “grace” in these verses? How many additional grace-filled words does he employ? We are not saved by works, but for works. How important are the prepositions “by” and “for”? Where have you seen God’s grace in this world? In your story? In your salvation?

Textual questions for 2 Cor 1:18-22: Paul makes some stunning claims! See 2 Cor 1:8-9 to get the context. God is not faithful in a general, vague way. What does Paul specifically teach us about God’s faithfulness? Someone once counted God’s promises in the Bible. They number over 7,000! Where have you seen God’s faithfulness in your story? In your salvation? How does His faithfulness invite your trust today?

Have you ever wondered how air traffic controllers can manage thousands of airplanes in our airspace at the same time? How about THE GOD who oversees +8 billion people, a universe, heaven, and everything under-the-earth all at the same time? Textual questions from Ps 47: How many times does this Psalm say God is a King? What does He rule over? What is the psalm’s response to God’s kingship - His sovereignty? Vs8 says, “God sits on His holy throne.” We all try to sit on the throne, thinking that we are in charge. How has that worked for you lately? Where have you seen God’s sovereignty in this world? In your story? In your salvation?

One of the greatest attributes of THE ONLY GOD is that He is love. Love is not primarily an emotion or fuzzy feeling; rather, love is a commitment that is willing to do anything for and pay any price for the beloved. Textual questions for Ephesians 3: why does Paul describe God’s love as wide, long, high, and deep? The apostle says that God’s love surpasses knowledge. What do you think he means by that? What are some other biblical texts that describe God’s love? Share one of those this week with someone who feels unloved.

Our God is sovereign; He is almighty, all-powerful, and always in complete control.

God’s omniscience is hard for our earthly minds to comprehend. In fact, AI and the world’s supercomputers do not even come close to the all-knowing God. He knows everything about everyone and everything for all-time, which includes you and your needs now. In fact, He even knows you personally in His Son! Bask in that knowledge today.

Christian freedom rightly used in love and vocation