SUMMARY OF PART IV God’s Truth Declaration:I Am the God of Re-Creation—The God of Restoration
Unshakable Truth 8: Jesus' Bodily Resurrection
We believe the truth that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again to transfer us from death to life and secure our eternal salvation.Because there is sufficient evidence that Jesus rose from the dead, we can believe with confidence that he has the power to forgive our sins and reconcile us to God.Christ’s resurrection also assures us that he will raise our dead bodies to live with him for all eternity.
Unshakable Truth 9: The Trinity
We believe the truth that there is one God who is eternally co-existing as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a perfect relationship of oneness.The Holy Spirit is the dynamic, active, and ever-present person of the Trinity who dwells within us, making us intimate with God.When we yield to the Holy Spirit he makes us one with God, confirms our Christlikeness, leads us into all truth, empowers us for service, and brings meaning to our lives.
Unshakable Truth 10: God's Kingdom
We believe the truth that the kingdom-of-God message forms our biblical worldview.God’s kingdom worldview has been a powerful influence for good in this present world for centuries, motivating people to bring aid and comfort to those in need.A biblical worldview provides a supernatural way for Christ-followers to live in this present world.
Unshakable Truth 11: The Church
We believe the truth that the church is Christ’s visible representation on earth, in which his transformed followers individually and collectively fulfill God’s redemptive plan. The authentic church is Christ’s loving community that acts as “salt and light” to draw people to Christ and impacts the culture around it.Jesus’ Great Commandment “to love” and Great Commission “to make disciples” are inseparably linked so that his church meets both the human and spiritual needs of people.
Unshakable Truth 12: The Return of Christ
We believe the truth that Jesus will return to give his followers resurrected bodies that will last forever; abolish sin; and restore the earth to a perfect world, where his children will live with him through all eternity.We can believe with confidence that Jesus will return because he has conquered death through his own resurrection.Until Christ returns, we as his followers are engaged in his mission to reconcile as many people as possible to God.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
SUMMARY OF PART III OF THE UNSHAKABLE TRUTH
SUMMARY OF PART III God’s Truth Declaration: I Am God Incarnate—The God of Redemption
Unshakable Truth 4: God became Human
We believe the truth that God became human. And when we examine the evidence that Jesus is the God-man we can believe this truth with confidence.Jesus Christ’s coming to earth demonstrates to us that even though we are sinners, God accepts us without condition.When we accept others as God accepts us, we form secure and intimate relationships.
Unshakable Truth 5: Christ's Atonement for Sin
We believe the truth that Christ’s death on the cross is an atonement for our sin so that we may be redeemed by God. We can believe this with confidence because there is sufficient evidence to establish the truth that Jesus is God’s Son—a perfect and acceptable sacrifice.Christ’s sacrificial death is relevant to us specifically because it demonstrates Christ’s love for us and enables God to forgive us our sins.Christ’s sacrificial death also defines what real love is, a love we are to demonstrate to others. And when we do this we experience the joy of lasting love relationships.
Unshakable Truth 6: Justification through Faith
We believe the truth that being justified before God and completely forgiven of sin is by God’s grace through faith alone in Jesus.Because there is sufficient evidence that Christ is the Son of God, we can believe with confidence that our justification is secure.When we experience a relationship with God, being redeemed, justified, sanctified, and adopted as his child, we are changed from dead to alive and have joyful expectation of eternal life.
We believe the truth that our relationship with God transforms us into a new person.We can believe this truth with confidence as we see our life being consistently changed into the image of God’s Son. As we are conformed to the image of God, we discover our purpose for living—to honor God by being and living like Christ. We can know why we are here.
From Josh & Sean McDowell's book The Unshakable Truth
Unshakable Truth 4: God became Human
We believe the truth that God became human. And when we examine the evidence that Jesus is the God-man we can believe this truth with confidence.Jesus Christ’s coming to earth demonstrates to us that even though we are sinners, God accepts us without condition.When we accept others as God accepts us, we form secure and intimate relationships.
Unshakable Truth 5: Christ's Atonement for Sin
We believe the truth that Christ’s death on the cross is an atonement for our sin so that we may be redeemed by God. We can believe this with confidence because there is sufficient evidence to establish the truth that Jesus is God’s Son—a perfect and acceptable sacrifice.Christ’s sacrificial death is relevant to us specifically because it demonstrates Christ’s love for us and enables God to forgive us our sins.Christ’s sacrificial death also defines what real love is, a love we are to demonstrate to others. And when we do this we experience the joy of lasting love relationships.
Unshakable Truth 6: Justification through Faith
We believe the truth that being justified before God and completely forgiven of sin is by God’s grace through faith alone in Jesus.Because there is sufficient evidence that Christ is the Son of God, we can believe with confidence that our justification is secure.When we experience a relationship with God, being redeemed, justified, sanctified, and adopted as his child, we are changed from dead to alive and have joyful expectation of eternal life.
We believe the truth that our relationship with God transforms us into a new person.We can believe this truth with confidence as we see our life being consistently changed into the image of God’s Son. As we are conformed to the image of God, we discover our purpose for living—to honor God by being and living like Christ. We can know why we are here.
From Josh & Sean McDowell's book The Unshakable Truth
SUMMARY OF PART II OF THE UNSHAKABLE TRUTH
SUMMARY OF PART II God’s Truth Declaration:
I am the God of Creation—The God of Relationships
Unshakable Truth 1: God Exists
We believe the truth that an infinite, personal God exists, and that there is sufficient evidence to allow us to believe that truth with confidence.God’s existence is relevant to us specifically because we were created in his likeness. That likeness gives us the capacity for loving relationships.When we explore our relational capacity to know and be known, we discover our true identity as a child of a real and relational God. This discovery allows us to know who we are.
Unshakable Truth 2: God's Word
We believe the truth that the Bible is God’s revelation of himself to us, which in turn discloses his character to us. From his character emanate his ways, which, the Bible declares, are the pattern for us to follow in all our actions.Because the Bible has been reliably passed down from one generation to another we can believe with confidence that it reflects an accurate revelation of God and his truth. When we follow God’s ways and live out the truths of Scripture we can experience God’s protection and provision and live the life of joy that he meant for us to live.
Unshakable Truth 3: Original Sin
We believe the truth that God created humans to relate to him lovingly, but that relationship was destroyed because of original sin.Sin was passed to the entire human race, and consequently all are born spiritually dead and utterly helpless to gain favor with God. We can believe this truth with confidence because historically we see the devastating consequences of sin.Our sin nature prods us to follow our own ways. When we resist our sin nature, compare our attitudes and actions to God, and commit to his ways, he empowers us to make godly choices. Right choices will enable us to enjoy God’s provision and protection in life.
I am the God of Creation—The God of Relationships
Unshakable Truth 1: God Exists
We believe the truth that an infinite, personal God exists, and that there is sufficient evidence to allow us to believe that truth with confidence.God’s existence is relevant to us specifically because we were created in his likeness. That likeness gives us the capacity for loving relationships.When we explore our relational capacity to know and be known, we discover our true identity as a child of a real and relational God. This discovery allows us to know who we are.
Unshakable Truth 2: God's Word
We believe the truth that the Bible is God’s revelation of himself to us, which in turn discloses his character to us. From his character emanate his ways, which, the Bible declares, are the pattern for us to follow in all our actions.Because the Bible has been reliably passed down from one generation to another we can believe with confidence that it reflects an accurate revelation of God and his truth. When we follow God’s ways and live out the truths of Scripture we can experience God’s protection and provision and live the life of joy that he meant for us to live.
Unshakable Truth 3: Original Sin
We believe the truth that God created humans to relate to him lovingly, but that relationship was destroyed because of original sin.Sin was passed to the entire human race, and consequently all are born spiritually dead and utterly helpless to gain favor with God. We can believe this truth with confidence because historically we see the devastating consequences of sin.Our sin nature prods us to follow our own ways. When we resist our sin nature, compare our attitudes and actions to God, and commit to his ways, he empowers us to make godly choices. Right choices will enable us to enjoy God’s provision and protection in life.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Unshakable Truth 5: Christ's Atonement for Sin
HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS (From The Unshakable Truth Study Guide)
The idea of forgiveness is to set a person free of the offense against you, and that always comes at a cost. Think of a time someone wronged you. Explain the cost physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially, and so on, that was required of you to forgive that person. What sacrifice did you have to make to forgive?
Romans 3:20 and 23 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%203&version=CEV)
20 God doesn’t accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin.
23 All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.
Hebrews 7:26-28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%207:26-28&version=CEV)
26 Jesus is the high priest we need. He is holy and innocent and faultless, and not at all like us sinners. Jesus is honored above all beings in heaven, 27 and he is better than any other high priest. Jesus doesn’t need to offer sacrifices each day for his own sins and then for the sins of the people. He offered a sacrifice once for all, when he gave himself. 28 The Law appoints priests who have weaknesses. But God’s promise, which came later than the Law, appoints his Son. And he is the perfect high priest forever.
Romans 8:1-2 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:1-2&version=CEV)
8 If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won’t be punished. 2 The Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus and will set you[a] free from sin and death.
John 13:34 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013:34&version=CEV)
34 But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you.
1 John 3:16 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%203:16&version=CEV)
16 We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. That’s why we must give our lives for each other.
Romans 4:6-8 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%204:6-8&version=CEV)
John 1:29 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201:29&version=CEV)
Hebrews 7:26-28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%207:26-28&version=CEV)
26 Jesus is the high priest we need. He is holy and innocent and faultless, and not at all like us sinners. Jesus is honored above all beings in heaven, 27 and he is better than any other high priest. Jesus doesn’t need to offer sacrifices each day for his own sins and then for the sins of the people. He offered a sacrifice once for all, when he gave himself. 28 The Law appoints priests who have weaknesses. But God’s promise, which came later than the Law, appoints his Son. And he is the perfect high priest forever.
Romans 8:1-2 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:1-2&version=CEV)
8 If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won’t be punished. 2 The Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus and will set you[a] free from sin and death.
John 13:34 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013:34&version=CEV)
34 But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you.
1 John 3:16 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%203:16&version=CEV)
16 We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. That’s why we must give our lives for each other.
Romans 4:6-8 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%204:6-8&version=CEV)
6 In the Scriptures David talks about the blessings that come to people who are acceptable to God, even though they don’t do anything to deserve these blessings. David says,
7 “God blesses people
whose sins are forgiven
and whose evil deeds
are forgotten.
8 The Lord blesses people
whose sins are erased
from his book.”
whose sins are forgiven
and whose evil deeds
are forgotten.
8 The Lord blesses people
whose sins are erased
from his book.”
John 1:29 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201:29&version=CEV)
29 The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said:
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Also see Christ's Atonement for Sin Index
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Unshakable Truth 4: God became Human
HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS (From The Unshakable Truth Study Guide)
Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to save us?
“Yes, I believe Jesus is the one sent to save us because….”
“I have doubts or can’t explain why I believe Jesus is sent to save us because….”
When it really comes down to it, does it matter if Jesus was God in human form? Isn’t it his teachings that are the important thing? If you agree it doesn’t matter if Jesus is God’s Son, and it’s really all about his teachings, then why is that the case?
Or, if you think it’s very important that Jesus is God’s Son, then why?
Romans 5: 6-8 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5&version=CEV)
6 Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person.8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.
Genesis 6:6-7 (
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%206:6-7&version=CEV )
6 He was very sorry that he had made them, 7 and he said, “I’ll destroy every living creature on earth! I’ll wipe out people, animals, birds, and reptiles. I’m sorry I ever made them.”
14 The Word became
a human being
and lived here with us.
We saw his true glory,
the glory of the only Son
of the Father.
From him all the kindness
and all the truth of God
have come down to us.
Ephesians 1:9 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%201:9&version=CEV)
9 and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways.
Also see God became Human Index
Monday, June 11, 2012
Unshakable Truth - Worldview Dialog Summer 2012
For teachers, parents, grandparents, of students going into grades
1-12,and students going itno grades 7-12 students.
This dialog relates to Josh and Shawn McDowell's book see and a Christian Perspective on the Alberta Social Studies Curriculum. See Developing a Christian Worldview in Alberta. For more information or if you are unable to make July 4th session, send an email to factsc@gmail.com.
This is part of our Teke it Home Alberta - Summer 2012 Drop in Program. Click on link to learn more.
All activities are free and open to anyone. They will take place in room 108 at Beulah Alliance Church West Campus 178th Street and 98a Avenue.
Registration and Orientation July 4th at 6:30 pm Unshakable Truth Introduction starts at starts 7pm.
This dialog relates to Josh and Shawn McDowell's book see and a Christian Perspective on the Alberta Social Studies Curriculum. See Developing a Christian Worldview in Alberta. For more information or if you are unable to make July 4th session, send an email to factsc@gmail.com.
This is part of our Teke it Home Alberta - Summer 2012 Drop in Program. Click on link to learn more.
All activities are free and open to anyone. They will take place in room 108 at Beulah Alliance Church West Campus 178th Street and 98a Avenue.
Registration and Orientation July 4th at 6:30 pm Unshakable Truth Introduction starts at starts 7pm.
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