Sunday, April 30th

Throughout our lives, we are inundated with different perspectives concerning how the universe came to be, how long it’s been in existence, and how different people of different faiths and standpoints might view such matters. Many of us have been made to believe that the Bible and science contradict each other. But is that really true? Are faith and science incompatible, or do they fit together just as God intended?

Work through the following Scriptures and questions on your own, and get together with your running partner, Life Group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Growing up, what was your favorite concept to learn about in your science classes?
2. What aspects of faith and science have led you to have the most difficulty believing the two are compatible?
3. How do you usually react when you are skeptical about something? Do you research it? Do you simply continue doubting it? What do you think God would want you to do? How can/do your reactions to feelings of uncertainty or skepticism affect your faith?
4. Because there is evidence that space and time have a beginning (space/time theorems), even atheist scientists are beginning to concede that there must have been a creator (a deistic worldview) or that at least we are unable to rule out a “created” universe. What does evidence like this mean to you as a Christ-follower? If you are not yet following Christ, what does it mean to you as someone who may be exploring faith?
5. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:21. The Bible does not promote blind faith. It invites us to put God’s Word to the test, and if you find it to be true, to act upon it. What areas of your faith might you need to put to the test in order to act upon what you find to be true?
6. With the knowledge that questions and doubts about the compatibility of faith and science can often be a barrier for people to begin believing in God, what steps will you take to become more aware of science and faith’s compatibility and use that knowledge to bolster your personal faith as well as share your faith with people in your life?

KEY SCRIPTURE

1 Thessalonians 5:21 — but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.

DIGGING DEEPER

Looking to dive deeper into the “why science” question? Check out some of the books written by our guest speaker, Hugh Ross.

          

          

Also check out Dr. Ross’ website, called reasons.org. It is chalk full of great information about God and science, including articles, blogs, podcasts, and suggested publications.

Here’s how Dr. Ross and his team describe the site:

RTB’s [Reasons to Believe] mission is to spread the Christian Gospel by demonstrating that sound reason and scientific research—including the very latest discoveries—consistently support, rather than erode, confidence in the truth of the Bible and faith in the personal, transcendent God revealed in both Scripture and nature.

The resources on the site are informative and invaluable!

Spiritual Outcome — Study God