When the going gets tough, the tough sometimes turn to words to comfort and sustain. A “verbal Band-Aid”; perhaps, to give the boost or reassurance needed to get through. You’ve possibly said some of these phrases yourself, and you’ve almost certainly heard them said. But what if rather than being helpful, the phrases are misleading and, instead of comforting, they maybe even create holes in our faith.
Adam Hamilton’s book, Half Truths, challenges us to re-examine these phrases and think more deeply about the Christian and biblical basis underpinning what we say and what we really believe.
This discussion will do more than look at the phrases below – along the way we’ll explore our basic understanding of God, our relationship with Him, and how we relate to others. Thought-provoking and inspiring, Hamilton asks us to reflect on our faith and reassess how we look at situations and challenges in the world today.
The group will be lead by Gill Le Fevre and take place on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm in the Youth Hall.
Please register for the group at the church office. The book can be purchased from Amazon.ca for $25.
Oct 11 – Everything happens for a reason
Oct 18 – God helps those who help themselves
Nov 1 – God won’t give you more than you can handle
Nov 15 – God said it, I believe it, that settles it
Nov 29 – Love the sinner, hate the sin & Epilogue
The book is very easy to dip into, so feel free to pick the sessions that appeal to you the most!
● Questioning beliefs can make us defensive and irritated
● Scripture needs to be interpreted and this can create differing views
● The book doesn’t suggest that these statements are entirely false
● Important to examine these statements, because they can create false conclusions about God and even push people away from God
● Usually said in time of suffering, aiming to console
● Extending the logic can lead to silly extremes or troubling questions
Challenges:
● Eliminates concept of personal responsibility
● Makes God responsible for everything, good and bad
● Can lead to fatalism and indifference
● Calvin believed everything happens by God’s will and command
● “God gave us a brain, a heart, a conscience, his Spirit, the scriptures, and the ability to interpret them as guides to help us select the right path.”
● God seeks to influence us; and he gives us freedom to make choices
● God does work in us and through us; God-incidence vs coincidence
● There can be times when there is a reason things happen; and God will try to bring good purpose out of bad situations
Questions to consider:
● How do you feel about God giving us choice between good and evil?
● When have you felt God nudging you in your life? (“God-incidence”)
● Can you see where God has used painful situations to bring about good?
Scripture to read: Deuteronomy 30:19-20; Romans 8:28
Join the discussion: Tues Oct 11, 7:30pm, and afterwards at www.facebook.com/waltonmemorial
