Questions 2025 10/22

Questions:

How do I know if these are signs from God or coincidence?

1. Know your Bible 

God’s Word helps you discern His voice from coincidence.

Psalm 119:105 ESV

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Your emotions can go up and down. Your emotions will sometimes try to change the truth. It is very easy for emotion to take over and for you to start believing in the lie. Knowing more of your bible will allow you to make a guided judgement.

The bible says to test the spirits. Test what kind of pops up and see if it aligns with the word.

2. Pray 

Seek God’s wisdom directly through prayer.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

James 1:5 ESV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Prayer is huge. You must spend time daily with God. And not just daily but constantly. He should be your friend. He should be the one you go to for help. God can answer your requests. They might be harded to decipher but praying to Him and aligning your thoughts with His thoughts will help you.

Sometiems I feel like those who pray so much without reading the bible can fall into the trap of taking signs without backing it up from scripture. I then feel like sometimes those who read the bibile alot and don’t pray alot miss out on the very signs God wants them to. You need both. You cannot have one without the other.

3. Consult with those you trust 

God often gives confirmation and wisdom through others.

Proverbs 15:22 ESV

22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 11:14 ESV

14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

I always hope that you all would feel comfrotable with talking to any leader here. I speak for every leader and those that couldn’t make it today that we love to have conversations like this. We thrive on this. We are weird but never feel burdened by a question or conversation like this, we love you all and want to help you in any way we can.

4. Check for Confirmation through the Fruit

(Explain what fruit of Christ means)

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

This is what you should look for when it is from God. It might not always be easy, and sometimes it takes time. That’s why it’s important to check for confirmation. Reading the Bible helps you recognize God’s voice. Prayer keeps you aware and connected to Him. Consulting with trusted leaders provides wise guidance and helps confirm the fruit of what you’re sensing. Ask yourself: Does this bring glory to God? Does it produce genuine good in my life? Does it draw me closer to Jesus?

I do believe number one is one of the most important ones but one thing that I do want to clarify tonight is this question:

But how do I know if the Bible Trustworthy?

Two episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhVPBNBAGY0&list=PLi3Emd5KCgRzOMl1djC_5YpYheog_I9OA&index=2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkmLCWeORaQ&list=PLi3Emd5KCgRzOMl1djC_5YpYheog_I9OA&index=3

What is the Trinity?

The Trinity is made up of these three beings, or as we say, three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The word Trinity means “three in one.” This is something that confuses many Christians, yet it also sets Christianity apart from every other religion. Many religions may have many gods, but they are not one. Others may have one god, but that god is not three Persons. The Trinity is one of the most important doctrines in Christianity. It can be confusing and difficult to grasp, but it’s worth at least trying to understand.

We first need to start with understanding:

Who is God the Father?

God is the head of the Trinity. He is the one who is the creator, author, and ultimately seems to be the functional head of the Trinity. He is equal to God the son and God the spirit but He tends to have a different responsibility. He is the planner, source, and initiator of all things. Jesus modeled this in prayer where you see a sense of God is above Him and how He asks for God’s will to be done:

Matthew 6:9–10 ESV

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

There are so many things about God the Father, but for the sake of time: Here are five things to know about God the Father:

1. God is Creator and Sustainer He made all things and holds everything together. Everything exists because of Him, and His rule is over all creation.

Psalm 103:19 ESV

19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

2. God is Loving and Personal He desires a relationship with His children and adopts us as His sons and daughters.

1 John 3:1 ESV

1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

3. God is Holy He is set apart, perfect, and beyond anything in creation. His holiness defines His character and separates Him from sin.

Isaiah 6:3 ESV

3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

4. God is Provider He cares for our daily needs and governs all things according to His will.

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

5. God is Sovereign and All-Powerful He governs the world, sends Jesus for salvation, and accomplishes His will perfectly. His plans cannot fail.

Daniel 4:35 ESV

35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

Who is God the son?

Most people might be more familiar with Jesus but there is still so much more that we don’t know

Jesus came to restore that separation, redeem our sin, and give us the freedom to fight it. The way to receive this salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ.

But who is Jesus? This is a question we’re meant to ask, because Jesus Himself asked questions and wants us to think deeply about Him.

1. Jesus was historically real. Jesus walked the earth, confirmed not only in Scripture but by historians like Tacitus and Josephus, who documented His life, teachings, and crucifixion. This is important because it shows the foundation of our faith is rooted in historical reality.

2. Jesus is God. He claimed to be God, saying, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), which led religious leaders to accuse Him of blasphemy. Beyond His claims, He proved His divinity through miracles, fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and lived a sinless life (1 Peter 2:22). C.S. Lewis famously said that Jesus must be Liar, Lunatic, or Lord — there’s no neutral option.

3. Jesus is eternal and powerful. In John 8:58, we see that Jesus existed before Abraham:

John 8:58 ESV

58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

Abraham was an ancient figure so to say this, that would be kind of crazy. He is able to say this though because Jesus has existed eternally and forever we see how He is exactly God:

Hebrews 1:3–4 ESV

3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

This passage alone is a verse to support the Trinity as God and Jesus are the exact imprints of nature.

4. Jesus is fully human. Though divine, He humbled Himself to live as a man, growing in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:40, 52), experiencing hunger, temptation, sorrow, and joy, yet without sin. He prayed to His Father, spent time with others, and built deep relationships (John 15:15).

5. Jesus humbled Himself to save us. He endured betrayal, mockery, torture, crucifixion, and even separation from the Father to redeem humanity (Philippians 2:5–8; Matthew 26:39). He rose again, conquering death, so that all who believe in Him receive eternal life (John 3:16).

In summary: Jesus is fully God, fully human, sinless, and eternal. He humbled Himself to enter our world, live among us, die for our sins, and rise again so we could be reconciled to God. Faith in Him is the only way to receive salvation and experience the abundant life He promises.

Who is the spirit?

The holy spirit is the third person of the trinity and might be one of the more difficult ones to add to the trinity but we will see how the Holy Spirit is also God. Many people this is just God as scripture says that God is spirit but there is something different about the Spirit and how it operates.

The Spirit is a Person

There is a website that I used to go to often and still do on occasion but I would recommend all of you to go to it, it’s called “Got Questions.org” and I think you all would benefit immensly from that resource to look up questions. I want to quote exactly what it says about how God is a person:

“Scripture presents the Holy Spirit as a divine person. He thinks and knows (1 Corinthians 2:10–11). He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). He intercedes (Romans 8:26–27), makes decisions according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:7–11), and comforts and counsels (John 14:16, 26; 15:26). The Spirit appoints specific people to specific tasks (see Acts 13:2; 20:28).”

2. The Holy Spirit is Active

The holy spirit is one that works in the believer.

John 14:26 ESV

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

The holy spirit is one that is actually guiding you to know God more. The holy spirit helps open your eyes. The holy spirit convicts you when you do something wrong. I have felt this conviction before. Sometimes its this foggyness. This remorse. This is how it operates in us. The holy spirit seems to almost be more like the active force of how God is getting His plan to be done.

The holy spirit is active in salvation. in fact the Holy spirit is how you can be sure you will never lose your salvation.

Ephesians 1:13 ESV

13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

The holy spirit works in you and protects you.

3. The Holy Spirit is God

There are many ways that we know the Holy Spirit is God. The bible says that He is eternal (Hebrews 9:14), all-knowing (1 Corinthians 2:10–11), and active in creation (Genesis 1:2). He gives life (Romans 8:11), inspires Scripture (2 Peter 1:21), and indwells believers as God’s presence (1 Corinthians 6:19).

But there is one passage of scripture that I will point you to that I believe nails this.

In Acts 4, the early church is growing rapidly. Believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly preaching, and living in deep unity. The passage ends with a description of the believers’ radical generosity—many were selling their land or possessions and giving the money to help anyone in need. One example of this is Barnabas, who sold a field and laid all the money at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:36–37).

Then, in Acts 5:1–4, Luke, the writer, contrasts Barnabas’s sincere generosity with Ananias and Sapphira, who sold property but secretly kept part of the money while pretending to donate the full amount. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, exposes their deception, saying,

Acts 5:3–4 ESV

3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”

Here we see a direct comparison of how the Holy Spirit is God. Actually, this action is so messed up that Ananias and Saphira died.

The Trinity?

One of the most popular verses that people use often when baptizing people and part of our Church’s mission is Matthew 28:19

Matthew 28:19 ESV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Here we see all three in one statement. All three are God. We don’t worship gods, we worship God. 3 Persons yet one being.

Unfortunately, there are no analogies that can explain it perfectly. In many parts of the Bible, we can use analogies to help describe difficult topics. Jesus used parables—something similar to analogies—to communicate hard truths. But with the Trinity, we don’t get a perfect analogy. The word Trinity is not even mentioned in the Bible. However, just because the word isn’t there doesn’t mean the concept doesn’t exist or isn’t true.

This happens often in life. Sometimes I learn a new word to describe something I’ve already been experiencing. Sometimes I hear a song that perfectly expresses how I feel. Have you ever experienced that? I have. Words can fall short, but descriptions can connect deeply. This is how the Trinity works: we have the description of God as three Persons, even if the word “Trinity” itself isn’t in Scripture.

The word Trinity was first coined (meaning “three in one”) around A.D. 200 by a Christian theologian, one who studies God, named Tertullian. Other theologians used similar words, such as “trias,” which meant “threefold.” People reading Scripture were noticing a very important truth about God: there are three Persons, each with different roles, yet all fully God. The description of the Trinity was already believed by many Christians long before the word existed.

The term eventually became recognized in the church through the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople:

The Council of Nicaea (325) brought together bishops from across the Christian world to declare that Jesus is fully God, “of the same essence” as the Father.

The Council of Constantinople (381) later affirmed the full divinity of the Holy Spirit, completing the church’s formal understanding of the Trinity.

No one had an issue acknowledging that God the Father is God, but there was debate about the Son and the Spirit. Scripture, however, clearly shows that all three are God, yet they are distinct Persons.

I know I mentioned earlier that there are no perfect analogies, but I do want to share one that C.S. Lewis uses in his book Mere Christianity. He compares the Trinity to dimensions and I’ll summarize:

The Father is like a line (one-dimensional).

The Son adds another dimension, becoming a square (two-dimensional).

The Holy Spirit adds the third, forming a cube (three-dimensional).

The point is that each Person is fully God, yet together they exist in a way that goes beyond our limited human understanding—just as a cube is more than a line or a square. C.S Lewis States:

"In God's dimension, so to speak, you find a being who is three Persons while remaining one Being, just as a cube is six squares while remaining one cube." 

"The human level is a simple and rather empty level. On the human level one person is one being, and any two persons are two separate beings – just as, in two dimensions (say on a flat sheet of paper) one square is one figure, and any two squares are two separate figures. On the Divine level you still find personalities; but up there you find them combined in new ways which we, who do not live on that level, cannot imagine."

The Trinity is something that is beautiful. The trinity represents love. Perfect communion. The Trinity represents unity.

The Trinity is important because we worship one God who exists and works in three distinct Persons.

Ephesians 4:4–6 ESV

4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

I hope you find this passage powerful and that it draws you into greater awe of God. He is not meant to be a being we can simply wrap our minds around. If He is truly this powerful God, He operates on a dimension beyond our full understanding. The temptation in life is to make God manageable—fit Him into what we understand and how we want to live—rather than letting Him be as amazing as He is, letting His holiness (which means “set apart”) overwhelm us and inspire us trust in Him and have faith in Him.

In Isaiah 55, we see that God invites His people to come and receive life, forgiveness, and satisfaction from Him, rather than chasing their own ways or relying on their own understanding. He is speaking to a people who are tempted to trust in their own plans and desires and making up their own gods. gods that they can control and understand. However, God reminds them that His wisdom and purposes far exceed theirs.

Isaiah 55:8–9 ESV

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.