While the Bible is central to our faith, even those who study it the most have something to learn. In fact, those who study it the most are often the first to say that there is always more to learn within its pages. How much do you know about the Bible? Are you sure?

Scriptures: Psalm 23, Matthew 28:19-20, John 3:16-17

When the journey of life brings us or someone we know some kind of challenge or tragedy, we often try to find meaning for why those events happened. In those moments people sometimes try to bring comfort by suggesting that “everything happens for a reason.” While that idea is conveyed with the best of intentions, it is not the message of scripture. The good news is that what scripture says is far better.

Scriptures: Proverbs 10:4, 14:23, 19:15, 21:13, 22:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; James 1:27; Leviticus 23:22; Matthew 25:31-46; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; 1 John 4:19-21

Have you ever heard the phrase, “God helps those who help themselves”? If so, do you know where it originated? Despite what many people believe, it did not originate in the Bible. In this message, we will explore where this phrase gets things right and where it gets them wrong.

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

From an early age, many of us are taught that God has a plan for our life, and we need to figure out what it is and stick to it. Discovering God’s plan for our life can feel like treasure hunting without a map. We spend sleepless nights wondering if we’re on the right path or if we’ve messed up God’s plan. But what if there is a way to know exactly what God’s plan for your life is? What if it’s not as complicated as you’ve always thought?

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 23:12-14, 21:18-21, 22:21; Leviticus 11:7-12, 19:19, 19:27; Matthew 5:17-20; 5:33-37, 6:6, 6:19-21, 22:37-40; 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Corinthians 2:5-6

As Christians, we view the Bible as the sacred text of our faith and seek to follow its teachings as closely as possible. However, sometimes people take that goal further than what is helpful or even possible. That tendency has led to the creation of statements like, “God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It.” While well-intentioned, this statement is not only unreasonable, it also does not reflect the intention of scripture.

Coming Soon

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14; 1 John 5:16-17

The last half-truth we will discuss in this series is the phrase, “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin.” In comparison to the other half-truths we’ve discussed, this one became popular in some Christian circles relatively recently. Not only is it not in the Bible, it is often used in the most harmful ways.