The Reason For God

My friend Josh started The Reason For God study last week at his house with me and few other friends. Josh’s wife generously set us all up with a delicious assortment of cheeses (award-winning goat cheese with green olives from a local farm, baked brie, creamy swiss, and gouda), crackers, sausage, apples, grapes, and 3 craft brews. I didn’t really need another reason for God after that. But we proceeded nevertheless, and we ended up having a great discussion surrounding the 20 minute DVD session with Tim Keller. Here are some of the highlights for me from Session 1…

*Many people have very different ideas about what truth is. The Christian view of truth is that spiritual/moral truth is as real and universal as objective truth. For example, if you cut your head off with a sword, you will die. And if you sin (fail to love God wholeheartedly), you will die. These realities are both true and apply to everyone universally. There is not a certain kind of truth that conveniently applies only to me and my feelings at a spiritual level and another kind of truth that is objective and applies to all people. Art/Beauty is as true and real as Science. Do I believe all truth is God’s truth? Do I believe my lack of love for God is killing me?

*Many people don’t believe Christianity is true because of experiential/existential reasons, not just for historical reasons. Many skeptics think badly of Christians because they have been treated badly by Christians. This is a real problem. Christians are known more for their legalistic rules and pride than for their love and sacrificial living. The fundamental truth of Christianity is holy love. Am I a joyful, gracious, holy servant?

*50% of the 4 Gospels cover the last week of the life of Jesus. Jesus is not primarily a good teacher or an example to live by. He came to earth to die. To bear my penalty. To seek and to save the lost. He came to restore the broken. He is not just a good man. He is the God-man, and He is to be worshiped. Am I worshiping  Jesus, or am I just imitating Him so people will worship me?

The Reason for God DVD Trailer from Redeemer City to City on Vimeo.