The problem of suffering is neither unique nor unknown to Christians. When we see suffering or experience suffering it is natural to want to understand why. The Bible provides the answers.

Outline:

• The Perplexing Problem of Suffering

• The Danger of Unbiblical Answers

• God’s Glory in Suffering

As followers of Jesus, we are not immune from suffering abuse for proclaiming Jesus Chris and him crucified for salvation to all who will believe. How might we respond? Jesus should be our model and guide, just as he is our Lord.

Outline:

• The Common Attack

• The Source of True Glory

• Affirming the Promise

• He is Our God

According to recent surveys, many people belief that faith will result in reconciliation to God and eternal life, BUT those surveys indicate that people do not make a biblical distinction about the object of faith. As Jesus continues teaching, he makes abundantly clear that it is faith in Jesus alone that saves! No other faith can lead to a right relationship with God now or in all eternity.

Outline:

• False Assurance Rejected

• Introducing Satan

• Word-Centered Faith

“Jesus will set you free!” While true, this statement has little impact on a world in which people believe they are already free. It is only the truth of God’s Word that reveals humanity’s true condition of slavery—a condition remedied only through faith in the perfect person and work of Jesus.

Outline:

• Profession or Possession

• Freedom in Christ

From the first century Pharisees to the modern person, the truth that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus alone can be hard to accept. Pride fuels a self-righteous attitude that often produces unbelief, but the Cross is undeniable evidence that Jesus is the Christ and Son of God. “Unless you believe,” Jesus said, “you will die in your sins.”

Outline:

• Bad Questions

• Hard Truth

• Testimony of the Cross

As shown by the Pharisees in their response to Jesus, unbelief is a heart issue. No amount of evidence will suffice for the person determined to seek his own way to reconciliation to God. But God! God sent his Son into the world as a light in the darkness, and the remedy for unbelief is the gospel of grace, consistently and boldly proclaimed.

Outline:

• The Root of Unbelief

• Answering the Charge

• The Exclusivity of Salvation

In one verse, the saving gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed. Jesus is the light of the world that illuminates the darkness. He is the Christ sent to defeat sin and to bring sight to the spiritually blind. The promise is salvation for all who will follow him.

Outline:

• The Setting

• The Claim

• The Condition

• The Promise

Too often God’s patience and forbearance with sin are misinterpreted to be signs of his acceptance. God’s compassion for us is not shown in accepting sin but in mercifully accepting all sinners who will come to Jesus in repentance and faith for salvation. The infinite wisdom of Jesus is demonstrated as he addresses the hypocrisy of the religious elite and shows compassion to a guilty sinner.

Outline:

• The Wickedness of Hypocrisy

• The Compassionate Christ