BULLETIN OUTLINE I Have a Friend WhoThinks All Religions Are The Same 04.27.

14 Rob Sweet, Teaching Pastor The deeper question The uniqueness of Christianity Jesus Christ: a person, not a philosophy (John 1:1-3, 14) The Gospel: good news, not good advice (1 Corinthians 15:1-8) Grace: His work, not your work (Ephesians 2:8-10) LOOKING BACK I Have a Friend WhoThinks All Religions Are The Same

John 1:1-3; 14; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Ephesians 2:8-10

Isnt it arrogant and intolerant to claim you have the truth? Chances are you have at least one friend who thinks this way. Its a great question. One of the biggest struggles post-modern people have with Christianity could be summed up in one word, exclusivity. In the midst of our pluralistic culture, our calling is to be faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ and to love our neighbors well. As we focus on these two things, Jesus will be honored, and He will draw people to Himself. Thinking It Through

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
~ Romans 1:16

Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.
~ Martin Luther

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Working it Out 1. Why do you think most people today are suspicious of any claim to absolute truth? 2. What question(s) might you ask such a person that would help them think through the issues? 3. Think about previous conversations youve had with non-Christians about your faith. What tone or strategy has worked? What hasnt? 4. Do you feel confident to a conversation with an unbeliever about the three key distinctives of Christianity (Jesus Christ, the Gospel, grace)? Why or why not? 5. What is one way you could tangibly demonstrate love to an unbelieving friend this week?

LOOKING AHEAD I Have a Friend WhoDoesnt Like the Way They Look Well, do you? Do you have a friend who doesnt like the way they look? My guess isyes. It seems that most people lack a balanced, healthy and biblical attitude about their physical appearance. This may seem like a superficial or unnecessary subject, but well - you be the judge! Looking It Up 1. If you had a friend whose attitude toward their physical appearance was affecting their life adversely, how would you think through how to be the best friend you could be to them? 2. What are some of the symptoms or indications that someone might have this problem - and why? 3. What was happening in Genesis 3:1-13? See especially 3:10. How might this help us understand what is going on in our hearts regarding how we look? 4. In the story of David, there is a well-known comment that has relevance to this topic. It is found in 1 Samuel 16:7. Write it out below. To whom would might this be meaningful and to whom maybe not so much? 5. Similar to the words of 1 Samuel 16:7 is Luke 16:15. Compare and contrast. 6. If its possible you are a friend who does not like the way you look, what are you beginning to realize?