The Good(?) Book
“The Event That Changed Everything” • March 1-7

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Introduction

The Bible did not create Christianity. Christianity is the result of an event (the resurrection of Jesus) that created a movement (the church) that produced sacred and reliable texts that were collected and bound into a book (the Bible). But how do we approach not being at peace with everything we read in the Bible? Well Paul—once a Pharisee turned apostle, author, preacher, who became one of the biggest church planters in history, offers us clarity and confidence to move forward. 

Discussion Questions

  1. Paul was an expert in the law and initially spent all of his energy trying to discredit, undermine and hurt followers of Jesus. But he went from being a Christian-hater, church persecutor, law abiding Pharisee to a follower of Jesus in a single day. How did that happen and what was it about his life that gave him the credibility to discuss faith in Jesus? Read Acts 9.

  2.  Have you experienced anything like that when it comes to Jesus making himself known in your own life? How about someone else’s life? 

  3.  Paul wrote much of what we call the New Testament in his 13 letters to explain in practical terms what it looks like to follow Jesus. Which of Paul’s letters have you read – all or in part and how have they shaped your life? (See second page for the list of Pauls’ letters).

  4.  In his writings, Paul explains the relationship we should see between the parts of the Bible (The Old and New Testament). If he could have been there the day we got our first Bibles he would have given one piece of advice…View the old testament through the lens of the new covenant; not for application, but for inspiration and motivation. Knowing this, how does it change you?

  5.  Paul authenticates the most important event recorded in the Bible; the resurrection. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-7.What important details are recorded here about the events immediately following the resurrection? What is most comforting or encouraging about this passage for you? 

  6.  Put yourself back in history for a moment. What would change for you if you began your faith with the event of the resurrection like the early followers did? 

Next Step Challenge

Read John 3:16 together. The story of the Bible reminds us that most important question is not, are you at peace with everything in the Bible? But, haveyou found peace with God, who so loved the world that he gave his Son for you?Have you put you your faith in Jesus by asking him to be the forgiver of your sins and leader of your life? If not, what is stopping you? In your group, go around the room and ask that question).

Key Verse

“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” – 1 Corinthians 15:14

All Other Scripture References

Romans 10:4; 1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-8a, 14

Bonus: Paul wrote the following books in the New Testament. 

  • Romans: to explain the deep need all of us have to be made right with God, and the fact that this is only possible through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. 

  • 1 Corinthians: to point out the kinds of sins churches and followers of Jesus can fall into, and invite us to put away those sins and live a life that honors God

  • 2 Corinthians: to teach about the new covenant that we are part of through Jesus, which should lead to a life of worship of God and service to others. 

  • Galatians: to demonstrate that salvation is only possible through faith in Jesus and that any addition to faith is a compromise to the Gospel of Jesus. 

  • Ephesians: to unpack all of the blessings that belong to us in Jesus and to show the purposed nature of the Church as the people of God

  • Philippians: to explain the deep joy we should have in life as followers of Jesus for today and tomorrow. 

  • Colossians: to show that Jesus is supreme above everything in creation. Because of his work on the cross, we can live lives that honor God. And he shows us how

  • 1 Thessalonians: to give us a glimpse of our future, talking about the return of Jesus and how we can prepare for it.

  • 2 Thessalonians: to share more about our future and the world’s future when Jesus returns. 

  • 1 Timothy: to explain the organization of the church that will lead to maturity. 

  • 2 Timothy: a personal letter to show us Paul’s heart for God

  • Titus: to show us how to help each other to maturity

  • Philemon: a letter written to Philemon about his relationship to a new follower of Jesus about forgiveness. 

For individual study:

  • What is your initial reaction to each topic? Which one are you most interested in reading first? 

  • What is one important truth or lesson you remember from reading on of these letters? Why did this impact you? 

  • Encouragement: Choose on of Paul’s books to read all in one sitting. And then write a personal action step based upon what you read.

  • Let us know! Email stories@relevantcommunity.orgof how God is transforming your life through this series. 

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