Ryan

Questions
Jesus
Does Jesus have any brothers or sisters?
-Yes. Matthew 12:46 – It says here that Jesus does have brothers. It doesn't say anything about sister though. It would be safe to assume probably. Back in Jesus' time people had big families, so probably.
Did Jesus ever dance? Did he ever sing? Did he ever fall in love with another woman? Why?
-When it comes to Jesus ever dancing or singing, we aren't sure. While it could be true, we really don't know. This is what we do know about Jesus, he was fully human. Hebrews 12:14 says that Jesus shares in our humanity. It says in John 1 he became flesh and dwelt among us.
-So while we don't know if he danced or sang, we do know that he might have. We just cant say for certain, but in him being human we can know that he probably had the urge to sing and dance just like we do.
-About Jesus ever having romantic feelings for a woman: the answer is no. We say that because the Bible never said he did. I would say that if he did that would be a pretty big part of his life and for 4 NT writers to leave that out would be pretty strange.
Did Jesus judge people?
-Yes. Matthew 21:12. He drove out all who were buying and selling at the temple. He also said some pretty intense things to tax collectors, but judging people isn't why he came. He came to save people. Some times in order to save people you have to show them what you are saving them from.
Does God look like what we paint and draw him out to be?
-Probably not. Maybe, but probably not. There really is no way of knowing, but it is pretty safe to say that when someone draws a picture of Jesus they really are guessing to a certain extent.

Specific Bible Questions
What does the Bible say about sex before marriage?
-It says it is wrong. 1 Cor 6:16-18 – When two people have sex they become one flesh. They are no longer separate but in a spiritual way they are one. If you do that with someone who you aren't married to you sin. And it ruins your married life.
After you are married it doesn't matter, it is good, but before marriage it is referred to as sexual immorality, which is any sexual act outside of marriage.
Was the rainbow when Noah got off the boat the first one?
-Probably. You can't say for certain because the Bible doesn't say for certain. God tells Noah I have set my rainbow in the clouds... My guess is yes, because I really believe that when it rained over all creation that was the first time it ever rained. No rain = no rainbows. Know rain = know rainbows.
Why do we have to call ourselves Christians?
-We don't have to call ourselves Christians. We just do. I don't really think it matters what you call yourselves as long as you live for Jesus. Here why we are called Christians though: in Acts 11:26 is says, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”
Do you have to speak in tongues to go to heaven?
-Nope. It doesn't say anywhere in the Bible that you have to do that in order to get saved.
Christian Life Questions
Why do we believe that Christianity is right and other religions aren't? Are they wrong?
-Just being honest, this is kind of a tricky question. Not that I don't think that we are right and everyone else is wrong, but I just think that our faith makes the most sense.
(1) Because through my faith in Christ I have experienced God. My walk with God isn't something that is just out there for me, but for me it is a personal relationship that I have with Jesus.
(2) When I look at Jesus' resurrection I personally can't come up with any other conclusion than Jesus rose from the dead. There is nothing else that makes sense.
(3) Jesus says he is the only way. John 14:6 – “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”
Do boys have a harder time getting to know God?
-Nope. While I am a boy, I don't think that is fair to say. Are there different things that boys struggle with that girls don't struggle with? Yes. But the same can be said for girls. Romans 3:23 - “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
If you know you are going to mess up and sin but you believe in God but still don't live completely right for him is that a sin? If you say you love God and believe in him only when your at church but you don't outside church is it a sin?
-The answer to both questions is yes. In both of those situations you are sinning. 1 John 2:3-6 – We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him.
-There is a difference between messing up and deliberately sinning.
How's the best way to have God in my heart?
-Ask. Romans 10:9-10 – “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth you confess and are saved.”
Do you know which Bible fits you because I have trouble understanding?
-The easiest to read is the message. After that the NLT and after that the NIV. I would also say that it matters what you are reading. Some books are easier to read then others. Start with John. Then go to 1 John, then maybe James. Plug 50 days.
Why should I ask God for forgiveness if I know that I am going to deliberately make the same sin again and again and like it??
-You probably shouldn't. If you aren't going to decide that you want to follow Jesus and you want to live for him, which means trying not to sin, then your version of Christianity doesn't line up with the Bibles. God doesn't want people to follow him who are half devoted to him. Revelation 3:16 – Because you are lukewarm – neither hot or cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Misc Questions
If God has raised people from death, why is death such a mystery?
-Tricky question. Really there are two ways to look at it. (1) People have written books who have been “raised from the dead.” I haven't read any of them so I can't exactly speak to their validity. (2) It is a mystery to us because none of us have ever died. The Bible doesn't give much insight to it from that perspective because none of the authors of scripture died and were brought back to life. While Jesus did raise people from the dead, he must have not thought that experience was that important so he didn't really dwell on it.
What's God's middle name?
-He doesn't have one.
How old is God?
-He has been around forever. God is actually older then time. He wasn't created he actually always was, always is, and always will be. Revelation 4:8 - “The Lord Almighty who was, and is, and is to come.”
Why isn't the Bible specific?
-About what? I really believe that through the Bible we have everything that we need to serve God. So I guess for this one I would need a more specific example.
If the Bible led us to Civilization in the old days then how come people don't believe in the Bible?
-That's a good question. Honestly, I don't know. People harden their hearts toward God and they choose to love their sin more then him. I don't think it is something that is tricky I think it is merely the fact that people love sin, not God.
Does God give you dreams for a reason? Is there a sign embedded in some of them?
-Sometimes. If you look at Joseph God definitely gave him those dreams for a reason. Same with the book of Daniel. But sometimes dreams don't matter. I believe that if God is speaking to you through a dream then you will just know. But for me, the Lord has never spoken to me like that.

Two visitors came to youth group this Wednesday and they saw one of our regulars standing by themselves during worship. So they went over to make her feel welcome. (Side note she just wanted to stand by herself during worship.) This girl ended up sitting by these visitors during service and when we gave the invitation they raised their hands but didn't come forward. Then Amanda told them she would go forward with them. God used her desire to step out of her comfort zone to build his kingdom. Be willing to let God use you, and he will. Way to go Amanda! Here are the announcements.

1) Fine Arts Fundraiser this Saturday. Sorry about the late notice, but we need all hands on deck from 10-2.
2) Pre-Service Prayer (PSP) @ 6:15.
3) Life Group this Sunday @ my house @ 5:00.

You guys are awesome and I look forward to seeing you Wednesday!

Respect God's Ways
Revere God's Word
Submit to God's Will

What God has for you might not make sense to you. I am sure that it didn't make sense to Hosea when God told him to marry a prostitute, but he did it. If God speaks to your heart trust that he is going to work out everything out, but remember you don't have to know all the answers.

Ryan