Intro & Review of Last Lesson

We had some really good questions last week. I’m going to do my best to cover all of them. If you remember, two weeks ago we talked about what God’s word teaches about itself. The first point was that God’s word is inspired.

Who remembers what inspired means? It means it was written by God, breathed out by him. Because of that, God’s word has a lot of important characteristics: it’s authoritative, everything in it is true, and there’s no error in it.

One question a few of you asked was, “Jacob, you only talked about what the Bible says about itself. How do we know the Bible is true?” If you noticed, everything I said flowed from that first point: if the Bible is God’s word, then we know it’s true. So you asked, “How do I know it’s true?” and I answered, “Because it’s God’s word.” A couple of you pointed out, “That sounds like circular logic.” You know what that means—if I ask, “How do you know God’s word is true?” and the answer is, “Because God says it is,” but then, “How do you know it’s God’s word?” “Because God’s word says so.” It feels like I’m just going in a circle.

Have you ever heard of apologetics? It’s the defense of God’s word. Good job, Andrew, for knowing that. So how do we defend the truth of God’s word? If your friends ask, “How do I know Jesus is God?” and you answer, “Because God’s word says so,” they might respond, “How do I know it’s really God’s word?” How do you answer that? Are we just stuck?

You do have to believe in God’s word, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t evidence. Ultimately, the problem isn’t a lack of evidence for God’s word. When someone says, “Prove to me God’s word is true,” your first instinct might be to run to all the fulfilled prophecies, or to evidence about science, or to the resurrection, and try to stack up external proofs.

Is the Real Problem Lack of Evidence?

But I want you to know, people don’t believe because there isn’t enough evidence. That’s not it. When someone says, “I don’t believe God’s word is true because…” and then lists all their reasons, it’s not ultimately about lack of evidence. What are some reasons you’ve heard for why people don’t believe the Bible?

• “It could have been changed over the years.”
• “It’s just man’s thoughts, it’s full of errors.”
• “It’s just another religion like any other.”
• “If God’s real, why is there so much evil?”
• “I wouldn’t believe in a God who sends people to hell.”
• “It’s outdated, just an old book.”
• “I only believe what I see. If I don’t see proof, I won’t believe.”
• “Truth is relative. Glad you believe it, but it’s not true for me.”

There are many more like these. But ultimately, if someone doesn’t believe—and this might even be you—the real issue isn’t lack of evidence. Let me show you what I mean from Romans 1:18. Open your Bible there; this is an important passage.

The Real Problem: Suppressing the Truth

I once talked with a professor from my anesthesia program, an anatomy teacher, who said, “I don’t believe in God.” This was a man who specialized in the ear—he studied its design and function. He told me, “I don’t believe in God because there are so many flaws in his creation,” and gave me a list of reasons. We were having this conversation in front of about 50–100 people.

I told him, “I know you actually do know there’s a God.” Here’s why I can say that: Romans 1 says, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” All of us descend from Adam, all of us have sinned. What do we all do? We suppress the truth. It’s not that there isn’t enough evidence, but we suppress what’s plain because God has shown it to us. God’s invisible attributes—his eternal power, his divine nature—are clearly perceived in what has been made.

This professor believed everything just erupted from nothing—that all the mass and energy in the universe was packed into a tiny spot, exploded for no reason, and over billions of years became everything. But God says, “No, what can be known about me didn’t come from nothing, it came from a God outside of time—a powerful God we must bow to.” But in our unrighteousness, humanity suppresses that truth and says, “I won’t believe unless I get more proof.” We stand in judgment over God, as if he needs to answer to us. Or maybe, at the core, because we want to be God. That’s the heart of sin.

Is it an Intellectual Problem?

So when we ask, “How do we know the Bible is really God’s word?” the problem isn’t mostly intellectual. It’s not about needing more proof, or that our brains just haven’t thought hard enough. Your friends might say, “I don’t believe in God because of evolution,” or maybe you say, “I’d only believe if I saw a miracle, like someone raised from the dead.” But that’s not the real issue. The problem is a heart that rejects God. Because of that, even our minds are darkened. All of secular science starts with the presupposition that God doesn’t exist, and so it comes to conclusions that God doesn’t exist—not because there’s no evidence, but because the heart doesn’t want to see it.

So when we say, “How do we know the Bible is God’s word?” it is right to say, “Because God said so.” There’s no higher authority. If you say, “I know it’s true because of evidence,” you’re putting your trust in your own eyes and reasoning above God. I want you to believe first and most that God’s word is true because God said it.

And yet, God’s word is totally consistent with everything it claims. The Holy Spirit confirms its truth. There’s a good book at the book table, Reasons We Believe by Nate Booz, if you want to dig deeper. The reality is, the Bible explains what we see in the world better than anything else. No other religion says what the Bible says—that all of humanity is wicked, in rebellion against God, and that’s why there’s suffering everywhere. No other worldview gives that explanation.

Every other religion says, in one way or another, “If you do the right things, believe the right things, you’ll be happy or right with God, or the world will be better.” The solution is in people. But God says, “Where’s the hope? Where’s the solution?” It’s in Jesus. God made a way when there was no way. He loved the world and sent his only Son so that whoever believes would have eternal life. There’s no hope in us, but the Bible explains reality better than anything else.

The Bible’s Trustworthiness & the Death of Charlie Kirk

The Bible has been tested and found trustworthy. It lines up with archaeology. Its prophecies have been validated. Written by forty authors over 1,500 years, in three languages, across three continents, it tells one continuous story pointing to a God unlike any other.

Most importantly, Jesus said the Bible was God’s word. Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead. History changed after Jesus. If a man who claimed to be God died and then rose from the dead, and he said the Bible is God’s word, that’s a reason to believe.

So, it’s not circular logic in a bad way to say, “We know the Bible is God’s word because the Bible says so.” We’re appealing to the highest authority possible.

The Bible tells us clearly why the world is as it is, why there’s suffering, death, and evil, and what the solution is.

This week, like every week, there’s a lot of evil in the world. If you look around, there’s evil even in your own heart. But this week, many of you saw something that brought that evil front and center. How many of you know who Charlie Kirk is and what happened to him this week? It looks like just about everyone. Some of you saw the video. If you didn’t, I don’t encourage you to go watch it. But for many, it was the first time you saw someone die. Someone you might have looked up to, who was just having a conversation, actually preaching the gospel. Many hated him for it, and he was killed.

What thoughts or emotions have you had about that this week? God’s word is sufficient—that’s where we should go first for answers. What have you felt?

• The suddenness of life ending—a reminder that our bodies can be gone in an instant.
• Anger and sadness.
• The realization that someone would kill over a disagreement.
• Joy in knowing that God is working his plan, even through this. Videos of Charlie sharing the gospel are being seen all over the internet by people who never would have heard him otherwise.
• A desire for justice. “This is unjust. Something has to be made right.”
• Fear—some people didn’t even go to church because they felt unsafe.
• Sadness for his family—his wife without a husband, his kids without a dad.
• And maybe the question, “Why are we making such a big deal out of this, when people die every day?”

I want you to recognize these are all real emotions—sadness, anger, fear, anxiety, or maybe motivation to make your own life count. And when all kinds of voices—social media, your friends, the culture—try to tell you how to process these things, I want you to remember that God’s word is authoritative and sufficient, not just for Sunday school answers but for all of life.

What Does God’s Word Say About Death?

When something like what happened to Charlie Kirk happens, or when anything hard comes up in your life, I want you to run first to God’s word for answers.

Life is short. Charlie Kirk didn’t expect to die that day; his family didn’t expect it either. In a moment, this body is done. If you’re following along with our Bible reading plan, you’ll remember that we read 1 Corinthians 15. Do you remember what that chapter is about? Paul is writing to people in Corinth who are wondering about the resurrection from the dead. They thought maybe you had to be alive when Jesus came back to be raised, and were worried that people who had died had missed out.

Paul says, “No, there is a resurrection, because Jesus died and was raised.” He gives plenty of reasons—so many people saw Jesus after he rose from the dead. Jesus actually rose as the first of many who will rise.

He says, “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” When Jesus comes back, some will have died and some will be alive, but all of us will be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. The dead will be raised imperishable.

When you see someone die, it feels so final. Charlie Kirk was alive, then he was dead. Maybe you’ve lost someone yourself. It feels so final, like death has the last word. But Paul says, death is not final. When Jesus returns, the dead are raised to a body that doesn’t die, and those who are alive will be changed in an instant. 1 John 3 says, “When we see him, we will be like him.”

So there’s hope. There’s a suddenness and finality to death, but Paul says, “Death has lost its sting for the Christian.” If you believe in Christ, you may die, but that finality is gone. The sting of death is sin, and Jesus conquered sin at the cross.

If you saw that video or feel afraid of death, I hope you know this: You’ll probably die—unless Jesus comes back first, every single one of us will die. It may seem far off, but it could come suddenly. If you have faith in Christ, you’ll be raised to a body that will never die, fit for eternity with him. If your sins aren’t forgiven, you’ll be raised with a body fit for judgment. Death can come when you least expect it, or Jesus could return at any time. So, be ready.

What About Anger? What Does the Bible Say?

What about the anger? Maybe you heard people say he deserved it, or maybe you just feel angry that someone would kill an innocent person. Remember last year, we talked about what God thinks about murder in the Sermon on the Mount—Matthew 5.

“’You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’” That feels right. Murder is wicked because it destroys someone made in God’s image. Our hearts say, “Yes, there needs to be justice.” I was glad when they caught the killer. It felt like justice was coming. God says, “I will bring justice. Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”

You could be angry at people, or angry at God, but Jesus gets to the heart of it. The greatest sinner you should be aware of isn’t just the murderer—it’s you and me. In Matthew 5:22, Jesus says, “Everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” Have you ever called someone a fool, or thought, “What an idiot”? Or been angry and held onto it? The same heart that is angry is the heart that could lead someone to murder. If you say, “No, that’s not in me,” you’re fooling yourself.

Instead, what does Jesus call us to do? “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” In verse 11, Jesus says, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” Jesus loved people, healed them, and told them the truth. They killed him for it. If you follow him, don’t be surprised if the world hates you too.

So what should your response be when people are mean to you, or even do evil? Love, not anger. A few verses later, Jesus says, “Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” That’s exactly what God did for us—while we were his enemies, he sent his Son for us.

If God has shown you mercy, how could you hold someone’s sin against them? Romans 12 says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.” Feed your enemy if he’s hungry, overcome evil with good. Make this your heartbeat, not just for big things like murder, but for everyday wrongs—when someone says something mean, takes your stuff, makes you angry. Be more aware of your own sin than theirs, and pray, “God, let me love them.” If you can do that, that’s a miracle and evidence that you’re responding like a Christian.

So, pray for the murderer. Pray for your enemies. Pray for those who hate the message of the cross. Don’t be angry at them—love them. And thank God that now, through tragedy, many are hearing the gospel for the first time. Maybe someone will come to you and ask, “What do you think?” and you’ll get to share the hope you have.

If you are a Christian, I hope you’ll be motivated by the thought that soon you’ll see Jesus—either as Savior or as Judge. Your citizenship isn’t of this world. Don’t be motivated first by politics or the desire to change society, but that people would be made right with God and receive mercy.

How Should Christians Respond to Unbelievers?

Let’s answer some of your questions: How can I love my enemy? How can I use wisdom in my speech around unbelieving friends? How can I talk to people who don’t believe in God? The Bible gives us a clear answer. One of the best places to go is 1 Peter 3.

How do you talk to someone who hates you, hates God, doesn’t believe the Bible is true, or even mocks you for your faith?

1 Peter 3:14 says, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.” That echoes what Jesus said in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are you when you’re persecuted.” Peter heard Jesus say that and knew it was true.

Here’s the command: “Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy.” So, when your friend asks, “Why should I believe?” or accuses your faith, don’t focus first on finding the perfect argument or evidence. Focus first on honoring Christ in your heart—in your words, actions, and attitude. Don’t fear what they can do. What’s the worst they could do? If you’re a believer, even if you die, that’s instant paradise. If they mock you, Jesus says you’re blessed.

Let them see your good works, even if they mock you—Jesus says that’s being salt and light. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you for the reason for your hope. Share why you believe God’s word is true, but most importantly, just be in God’s word regularly, and share what God has been teaching you.

But do this “with gentleness and respect.” Don’t be so concerned with what you say as with how you say it. In 2 Timothy, God says, “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind, gentle, and patient when wronged.” Why? Because God may grant repentance to your enemy. Only God can change a heart. Be the kind of person God would use to turn someone who hates him—and maybe hates you—into a brother or sister in Christ.

How did God overcome the evil in your heart if you’re a believer? Not primarily with threats of hell, but with his kindness—Romans 2:4 says, “God’s kindness leads us to repentance.” Yes, we escape God’s wrath, but even more, we get God himself.

Peter goes on: “So that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it’s better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” If you suffer for doing evil, you deserve it. But if you suffer for loving people and sharing the gospel, praise God—that’s what Jesus experienced.

“Christ suffered once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” That’s the good news. Believe it. If you don’t trust Jesus, who died to bring you—his enemy—to God, you’ll still face God, but not as Savior. Just like a murderer deserves God’s judgment, so does someone who is angry or rejects God as King. You’re no better off than a murderer, slanderer, liar, or someone who’s disobedient to parents. God says we all deserve judgment. But to Christians he says, “And such were some of you, but you were washed, you were forgiven.” Now we have hope to be with Christ forever. If God would show you that kind of mercy, you can love your enemy.

Conclusion & Prayer

We didn’t get to cover everything, but I want you to know this: The Bible has answers. God’s word is the highest authority. There’s no greater being, no one better than God, and he’s made a way for us to be right with him.

If you’re struggling or have questions, don’t keep them to yourself. Come talk to me, a discussion leader, or your parents. If you feel like there are things the Bible can’t answer, or you want to know what the answers are, come talk to us. There is hope.

Let’s pray. God, thank you for your word, that it’s sufficient. Give us a desire to go to your word for answers. Through your Spirit, give us faith, grow our faith, and help us to believe what we find in your word. Where we see commands, help us obey. Where we see promises, help us trust. Be glorified in us. Thank you for your word, thank you for your Son, and thank you that you take away the sting of death. There’s no sin or evil that can undo your purposes. You superintend even through evil. In Jesus’ name, Amen.