INTRODUCTION

We wonder because our frame of reference doesn’t provide us with all of the answers. Every version of religion works for children. But then life happens. We experience challenging circumstances that sow doubt in our childhood faith. Tragedy causes us to question if God is good and loving. Sin leads to guilt and shame. We wonder if God can really love us. Is there such a thing as a frame of reference that can accomodate a grown-up faith?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Was faith important in your life growing up? To what extent did those childhood experiences influence your adult faith?

2. In what ways do you tend to look at life through the window of your own insecurity? How might your life be different if you were completely confident in God’s love for you?

3. Read John 14:1–11. In what ways does your adult frame of reference cause you to struggle to accept Jesus’ promises in this passage?

4. During the message, Drew said “God sent Jesus to stand with us so we wouldn’t wonder where we stood with him.” Does your relationship with Jesus leave you assured of where you stand with God? Why or why not?

5. On what is your faith currently fixed—your circumstances, the Bible, keeping religious rules? How do you think that might limit the depth and richness of your relationship with God?

6. What is one thing you can do this week to fix your eyes on Jesus? How might doing so begin to change your frame of reference?

MOVING FORWARD

If you lost faith, what was that faith fixed on and fastened to? A church that dismissed science or mislabeled people? Religious rule keeping? A version of God that wouldn’t let bad things happen to good people? Don’t abandon faith because you once used the wrong frame of reference. Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus.

CHANGING YOUR MIND

“If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:7