Some things you just have to turn off your brain to believe. You’d have to try really hard to not use your brain in order to believe in the tooth fairy or the Easter Bunny. Those stories trick kids, but don’t really hold up to close examination.
Some people think that in order to believe in Christianity, you need to turn off your brain. So, if you are a Christian, it means that you can’t think critically about things. That’s not true. God wants us to use our brains.
Isaiah 1:18: “‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord…”
God wants us to think about things. He wants us to reason about the truthfulness of the Bible and Christianity. God wants you to use your mind to get to know him.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 “… Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.”
God wants you to test everything. Don’t just believe in Christianity because that’s what you were taught when you were a kid. Put it to the test. Don’t just believe what someone says because they are a teacher or a pastor. Put their words to the test. God wants us to use our brains to think critically. There are a few ways we can put this into practice.
God invites you to ask questions
Sometimes Christians are afraid to ask questions like, “How do we know that the Bible is true?” Or, “Can I believe in miracles?” But God wants us to ask those questions because he isn’t intimidated by them. When you ask hard questions and find real answers, it will help your faith to grow.
Look for answers to your questions
Don’t just ask questions and leave it there. That’s lazy. Seek out answers for your questions, just like you would in other areas of your life. Talk to a mentor or small group leader about them. Check out our website PursueGOD.org for answers. Don’t just be skeptical. Seek out the truth.
God will lead you to the truth
God promises that if you really seek after him, you will find him. You don’t have to worry about going through life and missing out on God.
Jeremiah 29:13 “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
God may not answer every single question you have, but he will answer all your big questions. See for yourself.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa Claus?
- Do you feel like you are allowed to talk about your doubts and questions about God in your small group? Explain your answer.
- Read 1 Thessalonians 5:21. How can you test the truthfulness of the Bible or whether we should believe in biblical miracles?
- Who do you turn to in your life if you have questions or doubts about God? How has this person helped you in the past?
- What are some questions or doubts you have about God or Christianity right now? Where can you go to find answers for your questions?
- Read Jeremiah 29:13. How might God fulfill this promise in a person’s life? How have you experienced finding God in your life?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
