StoneBridge Community Church
Interim Pastor Neal Nybo
Introduction to BC/AD What Changed Message Series
During Advent, the weeks leading up to Christmas, it's easy to get caught up in what is going on right now - in the world and in our lives. We want to ask the question, what has gone on because Jesus was born and lived 2000 years ago?
Yale historian Jeroslav Pelikan wrote, “Regardless of what anyone may personally think or believe about him, Jesus of Nazareth has been the dominant figure in the history of Western Culture for almost 20 centuries.
So, while we won't cover everything, we hope to gain some insights that may influence our Christmas season and our lives.
Introduction to Week 3
Many people think the Bible contradicts science or that science contradicts the Bible. A recent article stated, “Believers have nothing to fear from science, understood as the study of God’s created works.” This week, Pastor Neal looks at how Jesus reaffirmed our understanding of modern science.
1. The Bible begins with science.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Reflection Questions
1. Do you feel science and the Bible, clash or compliment each other? Or perhaps your not sure?
2. With regard to scientific topics, do you read scripture literally, figuratively, or a little of both?
2. Understanding science helps us understand God.
Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made
2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV
Reflection / Growth Group Discussion Questions
1. What examples from life have informed you about God’s character?
2. Which of God’s invisible qualities do you feel have been clearly seen in creation, understood from what has been made? How so?
3. Maybe God is in the “empty” space.
Col 1:15-17
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Reflection / Growth Group Discussion Questions
1. When have you found God in empty space?
2. What do you think about the phrase, “... in him all things hold together?”
4. The kingdom of Heaven really is at hand.
Matt 4: 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Luke 10:9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
Reflection questions
1. What do you think the scripture means when it says, the kingdom of heaven is at hand?
2. What do you think or feel about some of the points made in this sermon about science?
A Note from Pastor Neal
Following the Ultimate Huddle, held after the last weekend's worship services, and the letter you should have received this past week, I want to encourage you to please return your commitment card in the offering or the included, return envelope. Thank you for your faithfulness and participation!