FAITH & LOGIC
FAITH & LOGIC
Faith & Logic: honest answers to big questions about God, the Bible and Jesus. Is there evidence for the resurrection? Can science and the Bible agree? Is Jesus really the only way? Watch any message below, and if you have more questions, we’d love to talk in person. Come visit us on a Sunday!
FAITH & LOGIC SERIES
-
This message starts with an important foundation: mutual submission out of reverence for Christ. Pastor Robey explains that submission in marriage isn’t about dominance or hierarchy. It’s about mutual respect and serving one another. When both husband and wife put Christ first, it sets the tone for a relationship built on humility, love and respect.
-
The heart of the message revolved around the call for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Drawing from the sacrificial love of Jesus, Pastor Robey challenged husbands to emulate Christ's example of selfless service and sacrifice. He painted a vivid picture of Jesus' ultimate act of love on the cross, reminding husbands that true love means laying down one's life for their spouse. This profound insight redefined the notion of love within marriage, calling husbands to a higher standard of sacrificial love and devotion.
-
Lastly, Pastor Robey emphasized the importance of cherishing and honoring one another in marriage. He explained how mutual admiration and respect can draw couples closer together, fostering a deep sense of unity and connection. By prioritizing their spouse's needs and demonstrating genuine appreciation, couples can cultivate a thriving relationship grounded in love and mutual respect.
Faith and Logic 4, Part 4: Roles of Husband and Wife
Faith and Logic 4, Part 3: Femininity & Masculinity by God
-
Our society often undermines or devalues biblical femininity and masculinity's distinct characteristics and strengths. Pastor Robey reminds us that these God-given attributes are not to be dismissed but celebrated. Rather than conforming to cultural stereotypes, we should honor and appreciate the unique qualities that each gender brings. Recognizing and valuing the inherent beauty of femininity and masculinity can foster healthier relationships and a more harmonious society.
-
It's crucial to distinguish between what the Bible teaches about gender roles and what may be mere cultural norms or traditions. Pastor Robey emphasizes that the Bible does not mandate that women should be confined to the home or that men must exclusively pursue careers. Instead, Scripture encourages us to embrace our primary priorities while exploring and using our gifts in various professional and personal domains. The Proverbs 31 woman is an excellent example—a nurturing caregiver for her family and a successful businesswoman. As we align our lives with God's Word, we can break free from cultural expectations restricting our understanding of biblical femininity and masculinity.
-
To fully embrace God's design for gender, we must engage in introspection and evaluate the beliefs and stereotypes we have inherited. Pastor Robey encourages both men and women to challenge and dismantle culturally influenced definitions of manhood and womanhood that contradict biblical principles. By peeling away these layers, we can rediscover the life-giving essence of how we are uniquely wired. This transformative process requires faith and trust in Jesus, who sacrificed so much to bring us redemption. We find our true identity and purpose in surrendering our lives to Him.
Faith and Logic 4, Part 2: Women in the Bible
-
When Jesus entered the world, His treatment of women was scandalously revolutionary. He honored and elevated women, defying societal norms that suppressed and marginalized them. One remarkable example is Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was entrusted with the incredible honor of carrying the Incarnate Creator God within her. Jesus' actions shattered cultural expectations, affirming women's inherent worth and value as image-bearers of God.
-
This counter-cultural approach continued beyond Jesus' time and influenced the early Christian church. Scholars believe that the church's view of women, characterized by honor, elevation, and liberation, played a significant role in its growth and expansion. It challenged oppressive Greek and Roman cultures, speaking truth into men's and women's lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to courageously examine what the Bible truly says about masculinity and femininity instead of relying on cultural or traditional interpretations.
-
We are challenged to use Scripture as a transformative tool rather than a weapon to confirm preconceived notions. By allowing God's Word to challenge and speak into our lives, we can break free from misinformation shaped by tradition or culture. Just as Jesus advocated for women, we are called to advocate against any form of oppression or suppression actively. Whether in the workplace, home, or society at large, we must speak out against wage discrimination, harmful language, and any injustice that belittles the value and dignity of women. We are called to be change agents, embodying The Father's Heart and promoting freedom and equality for all.
Faith and Logic 4, Part 1: Logical Truth
-
We often find ourselves bombarded with conflicting opinions and subjective viewpoints in our quest for truth. However, as followers of Christ, we can find an unshakable foundation in the Word of God. It serves as a guide, offering us a glimpse into the timeless and unchanging truth. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we align our hearts and minds with the ultimate source of truth.
-
Truth is not just an abstract concept. It has profound implications for every aspect of our lives. When we acknowledge the authority of God's Word, we invite it to shape our beliefs, decisions, and values. The alternative, seeking our truth, can lead us down an inconsistent and illogical path. Furthermore, when we neglect the truth, we inadvertently push aside the valuable insights of science and the wisdom passed down through generations.
-
The impact of truth is far-reaching and touches even the most intimate aspects of our lives. From our sexuality and identity to our roles and responsibilities, God's Word speaks into every area of our existence. While society encourages us to look inward and define our own truth, surrendering to God's truth makes us find freedom, purpose, and true fulfillment. Embracing truth allows us to align ourselves with God's loving plan for our lives.
Faith and Logic 3, Part 5: The Only Way?
-
Sometimes, we tend to overlook or forget the reality of judgment. We become consumed with personal goals, whether financial, career-related, or relational, and Jesus becomes a peripheral addition to our lives. However, the truth remains that judgment is real, and it should not be taken lightly. The stories from the Old Testament demonstrate God's patience and his desire for humanity's redemption. The New Testament reveals a shift in emphasis, highlighting God's love, grace, and mercy. This shift culminated in Jesus Christ, God incarnate, who willingly sacrificed himself on the cross to take on the judgment and wrath meant for us.
-
Jesus Christ is not just a religious figure among many others. He declared himself as the way, the truth, and the life, stating that no one comes to the Father except through him. Salvation is found in Jesus alone. His death on the cross was a profound act of love, where he bore the weight of our sins, extinguishing and exhausting the judgment and wrath that awaited us. Jesus offers salvation as a free gift, and all who put their faith in him can experience grace, freedom, and forgiveness. It is essential to recognize that Christianity is not merely a religion but about having a personal relationship with a Savior who has paid the price for our sins.
-
As believers, we need to remember that we have been rescued from judgment to carry out a mission. We are called to take the most important message of salvation to the world. Understanding the reality of judgment should awaken a sense of urgency in our lives. We have family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors who are facing an eternity apart from God. Jesus is the solution, and it is our responsibility to share this message of hope. Our lives should reflect a commitment to this mission, going beyond self-centered goals and comfort. We are called to be doers of the word, engaging in prayer, leveraging our time, energies, resources, and finances to spread the message of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to rescue others, just as we have been rescued.
-
True freedom lies in surrendering to a higher power rather than following our own desires. Jesus, through his sacrificial love, offers forgiveness, liberation from guilt and shame, and the strength to navigate life's challenges. Choosing Jesus as our Lord allows us to tap into his divine guidance and empowering presence, experiencing a deeper sense of freedom and purpose.
-
While religion may impose external practices and self-restraint, Jesus presents a different path. His sacrifice was not intended to demand the same from us but to provide a way for us to find redemption and freedom. Jesus invites us to receive his love, forgiveness, and empowerment, freeing us from the burden of religious rituals and enabling us to live transformed lives.
-
Making a decision to follow Jesus is not merely an intellectual exercise but a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit. It requires surrendering to God's love and accepting his desire to transform our lives. By acknowledging Jesus as our Savior and committing to follow him, we open ourselves to the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This decision is a continuous process of allowing God to shape our thoughts, guide our actions, and align our lives with his will.
Faith and Logic 3, Part 4: The Authority Issue
-
What do you do when parts of the Bible offend you? Pastor Justin explains that the Bible isn’t just a religious book. It’s God’s Word, and it helps us understand the world and ourselves. When we read it with an open heart, we let God shape our perspective and guide us toward real life, even when it challenges us.
-
Our culture is constantly changing its values, and it’s easy to be swayed by whatever is popular. Staying rooted in the unchanging truths of God, the faith handed down through generations, gives us stability and clarity when everything around us is shifting.
-
It’s tempting to reshape Jesus into someone more comfortable, smoothing out the parts of His teaching we don’t like. But a Jesus we can edit isn’t really Jesus at all. Instead of changing Jesus to fit us, we’re invited to let Him change us.
Faith and Logic 3: Part 3: Offended by the Bible
Faith and Logic 3: Part 2: When Christians Don’t Look Like Christ
-
The essence of the gospel lies in the unfathomable love that God extends to humanity. It is not a love that must be earned or strived for; rather, it is freely given. Jesus exemplified this love through his selfless sacrifice, demonstrating God's unwavering affection for every individual. When we truly grasp the depth of this love, it becomes the bedrock upon which we build our lives. It empowers us to love others unconditionally, extending grace, forgiveness, and kindness. Love becomes the distinguishing mark of our identity as followers of Jesus, influencing our relationships and interactions with the world.
-
The gospel unveils the concept of mercy—an outpouring of unmerited favor and compassion from God. As recipients of this divine mercy, we are called to reflect it in our dealings with others. Recognizing our own imperfections and flaws, we adopt an attitude of humility and empathy. Rather than passing judgment or condemnation, we embrace understanding, compassion, and forgiveness. Our experiences of receiving mercy become the wellspring from which we extend mercy to those around us. Through acts of compassion and forgiveness, we embody the transformative power of the gospel in our daily lives.
-
In a world riddled with anxiety, stress, and turmoil, the gospel offers a profound sense of peace that surpasses human understanding. This peace is not contingent upon favorable circumstances or personal achievements but finds its source in our relationship with God. Through the gospel, we discover a restorative peace that calms our souls, reminding us that we are deeply loved and cared for by our Heavenly Father. Anchored in this inner peace, we navigate life's challenges with grace, resilience, and unwavering trust. As recipients of God's peace, we become catalysts for peace, actively fostering harmony, reconciliation, and tranquility in our relationships and communities.
-
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is an event that challenges our understanding and demands a response. Just imagine the disciples' astonishment when they saw their crucified leader alive again. This extraordinary occurrence forced them to grapple with the question of Jesus' identity. If He indeed conquered death, then His claims of being the Son of God and the Savior of the world held incredible weight.
-
Without the resurrection, life can seem random and meaningless, and there’s little reason to care about things like justice, compassion or making the world better. But if Jesus really rose from the dead, it changes everything.
-
The resurrection offers hope for the world and for each of us personally. It means death isn’t the end but the beginning of eternal life. It means evil is defeated and our guilt and shame can be removed. And it shows us a loving God who cares deeply for us, understands our struggles and has a plan for each of us.
Faith and Logic 3: Part 1: The Logic of the Resurrection
Faith and Logic 2: Part 5: Science and Scripture
-
One of the crucial aspects of understanding the relationship between science and Scripture is recognizing the purpose behind each. While the Bible is a profound spiritual guide, it is not a scientific textbook. Scripture communicates profound truths through the lens of faith, providing spiritual guidance rather than scientific explanations. Just as we don't criticize a weatherman for speaking of the sunrise, we should not force the Bible into scientific contexts where it was never intended to be. By letting Scripture set its own agenda, we can appreciate its timeless message without disregarding the insights of science.
-
Science is an incredible human endeavor that unveils the wonders of the natural world. However, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. Scientific knowledge evolves over time, and what may be hailed as groundbreaking today could be discredited tomorrow. In contrast, Scripture remains constant and without error. Recognizing the fallibility of science allows us to hold a high view of scientific discoveries while acknowledging that our interpretations may change. Understanding this distinction helps us maintain a balanced perspective and prevents conflicts between scientific theories and biblical truths.
-
For those passionate about science, pursuing knowledge and exploration is a way of reflecting the Creator. As we engage in scientific endeavors, we uncover the intricacies of God's creation, discovering and inventing in alignment with our Creator's design. Whether we pursue careers in scientific research, engineering, or any other field, our dedication to understanding the natural world is an act of worship. By embracing science, we express our love for God and honor the unique gifts He has bestowed upon us.
-
Faith is not always logical. We are called to pursue a relationship with God with all our minds, but at some point, He asks us to surrender our logical reasoning. We can't expect God to conform to our understanding or wait for Him to make perfect sense to us. By surrendering our own logic, we acknowledge that God is the Living God, irrespective of our circumstances, ideals, or limited human understanding. Walking through seasons of faith means treating God like He is God and trusting Him even when things don't align with our logic.
-
God promises us that we will face trials and challenges throughout our journey of faith. In the New Testament, He even explicitly warns us not to be surprised by these difficulties. These trials serve as opportunities for us to demonstrate our faith and to treat God as our sovereign Lord. Instead of being discouraged by hardships, we should expect them and understand that they are part of our growth and refinement. Through testing, our faith is strengthened, and we are given the chance to deepen our trust in God.
-
To comprehend why we should continue to trust in God, even in the midst of pain and confusion, we must understand the depth of His love for us. The ultimate demonstration of His love came through Jesus Christ. God, in His infinite love, chose to send His Son to die on the cross for our sins, providing us with forgiveness and the opportunity for eternal salvation. Jesus' resurrection not only defeated sin but also secured our place as children of God. As our loving Father, He invites us to walk through difficult seasons, assuring us that He is with us and will work all things together for our good.
Faith and Logic 2: Part 4: The Logic of Faith
Faith and Logic 2: Part 3: What about Evil?
-
One of the most common questions people ask about Christianity is: how could a good, all-powerful God allow so much evil and suffering? It’s a fair question, and this message takes it head on. If God is big enough to be blamed for evil, He is also big enough to have reasons for allowing it that we can’t fully see yet. For many of us, the struggle isn’t really about logic. It’s personal. We’re hurting, and we want to know that God is still good.
-
If there is no God and everything is an accident, then there’s no real standard for good and evil. It all becomes personal preference. But deep down, we know some things are truly wrong. That sense of right and wrong points to a moral standard beyond ourselves. So the presence of evil doesn’t disprove God. It may actually point to Him.
-
The Bible doesn’t ignore evil. It tells the story of a God who stepped right into it. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, died on the cross to pay for our sins and rose again, defeating death. The book of Revelation pictures Him as the Lion of Judah who holds the future in His hands and will one day end all evil and injustice. Until then, we can trust Him with our hurts and be part of His rescue mission by inviting others, serving and sharing His hope.
Faith and Logic 2: Part 2: Three Days
-
The first truth we encounter is the assurance that we can trust our Bibles. The New Testament accounts, inspired by God's Spirit, provide an accurate record of the resurrection events. Luke, the author of the Gospel bearing his name, meticulously documented the eyewitness testimonies of those who encountered the risen Jesus. These testimonies, including appearances to twelve apostles, proclaim the truth of the resurrection. The historical reliability of these accounts serves to strengthen our faith in the Bible as God's Word. Jesus Himself affirmed the Old Testament as God's Word, reinforcing the importance of embracing the entirety of Scripture.
-
The second truth emphasizes the illogical nature of a superficial faith in a resurrected Lord. If Jesus truly rose from the dead, it demands our complete allegiance. A nominal, half-hearted belief does not align with the transformative power of the resurrection. Jesus' death and resurrection were not mere historical events but rather an invitation for us to surrender every aspect of our lives to Him. This includes our finances, dreams, careers, relationships, and possessions. The resurrected Jesus calls for our unwavering commitment, as we trust Him with every facet of our existence.
-
The third truth is an invitation to experience new life through faith in Jesus. The resurrection isn't just a historical moment; it holds personal significance for each individual. When Jesus appeared to His disciple Thomas, who initially doubted, He revealed His scars, prompting Thomas to declare, "My Lord and my God." Jesus commended Thomas but highlighted an even greater blessing for those who would believe without seeing. This blessing is available to us today. By putting our trust in the risen Jesus, we receive forgiveness, salvation, and a transformed life. Jesus' death and resurrection intersect with our lives, offering hope, purpose, and a deep relationship with God.
-
Does following Jesus mean you have to turn off your brain? Not at all. When Jesus was asked for the greatest commandment, He said to love God with all your heart, soul and mind. God wants us to ask hard questions. Faith and logic aren’t enemies. Thinking things through can actually make your faith stronger.
-
Imagine flipping a coin and getting heads ten, a hundred, even a thousand times in a row. At some point, it takes more faith to call it chance than to believe something is behind it. The same is true when we look honestly at our world and the evidence for Jesus. Logic can carry us to the point where taking a step of faith makes sense.
-
Jesus also said to love your neighbor as yourself. When faith comes up with a friend who sees things differently, start by listening. Ask what they think and why, and show them respect. Then, if the door opens, share what God has done in your life. And if you’re still exploring, your first step can be simple: tell Jesus you want to follow Him.
Faith and Logic 2: Part 1: All your Mind
-
Salvation is a gift God offers to everyone, no matter what we’ve done. You don’t have to clean up your life before coming to God. Jesus died on the cross and rose again to pay for all of our sins, past, present and future. That’s grace: forgiveness we could never earn, freely offered to anyone who puts their faith in Him.
-
If grace covers everything, why change how we live? In Romans 6, Paul answers that question. Sin isn’t our friend. It promises freedom but steals the very things we want most. Imagine a prisoner whose cell door has been opened choosing to stay inside. When Jesus sets us free, He invites us to walk out and live a new life with Him.
-
Baptism isn’t just a ritual. It’s a public way of saying, “I’m leaving my old life behind and following Jesus.” Going under the water pictures dying to our old self, and coming back up pictures new life in Christ. If you’ve decided to follow Jesus, baptism is a great next step, and we’d love to celebrate it with you.
Faith and Logic 1: Part 5: The Logic of Christianity
Faith and Logic 1: Part 4: Why is there evil?
-
The first reason for hope is that God promises to restore everything. It’s like rewatching a recorded game when you already know the final score. God has told us how the story ends: a renewed heaven and earth with no more death, suffering or brokenness, where we’ll live with Him as He always intended. Knowing the ending brings peace, even in hard seasons.
-
The second reason for hope is that God invites us into His family, the church. No matter our past mistakes, He loves us and calls us to belong. Church is more than attending a service. It’s building real relationships, like in a small group, where we can encourage one another and find support when life hurts.
-
The third reason for hope is that God understands our pain. It helps so much to talk with someone who has been through what we’re going through. Jesus is that someone. He suffered, died and rose again, defeating sin and evil. When we pray in our pain, we aren’t talking to a distant God, but to a Savior who knows our struggles and walks with us through them.
-
Our feelings change easily, sometimes based on something as small as how much coffee we had or whether we liked our lunch. Building our lives and relationships on emotions alone can lead to broken relationships and bad decisions. Being honest about that shows us we need something deeper to guide us.
-
Is it wiser to trust ourselves, or the One who made the universe? We can let God shape our thoughts and feelings through Scripture, trusted leaders and good friends. When we trust His wisdom and goodness, He changes us from the inside out and gives us real purpose.
-
From C.S. Lewis to favorite Disney movies, our stories are full of sacrifice, coming back to life and things being made right. These themes show a deep longing inside all of us for a story of love and redemption. That longing finds its true fulfillment in the story of Jesus.
Faith and Logic 1: Part 3: Inside Out?
Faith and Logic 1: Part 2: The Science of God
-
If you’ve ever seen a neat stack of rocks on a hiking trail, you know someone put it there on purpose. Our world is full of that kind of order, from the complexity of a single cell to the precise laws that hold the universe together. That design points to a Designer.
-
Science helps us understand how creation works, but it doesn’t replace the One who made it. In fact, every new discovery reveals more of the detail and beauty God built into the world. Science and faith don’t have to compete.
-
If God created us on purpose, we can’t reshape Him into whoever we want Him to be. But here’s the good news: this same God loves us. Even though we’ve all fallen short, He sent His Son, Jesus, to save us. When we put our faith in Jesus, we are forgiven and given eternal life with God.
-
It’s a fair question: is the New Testament a reliable record of Jesus? Historians have thousands of ancient manuscripts of the New Testament, far more than for any other ancient text, which shows that what we read today is what was originally written. Those accounts came from eyewitnesses or people who interviewed them, and many of Jesus’ first followers chose to suffer and even die rather than deny what they saw. People don’t do that for a story they know is a lie.
-
Stories of Jesus healing people or turning water into wine can sound far-fetched. But if there is a God who created the universe, it makes sense that He could step into it. The Bible doesn’t claim miracles happen every day. They are rare moments that show God’s power and point to who Jesus really is.
-
Faith is more than agreeing with the facts. Imagine a friend handing you a pepper and telling you it’s hot. You can believe them, but you don’t really know until you taste it. Faith in Jesus works the same way. It’s trusting Him personally: believing He took the punishment for our sins, accepting His forgiveness and choosing to follow Him.