BIG IDEA
What makes Christianity stand out from all other religions? This is the question we are asking and answering today. It is a fair question, isn’t it? After all, there are a lot of different religions in the world, and we need to understand why Christianity is distinct and why our God is the one, true God. As we dive into the Bible study, we will see why Christianity is different and how Jesus changed everything.
BREAK THE ICE
What is something you believed in as a child but later found out it wasn’t true?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some of the things you know about other religions? How is Christianity different?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read John 14:6-7. What are the distinct things we learn about Jesus in these verses? (There are several.)
John 14:6-7
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
3. Why is this understanding that Jesus is the only way to God vital to our faith?
4. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. What do these verses teach us about salvation? How is this teaching distinct from other religions?
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Application
1. Do you ever find yourself tempted to try to earn your salvation? Why or why not? What happens when we try to live this way?
2. Jesus is the only way to heaven. Is there anything you have been tempted to look to instead? (For example, doing good things, approval from other people, being religious, and doing all of the right things?)
3. If we believe that Jesus is the only way to God, how might that change how we interact with others?
MOVING FORWARD
Jesus changes everything, and because of Him, we have hope of eternal life. This message is meant to be shared with the world. Do you have people in your life who you are currently sharing your faith with? If so, share with your group who these people are. If not, take a few minutes to think of three people you can begin sharing your faith with. When you have thought of three people, share this with your group. After sharing, pray together for these people by name and that God would make Himself known through each one of you.
Going Deeper
At its core, Christianity is not about religion, but instead, it is all about a relationship. You see, God is not a far-off God who is not involved in the everyday moments of our lives. Instead, He is a God who is deeply involved in our lives and wants to have a relationship with us. So let’s take these next few minutes to dive into Scripture and see the extraordinary steps that God took to step into our world and have a relationship with us.
1. Read John 1:14. The “Word” described in this verse is Jesus.
a. What does it mean to “make yourself at home” somewhere?
b. In what ways did Jesus step into our world and “make Himself at home”? How is this unique to Christianity?
c. What do Jesus’ actions described in these verses say about His relationship with us?
2. Read John 15:14-17
a. What are the implications of being friends with someone?
b. What are the implications of being called “friend” by Jesus?
c. What is at the foundation of our relationship with God? How is this foundation unique to Christianity?
3. Read Revelation 3:20. This verse is part of a message from Jesus to a church in Laodicea, and it is a message for you and me today, too.
a. Who does the knocking in these verses? How is this different than in other religions?
b. What are the implications of sharing a meal with someone?
c. What does Jesus’ desire to share a meal with anyone who “opens the door” speak about how He relates with us?
Friends, we have a God who wants to have a relationship with us, and that truth makes all the difference. We have to share this news with the world around us. Pick one person in your life who is far from Christ and reach out to them with God’s love this week. If they are struggling, offer to pray with them. If there is a tangible need that you can meet, meet it. As you do these things, be sure to share with them this truth that God is a relational God who steps right into each one of our lives and invites us to have a relationship with Him.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
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