Life's Biggest Questions E-Book

Erik Thoennes

• Herausgeber: Crossway
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 217

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

If we were to compile the biggest questions pertaining to life, we would face some daunting submissions: Does God exist? What is God like? How will it all end? In this accessible book Erik Thoennes—a preaching pastor and theology professor—asks and answers 15 of the most important questions we can ask about God, the Bible, Jesus, and the church.  Readers will find his answers clear, helpful, and above all biblical. Life's Biggest Questions is a great resource for new Christians and for those looking for concise ways to answer difficult questions. Each chapter concludes with a Scripture verse for meditation and memorization, questions for application and discussion, and suggestions for further study.

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“Dr. Thoennes is a masterful teacher. With biblical precision and profound understanding, he comes to grips with the most often asked questions about the gospel. The beauty of following Christ comes through with such clarity that the reader will want to fall in love with Jesus all over again.”

Robert E. Coleman, Distinguished Professor of Discipleship and Evangelism, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; author, The Master Plan of Evangelism

“Socrates’s well-known statement, ‘The unexamined life is not worth living,’ is an entirely appropriate start to Life’s Biggest Questions. Stepping outside of one’s day-to-day existence to reflect on the big-picture questions is understandable and commendable. This book clearly, concisely, and thoughtfully presents answers from an evangelical Christian perspective. Thoennes is not only able to articulate Christian theology and history, but also helps readers think through the implications for their own lives.”

Heather Campbell, Former Vice President, Atheist Coalition of San Diego

“Helpful, concise, accessible: this book will provide clarity and conviction for those looking for answers to the big questions.”

Josh Moody, Senior Pastor, College Church in Wheaton

“In clear, insightful, and relevant ways Thoennes tackles some of life’s most bewildering questions. His treatment of the perennial dilemmas that have plagued inquisitive minds avoids easy clichés and unrealistic answers. Thoennes artfully and biblically turns the question marks of sincere seekers into exclamation points that undergird life with confidence and certainty. This book is a one-of-a-kind resource among similar books that are either too light and unrealistic or too heavy to get our heads around. As such, it is a welcome arrival and an important read—the kind of book that you are happy to share with a friend!”

Joe Stowell, President, Cornerstone University

“A concise and engaging introduction to the core beliefs of the Christian faith that would be helpful both to followers of Christ and those who are investigating the Christian faith and want to understand what Christians believe. Not only does Thoennes show how these beliefs are rooted in Scripture but he also helps us see how they practically relate to the Christian life.”

Keith Johnson, Director, Theological Education and Development, Campus Crusade for Christ

“A thorough and accessible introduction to what Christians believe and why we believe it. Thoennes encourages believers and nonbelievers alike to examine their assumptions in light of biblical truth and to consider the life-altering implications of their beliefs. Life’s Biggest Questions is an encouraging, pastoral introduction to Christianity. Thoennes makes the case that all Christians—from the seminary student to the homemaker—will benefit from the study of theology, and that our lives are profoundly affected by a true knowledge of God. Reading this book has been an encouragement to my faith—bolstering and clarifying my understanding of truth and deepening my appreciation of God and his beautiful work of redemption. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter illustrate the practical significance of theology and will lead readers to fruitful examination of their beliefs and helpful applications of doctrinal truths. Small groups, churches, and individuals will benefit from Thoennes’s pastoral invitation to engage with the most important questions in life.”

Laura Rosenkranz, homemaker; educator

“It is refreshing to see a book that addresses our deepest concerns from a distinctively theological perspective. Professor Thoennes is a master communicator, and Life’s Biggest Questions is marked by an accessible, interesting style. The book is filled with content and distinctively characterized by repeated examples of practical application. It is a fun read and would make an excellent text for a course in theology or Christian worldview.”  

J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology; author, The God Question

“This splendid book provides clear and concise answers to life’s greatest questions. It is a perfect volume for intelligent truth seekers and Christians who want to build a firmer biblical foundation for their faith.”

Lyle Dorsett, Former Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; author, A Passion for Souls: The Life of D. L. Moody

“People without questions may have deluded themselves into thinking they have all the answers. Being finite and fallen should awaken curiosity in the heart of any honest person. Thoennes does more than encourage the asking of questions. He directs readers to the Scriptures as a source of answers both wise and good. Furthermore, he cultivates curiosities to morph into questions that ripen into the rich fruit of wonder, awe, and eventually worship. I know this, because he is my friend. My life has been encouraged by his personal counsel as well as by this book.”

Jerry Root, Associate Professor of Evangelism and Leadership, Wheaton College; coauthor, The Sacrament of Evangelism

“This is an easy read about profound truths. Thoennes’s book is bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside. He writes with elegant simplicity about biblical doctrine, with clear conceptualization and user-friendly prose concerning the basic doctrines of the Scriptures. Thoennes’s trustworthy, sturdy, and receptor-oriented writing puts the nourishment of the Word within the reader’s reach. It is a joy to think after him. Since our spirituality and relationship with God flows directly from our theology and our beliefs about God, Thoennes’s work will be of interest to anyone looking for a basic biblical foundation for soulcare and spiritual formation work.”

Betsy A. Barber, Director, Center for Spiritual Renewal, Biola University; Associate Director, Institute for Spiritual Formation, Talbot School of Theology

Life’s Biggest Questions: What the Bible Says about the Things That Matter Most

Copyright © 2011 by Crossway

Published by Crossway

        1300 Crescent Street

        Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law. Crossway® is a registered trademark in the United States of America.

The text and charts in this book are adapted from the ESV Study Bible.

Interior design and typesetting: Lakeside Design Plus

Cover design: Studio Gearbox

First printing 2011

Printed in the United States of America

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added.

Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-1-4335-2671-8

PDF ISBN: 978-1-4335-2672-5

Mobipocket ISBN: 978-1-4335-2673-2

ePub ISBN: 978-1-4335-2674-9

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Thoennes, Erik.

Life’s biggest questions : what the Bible says about the things that matter most

/ Erik Thoennes.

       p. cm.

   Includes bibliographical references and index.

   ISBN 978-1-4335-2671-8 (tp)

   1. Bible—Examinations, questions, etc. 2. Theology, Doctrinal—Miscellanea.

I. Title.

BS612.T465 2011

230—dc22

2011001942

Crossway is a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

To my delightful wife, Donna, my precious daughters, Caroline and Paige, the faithful saints at Grace Evangelical Free Church of La Mirada, and my earnest students at Biola University.

By God’s grace, your lives have helped me to better understand

CONTENTS

List of Figures

Acknowledgments

 1 What Are Life’s Biggest Questions?

 2 Does God Exist?

 3 What Does It Mean to Know and Love God?

 4 How Does God Reveal Himself?

 5 How Well Can You Know God?

 6 What Is God Like?

 7 How Do You Explain the Trinity?

 8 Who Is Jesus Christ?

 9 Who Is the Holy Spirit?

10 What Did Jesus Christ Accomplish?

11 What Is a Human Being?

12 How Does God Relate to His Creation?

13 What Is Sin?

14 How Does God Save Sinners?

15 What Is the Church?

16 How Will It All End?

Conclusion

Scripture Index

LIST OF FIGURES

 3.1 Truth and the Trinity

 3.2 The Theological Process

 3.3 Studies in Systematic Theology

 3.4 Discerning the Weight of Beliefs

 6.1 How God Reveals Himself

 6.2 God’s Attributes

 6.3 Practical Implications of God’s Attributes

 7.1 The Trinity

 8.1 Heresies Concerning the Person of Christ

 9.1 Personal Actions of the Holy Spirit

 9.2 Divine Attributes of the Holy Spirit

 9.3 How the Holy Spirit Glorifies Christ Today

10.1 Biblical Descriptions of the Atonement

10.2 The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ

10.3 The Humiliation of Christ

10.4 The Exaltation of Christ

14.1 The Blessings of Salvation

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank the following people for the contributions they have made to make this book possible: My faithful, beautiful wife, Donna, whose wisdom, care, insight, discernment, grace, sense of humor, and patience have been a reservoir of joy since we first met in high school; my parents and Jean Parett who faithfully pray for me; the elders and shepherds at Grace Evangelical Free Church of La Mirada, with whom it has been my joy to serve our flock under the authority of the Great Shepherd; Wayne Grudem, J. Julius Scott, Steven Roy, and Robert Coleman, who have helped to shape my thinking and teaching greatly; Barry Corey, Dennis Dirks, Michael Wilkins, David Talley, and the rest of the godly faculty and staff at Talbot School of Theology/ Biola University, with whom it is a privilege to serve our Savior together; Lane Dennis, Justin Taylor, and the other good people at Crossway, who honor Christ and edify the church with their excellent work. My deepest gratitude goes to our heavenly Father, who has answered our deepest questions by sending his Son, so that through the power of the Spirit we can be set free from sin and death.

WHAT ARE LIFE’S BIGGEST QUESTIONS?

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” —Socrates

Everyone wants a meaningful life. There is nothing more human than wondering what that means. Even in days filled with shallowness and countless distractions, when the light goes out at the end of the day and you lie in bed staring at the ceiling, you aren’t human if you don’t think about what it all means. But a meaningful life can be found only by asking good, honest questions. Good questions get to the foundational things that everyone wonders about. Humans in every generation and culture have always asked questions such as, is there a God? What is a human being? Is there such a thing as sin and, if so, can anything be done about it? Is there life after death? Even if you try to ignore questions like these, all it takes is an inquisitive child or the death of a loved one to bring life’s big questions back to the surface. Asking questions assumes there are answers and that they can be found. But many today wonder if objective truth may be found, or if all we have are personal and cultural conventions. Even if absolute truth does exist, can we break out of our limited perspectives and discover it? Many increasingly think we are all left to ourselves to make truth up as we go and there is no way to know what is true or false, right or wrong, good or bad, worthwhile or empty. The Roman governor Pontius Pilate seemed to foreshadow our growing contemporary cynicism about truth when he asked Jesus, “What is truth?” before handing him over to be unjustly murdered (John 18:38).

Into this mounting confusion, uncertainty, and despair, Jesus Christ breaks in, declaring that he is “the way, and the truth, and the life . . .” (John 14:6) and that he alone can bring life that is abundantly fulfilling and eternally significant (John 10:10). He is the one who restores peace with God and brings the answers we long to know. He not only provides the answers we long for, he is the answer. The Bible is the primary source for knowing Jesus and the answers he taught. While many acknowledge the wisdom and goodness of Jesus, it is also vital to realize that he viewed the Scriptures as God’s Word and the foundation for answering life’s greatest questions. This book is an effort to clearly and concisely present those answers. If you aren’t really sure what Christians actually believe or if you’ve been a Christian for a long time but want to solidify the foundation of your faith, I hope this short book can accomplish both of those goals.

GETTING TO THE POINT

This paragraph gets to the bottom line of what Christians believe. The Bible is inspired by God and is centrally about God and what it means to have a relationship with him. God has always existed as one God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He has always been revealing himself and communicating everything we will ever need to know to live profoundly meaningful lives. The basic story line of the Bible reveals a loving and holy God who created everything just as he wanted it to be as an expression of his excellence and beauty, and he declared everything very good. At the pinnacle of his creation God made humans in his image, which means they are more like him than anything else. Human purpose is found fundamentally in relationship with our Creator, depending on him for everything, honoring him, and seeing all of life as an act of worship of him. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Rev. 4:11). Tragically, since Adam and Eve’s fall, all humans are born in rebellion against God (Rom. 3:10–12). God rightly judges this sin, and we incur his wrath and sin’s penalty, which is death (Heb. 9:27). God loves mankind so much that he will not let us settle for anything less than satisfaction in him as our greatest joy. He provides a way of escape from this judgment by sending the eternal Son of God to become a man so that he can represent us in his perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection. Christ unites divine and human in himself so that he can become the only mediator between a holy God and rebellious humans. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” (1 Pet. 3:18). The forgiveness humanity so desperately needs but is unable to accomplish is achieved by God himself through the person and work of Christ. When the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God primarily through the witness of his church to reveal God’s awesome character, sinners see their need for a Savior and repent and trust Christ for forgiveness and a restored relationship with God as Father. All the obedience and righteousness of Christ becomes theirs through their adoption into God’s family. Holy Spirit– enabled conversion leads to Holy Spirit–empowered growth in holiness and love, along with identification with God’s people in the church until Christ returns to take over his creation once and for all. His return will bring the final defeat of sin, death, hell, and all that competes for his honor so that tears and sorrow will be no more for God’s redeemed people.

That’s what the Bible and this book are fundamentally about—in one paragraph. It all boils down to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is how God restores sinful people to himself. The rest of this book unpacks this story in more detail in the hope that you not only understand the Christian faith better, but more importantly, that you may know and love the God who made you in his image so that you may live an abundantly joyful and eternally significant life.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY AND MEDITATION

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Questions for Application and Discussion

How do you explain the universal human inclination to ask big questions about the ultimate issues of life? Do you think ultimate answers exist and that we can find them? What are the big questions you’ve pondered the most? Where have you tended to go to find answers to big questions? What is your primary source of authority (e.g., reason? gut feelings? religious leaders/institutions? majority opinion? parents? Freud? Marx? Oprah?)? When you need to determine what is true and real, how do you determine which authoritative voices are trustworthy? What kind of authority do you think the Bible deserves to have in your life? What authoritative influence has it had in your life? Why do (or don’t) you allow it to have authoritative weight in your life? What has been your impression of the Christian faith before now? What has influenced you to come to this impression? What do you hope this book will help you with the most?

For Further Study

The brief summaries of the doctrines of the Christian faith found in this book are good starting points for deeper study and reflection. To that end, recommendations of key resources for further study are provided here and at the end of each chapter.

Craig, William Lane. Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008.

Craig, William Lane, and Chad Meister, eds. God Is Great, God Is Good: Why Believing in God Is Reasonable and Responsible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009.

Keller, Timothy. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. New York: Riverhead, 2008.

Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity. San Francisco: Harper, 1952.

Moreland, J. P. Love Your God with All Your Mind: The Role of Rea son in the Life of the Soul. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1997.

_______. Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1987.

Sproul, R. C. The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts That Shaped Our World. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2009.

Wells, David. No Place for Truth, or, Whatever Happened to Evangeli cal Theology? Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1993.