1.12.20 - Believing in the Bigger Picture (Kenny Camacho)
SCRIPTURE: John 14:5-12, Psalm 19:1-6, Romans 1:18-25
The principle that “all truth is God’s truth” is derived from the 4th century writings of St. Augustine and has long been used to advocate for reconciliation in the relationship between faith and science. But what does this principle mean, where does it find root in Scripture, and how does it impact the work or mission of the church? In the broadest context, Augustine is echoing the author of Psalm 19, who says that all of creation bears the mark of its creator, and by knowing the natural world, we can know God more clearly. But truth isn’t only a way of describing who God is; it is also something essentially relational. In John 14, Jesus says that he is the “way, the truth, and the life,” and “no one comes to the father” except through him. This means that truth is something we know with our hearts as well as our minds: it is something that draws us in and has the power to transform who we are. When we set out to “seek truth” in the world, we need to do so not as explorers but as pilgrims, looking for the threads that tie our world into something coherent, whole, and ultimately testifying to the loving character of God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
This week’s message continues a theme from Week 1 about accepting reconciliation with God/God’s plan. What do you think about this concept? How is it challenging you?
What do you think about the idea that “all truth is God’s truth”?
On Sunday, Kenny said that “seeking Truth” means “believing in the power of a bigger picture.” What did you think of this idea? What questions do you have about it?
In Psalm 19:1-6, David uses the sun to remind himself/remind us of certain truths about God. Read the passage together and talk it through: what can we learn about God from the sun?
In the Romans 1 passage, Paul agrees with the psalmist that the natural world testifies about God...but he also says that we tend to ignore the natural world, choosing instead to worship gods “made in our own image.” What do you think of this passage?
Kenny said on Sunday that when we forget the bigger picture, we tend to see everything as a fight: we think we have to look out for ourselves, since no one else will. Have you felt this way before? What happened? How could “remembering the bigger picture” have helped?
Jesus tells us that knowing God isn’t about having certain information, it’s about living in relationship with him. How can you pursue a more intimate and full relationship with God?