Knowing That What We Know is Truly True

Even if we didn't know there is a word for it, epistemology, we all have a theory about deciding what is the truth. And how do we arrive at that truth? There are several ways, depending on the circumstance. We will look at some sufficient means of knowing the truth about Jesus and some that are not.

Luke 24:13-35,24:3,6:46
John 20:11-16,21:1-7
James 2:19
Matthew 11:25-27,13:10-11,16:13-20,17:1-5,27:54
1 Corinthians 2:14,12:3
Hebrews 2:14-17
Romans 4:25,1:3-4
1 John 4:2-3

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Read Luke 24:13-35. Cleopas asks the stranger, "Do you not know these things?" What things does he mean?
• What is epistemology?
• Explain why physical senses alone are not sufficient for knowing the truth about Jesus. Give an example from Scripture that demonstrates this truth.
• Why are facts and Bible study insufficient for knowing the truth about Jesus?
• What is the one infallible way of knowing the truth about Jesus and the resurrection? Consider whether this is the basis for your epistemology.
• Why is it important for us to understand that Jesus came in the flesh?
• Despite the testimonies of Simon Peter, God the Father at Jesus' transfiguration, and the centurion at the cross, the disciples still did not grasp that Jesus is God's unique Son. What had to happen so that they could understand this truth?
• Explain why you agree or disagree with this statement: Jesus can be a person's Savior, yet not his Lord.

Scott Graubard
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Anticipating Heaven: Seeing Jesus

The believer's sheer delight and longing for heaven is because we will see Jesus!

Revelation 5,1:13-17,21:22-23
Philippians 1:21-23
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
John 17:24
Matthew 17:2

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• What is the biblical evidence that the believers long to see Jesus in heaven or that Jesus longs to see His people?
• Why is being person to person so special to us?
• What will it be like to see His glory and to have Him recognize you?
• Why is He described as a slain Lamb in heaven?
• What impact will that have on all believes?
• What if this doesn't move us?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Achieving Heaven: Heaven is Being with Him

We will grow in our anticipation of Heaven as we grow in our love for Christ and long to see Him face to face.

Revelation 1:9-20,5:6
2 Corinthians 5:1-11
Philippians 1:21-23
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
John 13:33-14:6,17:24
Romans 5:7

It is interesting that the New Testament nowhere speaks of believers going 'to heaven' when they die. Instead, they go to be with Christ. Edward Donnelly

John Bunyan's Mr. Standfast, just before he dies, rejoices that 'I am going now to see that Head that was crowned with thorns and that face that was spat upon for me. I have formerly lived by hearsay and faith, but now I go where I shall live by sight and shall be with Him in whose company I delight myself.' Edward Donnelly

Sooner could a worm aspire to be a brain surgeon that a sinner expect to work his own passage to glory. Edward Donnelly

So then let 'Deserved' be written on the floor of hell, but on the door of heaven and life 'The Free Gift'. Richard Baxter

If you are in Christ, do not be afraid of death. He who has conquered that 'last enemy' is waiting for you on the other side. As soon as our souls pass into glory we will see Jesus. He who has known and loved us from before the beginning of time will welcome us into His immediate presence. We will not feel strange or out of place, but profoundly and permanently at home. We will know that we are where we belong, and everlastingly secure. Edward Donnelly

The joy of heaven is communing with Christ. The joy of earth should be communing with Him as well. Edward Donnelly

Modern Christians are ready to busy themselves in almost any religious activity but that of quiet communion with their Lord, regarded more a duty than a delight. They hope to go to heaven, claim to be looking forward to it eagerly. Yet the essence of the heaven they profess to long for is that communion with Christ in which they show so little interest! Something profoundly troubling underlies this spiritual apathy. Edward Donnelly

If we do not get to heaven before we die, we shall never get there afterward. Charles Spurgeon

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why is being with a person so superior to Skype?
• How does this impact our view of Heaven?
• What are the aspects of seeing and being with Jesus in heaven that are so special?
• What are the possible problems if we do not find this aspect of heaven attractive?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA