Survey in Basic Christianity
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(for Survey Question Results - See Below) God says "Buy the truth and do not sell it" (Proverbs 23:23). The Bible tells us that is the direct revelation from God, and that from it we can know what He wants us to understand.. Some of the truth we buy comes in the form of listening to teaching on Sunday or on the radio or at a conference, but a large part of the truth we can buy comes from us personally opening our hearts and minds to God's Living Word so that we can hear from Him and understand His truth. One great way to do this is through the Survey in Basic Christianity (SBC) course. The 13 week course workbook is covering these subjects: The source for truth in all these chapters is the Bible. Each week there's about 1 1/2 to 2 hours for you to invest in reading and answering questions, a simple 3 question survey for you to ask few people (survey results are posted below), and meeting together in one of our Small Groups to dig through with others what we are learning. It can be a very fruitful investment! In a buying mood? |
Survey Results:
Week 1
If you were God , and wanted to communicate to man, how would you do it?
- if God were interested enough to communicate directly with each person unequivocally, I would hope she'd do it often & in every conceivable way & with humor
- if I were God I would speak directly to each person & not through any one person. That way, no one would have to figure out who is really speaking God's message & who is not to be trusted
- I would try to make something happen or "help" a thought enter a person's head & have them take notice-maybe...as they slept & communicate with them throught thier dreams
- if people knew the teachings of the Bible, really understood them, and took them into consideration in their daily lives, I think I could communicate without even having to do much
- In many different ways. Just like in coaching or management, each person learns/communicates differently. I would utilize every opportunity available to communicate with each individual person
- the same way God tries to communicate to me. God uses the beauty of the world to help me understand his presence. God just hangs out with me daily & is available at all times for me to converse with him. Finally, I would use others as examples of his love & grace...
- through mass gatherings & large TV viewings& webcasts. This would allow for everyone to hear all questions & answers
- I woudl be more direct. Make it obvious & easy. I am a straight-talking sort of individual, and explaining things in an obvious manner helps to avoid confusion
- by answereing a prayer request that the praying person would know only I had the power to control
- TV
- directly
- I'd shut everything down long enough to get everyone's attention, then broadcast repeadedly on all channels, plus speak from the sky in all languages
- to answer, I have to assume an anthropomorphic concept of God, and I semply cannot do it. If there is some creative force in this whole operation, I don't see communication as a part of it
- maybe give animals voice to sing His Praise.Wow! Can you imagine if dogs started talking & singing God's Praise - that would certainly get people's attention!
- by speaking to their hearts
- I believe in God. I'd do a miracle or something to convince people that he exists, could do it easily
- I would try to connect with as many people in as many places and try to use them to interface with as many as possible
- I think I would communicate through dreams & signs during prayers
- by dreams(3)
- speaking / moving
- using signs as in the Bible
- through an Angel
- through everyday experiences-helping find solutions to everyday problems
(health, job, family)
- I would use the Holy Spirit as God does now
- use mass media & through natural disasters
- to individuals through some circumstance that personally speaks clearly
to them
Then how would you convince People that this was really your communication?
- I think it would be easier to believe a communication from God if there were some miracles to go along with it, just like in the Bible days
- I don't think I could convince peiope. It would be up to the people to decide if it was commanication from me or not
- I would relate to each person in a way that only I (God) can. Whether it be through a past experience or knowledge of what is in a person's heart, it has to be personal.
- I would utilize all of the tools that God has put forth for me/us... I believe that those of us who have true conversations with God don't need to be convinced
- if everyone was watching in person, on tv, or on their computer, that would allow for a couple of demonstrations to wow everyone & show the awesome power of God
- how exaclty this is to be done,I am uncertain,but I guess a clear presence seems likely
- TV syncronised across all channels for an extended period prior to stating that something would happen. And then follow through
- I guess I would hope for direct contact that all were aware of...
- if my first attempts didn't work completely, I'd fry the minds of the unconvinced until they were. A little pain gets a long way
- I'm GOD! I'm onmiscient! I'm pretty sure I could pull it off
- by giving them inner certainty
- miracles (2)
- tough one! I would just assume that if you tell the truth in such a way as it can be understood, that it will be believed
- this is tough! But I think repetition, just continuing to communicate, until there was no doubt left
- you would have to make an appearance
- through a supernatural sign
- you cannot convince people. They must have faith. God doesn't convince people that the Bible is His word, they have faith. The prophecies help strengthen our faith (especially when they're fulfilled).
- by a repetative theme
- using undeniable proof
- inner voice / conscience / reoccurring dreams
- using even more dramatic signs
- this is real
- (by the changed lives of people who take the message to heart)
If someone would prove to you that the Bible was really true, would you be willing to conform your life to its moral teachings?
-Wherever I find what makes sense to my imperfectly rational mind (be it the Bible, a telescope, or a rock & roll lyric), I like to think I try to incorporate those truths in how I deal with others and live my life (realizing I am not and don't want to be perfect)
- I pretty much conform my life to the moral teachings of the Bible already because I think my conscience tells me that it is sound. I have more trouble with the spiritual teachings of the Bible
- I would be willing to give it a shot, but I think everyone has faults...and may not be able to maintain conforming to all of the moral teahings. Maybe I would find things in the Bible that were not in my power to conform my life to
- I would like to believe that my life is, for the most part, in line with the teachings of the Bible already
- I already believe the Bible is really true; however, I don't always do what I need to do to conform my life to its moral teachings. I am a little hard-headed. I am still working this one out
- If there wasn't sin, then I believe I could conform to the Bible and God's way without ever falling off the wagon
- I try & conform to the Bible's morals. It promotes not being selfish, helping others, and much, much more! This world is a crazy place, and if everyone could live by its morals, it would be a better place
- doubtful, as the Bible is filled with conflicting messages
- absolutely! If there was concrete evidence to persuade a person to believe, it would be hard to not conform
- while I already believe in the Bible's moral teachings, it would be near impossible to convince me that everything in it is true
- since I think the moral teachings of the Bible are a basic human mandate...I suppose if someone was able to emphatically prove the Bible to be absolute truth, then that would validate what I already believe to be a human truth
- too many conflicting teachings to conform to them all. Love some of the stories, but like many, I pick and choose the parts which feel like guidance to me
- This question is a dandy. The short answer is yes. The qualifier is that I want to live my life according to many of the moral teachings in the Bible, despite disbelieving much of its content
- whenever I have an opportunity to commit one of those sins that you have a chance to do or not to do, I picture Jesus suffereing on the Cross and all that pain, & here I have an opportunity to add more - or to not add more. That alone usually helps me make the right choice
- that's too complicated...in a larter sense, yes, but in specific interpretations, no. At least in part I could, like with love your neighbor as yourself.
- of course - no doubt about it
- I would say that I already believe that it's true. There are contradictions. Leviticus would be tough, following its rules. New Testament & Christ brought a lot of changes. Generally, I think so
- I like to consider myself to be a faithful person with good morals and would certainly be willing to conform to most teachings to continue growing as a person
- yes(7)
- yes, if I was a Christian. Currently I am trying to conform my life to Sikhism
- of course. I try to do that everyday
- yes & step by step I try to conform more
- yes, I would conform my life to it according to how I interpret it
Week 2
How would you define God?
- I suppose I would define God as that essence of good that is in all people - just harder for some people to pick up on than others
- I suppose I would have to say that God is the soul of my existence. The moral compass that helps to define my direction, choices and interactions with the world around me
- He is Justice personified, yet equally Mercy personified. He is source & ultimate destination of our lives
- he is our best friend, our mentor, and our parent at times when we feel we know what is best for us and may not even know we are wrong.
- a friend indeed. The be all and end all. The entity that orchestrates my every move. The last one I turn to more often than I'd like to admit.
- the Supreme Being
- God is the creator of everything in this world.
- perhaps the short answer is I think of god as a human need. Humankind has always demanded the concept of some form of diety, born perhaps of a disire for guidance, intervention, or simply an attachment to something larger than one's self.
- God is love. God is part of everything and everything is part of God.
- all powerful
- all knowing being, supreme ruler (highest ruler)
- maker of heaven & earth
- a spirit, loving, creator
- undefinable, creator, omnipresent, omniscient
- God is knowlege, power, higher intelligence, more spiritual than religion
- a spiritual being to pray to and ask forgiveness, inner peace, health
In your opinion, what is the greatest proof that God exists?
- creation is proof to me that God exists. This wonderful planet - and all that is on it and that usually works so well together - probably didn't just happen
- I would have to say that looking at the miracle of life in any of its forms from stone to man would probably be a pretty good start
- His working in transforming my own life, as unfinished a work as that remains, is perhaps the most undeniable to my own mind
- the everyday miracles we all witness. For example, when a tornado rips apart a home but leaves the family safe and intact in the closet.
- the way my life flows when I am giving Him all the power and glory. Little things just happen with divine intervention when I am meshing with Him.
- there are so many universes full of created things. It is unlikely that it all hust happened without being created by a superior being.
- nature and its beauty and many other things
- I've never been able to discern aything other than randomness and chance as operating principles in the cosmos
- the fact that people look for there to be a God. Also because of the testament of people over time--like Moses, the Saints, and people speaking to God and having a response.
- the birth of my child
- the earth in general, and the complexity of the human body
- the way he makes everything work in my life
- myself (that I exist)
- nature in balance, seems like every human has an innate desire to worship
- cannot prove God exists, but you can have faith in your heart
- miracles that happen around us (good or bad)
If you could ask God anything, what would you ask Him?
- Oh, I suspect I would ask about the whole ant farm thing and just get it off my chest - are we just ANTS in a giant ant farm that God looks in at occasionally for entertainment?
- Tell your faithful that it's man's responsibility to care for his surroundings and his fellow man and that perhaps they should get their own house in order before they tell others how to live theirs
- I would ask him about failed relationships - why did this one not result in love & marriage when I wanted it to? Why did that one (that did result in marriage) fail?
- why doesn't he show himself to us in person form, and what exactly happens at death?
- how did you know I could handle all of the adversity I have had in my life?
- how many other universes and planets contain life forms and what are they?
- why do you make people and their families suffer through some of the most horrendous things imaginable?
- why do people suffer so much? AND Some questions about the future...given all the strife and problems in the world, what do we need to do as a people? What is going to unify us? How do we best live the message of love?
- is my next baby going to be born healthy?
- what do you want to do with my life?
- why was I put here, what is the reason for me being here?
- (how can I be) more close to him?
- why - what's the intention in creating the whole thing?
- what about a Nirvana state?
- give the world Peace, Love and Happiness.
Week 3
What are some exclusive characteristics that God has, but people do not?
- invisible, immortal
- unconditional love, forgiveness power to solve all problems
- God is blameless - you can't mark sin on him
- doesn't eat or sleep (not hampered by human needs)
- Agape Love
What does it mean that God is holy?
- because people believe in Him
- He knows what's in our hearts. He is pure
- God can do whatever he wants & he would be right. He is blameless - not at fault for anything
- he created good & evil to test us - He doesn't sin.
How do you account for the Biblical description of God as both a God of love and a God of wrath?
- many different writers of the Bible. When writer wanted an angry God he wrote it that way. If he wanted a loving God he wrote it that way.
- He corrects us out of love like a dad.
- God is responsible for the good things in the world. His wrath: Katrina cleaning New Orleans
- God lives his people more than anyone else could because he's the creator. He created good & evil - do good and he will reward you, do bad & he will punish you.
- Just like a Father. If you obey God He will show you his love. But disobey and beware his WRATH.
- Free will does not mean allowance to do "anything". We have the free will to decide right & wrong but there are consequence for both
Week 4
Where did man come from?
- evolution
- God created Adam
- no idea
For what purpose does man exist?
- to make it through life
- to worship God and be in fellowship with Him
- no clue
What do you feel is the number one purpose in life?
- be a good person, help when you can, pass values on the the next generation
- to fulfill the purpose God has for me as a man, which includes spreading the Gospel
- at this stage in my life, to take care of my family
Week 5
In your opinion, what is sin?
- breaking a legal or moral/religious standard
- anything going against what God has commanded us to do. He's set forth rules for us, breaking those rules is fundamentally sin
- doing stuff that is morally unacceptable
Do you see anything in the newspapers or on television that indicates that man is a sinner?
- yes, I do
- all the time
- yes
What do you think a righteous God would do about sin?
- you will be judged by the ultimate authority, which is God. You will carry the guilt for a long period internally
- forgive us
- I don't know
Week 6
In your opinion, what happens to a person when he dies?
- you get reincarnated, I guess
- everyone faces judgement. The saved will go to heaven and the unsaved to hell
- they go to heaven or they go to hell
- part of the soul remains at the grave site while the remainder begins a "cleansing process"
- depends on what he did in life
- he goesw to heaven or hell
What do the expressions "heaven" and "hell" mean to you?
- if a person is good they go to heaven, if bad to hell
- heaven is eternal life with the presence of the Lord and hell is eternal life with the absence of the Lord (there is no purgatory)
- heaven is being with God, hell is burning and damnation for eternity
- heaven is a sort of "study hall", where you study the scriptures for eternity, and you grow and progress - and, generally, move upwards to different "levels". Hell - or "purgatory" is a purging and regenerative process and is where the soul is cleansed
- heaven is a paradise, and hell is a disaster
- eternal paradise or eternal suffering
If you could ask any question about the afterlife and get an absolutely reliable answer, what would you ask?
- if you're dead, is it for real? Will you know what's happening?
- are there animals in heaven?
- will I get to meet my ancestors?
- (has no questions about the afterlife - seems confident in knowing all about it)
- what's it like to be without a physical body?
- what is my physical presence in heaven?
Week 7
Who is Jesus Christ?
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The Bible teaches that God became a man. If you were given the opportunity to be with Him, what would yo expect Him to be like?
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Do the expressions "Son of God" and "God the Son" mean the same thing to you? Please explain this.
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Week 8
In your opinion what was the purpose of Jesus Christ dying on the cross?
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Do you believe that jesus arose from the grave and is alive today?
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What effect should belief in the resurrection of Christ have on a person's life?
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Week 9
Many people are using the expression"born again". What does this expression mean to you?
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In your opinion, how does a person become a member of God's family?
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Why do you think Jesus used this expression to discribe what it means to become a Christian?
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Week 10
What was the purpose of the 10 Commandments?
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Do you ever use the expression "grace" in everyday speech such as 'grace period' ?
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What do you think the Bible means when it says we are 'saved by grace'?
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Week 11
One often hears the expression 'believe in Jesus Christ'. Do you think to believe in Christ means more than mental assent to certain facts about Him and His life?
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What do you think real belief is?
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Do you think it is possible for people to trust God about everyday matters and not trust Him for their eternal future?
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Week 12
Do you think it is possible for a person to know for sure that he has eternal life?
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What do you think the Apostle John meant when he wrote, "These things have I written that ye may know that ye have eternal life?" (1 John 5:13)
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Have you ever come to a place in your own spiritual experience where you knew for certain that you have eternal life?
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Week 13
In your opinion, which is most important to a Christian: going to heaven or having a fulfilled life hear on earth?
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How would you describe the way a real Christian should live?
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Do you feel it is important for a Christian to be actively involved in a local church? Why or why not?
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