Spiritual Questions

1. Aren't all religions the same?
2. How do you explain evil in the world?
3. Isn't Christianity a bit narrow-minded?
4. How can I know God's will for my life when He is invisible and I can't hear Him?
5. Why is there so much pain in my life?
6. How do you explain and wrestle with Creation vs. Evolution?
7. Do you really believe in hell?
8. Do you really believe that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead?
9. Can you really believe the Bible?
10. Does this belief in Jesus really make a difference?

1. Aren't all religions the same?

We live in a pluralistic society that values tolerance and while we would never want to intentionally hurt anyone, God's word the Bible tells us that not all religions are the same. Jesus, God's Son, said, "I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through me…" John 14:6. Jesus' statement doesn't allow us the latitude to embrace just any religion. Either He is the way, the truth and the life or He is not. He doesn't give us any other option and if He is what He says He is, then all religions aren't the same! [back]

2. How do you explain evil in the world?

That's a question that has been asked down through the ages. While the answer can be somewhat complicated and long, the simple answer is that God gave mankind the freedom to choose God or reject God. Way back in the Garden of Eden, mankind decided to reject God's way. Ever since then, we have lived in rebellion from God and the resulting consequences. While God does not choose evil, because mankind did, He allows us to live with our choices. [back]

3. Isn't Christianity a bit narrow-minded?

We plead guilty. As Christians we are a bit narrow-minded, but then the Bible doesn't give us a wide margin for error. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. You can enter God's Kingdom (community) only through the narrow gate… the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow…" Jesus said in Matthew 7:13,14. [back]

4. How can I know God's will for my life when He is invisible and I can't hear Him?

The Bible is a great place to start in understanding God's will for our lives. We believe that the Bible is God's inspired word to mankind and that it reveals His will for us. As we obey what we do know from the Bible, God continually reveals more and more to us. Jesus said, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from Him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own!" John 7:16,17. If you're following Jesus' teaching, you're following God's will for your life. [back]

5. Why is there so much pain in my life?

Pain is part of the consequence of our rebellion against God. The Bible does not promise us a pain-free life and while there may be a number of different reasons for pain in a person's life, we can rest in the assurance that the Lord sees and knows our pain and has compassion on us. Luke 7:13. We can also find comfort in the fact that Jesus Himself knows what it is like to suffer. Even though He was without sin, the Bible tells us that He suffered many things and eventually died on our behalf. [back]

6. How do you explain and wrestle with Creation vs. Evolution?

We believe that God is creator. The Bible tells us that He created everything including human beings. We also believe that much of the created world points to the fact that there is a creator. In our opinion, it takes more faith to believe in evolution than it does to believe in creation. [back]

7. Do you really believe in hell?

Unfortunately, yes! Jesus asked, "… how will you escape being condemned to hell?" Matthew 23:33. We admit this isn't a pleasant subject, but we also believe that to dismiss what the Bible has to say about hell would be a disservice to people. Hell is a place that is reserved for those who reject God and refuse to accept His provision for life through His Son, Jesus Christ. [back]

8. Do you really believe that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead?

Yes! The evidence for this is overwhelming. "Peace be with you! Then He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here: see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe!'" Jesus in John 20:27. The fact is, the resurrection changed the behavior of Jesus' followers who were with Him when He was on earth and it changed the entire course of human history. [back]

9. Can you really believe the Bible?

The Bible is an ancient document that has incredible historical proof, evidence and documentation. Beyond that, though, is the difference that the Bible makes in the lives of those who read what is says and obey what it tells them. The reliability of the Bible and the changes it produces lead to a trust in it and a conclusion that it could only come from God Himself. [back]

10. Does this belief in Jesus really make a difference?

At Central Heights we know that Jesus makes a difference in peoples' lives. We would love to share with you how He can make a difference in your life! [back]