April 14, 2024
Forum Class
Facilitators: Toni and Alonzo Acklin
“Wrestling With Doubt”
Finding Faith
By Adam Hamilton
Handouts
Wrestling with doubt 4 participant
Wrestling with doubt 2-Participants
Wrestling with Doubt 1 Participants
Greetings
Reflections
Last week, we explored the question “Are non-Christians going to hell.” Prior to the discussion about the question, Hamilton wanted us to review how hell is described in both the Old Testament and New Testament. In addition, we were introduced to three prevalent viewpoints held by Christians regarding whether non-Christians are to be rewarded with a place in heaven. Armed with this information, we shared our opinions about the topic. Heaven is an optimal place for eternal life.
This week, we will turn our attention to Heaven and question if Heaven is real. If you are like me, your parents, friends and relatives and religious instructors taught you about heaven. We developed different ideas about Heaven because of interactions with others. Have you ever considered that hymns or songs influence our perception about heaven? One example of such a hymn is “When We All Get to Heaven.” Read the lyrics below.
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain:
1.When we all get to heaven,
what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
we’ll sing and shout the victory!
2 While we walk the pilgrim pathway.
Clouds will overspread the sky.
But when trav’ling days are over
Not a shadow, not a sigh. [Refrain]
3 Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving ev’ry day.
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay. [Refrain]
4 Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold.
Soon the pearly gates will open–
We shall tread the streets of gold.
As you read or sing this hymn, think about the message it is giving us about heaven. I suggest using Hamilton questions to analyze this song.
1.What does this song or hymn say about heaven and eternal life?
2.What descriptive words for heaven and eternal life do you find?
- What does this hymn or song say about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in relation to heaven and eternal life?
Are there any songs that you recall that mention heaven?
Reminders
On April 28, we are collecting canned fruits, canned vegetables and applesauce for our food Pantry.
May 19 -one worship service at 9:00 am.
June 30. Pastor Monica’s celebration and reception to follow one worship at 9:00 am.
- Join us on Sunday, April 28 at 9:15 am online or in person
- Access Information GoToMeeting
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/343043373
United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679
Access Code: 343-043-373
IN His Grace,
Toni
