GOD THE WHO THE GOSPEL PROJECT FOR STUDENTS / LEADER GUIDE SUMMER SUMMER 2013: LEADER GUIDE Ed Stetzer General Editor Trevin Wax Managing Editor

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1 THE GOSPEL PROJECT FOR STUDENTS / LEADER GUIDE TM THE SUMMER 2013 GOD WHO IS SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013: LEADER GUIDE Ed Stetzer General Editor Trevin Wax Managing Editor

2 THE GOSPEL PROJECT FOR STUDENTS LEADER GUIDE, SUMMER 2013 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 4 PRODUCTION AND MINISTRY TEAM VICE PRESIDENT, CHURCH RESOURCES: Eric Geiger GENERAL EDITOR: Ed Stetzer MANAGING EDITOR: Trevin Wax PUBLISHING TEAM LEADER: Chad Jordan DIRECTOR, STUDENT MINISTRY PUBLISHING: Jeff Pratt DIRECTOR, STUDENT MINISTRY: Ben Trueblood Send questions/comments to: Publishing Team Leader, The Gospel Project: Student Leader Guide, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN ; or make comments on the Web at Printed in the United States of America The Gospel Project : Student Leader Guide (ISSN ; Item ) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President LifeWay Christian Resources. For ordering or inquiries, visit or write LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN For subscriptions or subscription address changes, subscribe@lifeway.com, fax (615) , or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, orderentry@lifeway.com, fax (615) , or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay s doctrinal guideline, please visit Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. ABOUT THE WRITERS Unit 1: Kendell Easley is a professor of biblical studies at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., and is the director of the Master of Christian Studies and Doctor of Ministry programs for Union s Stephen Olford Center. He has written ongoing curriculum for more than 20 years. Kendell is married to Nancy, and they have one married young adult son. Unit 2: Geoff Ashley, who also wrote session 1, is the Discipleship Resource Pastor for The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. He received a Th.M from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2009 and has been on staff at The Village since 2006, overseeing the development of theological resources. Unit 3: Lizette Beard has earned degrees in Religious Studies (University of Missouri) and Missiology (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) and is pursuing a Ph.D in applied theology (North American Church Planting) at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She worked for the International Mission Board in Abidjan, Cote d Ivoire (West Africa) and now serves as a project manager for LifeWay Research. SUMMER

3 GOD IS In this lesson, we will focus on the case for God s existence. We start with creation as a pointer to the Creator, then consider the Scriptural evidence for God s existence, and finally recognize that all humans have an inner sense that He exists. The goal is that our faith will be strengthened and we will be better equipped to respond graciously to those who deny we can know God. STEPS TO PREPARE 1. Read the main passages for this week s lesson, including their surrounding passages. Genesis 1-2; Psalm 8, Psalm 10, Psalm 14; Romans 1 2. Study the Expanded Lesson Content beginning on page 20. Determine what elements of this lesson are most applicable to your particular group. Consider ways to personalize the lesson content for you and your class. 3. Review the Teaching Plan (p ). Refine and adjust the lesson plan based on your group s particular needs. 4. Pray for the Lord s guidance as you lead your group through this material. LESSON OUTLINE WE KNOW GOD EXISTS BY LOOKING AT Creation (Psalm 8:3-8). 2. Scripture (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 14:1-3). 3. Humanity (Romans 1:21, Psalm 10:3-4). SUMMER

4 SESSION 2 TEACHING PLAN FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION Select a work of human culture that you admire or benefit from. Ponder what the maker s work reveals about the character of the maker? How clearly has the maker revealed himself or herself? How else would you learn about the maker? GOD IS INTRODUCE THE LESSON Begin the lesson by referencing how Tolkien s work gives us a picture of Tolkien the author (p. 20). How reasonable is it to follow this analogy: Just as we can learn about Tolkien by looking at his work, so too can we learn about the Creator by studying His creation? Summarize the goal of this lesson as you transition to the first point. FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION Describe a time when you observed some facet of creation and you were overwhelmed that this was evidence of the Creator. How similar was your reaction to David s reaction to the night sky? FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION Pause for a moment to reflect on some natural phenomenon available for your observation: a shrub, a pet, a stormy sky. Consider what that object tells you about the Creator. Then thank God that He exists as the Creator of that object and of you as well. What favorite hymn or praise song could help you acknowledge God the Creator? WE KNOW GOD EXISTS BY LOOKING AT CREATION. Mention the new atheism and why Christians should not be overly defensive when attacked. Read Psalm 8:3-8, and show how it exemplifies the truth that creation points to its creator (p. 21). Why do you think this new atheism has been gaining traction in recent years? How will you respond to these ideas if they are presented by a teacher or professor? Highlight the way David praises the design and purpose of creation, and introduce the teleological argument and the subsequent intelligent design movement (p. 22). In your own words, explain the watchmaker argument. How can this argument be helpful for the believer? In what ways does the purposefulness of creation communicate the truth that God has a purpose for humanity? Emphasize how this psalm points forward to Jesus Christ (p. 22). Briefly describe the cosmological argument and how the truth of God s existence should lead us to worship (p. 22). To what extent have traditional proofs for God s existence (such as the cosmological and teleological arguments) helped you believe there is a Creator? Have you ever tried to use one of these arguments to help an agnostic or atheist friend or teacher? What happened? 18 TGP Leader Guide

5 GOD IS 2. SCRIPTURE. Read Genesis 1:1 to show how, unlike much of Christian apologetics, the Bible simply presupposes God s existence. Next, introduce the moral argument and how King David linked belief in God to moral behavior. In your own words, explain the moral argument. How can this argument be helpful for the believer? FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION What are some things revealed in the person of Jesus Christ about God s character that we would never know otherwise? Read Psalm 14:1-3. Note the sinfulness of all people, including practical atheists (p. 23). Then point to the gospel as the solution to our sin. What s the difference between an intellectual atheist and a practical atheist? How can we avoid becoming a practical atheist? How does the moral argument affect the way you live? Do you think of God as a heavenly observer of your deeds? How does an understanding of the gospel change the way you live in the presence of God? 3. HUMANITY. Set Romans 1:21 in context and then introduce the idolatry that leads to denying God (p. 25). FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION How should we react to persons whose consciences are so seared that they seem to have no inner sense of right or wrong or of God? Why do we so often fall into the trap of worshiping created things as opposed to the Creator? How can we avoid this trap as we live our daily lives? Read Psalm 10:3-4. Highlight the truth that our consciences help us discern right from wrong, but that what we ultimately need is gospel grace that changes our hearts (p. 24). How closely do you connect the voice within with your belief that there is a God? Was Jiminy Cricket right to say: Let your conscience be your guide? What are the limits of relying on our consciences to determine right from wrong? CONCLUSION Recap the lesson, highlighting the importance and the limitations of providing arguments for God s existence. How does creation point to the reality of God? How does Scripture point to the reality of God? How does humanity point to the reality of God? How does understanding the reality of God motivate us to take the gospel of Christ into our communities and classrooms? SUMMER

6 SESSION 2 EXPANDED LESSON CONTENT GOD IS WE KNOW GOD EXISTS BY LOOKING AT CREATION, SCRIPTURE, AND HUMANITY. OPENING ILLUSTRATION AND DISCUSSION STARTER Do you remember when you first heard about The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings? When my friend first introduced me to these works, his references to hobbits and orcs bewildered me. Then I decided to read The Hobbit, and I was hooked. Since then, I ve read through Lord of the Rings five times. As I immersed myself in the stories, I wondered what kind of person came up with such a wonderful imaginary world. Middle Earth was filled with history and grandeur and characters that break your heart. Who was J.R.R. Tolkien? What did his literary masterpiece reveal about him? In our late-night dorm-room discussions, my friend and I concluded the following: The author believed that right will prevail against all odds. The author was convinced that things happen for a reason. The author appreciated beauty. The author understood that there are powerful, even supernatural, forces in the world. The author loved the English language and was a master of creative expression. Today we can learn in detail what Tolkien was like by reading what he said about himself or by learning from those who knew him. But we can also learn about the creator of Middle Earth by looking carefully at his creation. How reasonable is it to follow this analogy: just as we can learn about Tolkien by looking at his work, so too can we learn about the Creator by studying His creation? In today s lesson, we will focus on the case for God s existence. We start with creation as a pointer to the Creator, then consider the Scriptural evidence for God s existence, and finally recognize that all humans have an inner sense that He exists. The goal is that our faith will be strengthened and we will be better equipped to respond graciously to those who deny we can know God. 20 TGP Leader Guide

7 GOD IS WE KNOW GOD EXISTS BY LOOKING AT CREATION (PS. 8:3-8). When I observe Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set in place, what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him? You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet: all the sheep and oxen, as well as animals in the wild, birds of the sky, and fish of the sea passing through the currents of the seas. Atheists and agnostics have long been part of the intellectual discourse of Western civilization. Within the past few years, however, a more militant form of atheism, sometimes called new atheism, has gained traction. Proponents are intolerant of religious beliefs. They seek to criticize and expose belief in God as irrational. Leading voices include Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens. Why do you think this new atheism has been gaining traction in recent years? How will you respond to these ideas if they are presented by a teacher or professor? A Christian s response to atheism should not be overly defensive or dependent on clever attacks. Instead, we ought to begin by acknowledging that throughout history, almost everyone who has considered the something that exists (the universe) has concluded that the universe did not invent itself. As surely as the existence of Lord of the Rings points to an author, so the universe points to a Creator beyond itself. We can go back all the way to the time of the Old Testament to see this truth. King David was a military genius and a master politician. Further, he crafted amazing Hebrew poems (now known as psalms) on a great variety of subjects. Psalm 8 is one of David s reflections on the Creator and His creation. As we watch David describe what he perceived with his senses, we learn that careful observation of nature is a friend of faith, not a foe. What David saw in the night sky overwhelmed him! He might not have known scientifically just how vast the universe is, but he understood well enough that everything came from the hand of a mighty Creator. It came from His fingers, as a potter s jar comes from the workman s hands. The vastness of the heavens was a reason for David to believe God exists. It was not a reason, as some have recently argued, to deny a Creator. Furthermore, David noticed not only the objects of creation ( moon and stars, v. 2), but also their orderliness ( You set in place, v. 2). The heavenly bodies point to a purpose not limited to, but not less than the guidance they give to nighttime travelers. VOICES FROM THE PAST There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something... You certainly usually find something if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after. 1 J. R. R. Tolkien FURTHER COMMENTARY Man was made only little less than God Himself. God crowned him with glory and honor (v. 5). So much is this the case, David concluded that man is lord over the works of Your hands. Put another way, God put everything under his [mankind s] feet (v. 6). Paul quoted Psalm 8:6 in 1 Corinthians 15:27, applying the words everything under his feet to the time when the exalted Jesus will subdue all things, including death, to Himself. Here, Paul was thinking of Jesus as the representative human being, the supreme example of humanity. (See 1 Cor. 15:22 for Paul s view of Adam and Christ as the two representative men.) SUMMER

8 VOICES FROM THE CHURCH If you want to know what it means to be a human being, you must look not at human beings but at Jesus Christ. We are broken and corrupted images, but he is the true image of God, the model, the prototype. 4 Ben Patterson That the apparent design and purpose of many parts of the universe points to a Designer is known as the teleological argument. The Englishman William Paley ( ) developed the famous watchmaker argument: just as the existence of a watch, whose purpose is to tell time, presupposes a watchmaker, so the existence of purposefulness in the natural order points to a Creator of that order and purpose. 2 More recently, certain scientists have used a version of the watchmaker argument to develop the intelligent design movement. Not all of them reach the conclusion that the God of the Bible is the Creator of the universe. They do, however, make the case that certain features of the universe are best explained by an intelligent cause, not by undirected processes such as natural selection. 3 In your own words, explain the watchmaker argument. How can this argument be helpful for the believer? When David compared the vastness of the universe to himself, he was struck by the smallness of all humanity (v. 4). Why should the God of the universe pay attention ( remember or look after ) to humanity? There s a famous Peanuts strip by Charles Schulz, in which Charlie Brown and his sister Sally are standing outside and looking up at the starry night sky. After several moments of silence, Charlie Brown decides to go inside. I m beginning to feel insignificant! he says. Small, yes. Insignificant, no. David may have wondered at humanity s smallness, but he had seen evidence all around him of humans fulfilling God s call to rule wisely over the earth. He had seen animals domesticated ( sheep and oxen, v. 7, with David by profession a shepherd). He had seen wild beasts subdued ( animals in the wild, v. 7, with David as one who overcame lions and bears [1 Sam. 17:34]). His mind went to the air ( birds of the sky, v. 8) and the waters ( fish of the sea, v. 8). Through the centuries, humanity has brought animal life of every kind under dominion. Even more, this psalm that exults in the magnificence of God and the loving attention that He shows people points forward to Jesus Christ. Humans are creation s crown, and Jesus Christ is the crown of humanity. He is the One crowned with glory and honor God with us. That s why the Apostle Paul would quote from this psalm when speaking of Jesus (1 Cor. 15:27). In what ways does the purposefulness of creation communicate the truth that God has a purpose for humanity? Psalm 8 is an early example of what is often called the cosmological argument for God s existence. The teleological argument looks at design or purpose and sees evidence of a Designer. The cosmological argument asks the question: What or who caused the universe in the first place? In simplest terms the cosmological argument runs like this: Whatever begins to exist has a cause. The Universe began to exist. Therefore, the Universe had a cause. 22 TGP Leader Guide

9 GOD IS Arguments and proofs are important. But we must remember that these traditional proofs for God s existence bolster our faith; they do not create it. We do not argue people into God s kingdom. Neither do we study these truths as merely analyzing data. We should learn from David s example. This psalm does not begin or end with an intellectual assent to God s existence. David went on to worship the Creator. Yahweh, our Lord, how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth (v. 1, 9)! God desires not to be analyzed, but adored. To what extent have traditional proofs for God s existence (such as the cosmological and teleological arguments) helped you believe there is a Creator? Have you ever tried to use one of these arguments to help an agnostic or atheist friend or teacher? What happened? 2. SCRIPTURE (GEN. 1:1, PS. 14:1-3). In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth The fool says in his heart, God does not exist. They are corrupt; their actions are revolting. There is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one. FURTHER COMMENTARY When I first studied Hebrew in seminary, we had to memorize Genesis 1:1. It struck me that in the original language, there were five significant words, each packed with meaning: In-the-beginning: Before the start of anything other than God, God already was. He alone had no beginning. As we will see in later studies, He has existed eternally as Father, Son, and Spirit. He-created: The verb in the Hebrew generally means to make out of nothing, not to form out of existing materials. In the Old Testament, God is the only one who so created. [bara in BDB Lexicon, standard ed., p. 135]. God: The Hebrew word is Elohim, the standard or default term meaning the one true God. The-heavens: A plural noun that included the first heaven (the sky, with birds and clouds); the second heaven (with the heavenly bodies); and the third heaven (God s dwelling place). And-the-earth: This refers to planet earth; land and all things connected with this world. When combined with heavens, everything in the universe (except the Creator) is included. For example, see Deuteronomy 10:14; Job 28:24; Psalm 57:5; Isaiah 45:12,18; Jeremiah 10: SUMMER

10 Christian apologetics the case for God, the Bible, salvation in Christ, and so on often proceeds by beginning with the external evidence. But the Bible itself does not start with an argument for the existence of God. He is simply presupposed as the Creator of all things. This is well illustrated by Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. There is no explanation of where God came from or how He came to be. It s simply assumed that the God of the Bible is the one, true, uncreated Creator and Lord of the universe. As has been often preached, once a person accepts Genesis 1:1 as true, everything else in the Bible is possible. The Bible not only assumes God s existence, but also the existence of moral right and wrong. Some people doubt there is a God because of all the bad things that happen in the world. They wonder: If there is a good God, why do bad things happen? But in even asking this question, we are pushed back toward God. If there are bad things, good and evil, right and wrong, it must be because there is a God who is the source of good. We call this line of thinking the moral argument for God s existence. In its basic form, the argument looks like this: If God does not exist, then objective moral values do not exist. Objective values do exist. Therefore, God exists. 5 In your own words, explain the moral argument. How can this argument be helpful for the believer? King David linked proper regard for God with moral behavior in Psalm 14. Disbelieving in God is a moral decision, not just an intellectual decision. David called this kind of person the fool. He did not mean unintelligent, ridiculous, or easily duped. Rather, he was saying that such a person lacked good sense. Folly in the Old Testament was the opposite of wisdom (Prov. 1:7). Look back at the opening verses of Psalm 14. David began by assuming the fool s position: no God exists. Then he showed the inevitable outcome, using negative descriptions: corrupt in heart and revolting in deed. There is no one who does good, he laments. Verse 2 poetically describes God s inquiry into the state of human evil. As the LORD (Yahweh, the covenant making God of Israel), He longed to find someone who was truly wise, one who wholeheartedly sought Him. Alas, God s conclusion was that not even one person has done the right thing. The psalmist linked belief in a moral God with moral behavior. To deny God s existence is foolish. But it s not just atheists who are indicted in this passage. What about us? If there is no one who does good, then we are under judgment, too! Even if we believe in God, don t we sometimes live as practical atheists, living day-to-day as if He does not exist? What s the difference between an intellectual atheist and a practical atheist? How can we avoid becoming a practical atheist? 24 TGP Leader Guide

11 GOD IS In Romans 3, the Apostle Paul quoted from this psalm as a way of underscoring how sinful everyone is. We cannot put ourselves on a pedestal and look down our noses at those who don t believe in God. The reality of sin levels us all. Thankfully, the grace revealed in the gospel reaches into the hearts of intellectual and practical atheists alike and not only shows us right from wrong, but also declares us right before God through our faith in Christ s work. How does the moral argument affect the way you live? Do you think of God as a heavenly observer of your deeds? How does an understanding of the gospel change the way you live in the presence of God? VOICES FROM CHURCH HISTORY My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I gotten this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?... Thus in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist in other words, that the whole of reality was senseless I found I was forced to assume that one part of reality namely my idea of justice was full of sense. Consequently, atheism turns out to be too simple. 6 C. S. Lewis, former atheist ( ) 3. HUMANITY (ROM. 1:21, PS. 10:3-4). For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened For the wicked one boasts about his own cravings; the one who is greedy curses and despises the LORD. In all his scheming, the wicked arrogantly thinks: There is no accountability, [since] God does not exist. So far, we have seen the evidence for God from creation itself, touching on two classic proofs for His existence (teleological and cosmological arguments). We have also considered that the Bible simply assumes God and that the existence of good and evil points to Him (the moral argument). But now we turn to the truth that all persons have a deep inner sense that there is a God and that we are created beings. The apostle Paul made this very case in Romans 1:21: FURTHER COMMENTARY Real atheists and practical ( Christian ) atheists share the following traits: They pray rarely if at all. They do not read or study the Bible. They walk by sight, not by faith. They give little or nothing to charitable or Christian causes. They live primarily for this life rather than eternity. Consider whether those you lead in Bible study will be helped by reading these statements as a practical atheism test. Use the results not to criticize others but to evaluate self. SUMMER

12 FURTHER COMMENTARY The rest of Psalm 10 celebrates God s final triumph over evildoers. Verses 5-11 present the thinking of evildoers, who live as if they will never be accountable for their evil deeds. Verses express the psalmist s confidence that God will judge the wicked and that He will overturn every injustice wreaked by the powerful on those who are powerless. In the preceding verses, Paul affirmed that certain aspects of God s nature His existence and His power are revealed by the created order. Mankind is thus able to know these things about Him. Further, humans can figure out that they should express appropriate thanks to their Creator ( show gratitude ) and worship Him ( glorify Him ). Yet like those condemned in Psalm 14, everyone s natural thinking has gone wrong ( became nonsense ). Further, our ability to make good moral decisions is compromised ( minds were darkened ). It was not that we denied the Creator; far from it. We have taken the intuitive knowledge of God that we had and used it in the wrong way. We turn to idolatry worship of created things rather than to worship of the Creator (Rom. 1:22-23). Why do we so often fall into the trap of worshiping created things as opposed to the Creator? How can we avoid this trap as we live our daily lives? Denying God is never merely an intellectual decision. The Bible makes the case that we deny or ignore Him to escape accountability for our moral actions. We see this truth presented in Psalm 10. The essence of sin is to put self first. We boast about our own cravings and brag about self-achievement (awards? possessions? popularity?). Untamed greed the desire for more ultimately leads a person to curse and hate God. We turn morality upside down. We should boast in the Lord and despise what is self-centered. But we have done just the opposite. Thankfully, God s common grace means that human beings still have a conscience. We are not as bad as we could be. Our conscience gives us a sense not only of His existence, His power, and His right to be worshiped, but also a sense of guilt and shame when we violate it. What s more, the gospel that God accepts us because of the work of Christ is all the more compelling when contrasted with our own brokenness and shame. Common grace restrains the unbeliever s heart so that not all the wickedness inside is acted upon. Gospel grace changes the unbeliever s heart so that Christ s goodness overflows into lives of obedience to God. How closely do you connect the voice within with your belief that there is a God? Was Jiminy Cricket right to say: Let your conscience be your guide? What are the limits of relying on our consciences to determine right from wrong? 26 TGP Leader Guide

13 GOD IS CONCLUSION Understanding the proper relationship between the Creator and the created has often been a challenge, even to believers. When we recognize our smallness in creation, we can better understand the greatness and glory of God. Keeping this perspective will enable us to be involved in creation care. This really matters, because there is a Creator. But creation care can become idolatrous. Some people are committed to environmental issues and yet are not committed to the Creator. Making a case for the existence of God is an important step in evangelism. Still, we must remember that believing in God is not enough to save us. It is possible to believe that God exists yet not have a saving relationship with Him. Yet people must start with accepting the existence of God the Creator before they are ready to hear the good news of the Savior. How does creation point to the reality of God? How does Scripture point to the reality of God? How does humanity point to the reality of God? How does understanding the reality of God motivate us to take the gospel of Christ into our communities and classrooms? VOICES FROM CHURCH HISTORY The whole earth is a living icon of the face of God. I do not worship matter. I worship the Creator of matter who became matter for my sake, who willed to take His abode in matter, who worked out my salvation through matter. Never will I cease honoring the matter which wrought my salvation! I honor it, but not as God. Because of this I salute all remaining matter with reverence, because God has filled it with his grace and power. Through it my salvation has come to me. 7 John of Damascus ( ) SUMMER

14 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES GOD IS DEVOTIONAL MATERIAL Encourage your group to read the three devotional readings included in the Learner Guide. STUDY MATERIAL -- God Is Chapter 2 from The Faith by Charles Colson and Harold Fickett -- The Existence of God Chapter 9 in Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem -- The Clues of God Chapter 8 from The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller -- Practical Atheism? Devotional by Jeff Schreve; find a link to this devotional at gospelproject.com/additionalresources -- Creation in Ancient Near Eastern Thought Article by T. Van McClain on Biblical Illustrator Plus (CD-ROM); order at SERMON PODCAST Eric Geiger: God Is Good REFERENCES 1. J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit (New York: Ballantine, 1996), Alister E. McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction, 4 th ed. (Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2007), Ibid., Ben Patterson, God s Prayer Book (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2008), William Lane Craig, Moral Argument, Reasonable Faith [online; cited 29 October 2012]. Available from the Internet: 6. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: Touchstone, 1980), John of Damascus, Treatise II, in Three Treatises on the Divine Images (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir s Seminary Press, 2003), VIDEO Douglas Wilson and Christopher Hitchens: Collision (DVD) Find links to these at gospelproject.com/additionalresources ADAPT THE LESSON The Gospel Project is designed to give you, as the leader, much more content than you could possibly cover in a typical group meeting. Don t feel pressured to include all the quotes, commentary, or discussion questions in your teaching plan. Instead, based on the particular needs of your group, modify the lesson. Seek prayerfully the leading of the Holy Spirit as you decide which points to emphasize and which questions to ask. Also keep in mind that much of the leader content is present in the Personal Study Guide. You can always encourage your group to read at home any sections you are unable to cover as thoroughly as you would like. 28 TGP Leader Guide