I
asked students in my New Testament course to create a dialogue using key doctrines, content and applications from the Bible book of Philippians, encouraging someone to stay strong in their faith.
Here's one of those conversations, created by Morgan Shevey.
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Casey: “You look uneasy –
as soon as I brought up church. Are
there problems at your congregation, Taylor?”
Taylor: “I’m not attending church anymore. I don’t think I believe in God anymore.”
Casey: “I didn’t know you were struggling with your
faith. Why do you think you no longer have faith?”
Taylor: “That doesn’t make sense to rejoice. How are
we supposed to be happy when horrible things are happening?”
Casey: “God’s wisdom, power, and love are so much
greater than any of our human abilities. We can have confidence that he will
see us through anything.”
Taylor: “I don’t see God’s love though.”
Casey: “The world did when Jesus died on the
cross. We keep looking to Jesus’ cross
for our hope. Jesus made the ultimate
sacrifice and completely conquered death for our sakes.”
Taylor: “I know that much. But I still can’t get over worrying about all
of the evil we see in the world.”
Casey: “Focusing on earthly problems can be dangerous
for our souls. Those who are worried about earthly contentment often have no
hope. Christ gained heavenly citizenship for us so that we have eternal hope.
He eagerly waits for us to join him there – and that sustains our hope now”
(Philippians 3:19-20).
Taylor: “But what do we do in the meantime? Heaven seems a long way away.”
Casey: “Many believers of the past have struggled with
all the trouble and opposition faced in this life. But they were able to stay
strong through the Word of God. By standing up to the opposition they
encountered, these believers showed they were confident that they would be
saved by God (Philippians 1:28). We can
be reassured of salvation and face this life’s problems head-on with the same
confidence.”
Taylor: “I appreciate you talking to me about this.
Would you be willing to continue this conversation another time? I’ve got to get going for an appointment I
have.”
Casey: “I would be more than happy to talk some more!
We can even meet for a Bible study or talk to a pastor if you are comfortable doing
that.”
Taylor: “Yes, maybe.
Thank you for caring about me and showing concern for my faith. I haven’t felt that from many people before.”
Casey: “Well, let’s make this the beginning of caring
for each other much more!”
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