IBC Richmond

What is eternal life? Exactly, what is Jesus offering and promising to those who believe? What is good about eternal life? What is a Christian looking forward to after death? Is there a difference between eternal and everlasting life? Does everyone desire to live forever? What would cause a person to hate life and reject eternal life?

Why do we naturally care for the dead—both the body and the burial? How confident are you that the resurrection will be real? What is similar between Jesus’ resurrection and the believer’s resurrection? Any differences? How does believing in the resurrection shape the way you live and anticipate dying?

What is forgiveness? What does it mean to be forgiven on a personal level? How does your view of forgiveness reflect your relationship toward God and attitude toward others? What role does forgiveness play in marking those who belong to the church? Is the Christian Gospel of forgiveness the answer for the culture’s desire for justice?

When did the church begin in the Bible? How does the beginning of the church define the church? Is church membership necessary? What seems to be required for membership in Acts 2:41-47? How could you (we) be more connected and involved in church life? What changes will you make post COVID-19? Who is a saint? Why does The Apostles’ Creed define them as saints?

What does “catholic” mean in The Apostles’ Creed, “the holy catholic Church? Is this Roman Catholicism? How does the universal church differ from the local church? Is the Holy Spirit’s ministry different in NT believes compared with OT saints? Are you part of the church? Should you join a local church? How can you serve the Lord in your church?

CREDO: I Believe I Believe in the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15) Pastor Michael Wilburn

What is Jesus presently doing in heaven? Why is Jesus seated at the right hand of God and not on the throne of his kingdom? What does his position at the right hand of God signify? What will be the purpose of Jesus’ Second Coming? Do you hope in Christ’s return? How has your expectations of Christ’s return changed with age, experience, and history?

Would others describe your faith as sincere? What are you doing to promote your faith in the next generations? What steps have you taken to be controlled by the Holy Spirit? When it comes to sharing the Gospel, would you describe yourself as timid or confident? Have you ever been in a setting where you were ashamed to be a Christian? How does God’s grace and purpose help you to be bold in your fai...

Application Questions: The Gospel writers gave specific, detailed accounts of Jesus’ resurrection. What parts of the story give you confidence that the resurrection story is true? What hope does the resurrection of Jesus give to a believer who is afraid to die? What is your favorite song about Jesus’ resurrection? How does singing doctrine bless the soul and the church? When you need to hear or sp...

Why is Pilate mentioned in The Apostle’s Creed? What significance does it have for your faith in Jesus Christ? How does the cross define, not only the death of Christ, but also the life of Christians? Do you believe that Jesus died as your substitute? What does substitution says about you? What does say about Jesus? Did Jesus go to hell when he died? What happened during the 72 hours of Jesus’ phy...

What is the virgin birth? Was it a miracle? Why is the virgin birth essential to the Gospel and the Christian faith? Why must we believe that Jesus was God? How was Jesus not like us? Why must we believe that Jesus was man? How was Jesus like us? How does Jesus identify with your temptations and trials by his life and body?

Define the names Jesus, Christ, and Lord. What does each name say about him? Must Christians confess these names in order to be saved? Is Jesus God’s only Son? What does this mean? What is the difference between Jesus (the only Son) and believers (the children of God)? What does it mean in practice for you to show personal loyalty to Jesus as Lord? What areas present easy spots for lip service? Ca...

Application Questions: What in creation captures your worship of God? Knowledge of design? A place or sight? A work of art? What does it mean for humanity to be created in God’s image? If God created heaven and earth, how does that truth define your relationship with God? Are you responsible to care for God’s creation? What can Christians do to be good stewards of the earth?

APPLICATION QUESTION: What comes to mind when you think about God as your Heavenly Father? How would you explain the meaning of God as Father to a non-Christian? What does “almighty” mean? Can you believe the Gospel without believing that God is almighty? How can earthly fathers glorify God by demonstrating the image of God in their fatherhood role? Read John 17:20-26. What principles about relati...

Do you believe in God? Explain your answer. Who is God? Why do you believe (or disbelieve) in him? What is the significance of “I” in the opening phrase of The Apostle’s Creed? What is a creed? Why are Christians baptized in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit? How can doctrine (creedal affirmations like The Apostle’s Creed) help overcome doubts about the Christian Gos...

Whose question is Job answering in Job 42:2, “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Is it okay to question God? How does God question you? What have you learned about God through suffering and pain? Give specific examples. What was Job’s sin? Why was he repenting in Job 42:6? How has the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a lack of faith toward God in your heart? How did Job see God? In this p...

“…We lament together. We grieve together. We cry out together, we plead to our Heavenly Father together: Oh Lord, show mercy; restrain sin; bring healing; cleanse hearts; create hope. Forgive us for being quick to speak and slow to listen...”

Application Questions: How did Ezra respond to the known sin of other? What did he do privately? What did he do publicly? Does this inform the way a Christian responds to sin within the church or within society? How does this story help you think about the seriousness of sin and the life-change of repentance? What factor does rain play in this story? Is it a sign of judgment or cleansing? What do...

A prayer, as we lament the injustice that shreds our families, communities, cities, and nations.

How did Israel break the Law by intermarriage? What this an ethnic issue or a spiritual issue? How does the Bible teach Christians to view interracial marriages? What type of prayer does Ezra pray? Is it a model for your prayer life? Where is the redemption in Ezra’s prayer? How should you exercise this in your own prayer life? Ezra’s prayer never asks God for anything. What point is a prayer with...

Application Questions: What is fasting? What was Ezra's purpose in fasting (Ezra 8:21-23)? How is fasting associated with prayer? What personal need compels you to schedule time for fasting and prayer? What danger did Ezra and his companions anticipate on their journey? Is God’s plan for you safe? How can risk-taking reveal the Christian faith to unbelievers? How did the journey end? What principl...

Application Questions: 1. Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like God had withdrawn from you? What do you think the cause of that feeling might have been? 2. When was the last time you were desperate for the Lord’s attention? Why do you think Jesus ignored the Canaanite mother at first? Ever felt like God was ignoring you? 3. How did the disciple’s attitude toward the mother’s p...