On the Witness Stand: Love is the Smoking Gun

Love is the Smoking Gun

On the Witness Stand – True Christianity on Trial

October 22, 2023

Noah McCormick

Claim: “God may exist, but He sure isn’t good.”

How does God show his goodness?

1 John 4:9 NLT

Through the !

What is the key to the Gospel?

It’s .

1 John 4:10 NLT

James 1:17 NLT

1 John 4:9 NLT

love

1 John 4:10 NLT

God is good because of the Gospel.

God is good because His love is real.

1 John 4:11 NLT

1 John 4:9-11 NLT

Discussion Questions:

1. Read 1 John 4:9-11. 
   1. How does John describe real love (verse 10)?
   2. How does John tell us we should respond to God’s love for us (verse 11)?
2. “God may exist, but he sure isn’t good.” 
   1. How would you respond to someone who said this? 
   2. Have you ever said this (or thought this) yourself? 
3. If God is truly good, why are there so many things in this world that are not good?
4. Have you had an experience that did not seem good at the time, but later you saw God’s hand in it? Discuss.
5. What is one thing you can do this week to show love:
   1. To your family?
   2. To your church family?
   3. To those you would rather avoid?