 Excerpted from A Message By Jon Alsdorf on October 26, 2025
When someone asks whether believing in God is reasonable, they're asking one of the most fundamental questions about existence. While many dismiss faith as irrational, a careful examination reveals that belief in God is not only reasonable—it's the most logical conclusion when we honestly evaluate the evidence. Why This Question Matters Hebrews 11:6 tells us that "without faith, it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." This makes the question of God's existence crucial for anyone seeking spiritual truth. However, when discussing this with skeptics, we can't simply quote Scripture to prove God exists. That would be circular reasoning. Instead, we must step back and examine the evidence through reason and logic alone. The Three Possible Answers When asking "Does God exist?" there are only three possible responses: No, Maybe, or Yes. Let's examine each one logically. Answer #1: "No, God Does Not Exist" This position faces immediate logical problems. Consider this simple exercise: imagine a circle representing all knowledge that could possibly exist in the universe. Now mark how much of that total knowledge you personally possess. Even the most educated person would have to admit their knowledge represents an incredibly tiny fraction of all possible knowledge. Yet to definitively state "God does not exist," you would need to know everything there is to know—making you omniscient, which would essentially make you God, thus contradicting your own position. The Implications of a Godless Universe If there truly is no God, several troubling conclusions follow:
Even committed atheists struggle to live consistently with these implications. When someone steals their lunch, they instinctively cry "That's not fair!"—but fairness requires an objective moral standard that can't exist in a godless universe. Answer #2: "Maybe God Exists" This agnostic position often centers on the demand for "proof." But what kind of proof is reasonable to expect? We can't conduct repeatable scientific experiments on a transcendent God who exists outside the physical universe. In everyday life, we make important decisions based on evidence that falls short of absolute certainty. Juries decide cases based on "preponderance of evidence" or "beyond reasonable doubt"—not "beyond any shadow of doubt." The same standard should apply here. Four Alternatives to God's Existence If God doesn't exist, what alternatives explain our universe?
Answer #3: "Yes, God Exists" When we eliminate the impossible alternatives, we're left with the conclusion that an eternal, transcendent being created the universe. But what kind of God are we talking about? Personal vs. Impersonal God The evidence points to a personal God rather than an impersonal force. Here's why:
What About "Who Created God?" This common objection misunderstands the nature of an eternal God. By definition, an eternal being has no beginning and therefore needs no creator. Every effect requires a cause, but God is not an effect—He is the uncaused first cause that makes everything else possible. The Reasonableness of Faith When we honestly examine the evidence, faith in God emerges as the most reasonable position. The alternatives require us to believe in logical impossibilities or accept a meaningless, purposeless existence that contradicts our deepest intuitions about reality. Pascal's Wager illustrates this point: If God exists and you don't believe, you lose everything. If God doesn't exist and you do believe, you lose nothing but gain a life of meaning and purpose. Rational self-interest alone suggests belief is the wiser choice. Beyond Logic: The Ultimate Evidence While logical arguments can open minds to God's existence, the clearest evidence comes through Jesus Christ. His historical life, death, and resurrection provide concrete proof that God has entered human history. This isn't just philosophical speculation—it's historical fact that demands a response. Life Application This week, challenge yourself to engage thoughtfully with questions about faith rather than avoiding them. Whether you're strengthening your own beliefs or helping others think through these issues, remember that honest intellectual inquiry leads toward truth, not away from it. Consider these questions:
Remember, you don't need to be a professional apologist to have these conversations. Simply share what you know with honesty and humility, trusting that God gives wisdom to all who seek it without finding fault.  Excerpted from A Message By Jon Alsdorf on October 19, 2025
In a world filled with confusion and broken thinking, Christians are called to something higher. We're commanded to "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). This isn't just a suggestion—it's a divine mandate that requires us to engage our minds and think with discipline. You Don't Need All the Answers Many believers feel intimidated about sharing their faith because they fear not having all the answers. Here's the truth: you don't need to be a walking encyclopedia of Christian doctrine. In fact, it's better if you're not. When someone asks a question you can't answer, the most honest and effective response is often: "That's a great question. I don't know the answer to it, but I'd love to help you find out." This approach keeps you approachable and human, rather than coming across as a know-it-all. Remember, most of us didn't have all the answers when we first gave our lives to Christ. We simply had enough answers to take that step of faith. The same principle applies when helping others—they don't need every question resolved before they can believe. Christianity Is Built on Reason The word "defense" in 1 Peter 3:15 comes from the Greek word "apologia," which means a reasoned statement or argument. This is where we get the term "apologetics." Christianity isn't built on blind faith—it's grounded in solid reason, evidence, and logical thinking. If God is the creator and chief architect of everything that exists, and if He is reasonable and orderly, then we should expect His creation to be understandable and researchable. This belief has actually been the foundation for Western culture's technological advances over the past 2,000 years. The Amazing Design of Our Brains Consider the incredible complexity of the human brain:
To put this in perspective, if you laid 100 trillion dollar bills edge to edge, they would cover the entire states of Texas and California combined. Despite decades of research, scientists still cannot explain how the brain functions as an information processing organ. This remarkable design points to an intelligence far greater than ourselves—a Creator who gave us these amazing minds for a purpose. What does God want us to do with these incredible brains? Use them. Think well. Process information with discipline and reason. Common Logical Fallacies That Hinder Clear Thinking To think well, we must identify and avoid logical fallacies—broken ways of thinking that prevent sound reasoning. Here are five common ones: Ad Hominem Attacking the person instead of addressing their argument. Example: "All Christians are hypocrites, so Christianity can't be true." Even if the first part were true, it doesn't logically lead to the conclusion about Christianity's validity. Straw Man Creating the weakest version of your opponent's position and then attacking that instead of their actual argument. Example: "Christians are simple-minded and superstitious." Appeal to Authority Accepting something as true simply because someone said it or you saw it somewhere. "I saw it on Facebook, so it must be true" is a classic example. False Dichotomy Presenting only two options when more exist. Example: "You're either a Christian or a scientist—you can't be both." Slippery Slope Claiming that one action will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences without logical proof. Example: "If we teach Christianity in schools, we'll end up being a theocracy." Why Pursuing Good Reason Matters God Is Logical, Reasonable, and Orderly Scripture reveals God's invitation to reason with Him. In Isaiah 1:18, God says, "Come now, let us reason together." He's not asking for blind obedience but inviting us to think through the evidence and make logical conclusions about His character and promises. God is described as "not a God of confusion, but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). In our age of confusion, we need to reflect His orderly nature through disciplined thinking. God Is the Source of All Wisdom and Understanding Proverbs 9:10 tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." All true wisdom flows from God. Apart from Him, there is only unreason and confusion. As we pursue God's mind and thinking, we become more reasonable and better able to grasp truth clearly. The Gospel Represents God's Ultimate Wisdom The Gospel—Christ's death, burial, and resurrection—is the central feature of God's wisdom and the key to salvation. What was once a mystery hidden throughout the Old Testament is now revealed as God's masterful plan for defeating evil and redeeming humanity. Paul declares in Romans 1:16-17 that he's "not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." This isn't wishful thinking—it's the most reasonable response to the evidence of what Christ has accomplished. God's Judgment Is Obvious and Righteous Deep down, everyone knows this world is broken and unjust. Even as children, we instinctively cry "That's not fair!" when wronged. This universal sense of justice points to a coming judgment where all wrongs will be made right. Romans 1:18-22 explains that God's existence and nature are clearly visible in creation, leaving everyone "without excuse." The judgment that's coming isn't arbitrary—it's the logical consequence of rejecting the obvious truth about God. Our Spiritual Warfare Involves Promoting Truth and Reason Second Corinthians 10:3-5 reveals the true nature of spiritual warfare: "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Our battle isn't against flesh and blood but against false ideas, broken thinking, and deceptive arguments. We don't fight with physical weapons but with truth, reason, and the power of God's Word. This is offensive warfare—we're called to demolish strongholds of false thinking and set people free through truth. The Power of the Gospel to Transform Lives The Gospel isn't foolishness—it's "the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18). Look at your own life if you've trusted Christ. Consider how many things He's changed in your thinking, habits, and relationships over the years. This transformation didn't happen by accident or through your own willpower—it's evidence of the Holy Spirit's power at work. No one becomes more like Jesus apart from the Holy Spirit's work. This supernatural transformation is one of the most compelling evidences for Christianity's truth. Life Application This week, commit to developing more disciplined thinking habits. Keep a list of logical fallacies handy and practice identifying them in conversations, news reports, and advertisements. Make it a family activity—see who can spot fallacies first while watching TV or discussing current events. More importantly, examine your own thinking patterns. Where do you rely on logical fallacies instead of sound reasoning? Ask God to help you think more like Him—with clarity, logic, and truth. When opportunities arise to share your faith, remember that you don't need all the answers. Be honest about what you don't know, but be ready to share the reasons for the hope you do have. Focus on the evidence of God's work in your own life and the historical reality of Christ's death and resurrection. Questions for Reflection:
 Excerpted from A Message By Jon Alsdorf on October 12, 2025
In a world that seems increasingly broken, families need more than just survival strategies—they need resilience. While we can't control the storms that come our way, we can learn to weather them with strength, faith, and hope. Building a resilient family isn't about avoiding hardship; it's about developing the spiritual and emotional tools to thrive despite it. What Does the Bible Say About Suffering and Resilience? The apostle Paul offers a surprising perspective on building resilience in Romans 5:3-5: "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." This isn't about seeking out trouble, but rather understanding that the difficulties we face can become the very foundation of our strength. James echoes this truth: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (James 1:2-3). The key word here is "steadfastness"—the ability to remain firm and unwavering when life gets difficult. Why Is Resilience So Important for Families? Resilience isn't just about surviving hard times; it's about developing the character that reflects Christ. When we learn to endure with faith, we become "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:4). This doesn't mean we become flawless, but rather whole and mature in our faith. Following Jesus doesn't make life easy, but it does give us an unfair advantage. We have the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength, God's Word for guidance and promises, and a community of believers for support. These resources help us develop the inner strength needed to face whatever comes our way. How Can You Model Resilience for Your Family? Show Them What Faith Looks Like in Hard Times Your children and grandchildren desperately need to see what it looks like to trust Jesus in the midst of difficulty. They need to witness you persevering in your marriage when it's hard, dealing with health issues while maintaining faith, and handling loss from a Christian perspective. Paul encouraged Timothy to "share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3). This military imagery reminds us that resilience requires discipline and commitment. When you model this kind of steadfastness, you're showing the next generation how to live as faithful soldiers in God's kingdom. Don't Hide All Your Struggles While you shouldn't burden children with every difficulty, they need to see that problems are normal and that faithful people work through them together. When you hide all your struggles, you rob them of the opportunity to learn problem-solving skills and see faith in action. What Family Habits Build Resilience? Pray Together Daily Make prayer a non-negotiable family habit. Don't wait for crises to turn to God together. Pray at meals, at bedtime, and throughout your daily routine. When prayer is already a habit, turning to God during difficult times won't feel strange or desperate—it will feel natural. Problem-Solve as a Team Include your family in age-appropriate problem-solving. Hold family meetings to discuss challenges and work through solutions together. This teaches children that problems are normal and that families can work together to overcome them. Practice Gratitude Regularly Don't save thanksgiving for holidays. Make appreciation a daily habit. Ask family members what they're grateful for, what went well that day, or what blessings they noticed. When we train ourselves to look for God's goodness, the irritating things in life become smaller and our resilience grows stronger. Why Is Community Essential for Building Resilience? The Power of Small Groups Being part of a small group or close Christian community provides stability when life gets rocky. It's the difference between sitting in a canoe versus a yacht when storms hit. In a canoe, any disturbance can capsize you. In a larger, more stable vessel, you can weather much bigger storms. Learning from the Early Church The early Christians in Acts 2 "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." They met together daily, shared meals, and supported one another. This wasn't happening during peaceful times—they faced persecution and hardship. Yet their community gave them the resilience to not just survive but thrive. How Do Family Stories Build Resilience? Remember God's Faithfulness One of the most powerful ways to build resilience is to regularly retell the stories of God's faithfulness in your family's life. These aren't just nice memories—they're evidence of God's character and His commitment to you. David wrote, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds" (Psalm 9:1). The word "recount" means to tell the story again and again. These stories become part of your family's identity and a source of strength during future challenges. Create a Legacy of Faith When you regularly share stories of answered prayers, opened doors, and God's provision, you're building a legacy of faith. These stories remind your family that the same God who was faithful yesterday will be faithful tomorrow. What If You're Going Through a Difficult Season Right Now? If you're currently facing challenges, remember that God sees the end from the beginning. While you can only look backward and see His faithfulness in the past, He can see ahead and knows exactly where He's taking you. His track record in your life proves His love and commitment to walking you through difficult circumstances. Don't give up. Ask God for the resilience you need, rely on the people around you who love you, and keep moving forward. The harvest of character, hope, and joy that comes from perseverance is worth the struggle. Life Application This week, choose one specific way to begin building resilience in your family. Whether it's starting a daily prayer habit, sharing a story of God's faithfulness, or joining a small group, take one concrete step toward creating a more resilient family culture. Ask yourself these questions:
Excerpted from A Message By Jon Alsdorf
In our journey to build strong families in today's challenging world, one element stands out as essential: balance. Whether you're raising children, influencing grandchildren, or simply impacting those around you, maintaining the right balance in key areas of life can make all the difference. Why Is Balance So Important in Family Life? Raising children, being part of a family, and participating in a church community all require careful balance. It's not something that happens accidentally—it demands focus and intentionality. The book of Ephesians provides powerful guidance on this topic, particularly in chapter 6: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother... Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This passage itself demonstrates balance. Children are called to obey, while parents (particularly fathers) are instructed not to provoke their children but instead to nurture them through teaching and loving correction. What Are the Key Areas That Need Balance in Family Life? Let's explore five critical areas where balance is essential for building wholesome families: 1. Balancing Truth and Grace John 1:14 describes Jesus as "full of grace and truth." Notice it doesn't say "half grace and half truth." Jesus came with 100% truth and 100% grace. When we only embrace truth without grace, we become harsh and abrasive—like sandpaper people who leave others feeling beaten down. Conversely, if we only offer grace without truth, we fail to lead people toward genuine growth and transformation. The goal is to create a family atmosphere where both truth and grace are fully present. This means speaking truth lovingly and extending grace generously—just as Jesus did. 2. Balancing Tough and Tender Love Proverbs 13:24 reminds us that discipline is an essential expression of love: "Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but whoever loves him is diligent to discipline him." This doesn't advocate abuse but emphasizes that sometimes love must be firm. 1 Timothy 1:5 provides guidance on our motivation: "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." When correction comes from this place—not from anger or embarrassment—it can truly transform. Some parents find it easier to be tough than tender, while others struggle with setting necessary boundaries. Examine your natural tendencies and work toward balance. Don't be stingy with praise when it's deserved, but don't shy away from necessary correction either. 3. Balancing Protection and Preparation As parents, our instinct is to protect our children from every possible harm. While protection is vital—especially preserving a child's innocence in our often-corrupted culture—we must also prepare them for the world they'll eventually navigate independently. Proverbs 22:6 instructs us to "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." This training involves both protection and preparation. Don't wait until the last six months before they leave home to start preparing them for life's challenges. Begin early, teaching them not just what to do but why. Protect their innocence while gradually equipping them with the wisdom and skills they'll need. 4. Balancing Independence and Interdependence Our culture often idolizes independence to an unhealthy degree. While teaching children to be self-sufficient in practical matters is important, complete independence leads to isolation and emptiness. Romans 12:4-5 reminds us: "As in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually members one of another." The family is the perfect training ground for interdependence—learning to value others' strengths, contribute our own gifts, and function as part of something larger than ourselves. This principle extends beyond family to work, church, and community relationships. 5. Balancing Faith Instruction and Demonstration Perhaps the most crucial balance is between teaching faith principles and living them out. The "do as I say, not as I do" approach never works—it only teaches children to dismiss our words. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 outlines the process of spiritual formation: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Children need both clear instruction in biblical truth and authentic demonstration of that truth in our lives. When our words and actions align, we gain spiritual authority that makes our influence powerful and lasting. Life Application The foundation of influencing others—whether your children, grandchildren, or neighbors—is allowing Christ to influence your own heart first. You cannot lead others where you haven't gone yourself. This week, consider these questions:
Take a stand today. Purpose in your heart to build a wholesome family that reflects Christ, even in a broken world. With the Holy Spirit's help, it's not just possible—it's promised. |
Apply it!Next Steps is a collection of articles drawn from the sermons of Pastor Jon Alsdorf, and guest speakers, written to help you connect God's Word to real life. Each post is designed to inspire, challenge, and encourage you to live out your faith in practical, everyday ways -- because following Jesus is more than words, it's actions. Archives
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