Ask Honest Questions

Not every spiritual experience is necessarily from God.

The Bible acknowledges spiritual realities, but it also encourages us to examine what we encounter rather than accept every experience as truth.

1 John 4:1 (NKJV) teaches us to test the spirits to determine whether they are of God.

An experience may feel powerful, comforting or convincing. But the strength of an experience is not, by itself, proof of its source or meaning.

A helpful starting question is:

Does this experience agree with the truth revealed through Jesus Christ and Scripture?

You don't have to reach a conclusion immediately. Take time to ask questions, investigate and seek understanding.

Explore further: 1 John 4:1–3; John 14:6; Acts 17:11.

That's a reasonable question, and one worth investigating.

The Bible is not a single book written by one person. It is a collection of writings composed across centuries, containing history, poetry, prophecy, letters and accounts of Jesus' life.

How do we know its text has been preserved?

Scholars examine ancient manuscripts, early translations and quotations to understand how the biblical writings were transmitted. Differences between manuscripts exist, and textual criticism helps researchers identify and evaluate them.

Does that prove everything in the Bible is true?

Not automatically. Establishing what an ancient text originally said is different from deciding whether its historical and spiritual claims are true. Those questions deserve careful investigation.

Why do Christians trust Scripture?

Christians believe Scripture reveals God's character and purposes, and that Jesus Christ is central to understanding its message.

John 20:31 (NKJV) explains that John's Gospel was written so readers may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name.

You are welcome to examine the evidence, ask difficult questions and consider the claims for yourself.

Explore further: Luke 1:1–4; John 20:30–31; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Acts 17:11.escription text goes here

Jesus is more than a religious teacher, prophet or inspirational figure.

The question of His identity is at the centre of Christianity.

What does the Bible say about Him?

John 1:1 and 1:14 (NKJV) identify Jesus as the eternal Word who became flesh and lived among humanity.

Christians understand this to mean that God did not merely send information about Himself. He came to reveal Himself through Jesus Christ.

What did Jesus say about His own identity?

In John 14:6 (NKJV), Jesus said:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Jesus did not simply claim to teach a way to God. He presented Himself as the way.

Why does His resurrection matter?

The New Testament teaches that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

His resurrection is central to the Christian claim that He is the risen Lord, not merely a teacher from history.

What does this mean for you?

You are invited to discover Jesus through the Gospel accounts, examine His claims and consider what His life, death and resurrection reveal about God.

You don't have to pretend you already believe. Begin by investigating who He is.

A question to consider:

If Jesus truly is who He claimed to be, what difference would that make to your understanding of God?

Explore further: John 1:1–18; Matthew 16:13–17; John 14:6–9; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8.

Can something feel spiritual, peaceful or empowering and still need to be questioned?

Yes. The Bible encourages us to examine not only what we experience but also the source of our spiritual beliefs and practices.

What do we mean by New Age practices?

The term covers a wide range of beliefs and activities, including astrology, tarot, manifestation, energy healing, spirit guides and attempts to communicate with spiritual beings.

These practices are not all identical. Their teachings and claims need to be examined individually.

What does Scripture say?

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 warns Israel against divination, sorcery and consulting the dead.

Isaiah 8:19–20 challenges God's people to seek guidance from Him rather than from mediums and spiritual practitioners.

In 1 John 4:1 (NKJV), believers are instructed to test the spirits rather than believe every spiritual claim.

Why does this matter?

The central issue is not simply whether a practice produces an unusual experience or promises a positive outcome.

We need to ask: Where does it direct our trust, who or what are we seeking guidance from, and does its teaching agree with Jesus Christ?

Christianity presents spiritual life as a relationship with God through Jesus, rather than a technique for controlling spiritual outcomes.

What if I have been involved in these practices?

You are welcome to ask questions without being shamed for your past.

You can take time to examine what you believed, what you experienced and what Scripture actually teaches.

You don't need to pretend your questions have disappeared. They can become the beginning of a deeper investigation.

A question to consider:

Am I seeking to know God, or am I seeking spiritual power, certainty or control apart from Him?

Explore further: Deuteronomy 18:9–14; Isaiah 8:19–20; Acts 19:18–20; John 14:6; 1 John 4:1–3.

Absolutely. Honest questions are a good place to begin.

You don't have to pretend to believe something you haven't yet understood or become convinced of.

Christianity makes claims about God, Jesus Christ, humanity and eternal life. Those claims deserve to be investigated thoughtfully.

Did Jesus welcome people with questions?

Yes. Throughout the Gospels, people approached Jesus with uncertainty, curiosity, confusion and sometimes disagreement.

In John 3, Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions about being born again.

In John 4, Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman whose understanding of worship differed from His teaching.

Jesus engaged both individuals in meaningful conversations.

What about doubt?

In Mark 9:24 (NKJV), a father said to Jesus:

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

His words reveal someone who wanted to believe but was still struggling.

You can be open about what you know, what you don't know and what you're still trying to understand.

Where should I begin?

Start by reading one of the Gospel accounts, such as John or Luke.

Ask yourself:

• What does Jesus actually say?

• What does He reveal about God?

• What evidence is presented for His claims?

• What questions would I want to ask Him?

An invitation, not a performance

At Supernatural School, you're welcome to explore, question and discuss without pretending to have arrived at a conclusion.

Our desire is to help you encounter what Scripture teaches and make an informed response.

A question to consider:

What has prevented me from exploring Jesus more deeply?

Explore further: John 3:1–21; John 4:1–26; Mark 9:14–24; Luke 1:1–4; Acts 17:11.

Knowing God begins with discovering who He has revealed Himself to be through Jesus Christ.

Christianity is not simply about adopting religious habits, learning spiritual techniques or trying to become a better person.

At its centre is the invitation to know the living God.

Does God actually want me to know Him?

Jesus said in John 17:3 (NKJV):

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

Notice that Jesus describes eternal life in terms of knowing God.

This is more than knowing information about Him.

Where should I begin?

Begin with Jesus.

John 1:14 reveals that the eternal Word became flesh and lived among humanity.

Jesus came to reveal the Father, making God's character, love and purposes known.

You can begin by reading the Gospel of John and asking:

• Who does Jesus reveal God to be?

• Why did Jesus come into the world?

• What did His death and resurrection accomplish?

• What does it mean to receive Him and believe in His name?

What about my past?

You do not have to hide your history, questions or previous spiritual beliefs.

Romans 5:8 reveals God's love through Christ's death for us while we were still sinners.

The Christian message begins with what God has done through Jesus, not with a claim that we have already made ourselves acceptable.

How do I respond?

John 1:12 teaches that those who receive Christ and believe in His name are given the right to become children of God.

Christian faith involves responding to Jesus Himself, trusting what God has revealed through Him.

You can speak to God sincerely about what you understand, what you are questioning and your desire to know the truth.

There is no need to manufacture an experience or pretend certainty you do not yet have.

You are invited to know Him.

Your journey does not have to begin with every question answered.

It can begin by opening the Scriptures, considering who Jesus is and responding to the truth you discover.

A question to consider:

Am I only searching for answers about God, or am I willing to discover who He truly is?

Explore further: John 1:1–14; John 1:12–13; John 3:16–17; John 17:3; Romans 5:6–8; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4.