Introduction

In this message, Paul Durbin walks through Chapter 7 & 8 of his upcoming book, inviting us to understand biblical belief—not just as agreeing with spiritual facts, but as a surrendering of the heart. Through a story about a young couple in China and the “Four Spiritual Truths,” we see how belief begins with relationship, is built on Jesus’ sacrifice, and calls us to respond with real repentance and active trust. This teaching helps us slow down and consider: where am I in the journey—and what’s holding me back from believing?

📌 Study Guide Tips

• You don’t need to do every section—use what fits your group or season.
• Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage.
• For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through it with you.

⌘ Space to Belong (Icebreaker)

• What’s something you believed as a kid that turned out not to be true (like swallowing gum stays in your stomach for 7 years)?
• Have you ever lost something important in a really unusual place—like a pocket knife in a river?

⌘ Space to Believe (Scripture Focus)

Main Texts:

• 2 Corinthians 5:20 – “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…”
• Romans 5:6–8 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Context:

Paul is inviting us into the “Believe” stage of the journey with Jesus. These verses show how God acts first—loving, inviting, sacrificing—and we’re called to respond.

Discussion:

• What stands out to you in these passages? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?
• How do you see God taking the first step toward us in each of these verses?