POSTPONED 1 WEEK
Due to the expected arrival of Idelia in Jacksonville on Wed, Sept 30th, we have postponed the start of this investigation until Sept 6.
Please take appropriate action to prepare for Idelia, and pray for the safety of those in it's path
See you on the 6th
We invite you to be part of our deep dive into
whether or not
God spiritually intervenes with miracles in the world today.
Attendance is Free; We can loan you a copy of the source book or you can buy
The Case For Miracles by Lee Strobel at
Amazon.com. Used copies are available at Thriftbooks.com
The Case for Miracles
We'll use the book "The Case for Miracles" by Lee Strobel as our study guide. If you don't have the book, or can't purchase a copy, come anyway; we have a few copies to loan.
In this investigation, look at both scientific and philosophical evidence using video introductions and text from Lee Strobel's book "The Case for Miracles". We'll start by learning why a renowned skeptic believes what he believes. Then, we'll read what others who have studied miracles have found.
Our investigation will focus on 5 different areas:
- What do skeptics say that comprises the case against miracles
- What support exists for the case for miracles
- Science, Dreams, and Visions,
- The most spectacular miracles.
- The Difficulties with miracles.
Come yourself, bring a friend or two. Get a flier here.
Maybe you're skeptical?
You're not alone. During our first session(s), we'll see what one of the country's leading skeptic, Dr. Michael Shermer, has to say as he makes his best case against modern day miracles. Dr Shermer is the publisher of Skeptic Magazine, is a former Christian who now identifies as an agnostic but prefers the term skeptic.
But what is The Case for Miracles?
As we start to examine other views on miracles, we'll first rely on Craig Keener PhD. Dr Keener is a North American academic, Biblical scholar and professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. His book on miracles has been described as perhaps the best book ever written on miracles in this or any age.
Are Science, Dreams, and Visions compatible?
Science:
The Power of Prayer: Skeptics point to the STEP study to claim prayers don't work. As we look at the science, we see scientific "gold standard" studies that show just the opposite of the STEP study. We'll discover a possible reason for the STEP study's deviation from the norm of other studies.
Dreams & Visions:
According to Missionary Tom Doyle, MABS, Tells stories of events he has witnessed where God is using dreams to bring Muslims to faith in Jesus regularly. Why would such things be happening in the Muslim world and not so much in Western Cultures? We'll find out.
What are the most spectacular verified? miracles?
The most astonishing miracle of all; Creation
We'll look into why Creation itself is a miracle. And why it's not just something that happened randomly.
Our Miraculous Universe and Planet
So if creation itself was a miracle, how then is the universe and the Earth also a miracle? We'll discuss the evidence that marks both the Earth and the universe in which it resides as most certainly a miracle.
The miracle of the Resurrection
Is the Resurrection of Jesus true, or a myth? You've heard the story of Jesus' Resurrection so often it seems like it must be true; but what's the evidence that those Bible stories about the resurrection are true. If they are true, then, they most certainly must be a miracle of Biblical proportions (pun intended).
Why is it so difficult to accept the existence of miracles?
We might be embarrassed by the supernatural
Christians, for some reason, are often embarrassed to admit they experience God in their lives. We're concerned about how we think others will react to our spiritual connections. i.e. Have you ever failed to share a miraculous story because you were afraid how the people hearing it would react or what they would think of you? We'll learn more about this from Roger E. Olsen, PhD.
We get discouraged when we ask for a miracle and one doesn't happen.
How many times have you prayed for a miracle and it didn't happen? Does that make you doubt that God is there for you? We'll find out what Dr Douglas R, Groothuis has to say about this topic.
What's your verdict?
After exploring all the evidence, weighing the likelihood each piece is true or not, what is your verdict?
Do modern day miracles occur?
When
This Life Study about Miracles is a series that will span at least 5 sessions; likely more depending on how much discussion and sharing occurs at each session.
Assuming a miracle acctually occurs and we complete each session each week, the planned schedule is:
Session 1: Introduction
Wed August 30 at 11:30AM to 12:30PM
Session 2: The Skeptics View
Wed Sept 6 at 11:30AM to 12:30PM
Session 3: The Case for Miracles
Wed Sept 13 at 11:30AM to 12:30PM
Session 4: Science, Dreams & Visions
Wed Sept 20 at 11:30AM to 12:30PM
Session 5: The Most Spectacular Miracles
Wed Sept 27 at 11:30AM to 12:30PM
Session 6: The Difficulties with Miracles
Wed Oct 4 at 11:30AM to 12:30PM
You'll get the most out of attending all events, but even if you can only attend a few, you'll learn a lot and enjoy your experience at Hope.
Where
Hope Lutheran Church,
8570 Philips Highway, Suite 104
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Note: Suite 104 is located in the North wing of the building, facing the field; currently full of road construction materials.