About forty years after Jesus’ crucifixion, Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, more commonly known as Pliny the Younger, was born. This future Roman senator and author is one of the few people from the first century who is well known because of his prolific writing. Throughout Rome’s turbulent years, Pliny maintained roles that kept him closely connected to government. One of the documents he composed for the emperor included investigations and accounts of the arrested followers of “the Way” called “Christians.” He explained how they were questioned, given the opportunity to recant, and if they did not recant, they were put to death. In his opinion, their beliefs were silly because they did the “strangest things”—they met at dawn, ate common food together, and worshiped a dead person they believed was God. They treated each other with outstanding love and would not worship idols. Pliny’s account confirms the identity of Jesus and His followers.

Ingram, Chip. 2017. Why I Believe: Straight Answers to Honest Questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker.

We have just completed a 6-Week Bible Study Lesson Series on Chip Ingram’s book, Why I Believe. It is available on Amazon in both print and Kindle versions, as well as part of Good Questions Have Groups Talking Subscription plan. The idea is to invite each participant to purchase their own book and discuss it each week.

Topics include:

Why I Believe, Lesson #1
Chapters 1, 2
Why I Believe in the Resurrection
Did Jesus Really Die?

Why I Believe, Lesson #2
Chapters 3, 4
Why I Believe the Bible
Don’t Take My Word for It

Why I Believe, Lesson #3
Chapters 5
Why I Believe in Life After Death

Why I Believe, Lesson #4
Chapters 6, 7
Why I Believe in Life Creation
Science or God?

Why I Believe, Lesson #5
Chapter 8
Why I Believe in the God of the Bible

Why I Believe, Lesson #6
Chapter 9
How is that Working for You?

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