We start with the "elephant in the room": why bother with Christianity at all? In this session, we look at the cosmic "clues" for God’s existence – from the origins of the universe to our universal sense of right and wrong. We don't ask for blind faith; instead, we explore how the Christian story offers a coherent way to make sense of the world’s beauty and its brokenness.
If there is a God, can we actually know Him, or is He just a distant force? We look at the claim that God has stepped into the "mystery box" of our world to reveal Himself. We also address the reliability of the Bible, looking at it not as a book of "magic spells," but as a historically grounded record that invites our intellectual and emotional scrutiny.
We explore why the self-help industry is booming while anxiety and restlessness are at an all-time high. This module introduces the concept of "idolatry" – the idea that we take good things like career, romance, or social status and turn them into "ultimate things" that eventually crush us. By looking at these internal "shrines," we begin to understand why our best efforts at self-improvement often leave us feeling empty and why we need a transformation that goes deeper than willpower.
Most of life feels like a constant performance review, but the story of Jesus is presented as a "rescue mission" rather than a moral checklist. We examine his life, death, and resurrection to understand the radical concept of Grace – the idea that we are accepted by God not because of our achievements, but because of what Jesus has done for us. This session explains how Jesus provides a secure identity that isn't dependent on our success, offering a way out of the exhausted search for validation.
If the message of Jesus is about unearned acceptance, does that mean we just stay as we are? We discuss "inside-out" transformation – how God reshapes our character and our deepest desires through the Holy Spirit. This isn't about forced religious piety or a sudden "perfection," but about a slow, healthy growth that happens when we are supported by a community of genuine friendship and honesty.
To finish, we strip away the "religious noise" and cultural baggage that often distorts the faith. We compare the actual message of Jesus to common "distorted gospels" – like the idea that we must be "good" to be saved or that faith is just political activism. We want you to leave with a crystal-clear understanding of the Gospel "A to Z" and how this unique story practically applies to your identity, your work, and your future in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Christian or believe in the Bible to attend?
Not at all. In fact, this course is specifically designed for those who are still processing their beliefs. Whether you are a convinced atheist, a "spiritual" seeker, or someone who grew up in church but has a lot of questions, you are welcome. We don't expect you to start with faith; we just ask that you bring your curiosity.
Do I have to be baptized or commit to church membership?
No. Gospel 101 is an exploratory journey, not a commitment contract. There is no requirement to be baptised, joined to the church, or signed up for anything else. While we do discuss what baptism and membership mean in the final sessions for those who are interested, the primary goal is simply to provide you with a clear understanding of the message of Jesus.
Will I be "put on the spot" or forced to pray out loud?
We know how intimidating "churchy" environments can be. We promise there is no forced participation. You won’t be asked to pray, read aloud, or share your deepest secrets with a room full of strangers. The sessions are conversational, and you are free to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable.
What if I have "hard" questions or don't agree with what is being said?
We foster what we call a "Brave Space." We aren't afraid of your doubts, your intellectual objections, or your past negative experiences with religion. In fact, the course is better when people ask the difficult questions. You are encouraged to push back, disagree, and investigate the claims for yourself.
Is there a cost for the materials or the sessions?
Everything is completely free. We provide the Gospel 101 workbook and the space. We believe this "Better Story" is a gift, so we don't want a registration fee to be a barrier for anyone wanting to investigate the life of Jesus.
What should I bring with me?
Just yourself. We provide the workbooks and pens. Since the sessions are three hours long, we provide snacks to keep the conversation going. You don't need to dress up or "look the part" – most people come in casual weekend clothes.