Chapter Videos, Reading, & Scripture

Click on each chapter for additional books, videos, articles, Scripture, and discussion questions on each unquestioned answer.
Introduction – Unanswered Questioned, Unquestioned Answers
Study Questions
  • How does Simplicism differ from simplicity?
  • How would you describe the effects of Simplicism on our culture? On your life?
  • What are some clichés that you have found yourself reciting without reflection?
  • What clichés are you looking forward to reading about? Why

Coinciding Scripture
  • Matthew 22:37
  • 1 Corinthians 2:16
  • 1 Peter 3:15
  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • Proverbs 4:5
  • Colossians 2:8
  • 2 Corinthians 10:5

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
Chapter 1 – God Said it; I Believe it; that settles it for me
Study Questions
  • What beliefs or teachings that you learned as a child have you adjusted as you matured in your faith?
  • What doubts have you wrestled with since becoming a Christian?
  • How have you benefited from studying the Bible?
  • What are some things we ought to keep in mind about God’s Word as we study it?

Coinciding Scripture
  • Psalm 119
  • Galatians 5:22–34
  • 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • Proverbs 3:6
  • 2 Corinthians 10:4

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
​Chapter 2 – Just have faith
Study Questions
  • How is the notion of faith often misunderstood by Christians and non-Christians alike?
  • Did this chapter challenge any of your beliefs about biblical faith?
  • What do you think it means to live faithfully? In what do you place your faith?
  • How does living out what you believe show your faith to others?

Coinciding Scripture
  • Matthew 8:5–13 
  • Romans 10:13–17
  • Galatians 2:14–16
  • Hebrews 10:31–11:3
  • James 2:14–23

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
Chapter 3 – God Will heal ouR land if we humble ourselves and pray
Study Questions
  • Have you ever been angry at God because you thought he promised you something but never delivered?
  • Why is context important when reading the Bible? How can you keep from taking God’s words out of context?
  • What role does prayer play in your life?
  • ​What steps would you like to take to strengthen your prayer life?

Coinciding Scripture
  • Matthew 6:9-13
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Luke 11:5
  • Luke 18:1–8
  • Hebrews 4:16, 10:22
  • Ephesians 3:12

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
Chapter 4 – It's just me and jesus
Study Questions
  • What do you find valuable about belonging to a church?
  • What is it about church community that is challenging?
  • Do you need to make any changes in your habits surrounding church—such as attendance, involvement, and attitude?
  • How has the body of Christ helped you through personal struggles?

Coinciding Scripture
  • Hebrews 10:23–25
  • Romans 12
  • 1 Corinthians 12
  • 1 Peter 2:9–10

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
Chapter 5 – Love the Sinner, hate the sin
Study Questions
  • Are there people you need to forgive? Are there people from whom you need to ask forgiveness?
  • How can you have a gospel witness to people who have been hurt by this cliché?
  • How should the Bible’s message about our identity change the way we think about sin, forgiveness, and sanctification (especially in relation to restoration, evangelism, etc.)?
  • In what do you find your identity?

Coinciding Scripture
  • 1 John 1:8–10
  • Psalm 103:12
  • Romans 8
  • Romans 2:1–5
  • Isaiah 6:5

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
Chapter 6 – Christianity is a relationship, not a religion
Study Questions
  • What was your experience with Jesus growing up?
  • Has Christianity always been familiar to you? If so, was there more of an emphasis on relationship or on religion?
  • How would you define religion?
  • Do you agree that religion is an integral part of being a Christian? Why?

Coinciding Scripture
  • Romans 12:2
  • Matthew 5:17–20
  • Galatians 2:20

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
Chapter 7 – Jesus was a social justice warrior
Study Questions
  • What are some injustices that you have witnessed?
  • How has your faith influenced your view of justice?
  • Can biblical justice and social justice be reconciled in today’s society?
  • How do you see Jesus as the fulfillment of our desire for justice?

Coinciding Scripture
  • Psalm 33:4–5
  • Leviticus 19:15–18
  • Luke 10:25–37
  • Deuteronomy 6:4–15
  • Isaiah 61:1–2

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
Chapter 8 – It's not my place to judge
Study Questions
  • Are Christians called to judge others? If so, how can we do this lovingly?
  • Have you ever shied away from a confrontation by using this cliché? What was the confrontation?
  • When have you felt judged? How did that experience make you feel? How did you respond?
  • What tactic would you like to try in your next challenging interaction?

Coinciding Scripture
  • John 8:31–32
  • 2 Timothy 2:23–26
  • John 14:1–7

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
Chapter 9 – This world has nothing for me
Study Questions
  • In what ways you have been tempted to ignore the challenges of this world and focus only on heaven instead?
  • What is our responsibility to engage and change our world to bring about shalom?
  • How do you see God currently redeeming the world?
  • How can you make the most of each opportunity (kairos) you have?

Coinciding Scripture
  • Jeremiah 29:1–9
  • Matthew 28:18–20
  • John 17:13–19

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
Chapter 10 – God is good all the time—all the time god is good
Study Questions
  • What are your first thoughts when you hear “God is good”?
  • What are some times in your life you have struggled to believe that God is good?
  • Where do you see evidence of God’s goodness in your life?
  • How can we share God’s goodness with others while acknowledging the reality of pain and evil in our fallen world?

Coinciding Scripture
  • Romans 5:3–11
  • John 16:33
  • Romans 8:18–30
  • Psalm 13

Additional Reading
Videos, Articles, Websites, and More
Conclusion – Out of the Shallows, into the deep
Study Questions
  • What are some clichés you’re going to think differently about now?
  • Are there any clichés you disagree with me about? Why? Why not?
  • What practical steps would you like to take to counteract Simplicism?

Coinciding Scripture
  • Romans 12:2
  • 2 Corinthians 10:5
  • Proverbs 4:23, 14:15
  • Philippians 4:8
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Additional Reading
*Mention of a resource (books, articles, websites, links, etc) does not indicate an endorsement of the material, author, or organization by Jeff Myers, Summit Ministries, or David C Cook. These resources are meant to inspire thoughtful discussion and further thinking.

More From Summit Faculty
Christians and Contradictory Ideas — Mary Jo Sharp
IS doubting a sin? — Brett Kunkle
Weaknesses among Christians — Michael Sherrard
Isn't Christianity a bunch of rules and regulations? — Alan Shlemon
For more video resources, head to the Resource Library on summit.org.
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