FAITH IN GOD (EVIDENCES)

Introduction:
   1. Luke 18:8; Heb. 11:1-6; Rom. 8:24; John 8:32,24.
   2. The fact that Faith in God is a Doctrine of God's Word, no one
      will deny.  2 Cor 5:7
   3. There are many in the world who deny the existence of an
      Eternal, Everliving, Heavenly father.
   4. There are only two alternatives: GOD  ---  NO GOD (Atheism)
   5. There are many who exhibit the attitude of Thomas, Jn. 20:25.
   6. Many walk by sight; a carnal mind, materialistic.
   7. Inseparably connected with faith in God, is Faith in the Word of
      God, which proclaims Jehovah to the world.
   8. Why a lesson on Faith, evidences? Most of our schools of higher
      learning are filled with doubt in God and His word. Even comes
      down into our public schools, grade school, etc.

  I. WE FIRST ASK, WHY SHOULD I WANT TO BELIEVE IN GOD???

     1. Only Faith in God teaches that I will live after death.
        With all other books, all other Redeemers, death is the end.
        With God's Word, it is the beginning.
        Every sane person desire to approach death with HOPE.

     2. Faith in God teaches that a better place than this is waiting.
        This world offers no utopia, but God does.
        This world offers many blessings, joys, etc., but none can
            approach the promises of Jehovah and His Word.

     3. Because some of the greatest scientists, philosophers and best
        men of all ages past have accepted it as the Word of God:
            Note quotations:

 II. CAN WE PROVE THE EXISTENCE OF GOD?
     1. Perhaps not to the one who has completely closed his/her mind,
        but to those who will study the evidence, ponder the arguments
        and weigh the reasons
     2. I offer a number of reasons why we believe in God as the
        Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.
     3. I believe in God because:
        (1) Atheism, the only other alternative, cannot be proved.
        (2) It is reasonable to believe that the eternal existence is
            God -- not matter. Something is here, therefore something
            has always been here. Nothing can come from nothing. It is
            much more reasonable to believe that mind (intelligence)
            existed before matter.
        (3) The universe exhibits mark of intelligent causation. We
            see a house and know there was a house builder. We see a
            watch and know there was a watch maker. We see the
            universe and know there was intelligence behind it.
        (4) The moral government of the world implies a moral governor
            As wicked as the world has become, there are still moral
            laws that rule mankind.
        (5) The majority of scientific men and philosophers in all
            ages have believe in God. (Noted above.)
        (6) Of the abundance of evidence. Look around us. See the
            universe, see the physical body of man, the wonders of the
            world in which we live, etc.
        (7) All objections to believing in God lie with equal force
            against Atheism. All arguments made against God can with
            equal force be made against Atheism. Yet, matter gives no
            evidence of self-existence.
        (8) Atheism has insuperable difficulties of its own. Atheism
            assumes the eternal existence of matter. That is more
            difficult to accept than God. Atheism claims that life
            came from dead matter. Boy, that is hard to accept.

III. HAVING SEEN THAT GOD "IS," WE PASS TO OUR NEXT CONSIDERATION. THE
     BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD.
     1. The Bible claims to be the Word of God. Over 2500 references,
        "Thus saith the Lord," "The Lord spake," etc.
        2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Tim. 3:16.
     2. The Unity of the Bible proves inspiration:
        66 books; 40 writers; 1600 years to complete; variety of
            conditions; variety of writers. YET ONE BOOK!!! One is
            purpose, subject matter, development, one theme.
     3. Fulfilled prophecies: Noah, Jews, Assyria, Babylon, Cyrus,
        Medes, Egypt, Jericho, etc. Hundreds of references to Christ;
        ALL FULFILLED WITHOUT A SINGLE EXCEPTION. Try as the might the
        sceptic has never found a single flaw or error.
     4. Not only is it inspired, but it is VERBALLY INSPIRED.
        Every word is given by God to the writers.
            Acts 2:1-4 -- "as the Spirit gave them utterance..."
     5. Many other proofs along this line could be stated, but these
        will suffice for the time.

 IV. IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO BELIEVE GOD "IS," BUT THIS FAITH MUST BE A
     COMPLETE UNDOUBTING FAITHFULNESS IN GOD'S WORD.  This is more
     than Mental Assent.
     1. Not enough to say, Yes I believe in God, and His word.
     2. True faith is found ONLY IN COMPLETE OBEDIENCE.
     3. Faith in God demands faith in the Lord's complete authority.
     4. Luke 6:46--"Why call ye me Lord, and do not the thing I say?"
     5. This MUST be applied to every area of man's responsibility:
        (1) Faith in God expressed in mind -- REPENTANCE.
        (2) Faith in God expressed through the mouth -- CONFESSION.
        (3) Faith in God expressed through deed -- BAPTISM.
     6. TO THE CHILD OF GOD:
        Faith in God means putting Him first in ALL THINGS.
        Any time I choose to refuse to do as God commands--lack of F.
        Brethren manifest a lack of Faith when they inject human
            wisdom and reasoning into the work of the congregation.
     7. Religious people claim Faith in God, but then turn around and
        rely upon traditions, customs, etc.
     8. Heb. 5:8-9 -- OBEDIENCE.

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