I Believe

Psalm 19:1-6

Introduction

1.       Biblical faith is based on evidence – for much of the world, faith is defined as a guess, or a “hope so”

2.       As scientific laws are based on observation and conclusions, Biblical faith is based on observations and conclusions – in both cases there is confidence in those who have made the observations

3.       I believe in one God who speaks to men and sent His Son to die for our sins and provided evidence by raising His Son from the dead  

Discussion

1.       I believe in One God, Creator of all

a.       Psalms 19:1  

b.       Rom 1:18-20  

c.       1 Cor 8:6  

d.       God is Creator of the universe is as rational a statement as General Motors is creator of the Cadillac  

e.       Ps 14:1  

2.       I believe in the Bible, God’s Word for me

a.       It makes no sense (to me) to believe in a God who created the universe and not believe in a God who takes interest in what He has created  

b.       God has been speaking to people since Adam and Eve were created in the Garden of Eden – to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, the prophets and finally through Jesus – Heb 1:1-2  

c.       In over 5,000 Greek manuscripts, going back to the first century, every word of the New Testament can be verified  

d.       The New Testament part of the Bible (in the rack in front of you) has been translated from a standard Greek text established by a consensus of scholars who have investigated the manuscript evidence for every verse  

3.       I believe in Jesus, raised from the dead to sit on his throne

a.       His death was attested by the Romans and Jews  

b.       His resurrection was attested by those who were his friends, beginning with Mary Magdalene (who was among the first to visit the empty tomb)

                                                            i.      There were appearances over a period of 40 days

                                                           ii.      During those appearances, Jesus spoke with the witnesses, ate with them and allowed them to touch him  

c.       His resurrection is the assurance of our resurrection  

Conclusion

1.       If you believe in God, then you ought to honor Him as God

2.       If you want to honor God, then you ought to listen to what He has said

3.       If you listen to what God has said, then you will accept that Jesus is His only begotten Son

4.       If you accept Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, then you ought to be baptized