Certainly some believe that Christianity is a myth at best or a tool of manipulation at worse. But there are many solid reasons to believe it is the only true worldview.
- TEXT: Hebrews 11:1-6
- SERIES: Difficult Questions Christians Deal With
- SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
- DATE: February 27, 2011
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Hebrews 11:1-6 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Introduction
Hebrews 11:3 indicates that faith is built on thinking! Think also about Mt. 6:28 – “Consider the lilies.”
People are natural doubters, and usually it is our experience (our “sight”) that leads us to doubt. The solution is not blind faith, but rather thinking!
1. Positive Apologetics: We Have Every Good Reason to Believe
THEISM – There is a God
Creation declares it (Cosmological, Fine-tuning)
People declare it (Moral)
CHRISTIANITY – Jesus is God
Jesus proves it (Resurrection)
The Bible proves it (Divine Edge)
Jesus proves it (Resurrection)
The Bible proves it (Divine Edge)
2. Negative Apologetics: We have no good reason to believe other worldviews / religions
NATURALISM – Only material / physical things exist
Claims that matter gave rise to life. Christians believe Life gave rise to matter.
If true destroys any trust we may have of our minds or our ability to reason.
If true completely undermines moral accountability.
Claims that matter gave rise to life. Christians believe Life gave rise to matter.
If true destroys any trust we may have of our minds or our ability to reason.
If true completely undermines moral accountability.
PANTHEISM – Only 1 spiritual entity exists and all things are “part” of it.
Destroys personal identity.
If true completely undermines moral accountability.
Destroys personal identity.
If true completely undermines moral accountability.
FALSE MONOTHEISM – Includes deism, Islam, and Jesus-less Judaism.
BIBLE-BASED CULT GROUPS – Includes Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and many others.
All of these groups involve the claiming of illegitimate authority, brainwashing, and manipulation. Sure signs they are false.
Conclusion
- God exists. We have every good reason to know that He does, and no good reasons at all to doubt that He does.
- Christianity is true. Jesus proves it by rising from the dead. The Bible confirms it.
- You should have faith (based on knowledge).
