Examining Christianity

Text: II Corinthians 13:1-8

 

I.         Most religions in the world surround themselves in mysteries

            A.        Followers are asked to accept things without full knowledge

            B.        Only a select few are granted special insight

            C.        But God’s teachings are not like these religions

                        1.         God challenges us to reason about the evidence available - Isaiah 41:21

                        2.         His followers are urged to explain their beliefs to others - I Peter 3:15

II.        Faith is required

            A.        Often people think that when there is no evidence or when you are faced with contradictory evidence, then faith must be used

                        1.         As a result there are religions based on empty irrationalism

                        2.         For example in most charismatic groups

                                    a.         Closely examining claims is discouraged

                                    b.         To ask for proof is to show a lack of faith

            B.        Christianity is rational

                        1.         It is based on the fact of Jesus and his life - I John 1:1-4

                        2.         Witnesses confirmed the evidence - John 5:31-47

            C.        Faith is not the filler used for a lack of knowledge

                        1.         Faith is the conclusion drawn from the evidence found - Hebrews 11:1

                        2.         We don’t hide from factual proofs but show them for examination

III.       But doesn’t this remove the Holy Spirit’s work?

            A.        The question comes from a misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit and his work

            B.        It is man who has difficulty facing facts - I Corinthians 2:12-14

            C.        The Spirit’s duty includes convicting the world - John 16:7-8

                        1.         He convinces people that sin exists and that they are guilty of sin

                        2.         He convinces people that there is a right way to live life

                        3.         He convinces people that the choices they make matter because they will be judged regarding their choices

            D.        The gospel, which comes from the Spirit, is the manifestation of truth - II Corinthians 4:1-6

                        1.         When a person is converted to Christianity, it involves hearing the truth and accepting it - Acts 16:14-15

                        2.         It is the truth found in the gospel that is the tool the Holy Spirit uses to convict mankind - I Peter 1:22-25

            E.        Many find the message given to be foolish – not because it is unreasonable but because it is not what people want to hear - I Corinthians 1:18-25

IV.      Today’s ideas of faith versus the New Testament demonstration of faith

            A.        Today, a person must have faith for a miracle to occur

                        1.         Thus, any failure in a “miracle” is blamed on a lack of faith

                        2.         When news of a “miracle” is spread, it is always by third-hand accounts

                        3.         If you ask for verifiable proof, you are accused of lacking faith

            B.        Compare this to Christ

                        1.         Healing the blind man in John 9:1-41

                                    a.         The healing was a fact, acknowledged by even the unbelievers

                                    b.         It stood up under close scrutiny

                                    c.         The question came down to the source of the miracle

                                    d.         This is what faith is – the conclusion drawn from the evidence

                        2.         The raising of Lazarus - John 12:9-11

                                    a.         The fact that Lazarus was raised is undeniable

                                    b.         But the leaders plotted to kill Lazarus to remove the evidence

                                    c.         Because people were believing in Jesus and that couldn’t be allowed

V.        The world may be surprised to learn that Christianity stands on solid ground

            A.        It is a house build on a rock - Matthew 7:24-25

            B.        Without a fear of God, there is no starting point for knowledge - Proverbs 1:7

                        1.         Consider that public schools refuse to admit God in the classrooms

                        2.         Yet, they want moral behavior without a source

                        3.         Is it a wonder that it breaks down?

            C.        The church is charged with putting the truth on display so that the world will change - I Timothy 3:14-16