Sermon Tone Analysis

Focus verse:

Whilst signs and wonders are good, our faith should not be dependent on them.

We have sufficient reason, even without seeing a miracle, to believe in God, the Bible, and Jesus.

But what some of those reasons?

1.

Our existence is proof that there there is a God

Every material things has a beginning.

So where did this universe come from?

But why should we believe particularly in the God of the Bible?

2. The Bible claims to be inspired by God

3. The Bible appears to be inspired by God

The following considerations make this clear:

Despite containing 66 books, and being written by over 40 different people, over about 1,500 years, with some of the writers being on different continents; the Bible maintains an incredible consistency from beginning to end.

How many books can stand being read more than two times?

Yet the Bible can be read hundreds to times without the reader grasping its depths, and without the reader losing interest.

The Bible is timeless.

Despite being one of the most ancient books, it is the most modern and up to date.

Despite severe persecution and the opposition of science, the Bible is still here, being remarkably preserved against all odds.

The Bible is the world’s longest-standing best-seller, being translated into many languages, and read in most parts of the world

4. The Bible is felt to be inspired by God

The same Spirit who inspired Scripture, speaks to us through Scripture.

This witness of the Holy Spirit is superior to all arguments.

I have previously told you of a professor who once said to a lady who had been attending Bible classes, “You don’t believe that book do you?”.

“Oh, yes,” she answered “I happen to have a personal acquaintance with the Author”.

She stated the most weighty reason for believing the Bible to be the Word of God.

5.

The Bible proves to be inspired by God

Intellectual defences of the Bible have their place; but the best argument is the practical one: the Bible has worked.

It has transformed lives, brought light, inspiration, and comfort to millions.

And its work continues.

6.

The Bible’s is historical accuracy is consistent with the fact that it is inspired by God

Sources outside the Bible support its historical authenticity.

Egypt’s invasion of Israel (1 Kings 14:25); the Assyrian siege of Lachish (2 Kings 18-19); the trade relations between Israel and Sheba (1 Kings 10); the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem; and the reigns of various kings mentioned in the Bible have been confirmed by archaeology.

(adapted from https://www.gotquestions.org/archaeology-Bible.html)

People used to believe Sodom and Gomorrah were a myth, until archaeological evidence revealed that all five cities mentioned in that passage were in fact centers of commerce in the are and were geographically situated as the Scriptures describe (Evidence that Demands a Verdict, pg 94-95).

7. The fulfilment of prophecy shows that the Bible is inspired by God

Examples of fulfilled prophecy includes:

The destruction of Babylon (Isaiah 13)

The destruction of Tyre (Ezek 26)

The destruction of Nineveh (Nahum 1-3)

The return of Israel to the Land (Isaiah 11:11)

The destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20)

Most importantly, the Old Testament predicts that one day a Messiah would come.

It tells us how He would be conceived (Isaiah 7:14)

It tell us where He would be born (Micah 5:2)

It tells us that He would be God manifest in the flesh (Isaiah 9:6)

It tell us that He would be crucified even though crucifixion did not exist as a method of execution when this prediction was made (Psalm 22:16)

It tell us that He would sit at the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1)

Every person must decide what they will do with Jesus.

We should believe in Him becasue...

8. Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord

Consider His claims:

He claimed to be the Son of God and giver of eternal life:

He claimed to be the only way to God:

He claimed to be one with God:

He claimed to have existed with God before the world was created:

He claimed to have power to forgive sins:

He claimed that He would raise the dead on the last day:

Imagine if one your friends made these claims about themselves.

What would you think?

You would think they were either joking or crazy.

But what do you think about Jesus?

Was He telling the truth?

You cannot be indifferent about Jesus.

Either He was lying, was crazy, or is who He says He is.

Another reason to believe in Jesus is because...

9.

There is no other way of salvation

Do you know anyone else who bore your sins and paid the penalty for them on the cross?

If not, then you still need to pay the penalty for your sins!

Another reason to believe in Him is because...

10.

Jesus’ resurrection is supported by the testimony of eyewitnesses

Not just the apostles… 500 others!

This is a real historical letter written by Paul to the church in Corinth around 50 AD.

So 20 years after the resurrection of Christ, many of these 500 eyewitness were still around and could be questioned about it.

In any court case, 500 eyewitnesses would enough!

But there is an even more important witness, and if you have received Jesus as YOUR Lord and Saviour, this witness lives inside you...

11.

God and Jesus have given you the Holy Spirit

All the work of that the Holy Spirit is doing in your life is a good enough reason to keep on believing!

Closing thought

Have a you noticed that your faith is under attack?

Who’s attacking it?

The fact that it is under attack is proof of the devil’s existence and should actually spur you on to fight the good fight of faith!

Summary

We can believe in God, the Bible and Jesus because:

Our existence is proof that there there is a God

The Bible claims to be inspired by God

The Bible appears to be inspired by God

The Bible is felt to be inspired by God

The Bible proves to be inspired by God

The Bible’s is historical accuracy is consistent with the fact that it is inspired

The fulfilment of prophecy shows that the Bible is inspired by God

Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord

There is no other way of salvation

Jesus’ resurrection is supported by the testimony of eyewitnesses

God and Jesus have given you the Holy Spirit

The fact that your faith is under attack is all the more reason to believe!

Discussion / Prayer

In groups of 4-5, discuss what stuck out to you from today’s message.

Also listen to each other’s prayer requests and spend some time praying for each other

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