Sermon Central
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God's Witness Of His Existence
Contributed by Bruce Allen on May 18, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: Does God exist? Considering nearly 10% of Americans do not believe in God - perhaps we need to understand His witness of His existence in order to answer their queries - 1 Peter 3:15.
God’s Witness of His Existence
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race. 6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. 13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. (NKJV)
INTRODUCTION
.. Recently at an ABM meeting – one of the singers of the Gospel Echos mentioned how he was used by his friend (to come to the friends church’s youth meeting) in his official capacity as a sheriff to confiscate all the Bibles. The point was for the young people to experience what it was like for someone to control their religious freedom.
. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us – “… set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts, always ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you …”
. If this were to happened to us – I have to ask myself and you – CAN WE DO THAT?
. Are we able to defend the faith once delivered to the saints – cf. Jude 3.
A. Polls:
.. Newsweek – March 31, 2007
. 91% – American adults believe in God
. 87% identify with a specific religion
. 82% - Christians
. 5% - Non-Christian faith (such as Judaism | Islam)
. 9% – American adults do not believe in God
. 6% do not believe in God, but cannot prove he does not exist
. 3% have no doubt that God does not exist
[About: Agnosticism/Atheism. Source: Austin Cline, “Belief in God, Rejection of Science Remain Strong in America,” April 2, 2007 – www.atheism.about.com/b/a/258952.htm, downloaded 17 May 2007]
.. The Harris Poll # 59 – October 15, 2003
. Frequency of American Adults Attending Religious Services:
. 19% – attend a religious service at least a few times a year
. 4% – attend a religious service only once a year
. 11% – attend a religious service at least once a month
. 26% – attend a religious service at least once a week
. 40% – never attend a religious service
. (28% associate with some religion | 12% do not)
[Harris Interactive, Inc. – www.harrisinteractive.com, downloaded 17 May 2007]
.. USAToday
. Americans’ Image of God
. 31% – believe in an “Authoritarian God” who is angry at humanity’s sins and engaged in every creature’s life and world affairs.
. 23% – believe in a “Benevolent God” who is forgiving and accepting of anyone who repents.
. 16% – believe in a “Critical God” who has his judgmental eye on the world, but he’s not going to intervene, either to punish or comfort.
. 24% – believe in a “Distant God” who is more of a cosmic force that launched the world, then left it spinning on its own.
[Leadership, Spring 2007. Source Cathy Lynn Grossman, “Americans’ Image of God Varies,” USAToday.com (9/11/06)]
B. Assumptions:
1. All of us here today fall into one of three classes – Do you believe that God exists?
. Theist – You believe in God.
. Atheist – You do not believe in God.
. Agnostic – You do not believe in God, but cannot prove he does not exist.
2. Existence of God is the basis of our lives –
. John Gill
[T]he being of God … is the foundation of all religion; for if there is no God, religion is a vain thing; and it matters not neither what, we believe, nor what we do; since there is no superior Being to whom we are accountable for either faith or practice.
