1. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Certainty - A Basic Need Of All Men – Before one is willing to make an "investment" in anything that costs Wants assurance of value and safety Illus: Money in bank insured by Federal Government as opposed to stock market

2. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Certainty - A Basic Need Of All Men – Life is a big investment Demands made of one who would follow Christ are great - Matt. 16:24 Must be totally committed to the cause of Christ - Heb. 11:24-27 – One will not be willing to "pay the price" if not persuaded of the "certainty" of such – Will fear loss

3. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Certainty - A Basic Need Of All Men – "Certainty" is what caused those of old to live as they did - see Rom. 4:18-21; 2 Tim. 1:12 It was not just that these were "persuaded” Had a sure basis for the persuasion.

4. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Can I Be Certain My Beliefs Are True? – Question troubles many "Not wrong to doubt beliefs, but wrong to believe doubts.” – Should lead to investigation – Result in stronger faith

5. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Can I Be Certain My Beliefs Are True? – Question troubles many Bible encourages investigation - 1 Thess. 5:21 Some fear investigation – Fear faith will not stand – Such is "blind faith"

6. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Can I Be Certain My Beliefs Are True? – Many say, "cannot be certain.” "Faith is a matter of speculation” There are those who demand "scientific proof" (sight) before they can believe.

7. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Can I Be Certain My Beliefs Are True? – Many say, "cannot be certain.” Historical proof accepted as vital in many areas – Historical proof cannot be "duplicated.” – Christianity is an historical religion, i.e. based on events in history » Coming of God into the world in flesh » His works have been recorded as historical events

8. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Can I Be Certain My Beliefs Are True? – Luke suggests the capability of being certain Denial is proof! (Certain that we cannot be certain!) Like one who denies existence of God – Must be in every place, know all things, must possess all power – One place has not been, one thing does not know, one thing cannot control might be one thing in which God showed Himself One would have to "be God" to deny His existence

9. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Can I Be Certain My Beliefs Are True? – Certainty is produced in two ways: Perception: Demonstration - appeal to physical senses (sight). Faith: Based on reliability, certainty of testimony – Value of faith depends on such – Note: "Faith of unbeliever" based on false testimony

10. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us God Aware Of Man's Need For Certainty In Things He Is To Believe - Heb. 2:14

11. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Certainty Of Things Believed – Jesus, The Divine Son Of God. Note record God gave - 1 Jn. 5:9-11 Great works testified Him to be God's Son - Jn. 3:2; 10:37-38; 20:30-31 – Admitted by enemies - Jn. 9:32-33; Declared to be Son of God by resurrection - Rom. 1:4

12. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Certainty Of Things Believed – Bible Is Inspired Of God. Many areas of evidence: internal and external. Unity, fulfilled prophecy, writers with nothing to gain, etc., is strong evidence. Evidence such that honest investigation leads to acceptance by most. (Illus., "Scientist" who will not examine evidence lest he be proven wrong.) Gospel's certainty not of man - Gal. 1:12

13. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Certainty Of Things Believed – We Have Complete Will Of God Revealed - 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 3 Catholic claim: "Lost books, others rejected." Thus, need for the "voice of the church.” – But such were supposedly written during time of the apostles, when spiritual gifts to "discern spirits.” – These "books" were rejected then because did not meet test for scripture

14. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Certainty Of Things Believed – We Have Complete Will Of God Revealed - 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 3 Mormon claim: "As far as translated correctly; many errors, much not possessed by all." (Thus, need for continual revelation) – Correct translation is necessary. Greek is a "dead language." Ancient manuscripts show little change. "Errors" not fill 1/2 page, none affect salvation. – Can be more certain we have meaning of original text than we can be certain of Shakespeare's works.

15. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Certainty Of Things Believed – What To Do To Be Saved Witness of Spirit - Rom. 8:16 – Reveals requirements to be met – Do not rely on "feelings.” – When meet requirements, can be certain of forgiveness - Rom. 6:17-18 Can say with certainty that those who obey are accepted: cannot say those who have not obeyed are accepted of God.

16. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Certainty Of Things Believed – Worship, Service Which Pleases God - Jn. 4:24 We can walk by faith; act in harmony with revelation. – Troubles many – "Others sincere, worship differently, engage in other practices, etc.” If such is of the truth, it was obtained in same place I obtain it, by the same way, can be understood by others

17. Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us Certainty Of Things Believed – There Is A Place Of Blessing (Heaven), Punishment (Hell) Christ came that men might be forgiven of sins, eternal consequence – Hope laid up in heaven - Col. 1:5 – Note the confidence of Paul - 2 Tim. 4:8 Wicked, disobedient reserved - 2 Pet. 2:9 – Day of Judgment as certain as death - Heb. 9:27 – If persuaded of certainty, eternal suffering for those who are adversaries of God, would turn without delay.