The Ultimate Allegiance Isaiah 45:18-25

How do people demonstrate allegiance?

Is there anyone or thing on this earth that you can absolutely give ultimate allegiance to without the fear of being disappointed?

Dr. Ben Carson

Stephen Hawking

Nicolaus Copernicus (16th century), astronomer and the first in-depth proponent of heliocentrism: "Who could live in close contact with the most consummate order and divine wisdom and not feel drawn to the loftiest aspirations? Who could not adore the architect of all these things?"

Johannes Kepler (17th century), one of history's greatest astronomers: "My Lord and my Creator! I would like to proclaim the magnificence of your works to men to the extent that my limited intelligence can understand."

Isaac Newton (18th century), founder of classical theoretical physics: "The admirable arrangement and harmony of the universe could only have come from the plan of an omniscient and omnipotent Being."

Carl Linnaeus (18th century), founder of systematic botany: "I have seen the eternal, infinite, omniscient, omnipotent God pass close by, and I knelt prostrate in adoration."

Thomas A. Edison (20th century), the prolific inventor who held 1200 patents: "My utmost respect and admiration to all the engineers, especially the greatest of them all: God."

Robert Millikan (20th century), great American physicist, Nobel Prize 1923: "I can assert most definitely that the denial of faith lacks any scientific basis. In my view, there will never be a true contradiction between faith and science."

Albert Einstein (20th century), founder of modern physics and 1921 Nobel Prize: "Everyone who is seriously committed to the cultivation of science becomes convinced that in all the laws of the universe is manifest a spirit vastly superior to man, and to which we with our powers must feel humble."

Erwin Schrödinger (20th century), discoverer of wave mechanics, Nobel Prize 1933: "The finest masterpiece is he one made by God, according to the principles of quantum mechanics … "

Wernher von Braun (20th century), rocket engineer and space architect: "Above everything is the glory of God, who created the great universe, which man and science discover and research day after day in profound adoration."

Charles Townes (20th century), physicist, shared the 1964 Nobel Prize for discovering the principles of the laser: "As a religious man, I feel the presence and intervention of a Creator beyond myself, but who is always nearby … intelligence had something to do with the creation of the laws of the universe."

Allan Sandage (21st century), astronomer, Crafoord Prize (equivalent of the Nobel Prize): "I was practically an atheist in my childhood. Science was what led me to the conclusion that the world is much more complex than we can explain. I can only explain the mystery of existence to myself by the Supernatural."

DISCUSSION GUIDE 1.Underline in (Isaiah 45:18-25) each time the Lord declares that He is the one true God.

DISCUSSION GUIDE 2.How does this powerful declaration stir your soul?

DISCUSSION GUIDE 3.According to (Isaiah 45:18) why did God create the cosmos? He created it to be inhabited by mankind.

DISCUSSION GUIDE 4.How should (v. 18) give you great hope and strength?

DISCUSSION GUIDE 5.How should (v. 19) motivate you to openly and verbally declare your allegiance to God? God has revealed His plan with boldness. We should declare our allegiance to Him as we go without fear or shame.

DISCUSSION GUIDE 6.In (vs ) God challenges the idol worshippers to put down their idols. What are you putting before God in your life? How can you give God your whole allegiance?

DISCUSSION GUIDE 7.What do (vs ) teach about the universality of God? God is available to all people if they will repent and turn to Him.

DISCUSSION GUIDE 8.Who do you know that is following false gods and needs to be directed to the one true God?

DISCUSSION GUIDE 9.What is the significance of the fact that in the end every knee will bow before the one true God?

DISCUSSION GUIDE 10.Read the following passages that also reference how all will kneel before the Father one day. Record your thoughts of adoration. a.(Psalm 95:5) b.(Romans 14:11) c.(Ephesians 1:10) d.(Revelations 5:13) e.Philippians 2:10)

7 STEPS TO ULTIMATE ALLEGIANCE Step 1Recognize who is in control of your life Step 2Make Jesus Lord of your life Step 3Practice the “Golden Rule” Step 4Live Christ Step 5Use your gift(s) for God Step 6Give yourself away Step 7Glorify God