Ways of Coming to Know God Exists

Textbook Read page 55, “Love Leads to God”

Class Creeds I believe that all human life is valuable and we are all here for some reason I believe that He decides who is pure hearted enough to enter Heaven I believe that every decision has consequences (good and bad)

Class Creeds I believe that you should be the best you I believe that God decides our fate I believe that God is always there for us I believe in God who has an answer to all problems

Class Creeds I believe that every scripture tells a true story I believe that having good friends is a rare find I believe that knowledge is the golden key I believe we are all here to love, serve and be accepting of others even if they are flawed

Class Creeds I believe that school teaches you more than subjects I believe that the Father the Almighty is a woman I believe that God guides us to do his work and to use our talents to serve him I believe that no person is more valued than another

Class Creeds I believe that people should trust each other more I believe that school is something we need in life I believe that other people believe in God I believe that the purpose of life is to help each other succeed

Class Creeds I believe that God is watching us I believe that you should never give up on anything I believe that appearances don’t matter I believe that we don’t need materialistic things to prosper in life

Class Creeds I believe that the key to life is a healthy balance and moderation I believe that you need to put others before yourself to make it into heaven I believe in inclusivity of all people that everyone is equal and have equal rights

Class Creeds I believe in forgiveness, but not forgetfulness I believe honesty is key I believe that there is a higher power I believe everyone is capable of love

Class Creeds I believe we shouldn’t have homework I believe sports are good for the soul I believe love can be blind I believe parties are really fun

Class Creeds I believe we shouldn’t have uniform I believe our school gives too many detentions I believe there is no greater power than God I believe that miracles answer the question of God, it shows that there is a higher power guiding us through hard times

Class Creeds What did you learn from the creed presentation? What surprised you about the beliefs of your classmates?

Textbook Read page 56, “Come and See”

Note – Different Ways of Coming to Believe For those who do believe, no explanation is necessary, but for those who don’t believe, none is good enough. Faith – Believing Conversation: It is possible to talk to and listen to God, but we need to be aware and looking for it.

Note – Different Ways of Coming to Believe Evidence The Bible as a historical document Jesus’ burial reported within first five years of death Witnesses found the tomb empty Different people, from a wide variety of groups experienced the risen Jesus. The Disciples believed that Jesus was risen from the dead, and were willing to die for it. How does Jesus say for us to come to know Him? Just ask: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in and eat with him, and he with me.” Rev 3:20

Note – Different Ways of Coming to Believe Data about the universe We see order in nature The existence of the universe points to a creator, a giver-of- existence Time had a beginning Data about ourselves Our conscience experiences a moral obligation to do good, not evil. Conscience is the voice of God within us. For everything that we desire, there is something to fulfill it. The reality of hunger shows the reality of food, the same is true of the hunger of God.

Discussion Do you consider faith to be a gift? Why?

Prayer Journal Copy the following quotes: “Faith is taking the first step when you cannot see the staircase.” Martin Luther King Jr. “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” C. S. Lewis What is each of these quotes saying about faith? What do you think?

Note - Faith God calls each of us to be faithful, but the path to faithfulness is different for each person. The size and strength of our faith is not important. Even the most faithful people sometimes question, but they are open to God and God’s word when they question.

Love Letter from The Father Listen to the words as you read them on the board. The words are ALL quotes from the Bible.