The Substance of Faith An Evidence and Foundational Christian Curriculum Introduction

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You Lost Me - What are the conversations we need to have with youth?

What does “substance of faith” mean? – Sub  stance = the material from which something is made. Sub- = under, beneath, below. Stance = a position (mental, emotional, etc.). Substance, therefore, describes what is supporting our faith and of what our faith is made. – Faith = a system of belief; trust producing action. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the substance or assurance of things hoped for; the evidence or conviction of things unseen.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV)

What is the substance of our faith? – Materially speaking, the properties of a material are determined by the substances of which it is made. It may withstand pressure, bend, or break all depending on the underlying structure that composes it. – Likewise, on the surface Christians may appear to have a sturdy faith, but if the substance of their faith is weak, it may fail.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 NKJV)

What is the substance of our faith? – Romans 10:17: Word of God  Hearing  Faith. According to Romans 10:17 the substructure of our faith—or substance—is the Word of God. This is thesis of this study. The words of God are powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It would take countless lessons to illuminate God’s voice in this matter, but we will attempt to summarize it.

Is our faith bending or breaking today? – Studies show that around 50% of youth involved in Christianity are not continuing in their faith in their twenties. – The Barna group reports that only 55% of self- identified Christians believe that the Bible is accurate in all principles it teaches. The same article also reports that 41% of self-identified Christians agreed fully or in part that the Bible, Koran, and the Book of Mormon all teach the same truths. – A 2002 study by the Barna group revealed that 64% of adults believe that truth is always relative to the person and their situation. 83% of teenagers believed that truth is always relative. This is the central tenant of postmodernism.

What is causing our faith to bend or break today? – If faith is developed from hearing and trusting in the Word of God, our faith is breaking from 1) not knowing the truth in the Word of God and /or 2) not acting on the truth in the Word of God.

John 17:17 "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (John 17:17 NKJV)

John 8:32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32 NKJV)

What should be our attitude while doing this study? – Are we seeking to be right or know what’s right? – If we truly seek, Jesus guaranteed that we will find (Matt. 7:7). – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). If we do not exalt God above ourselves, we will not have a basis with which to understand truth.

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7 NKJV)

Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV)

What questions will be addressed? – Does truth exist and can we know it? – Does God exist and is He accessible? – Is Jesus the Son of God? What does this claim mean? – Is the Bible Inspired by God and, if so, what does this mean? – How can we be in relationship with God?