B.A.S.I.C. Training

Exploring Essential Doctrines An “Essential” Doctrine is one without which Christianity would be meaningless. Lists of these essentials differ. Our list will be slightly longer than most lists. We start with the most fundamental of all doctrines. We must believe in one true God.

What questions must we explore? Why must we believe in God to be Christians? Why must we believe in God to be Christians? What are the results if we do not believe in God. What are the results if we do not believe in God. Can we reasonably believe in God? Are we foolish if we do? Is there sufficient evidence to believe in God? Can we reasonably believe in God? Are we foolish if we do? Is there sufficient evidence to believe in God?

The Basis of Our Faith Hebrews 11:6 -- And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 demands two levels: Existence: God is Confidence: God rewards The two-fold foundation of faith is a belief in God as He reveals Himself in the Bible and a belief that He will reward us if we will diligently seek Him.

John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Jesus insists that faith in God is central to belief in Christ. Jesus, who is the Christ, understands that Christianity depends upon a proper understanding of Almighty God.

Belief in Jesus depends first on belief in God John 14: Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

John 5: I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.

The Reasonableness of Our Faith The argument of DESIDERIUM AETERNITATISthe eternal yearning of man.

Matthew 16:26- - What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Psalm 49:7-13 No man can pay God a ransom for a life All men die and their earthly wealth is given to another. Upon death, everything you owned goes to someone else and profits you nothing at all. Not even the richest of men can prevent death from coming. The fate of those who trust in themselves is to die with nothing. There must be something better!

The Disastrous Consequences of Excluding God Romans 1:18-32 The wrath of God is coming against the wicked. There is no excuse for not knowing God – His existence is clearly seen from the creation.

From what has been created we can see: God’s eternal power God’s divine nature Failure to glorify God leads to darkened, futile hearts Failure to worship God leads to the worship of dead idols The result is a life of rampant impurity, self- worship, shameful lusts, twisted sexuality, depraved mind and every imaginable act of wickedness.

Failure to believe in God ultimately leads to becoming: Gossips, slanderers, God- haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful… It leads to disobedience, ruthlessness and heartlessness. Leads to a downward spiral for the entire world. So, what will it be? Faith? or Depravity?