One Faith

I.               Introduction

A.  Truth

1.    Muller-Lyer Illusion[1]

2.    Just because we might perceive something within our minds to be true doesn’t always make it so. How can we know?

B.  Two Views of Faith

1.    Defining Faith

2.    Two Faiths

a.    Subjective

                                                          i.     This is the system that I, as an individual, possess.

                                                        ii.     Scripture bears out that faith is personal:

1.    Mark 2:5

2.    Mark 5:34

3.    Philemon 1:6

b.    Objective

                                                          i.     This is truth that exists of my belief system; it is the body of truth (the Bible)

1.    Acts 6:7

2.    Galatians 1:23

3.    Jude 1:3

3.    The Challenge

a.    The challenge for people has ALWAYS been one’s personal belief system with the of God’s word, not vice versa.

b.    Why do we need to make sure that our personal belief system is aligned with God’s word? What’s the big deal? Can’t we all just get along?

II.            Aligning with the One Faith

A. 

1.    The revealed truth is just that; it is the God gives us.

a.    2 Peter 1:20-21

b.    2 Timothy 3:16-17

2.    The Bible is not based on the culture of the day; it is eternally .^[3]

B. 

1.    It is necessary to have a upon which to build our personal belief system, or it will crumble. is the foundation we need.

a.    Romans 10:17

b.    1 Corinthians 3:10-15

2.    Illustration: Foundation of a structure

3.    Faith isn’t just an idea or belief system if it is truly based on inspiration, the foundation provides motivation.

C. 

1.    Faith is not an idea, , or feeling; it’s a part of our lives as Christians. True faith and us to action.

a.    James 2:18-19

b.    If we align our faith with God’s truth we will be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22).

c.    Illustration: In Hebrews 11

2.    What has your faith led you to DO?

D. 

1.    Aligning ourselves with God’s gift of salvation reminds us that we can in His communication with us about what He has done and how we are to .

a.    Ephesians 2:8-9

b.    Notice that it is grace that saves us, but through faith.

2.    Remember, that faith is not an idea…it’s a foundation. When we seek to understand God’s will better it allows us to become closer to God.

3.    There is only one faith and either you have aligned yourself with the truth of that faith or you have not.

III.         Conclusion

A.  Illusion

B.  The One Faith

C.  Invitation