Does Truth Exist?

I. Welcome:

• Believer. We hope that this series will help you with you evangelism and strengthen you faith.
• Non-believer: For some of you, this is your first time in a church and you may be apprehensive. We welcome you as our friends and hope that your evening here will be educational and fruitful.

II. What is the series?

Over the next six weeks, we will show you compelling evidences to demonstrate why Christianity is the true religion and anything that opposes it is false.
A. Overview of Series:
The series is based on my seminary professor Dr. Norman Geisler’s approach to helping unbelievers see the truth of Christianity. Dr. Geisler is one of the greatest living defenders of the Christian faith. Pastor Dutton and I teach a class that covers this material in much greater detail than we will cover here.
• Tonight we will demonstrate that truth does exist. There is a lot of confusion in our society about whether truth exists, whether you can know it and whether different claims to truth can all be true.
• We will then demonstrate the compelling arguments for God’s existence. And deal with the issue of the existence of evil and a loving all-powerful all-knowing God.
• Next, we will review the accuracy of the New Testament, which is a major foundation upon which Christianity is built. We will review the external evidence. We will also review the internal evidence – i.e. what the Bible itself claims to be. We will also tackle some tough questions that critics ask about supposed ‘errors’ in the Bible.
• Finally, we will see the compelling evidences why you should believe that Jesus is God and why the Bible is the Word of God.
B. Tonight’s topic is truth.
The Christian believes the Bible is without error in the original writings and unbreakable in its claims. Everything written in it is true. John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth

Although our minds are cursed by sin, God calls upon us to use our reason and think. Isa. 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together; Matt. 22:37 37 Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’).

The Bible also commands us to discern truth from error – (1 John 4:6) AND right from wrong – (Heb. 5:14).

Error arises when someone fails to describe reality in the same way as described by God. Truth for the Christian is defined as what corresponds with the mind of God. Jesus said, “In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37).

1. We live in a world that no longer believes that the Bible is the sole source of truth. You may be one of those persons and I want to thank you for being here and willing to listen. You may believe that all truth claims are true or you may not even believe that there is such a thing as truth. That is ok; we like meeting people where they are. Thank you for being here.

2. The major cause of our current cultural crisis consists of a world-view shift from a Christian understanding of reality to a post-Christian one.
 History proves that Christianity is a "thinking persons" religion.
 In the US, from arrival of Pilgrims until the mid-1800’s, the intellectual life was prized for its contribution to the Christian journey.
 Puritans had an 89-95% literacy rate. In fact, 117 of the first 118 colleges where established by Christians.
 During the 19th century, the so-called “modern period,” things began to change for the worse for Christians.
 The philosophical ideas of two men, David Hume and Immanuel Kant gave rise to skepticism that questioned of the validity of the Bible, miracles and even questioned the ability to know reality.
 Further, some critics called into question the historical reliability of the Bible.
 Darwinian Evolution challenged God’s very existence.

3. The impact on the Church has been devastating. The shift in cultural worldview has resulted in a loss of boldness in Christian witness and a separation of the secular and the sacred. Stated plainly, “You can have your beliefs in God on your own private time, but don’t share those beliefs in the public arena.”

4. Its time we asked some questions! Questions like, “How does a person determine what is right and what is wrong?” Many unbelievers say, “Man is the measure of all things.” But our question is, “Which man is the measure of all things?” We all know of some who thought they were the measure of all things, and we know some who want to be the measure of all things. So, which man do you pick?

C. “What is Apologetics?” - That term may be a new to some of you.
1. What it ISN’T -- it is not an apology for our faith.
2. What it IS,— The original Greek word is found in our theme verse 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;). it is the discipline that deals with a rational defense of the Christian Faith.
3. The purpose of apologetics is to defend Christianity and show that is reasonable to believe because: No one ever became a believer because he thought it was irrational and absurd to do so. The vast majority of people who believe in God or accept Christ do so because they think it is reasonable to do so, it makes sense.
4. However it is important to remember that Scripture warns against using bad philosophy (Col. 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.) or thinking that philosophy alone can reveal the content of the gospel or lead someone to faith (1 Cor. 1:18-20) For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.19 For it is written: 1 “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?.
5. We recognize that faith is a gift from God. (Jn 6:44. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.)
Apologetics provides evidence for faith THAT God exists; not faith IN God.

We must distinguish two kinds of belief: “belief THAT” is true and “belief IN” something.

[An acrobat pushed a wheelbarrow containing 200 pounds of across a tight rope strung over Niagra Falls. When he reached the cheering crowds, he asked if they thought he could take a person in the wheelbarrow across. They all cheered. Then he asked which one would get into the wheel barrow] They believed that he was capable, but they didn’t believe in him.

Apologetics deals with a “belief that” that God exists, that Christ is the Son of God, and the Bible is the Word of God.

But the salvation experience of deciding to “believe in” God is the work of the Holy Spirit. No apologist believes that anyone is argued into the Kingdom. Salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit, who alone convicts, convinces, and converts Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

One great contemporary defender of the Christian faith, Ravi Zacharias, has said that, “it is impossible to prove or disprove the existence of God. If we could do so than faith would no longer be a necessary part of salvation.” Apologetics requires that reason and faith come together in the mind of the person who is considering truth. You cannot have one with out the other. They are two sides of the same coin.

I believe we have some people here tonight who do not believe THAT God exists. But I believe that there are a greater number of others of you who "believe THAT" he exists but have not “believed IN” Him by placing your faith in His Son. Please, tonight consider getting into that wheelbarrow.

III. Why are we doing this series?

A. God commands us, as a church, to be prepared.
2 Corinthians 5:20 calls us ambassadors for Christ and we need to be equipped and informed to serve our master well.

In addition to our theme verse, I want to point other important verses on God’s command to us to reason and think properly.

1. 2 Corinthians 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. If He is really Lord, we should be confronting issues that are prevent others from knowing God.

2. In Philippians 1:7 -- Paul speaks of his mission as one “in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” He added in verse 17, but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. We are put where we are to defend it as well. That may be at Purdue, Eli Lilly or at home as a wife trying to convince your husband to accept Christ (Peter said more by your life than your words). It may be for those of you who are in a school setting or are interacting with your neighbors.

3. Jude 3 declares: I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints

4. Titus 1:9 makes apologetics a requirement for church leadership. An elder in the church should be holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Aren’t you glad we have pastors who will do that in love.

5. God does not need us to defend Him but he allows us the privilege of being involved in the process. In Matthew 5:13-14 Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

6. For those of you who are believers, if you don’t get anything else from tonight remember “What speaks first to people and is the best defense for the Christian faith is our lives. Titus 2:7-8 says, “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”

7. If you aren’t living in Mt 5:13-14, you’ll never live in 1 Pe 3:15.

We are doing this series because reason demands it.

We have a reasonable faith, and the Bible has commanded that we give reasons for it.

We all need to think through how we can be more effective in reaching others.
1. Genesis 1:27 and Colossians 3:10 speak of God’s creating man in His image. This includes the ability to reason.
2. It doesn’t make sense to believe in something unless you have reasons to believe in it. God has given “clear” and “infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3 NKJV) so that we do not have to exercise blind faith. Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
3. Indeed, the command to use reason is part of the greatest command. For Jesus said to him, Matthew 22:37 ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ But how do we know the Bible is the Word of God, as opposed to the Qur’an, the Book of Mormon, or some other book? One must appeal to evidence to determine this. This series will help you answer these questions.
4. It is important to remember that you have to start where people are living. Sometimes, that is in a world that believe in all sorts of things such as, "there is no truth," "man is the measure of all things,” all truth claims are true,” or "there is no life after death. " The Bible gives examples of helping unbelievers think about the claims of Christianity. Paul did this with the heathen at Lystra he began by an appeal to nature or Gods creative acts (Acts 14). With the Jews Paul began with the OT and moved on to Christ (Acts 17:2-3). But with the Greek thinkers Paul began with creation and reasoned to a Creator and to His Son Jesus who died and rose again (Acts 17:24f). We want to learn to meet people where they are and get them to the Cross as soon as possible.
The Christian Church is under attack.
1. There are attacks from within--from cults, sects, and heresies.
2. There are attacks from without--atheists, skeptics, and other religions. That say Christianity is false… even dangerous…. and needs to be stopped!
Learning to defend your faith can strengthen believers in at least two ways.
1. It gives confidence that Christianity is true and reasonable. We have nothing to be ashamed of. That is why Paul could say Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,...
2. Further, defending your faith encourages spiritual growth. When Christians begin to understand the wrong ways the secular world reasons and interprets circumstances, we are better able to call them into question, and present the reasonableness of the Christian view. This can be a spiritually stretching experience! But it’s part of the put off/put on process we know as progressive sanctification.
Apologetics can contribute to health in the culture at large.
1. When people learn what they believe, they become bold in their witness and more attractive and persuasive in the way they engage others in debate or dialogue. We are not afraid of questions even if we have to say “we will get back to you on that one.” And we turn to the word of God for help.
2. When believers attractively express their faith as true and rational, they contribute to a general cultural perception which sees that moral and religious issues are not mere matters of private religious taste, but rather as areas where truth and reason are appropriate. And they remove the religious dimension of such discussions from the private arena of personal opinion to the public square of rational discussion. Like Pastor Viars says, “may the best truth win!”
3. We have a reasonable faith, and the Bible has commanded that we give reasons for it. As C. S. Lewis, said: “Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered”

IV. Sketch

A. Introduction of Characters
Bob: I am going to have you meet a friend of mine named, Sherlock. He, like all of us, is searching for truth and meaning in life. But he doesn’t’ believe in the Bible and won’t let me quote the Bible to him. During the next several weeks, Sherlock and his friends will be visiting and asking some very probing questions of Christianity. Questions that many of you have thought of, heard, or faced. It is our hope that through our interactions you will see that, of all worldviews, Christianity is the only true one.
Over here are my friends the Bereans. Named after the Bereans who diligently studied Scripture. Don’t let their youth fool you. These students have at their disposal the Source of Truth. They will help me communicate truths that Sherlock, his friends, and I need to hear.
-- Sherlock enters

Sherlock: “Hi, Bob!” (Looks at the audience) Wow, lots of people here tonight. Are you ready for this?”

Bob: You bet!

Sherlock: Well, I’ve been thinking about this religion stuff you’ve been talking to me about, and I’m not convinced you’re right!

Bob: Well, I’ve told you before, that I’m not here to convince you that I’m right. This is not about me winning an argument. You are much too important. I’m just here to present the truth to you, and let God use that in your heart to bring you to change.

Sherlock: Listen, I’ve got some friends you need to meet. These people are sharp cookies – top-drawer people – smart ones! I think they might be able to show you all the options I have to consider without embracing your religion.

Before I introduce them, I want you to know that I do respect you – I mean, you’re an honest guy, you’re friendly, and you seem very sincere. You can’t play golf worth a lick, but you’re one of my friends, and I want to thank you for being willing to talk with my friends and me about these issues in such a kind way. But, you need to know that they don’t believe the Bible any more than I do. So be careful about quoting them some of those verses you use on me.

Out comes Sherlock’s friend Ms. Skeptic
#1. Skepticism:

FRIEND #1: [Ms. Skeptic – Susan Teat] I believe we must be uncertain about reality and DOUBT every truth claim we hear. You cannot be sure about anything – everything is suspect. I don’t even believe there is truth! (Sneering) I’m even a little suspect of you.

(DING – the Bereans speak up)

Berean A: Dr Martin, Colossians 2:8 says Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Do you know what kind of worldly philosophy she is presenting?

Berean B: Dr. Martin, what that lady just said is the same trick that Satan tried on Adam and Eve in the Garden. Satan said to Eve in Genesis 3:1 "…Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?"

Bob: (to Bereans) You are right! This type of thinking is called skepticism. It is as old as the Garden of Eden. It says we should be skeptical of everything. In fact, all of the arguments against a belief in God are old. As Solomon in Ecclesiastes says there is nothing new under the sun.

Bob: [to Sherlock] Sherlock, how can your friend be so CERTAIN about her uncertainty. Does that line of thinking make sense? She’s a nice person but what she just said doesn’t make sense.

Bob: [to Skepticism] So if I understand you correctly I should be skeptical about everything?

Ms. Skeptic: Yes

Bob: [to Skepticism] If I am to be skeptical of everything, shouldn’t I also be skeptical about your view of skepticism?

Ms. Skeptic: Whaaaa? Oh, I see what you mean. Maybe, I need to think about that a little more.

(DING – the Bereans speak up)

Berean A: Dr Martin I thought that was great the way you made her see the error in her thinking by asking her a question. It is the way Jesus responded to the chief priests, scribes, and the elders who confronted Him in Luke 20:1-4 and asked, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?”3 But He answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, and answer Me:4 “The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?”
Bob: You’re right. Questions are often a powerful tool to help others question see the error in their views. But, we must be grounded in the truth. We must know what we believe, why we believe it and in whom we believe!!
Berean B: That reminds me of 2 Timothy 1:12-13:… I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
Bob: That’s right. At some point, a person has to exercise faith in what God has said or they must reject God's counsel. You guys keep praying for me and for Sherlock! We are just getting started!
(to Sherlock) “Who’s next?”
#2 Relativism

FRIEND #2: (Mr. Relativism – Guy Campbell) I believe all truth is up to each individual person. You can have your truth, and I can have my truth. It’s a matter of one’s own perspective. Religious truth is a personal mater. No one has the right to tell anyone else what to believe. And the great thing is, we don’t have to make judgments about each other. We can be diverse and tolerant of one another – unlike some of you Christians.

Bob: You must be Mr. RELATIVISM? (to Sherlock) I appreciate your friend’s confidence and kindness, but I have to be honest with you . . .

(DING – the Bereans speak up)

Berean A: Dr. Martin, is this where you quote John 14:6 where Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by Me”?

Bob: That’s a great verse, and I must communicate that truth in a way he will understand– but first, I want to show him that what his friend said is illogical!

Bob: (to Sherlock) Now, Sherlock, think about what your friend just said. Truth is relative. Is he absolutely sure about his view?

Sherlock: Sure he is!

Bob: (to Mr. Relativism) Mr. Relativism, is it absolutely true that all truth is relative?

Mr. Relativism: Oh, I think I see what you mean. Well, maybe I need to think about that some more!

Bob (to audience): Sherlock has not figured it out yet, but even his friend is questioning whether or not his absolute belief in relative truth is correct.

Bob: Okay, who is that?
#3 Pluralism

Sherlock: This friend of mine will really challenge you!

FRIEND #3: (M. Pluralism – Joe Keck) (defensively/harsh tone) I believe in including ALL the religions. My friends and I boast of our diversity and tolerance. But you Christians are so narrow-minded, bigoted, and intolerant of others. ALL the religions of the world have a right to claim truth!

(DING – the Bereans speak up)

Berean A: Dr Martin, he seems upset and angry remember God’s Word teaches in Proverbs 26:4 4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.

Bob: (To Berean) Thank you, but sometimes we need to deal with questions even when the questioner is not acting lovingly. You never know who else may be listening and waiting to see how you respond, like our friend Sherlock.

Berean B: That’s right, but the way to respond is important. Proverbs 15:1 says, A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Berean A: Also in Titus 2:7-10 it says, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Bob: (to Berean) Very Good! Many times, HOW we say something is just as important as WHAT we say!
(To Pluralism) Christianity really seems to upsets you.

Mr. Pluralism: You bet it does. You Christians say that Jesus is the only way to God. How narrow-minded! Don’t you realize how offensive that is to the modern mind, such as mine, who believes in live and let live. I believe that all ways lead to “God” – all religions lead to God, we just travel different roads.

Bob: I see, you believe every belief is true.

Mr. Pluralism: Yes

Bob: Including mine!

Mr. Pluralism: What?

Bob: Well, if all truth claims are true; then mine must be true also, right?

Mr. Pluralism: Not the way you push your views on people!

Bob: You mean like what you are doing to me right now?

Mr. Pluralism: Huh?

Bob: Aren’t you pushing you view onto me? You insist that every view is true but doesn’t your view exclude my Christian view? That seems pretty narrow-minded and intolerant to use your words.

Furthermore, why do you claim “tolerance” is a good thing. Think about what you are saying. We don’t “tolerate” things that are good and true. We “tolerate” things that are wrong or evil, don’t we? So, what are you really saying?

Mr. Pluralism: Well, I haven’t thought about it that way. I’ll have to think about that. (Pluralism leaves stage left shaking his head)

(DING – the Bereans speak up)

Berean A: Dr Martin, this person reminds me of 1 Cor. 1:18-19, For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

Bob: (to Berean) How true! We have the truth. There is no reason to worry about any secular philosophy. (To Sherlock) Are you ok?

Sherlock: Whooooo! I’ve never seen him shut down like that! No one has ever talked to him like that before! You were so calm and considerate. I like the way you asked him questions. Usually when he confronts Christians, they are so intimidated they either don’t talk to him or just end up arguing with him.

Bob: What a pity. His argument is so easy to refute. (To audience) Makes you wonder why we Christians don’t use it more often to help others see how pluralists are really the ones who display intolerance and narrow-mindedness – not us. It’s interesting that the religion that claims ‘whoever will may come’ and whose 2nd greatest commandment is to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ is accused of being intolerant.

D. Summary

[Sherlock dismisses his friends]

Sherlock: Thanks for coming – we’ve almost got him converted.

(After Sherlock’s friends have left)

Bob: Now that I’ve met your friends, I have to ask you a question. What resource do you use to determine if something is true or not?

Sherlock: That’s a BIG question!

Bob: I can get BIGGER – what is your epistemology?

Sherlock: What is my what?

Bob: What is your epistemology? – Your source of truth.

Sherlock: Bob, you don’t get it – you keep talking about truth as if it exists. You’re assuming I believe there is truth – and I don’t. There is no such thing as truth!

Bob: Are you sure?

Sherlock: I am absolutely sure there is no truth!

Bob: But Sherlock, you just made a truth statement – You said, “There is no such thing as truth!” You are making the truth claim that truth doesn’t exist! That is illogical. I’d like to ask you to think about that one some more.

By the way you never did answer my question – What is your source of truth?

Sherlock: Well, I guess it my own thinking – it’s my mind and what I truly believe in my heart.

Bob: But Sherlock, don’t you remember your friend, who was absolutely sure that all truth is relative?

(DING – the Bereans speak up)

Berean B: Dr. Martin, Sherlock can’t trust his mind or his heart because both are cursed by sin – Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Berean A: Sherlock, and his friend, are asking everyone to believe their view as absolute truth. In reality, none of us can think straight. We all need a reliable source of truth that hasn’t been affected by the curse of sin. The only source for which that could be said is the Word of God!

Berean A: Jesus said, John 17:17 "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.”

Bob: (to Bereans) That’s great guys, I will look for ways to communicate that truth to Sherlock. And in the mean time, you guys thank the Lord for the truth of His Word – what an awesome book God has given us. So detailed and practical that Peter said that in it is contained “all that pertains to life and godliness.” Now all I have to do is to get Sherlock to listen to it because, we all know that ‘faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.’

Bob: (to Sherlock) Sherlock, let me be honest with you. Your friends are wrong. All their positions are self-defeating! Truth exists, is knowable, is absolute, and is exclusivistic. When you denied truth exists, you made a truth statement. When Skepticism says to doubt everything, she was CERTAIN of her UNCERTAINITY. Then relativism made the absolute truth claim that all truth is relative. Finally, pluralism violated a basic principle of logic called the “law of non-contradiction.” – which states that opposites cannot both be true. That’s not only unbiblical, it’s illogical.

Furthermore, his claim of tolerance was also self-defeating since he doesn’t tolerate my view that Jesus is God, He died for our sins; He was resurrected from the dead, and is the only way to heaven! So, he too, excludes the views of others. But that is precisely what he criticizes Christians for doing. Let me tell you about my source of truth.

(DING – the Bereans speak up)

Berean A: Dr. Martin, we found a ton of verses for you to share with Sherlock. Listen to some of these . . . (they all have Bibles open, standing and simultaneously reading out loud!!!!) > God put the fish on the hook baby, reeeeel it in big daddy!

Bob: (to Bereans) Down, Bereans, down!!!! He’s not ready quite yet, but we’ve planted the seed and built a relationship. Let’s let the Holy Spirit work on him for a while! We’ll pick this up next week.

Bob: (back to Sherlock) Now, back to my source of truth . . .

Sherlock: Well, we’re out of time Bob. I tell you what, I’ll think about what you’ve said. And by the way, I appreciate your friendship and the kind way you treated my friends. I know you don’t agree with them, but you were kind to them. And those verses you gave me . . . well, my mom used to quote some of those verses to me, but I’ve always ignored them. But when you quoted them, I was listening . . . sort of!

Bob: Sherlock, if you ever change your mind about what you believe about God, it won’t be because I talked you into it – it will be because God chose to honor His Word in your life. I’m trying to get you to think about some issues and see the illogical reasoning of some of your friends’ views. But when you get down to it, I’m just God's ambassador for the truth, – I’m one beggar trying to show another beggar where the bread is. We’ll talk more next week!

Sherlock: Thanks Bob! [Sherlock exits]

Bob: (to Bereans) Well, what did you think?

Berean A: I thought you made some good points!

Berean B: That verse on Rom. 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse; brought so much conviction in my heart. I wonder if Sherlock really “believes THAT” God exists, but really doesn’t want to “believe IN” God.

Bob: Why would he do that?

Berean A: Because, if he, or his friends, admit you are right – their lives would have to change. Jesus doesn’t want to be just our Savior; He wants to be our Lord. I’m not sure Sherlock is ready to repent and submit to Christ.

Bob: Well, I have to agree. But I think we’ve got him questioning some of his views. What makes Christianity so compelling is that in one sense, it’s so reasonable – but it’s reasonable to us because we know the God ourselves. On the other side, it seems so unreasonable -- God created us – man sinned – God loved us (that’s a hard one) – all we have to do is believe. Why would God do that, for us?

Berean A: Well, it’s not because we have anything to offer Him; it because that’s the kind of God He is.

Berean B: Listen to this, [Reads] Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Bob: But without the word of God explaining this to us, we’d never understand it.

Bob: (to the congregation) Let me close by addressing the two groups of people here tonight:

1) To the Christians
• Do you love the word of God?
• Memorizing it?
• Using in your witness?
• Are you willing to defend your faith?
• Does you life reflect the message?
• Praying for your unsaved friends?

2) To those who do not know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord.

- I would imagine, we have folks here who believe THAT God exists, but you’ve never come to the place where you have put faith IN God – specifically, His Son Jesus Christ.
- We have demonstrated that TRUTH exists – to say that it doesn’t is not reasonable.
- The question is, what truth claim are you going to accept?
- I trust you will think about what we said this evening, and consider the truth claims of Christianit