Faith and Doubt
Faith and Doubt10
It Is Impossible but That Offences Come
By Charles Finney0PSA 19:1ISA 53:5JHN 3:16ROM 1:202CO 4:2EPH 2:8Charles Finney addresses the prevalent infidelity among young men, emphasizing that many doubt the inspiration of the Scriptures not from honest study but from a lack of understanding their own moral nature. He argues that our conscience and moral intuitions reveal the existence of God and the moral law, which the Bible assumes as a foundation for its teachings. Finney illustrates this through a conversation with a skeptic, demonstrating how acknowledging one's moral failures leads to the recognition of the need for salvation through the Gospel. He concludes that rejecting the Bible is absurd when it aligns with our innate moral convictions and that the Gospel provides the necessary hope for redemption. Ultimately, he urges listeners to embrace the truth of the Gospel as the solution to their spiritual needs.
Peter: The Rock That Sank
By A.W. Tozer1MAT 14:29MAT 16:18A.W. Tozer explores the complex character of Peter, illustrating his contradictions of courage and cowardice, devotion and self-love. Peter's journey reflects the struggle between faith and fear, as he boldly declares his loyalty to Christ yet falters in moments of pressure. Tozer emphasizes that Peter's wavering nature serves as a reminder of the human condition, where faith can be strong one moment and weak the next. Ultimately, Peter's transformation required divine intervention to unify his conflicting nature, highlighting the ongoing process of spiritual growth even after significant experiences like Pentecost.
James - the Lord's Brother
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 7:5ACT 12:17ACT 15:13ACT 21:181CO 15:7GAL 1:18T. Austin-Sparks explores the life of James, the Lord's brother, emphasizing how his close proximity to Jesus did not lead to belief until after the Resurrection. He highlights the challenges James faced due to his practical mindset, which prioritized success and tangible results over spiritual depth. Despite his eventual leadership in the early Church, James is portrayed as a 'halfway Christian,' struggling to fully embrace the implications of the Resurrection and remaining tied to Jewish traditions. Sparks warns against the limitations of a faith that does not fully engage with the transformative power of the Resurrection, urging believers to seek a deeper spiritual understanding. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a balance between practicality and spirituality, rooted in the true essence of Christ's resurrection.
The Fool Says, "There Is No God"
By Shane Idleman1318:55PSA 14:1Shane Idleman emphasizes the folly of denying God's existence, explaining that such denial often stems from a desire to live without accountability to a higher power. He warns that this godlessness leads to moral decay and societal corruption, as seen in the drift of American values over the past century. Idleman calls for self-examination and a return to God, highlighting the importance of living a life that reflects integrity, truth, and a genuine relationship with the Lord. He stresses that true fellowship with God requires a pure heart and a commitment to righteousness, urging listeners to reject the desensitization of sin and embrace a life of holiness. Ultimately, he encourages those who doubt God's existence to seek Him sincerely, promising that God will reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him.
Doubtful Actions Are Sinful
By Charles Finney0MAT 7:1ROM 14:231CO 8:11CO 10:31GAL 5:13COL 3:17HEB 10:26JAS 4:171PE 2:161JN 3:20Charles Finney emphasizes that actions taken in doubt are sinful, referencing Romans 14:23, which states that anything not done in faith is sin. He discusses the early church's disputes over dietary laws and the importance of acting according to one's conscience, warning that to act against one's doubts is to sin against God. Finney argues that individuals must seek clarity on their doubts and refrain from actions that could lead others astray, highlighting the moral responsibility to avoid causing others to stumble. He concludes that those who knowingly act against their doubts are condemned and must repent to avoid judgment.
The Message of Numbers
By G. Campbell Morgan0NUM 14:1G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the dual message of the Book of Numbers, highlighting the dangers of doubt and the patience of God. He warns that discontent arises from a lack of confidence in God, leading to panic and disaster, while also providing comfort in God's unwavering provision and methods. The sermon stresses that our attitude towards God directly influences our response to challenges, both individually and as a church. Morgan calls for a unified heart and faith to overcome obstacles, reminding us that God cannot be defeated and His provisions are sufficient. Ultimately, he urges believers to maintain a clear vision of God amidst difficulties.
Thomas
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 20:24T. Austin-Sparks explores the character of Thomas, emphasizing how the resurrection of Jesus posed a unique challenge for him, demanding a transformation in his understanding and approach to faith. He describes Thomas as a person marked by caution, meticulousness, and a tendency towards self-reliance, which can hinder spiritual growth and openness to God's work. Despite these traits, Sparks highlights that Thomas was chosen by the Lord, indicating that even those with such dispositions have a vital role in the Church when they are redeemed. The resurrection represents a crisis for Thomas, calling for a deeper surrender and a shift from a reliance on human reasoning to a faith that embraces the spiritual. Ultimately, Thomas's journey illustrates the need for believers to be adaptable and open to the transformative power of the resurrection.
Ten Reasons Why I Believe the Bible Is the Word of God
By R.A. Torrey0MAT 5:18MRK 7:13LUK 24:27JHN 10:35JHN 14:26JHN 16:13R.A. Torrey presents ten compelling reasons for believing that the Bible is the Word of God, beginning with the authority of Jesus Christ, who affirmed the divine authorship of both the Old and New Testaments. He emphasizes the fulfilled prophecies, the unity of the Bible despite its diverse authorship, and the unmatched moral teachings found within its pages. Torrey also discusses the historical resilience of the Bible against attacks, the character of its believers versus its skeptics, and the transformative power it holds over lives. Ultimately, he concludes that the direct testimony of the Holy Spirit confirms the Bible's divine authority, making it a unique and indispensable guide for believers.
John the Baptist's Last Message to Our Lord Luke 7:18-35
By R.A. Torrey0PRO 13:13ISA 8:14ISA 35:5MAL 3:1MAT 11:11LUK 7:18JHN 1:29JHN 4:34JHN 5:36JHN 14:11R.A. Torrey explores John the Baptist's moment of doubt while imprisoned, questioning whether Jesus is truly the Messiah. Despite his earlier confidence, John's circumstances led him to seek reassurance from Jesus, who responded not with lengthy arguments but by pointing to His miraculous works as evidence of His divine identity. Torrey emphasizes that Jesus affirmed John's role as a prophet and the greatest among those born of women, while also highlighting the mixed reception of John's message by the people. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the unreasonableness of the generation that rejected both John and Jesus, illustrating the importance of accepting God's counsel.
Xii. My Testimony
By John Sung0PSA 34:18ISA 41:10MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 10:141CO 1:29PHP 4:132TI 4:2JAS 5:161PE 5:7John Sung shares his powerful testimony, illustrating his spiritual journey through seven stages of creation as outlined in Genesis. He recounts his early life under the guidance of his devout father, his struggles between faith and science, and his eventual return to God after a period of doubt and illness. Sung emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace in his life, leading him to preach the Gospel fervently, especially in rural areas where others hesitated. His experiences highlight the importance of faith, prayer, and the call to evangelism, culminating in a life dedicated to serving God and saving souls. Sung's story serves as a testament to the enduring love and mercy of God in the face of personal trials and societal challenges.