Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. Forensic Faith by J. Warner Wallace (Link for the book) Three Kinds of Faith: Unreasonable Faith - faith in spite of the evidence Blind Faith - faith without any evidence Forensic Faith - faith because of the evidence True faith is a reasoned response to revealed truth in the Bible, and salvation results from an intelligent response, prompted by the Holy Spirit, to that truth. John F. MacArthur Big Idea: Everyone lives by faith. What kind of faith do you have? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. ὑπόστασις - hypostasis - the essential reality beneath appearances Romans 1:18-23 For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse. For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles. Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Reality/Assurance = Proof/Evidence/Conviction Diary of a CEO Podcast Interview with John Lennox (CLICK HERE to watch on YouTube) John Lennox's response when asked if he could be wrong about his Christian faith: “Theoretically, yes. But practically, no. It would be like asking me, ‘John, you have been married to Sally for 58 years. Could you be wrong that she loves you?’ Well, theoretically, yes. But actually, the evidence all points in the other direction.” Luke 1:1-4 Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed. John 20:24-29 But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.” A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.” Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Things Hoped for = Things not seen (yet!) Romans 8:24 Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? When we use the word hope, typically we use it to describe a wish or desire that something would take place, something we are not sure will actually happen. That is not the way the word functions in the New Testament. When we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, we are born anew to a hope that forms the basis for our confidence in living out the Christian life. The only difference between hope and faith is that faith looks to what has already taken place, and we put our trust in it. Hope is merely faith looking forward. RC Sproul, in his commentary on Romans 5. Is your faith anchored? Hebrews 11:2 For by this our ancestors were approved. Genesis 15:6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. μαρτυρέω - martyreo - to bear witness Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. Science does not tell us anything...scientists do. John Lennox “ex nihilo” - from nothing Romans 4:17 As it is written: I have made you the father of many nations—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, the one who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence that do not exist. Hebrews 1:2 In these last days, (God) has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. Colossians 1:16 For everything was created by (Jesus), in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him. PDF of Pastor Ryan's Conversation with Perplexity AI about the Big Bang Theory Conclusions about The Origins of the Universe: Materialist worldview dominates evolutionary biology and cosmology This worldview limits what explanations are considered acceptable The Big Bang data points to a cause outside space-time-matter Materialists cannot accept this conclusion by definition Therefore, materialism hinders the search for the true origin The Big Bang needs a big banger.