Faith in God

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
Hebrews 11:1
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"Being sure" (convinced) is an intellectual state of being. When we are sure of something it will affect our emotions and eventually our actions. It is dangerous to reverse this process and allow our emotions to lead our intellect and our lives.
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But how can we be "sure" that what we believe is correct or that the One we are trusting in is Real and Trustworthy?
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All the faith-acts of the people in Hebrews 11 are based on their belief that God exists (He is Real) and that He is Good.
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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
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Therefore He is worthy of our Trust and Faithful obedience.
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How do I know He is Real? Should I just believe in Him like kids believe in Santa Claus or the ancient Greeks believed in their mythical gods?
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No, my God - the God who had revealed himself through the Bible - wants us to use our heads (our reasoning skills) to come to acknowledge his existence and goodness (Isaiah 44:6-19; John 10:37-38).
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Here is a very brief summary of why I believe in him:
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1) Nature itself cries out that the Creator God exists and is good. Side by side Creationism is a more reasonable explanation of the beginning of life on earth than evolutionary theories.
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2) Natural Law and Philosophy
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  • 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
  • Cosmological Argument - order and beauty in the world
  • Teleological Argument - design and purpose in the world
  • Law of Cause and Effect - "Every effect must have and adequate cause"

After we conclude that God is Real and Good, He expects us to follow his commands by faith, just like Abraham and the others did. Abraham considered God faithful (Heb. 11:11) therefore he humbly obeyed him (Heb. 11:8-11).

For me, there is enough reasonable evidence to believe in God, to believe in the Bible as his revealed thoughts for mankind, and to believe in Jesus Christ as his Son who died and rose again for the salvation of the world.

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