“I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD!”
Acts 8:26 – 39
Introduction:
1. BELIEF, to the Christian, MUST be more than a mere ideal, and stronger than a conviction. If FAITH is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” (Heb. 11:1), it still CANNOT be a “blind faith,” or one “accepted because it’s what we’ve been taught.” “Substance” and “evidence” are real items – not mythical! Yet, the same passage tells us these are things “hoped for” and “not seen.” What then convinces us beyond all doubt that JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD?
2. Examination of Acts 8:26 – 39 shows us such belief and uncompromising acceptance of TRUTH regarding this statement comes from UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES. Further, there are numerous passages plainly telling us that souls learned the truth by the process of preaching “by the Scriptures.”
3. Further, the mere confession/statement of “I believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God” is not the fullness of Matthew 10:32’s promise. Such a belief/conviction becomes our LIFE (Philippians 2:21; Colossians 3:1-5).
4. Therefore, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God,” is an extremely critical reality for the soul who wants heaven eternal! We ask each of us, “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God?” If not, why not? And if so, can you explain why? – 1 Peter 3:15
I. FAITH’S EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN
A. Scientific evidence
1. Water cycle – We see the RESULTS of evaporation, condensation, rain.
2. Electricity – We see the RESULTS of its presence.
3. Space travel – Based on the mathematical proof that the distances do not change, the rotation of the earth is predicable, that gravitational pull has proportionate rates as per mass and speed.
4. Compare TIME-FORCE-ENERGY-SPACE-MATTER with Genesis 1:1
5. While the Bible is not intended as a “science” book, TRUE science is evidenced through the Scriptures.
B. Historical evidence
1. Creation – We live within it, are a part of it, but DID NOT SEE ITS BEGINNING. The RESULT is the evidence of its origination. Further, what created object has the power to control its creator? Is not everything created subject to the wishes of its creator?
2.
Nations and their formations, locations, extinctions,
continued populace, etc. – All nations have a history, and within that history
are direct evidences of their origin. Every nation of peoples trace their
origin the “cradle of life” which is the basin of the Euphrates and
3.
Though we’ve not seen it, the reality of Noah’s
C. Those of the Scriptures used the Scriptures to do their teaching. Thus, the Scriptures (what we refer to as the Old Testament) were respected as authentic chronicles of lineages, historical accounts of kings and their nations, journeys of prophets and especially the fulfillment of their advanced proclamations via prophesy!
D. FAITH then, is established on the substance of the very things we hope for (peace, life, godliness, heaven eternal) and the evidence of things not seen (these declared truths of which there is abundant evidence of their reality though at best we now see but the RESULTS of their reality)! In other words, there is no evidence to prove the NON-EXISTENCE of such truth and righteousness when both documented witnesses exist and the factual results of those events which did NOT have human cause abound!
II. CONCERNING JESUS AS THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD
A. What convinced the eunuch? (Acts 8:26 -39)
1. “Began at the same SCRIPTURE …
2. The RESPECT of the Scritptures
a.
He had come to
b. Whatever he “worshipped” led him to read THE SCRIPTURES
c. From whence he obtained this copy is unknown – the fact this is what he was READING is not disputed: he RESPECTED the authenticity of the prophet, but questioned to whom the prophet had reference – himself or some other man!
d. Phillip began at the SAME SCRIPTURE and preached unto Him JESUS!
e. Obviously, NOTHING ELSE SUITED THE TEXT OF PROPHESY – nothing else convinced the eunuch, “I believe …”
B. The evidence of John 3:16
1. While most place the emphasis on the LOVE OF GOD at his passage, examine the recipients of the gifts!
2. His crucifixion was not hidden!
3. “And sitting down they watched Him there.”
4. Cleopas and the other on the road to Emmaus: Luke 24:18 – 27
5. 1 Corinthians 15: 1- 11
C. “Tell us Plainly.”
1. John 5: 31 - 47
2. John 10:22 – 42
3. The SCRIPTURES were the evidence of His reality!
III. THESE THINGS ARE WRITTEN THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE!
A. Matthew 26:48 – 56
B. Matthew 5:17 – 20
C. John 20: 30 – 31; 21: 21:24 – 25 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
IV. CONFESSING THIS FACT MUST BE GENUINE – NOT MERELY VERBAL!
A. Matthew 10:32
B. Philippians 2:9 – 16
C. Will confessing Him but TWICE be enough? NO!!! This confession must be a confession of both word and deed in ALL we say and do! Colossians 3:17
Conclusion:
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God? If not, why not? And what evidence do you produce to the contrary, say He is not? Even the devils believe – and tremble. You?