GROUP 8
WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN FAITH?

These messages are an introduction to the Christian faith from an objective standpoint. They are investigative and deductive in nature.

Subject Two Hundred Fifty-nine

GOD IS

Scripture: Heb. 11:6; Rom. 1:19-20

1. Where does the creation come from?
   1. Does evolution explain the creation? Give evidence, such as the laws of nature, to show that the theory of evolution is unreliable.
   2. There has to be a Creator in the universe. Perhaps you regard Him as the Supreme Being, God, the Divine Force, or the Mighty One; nevertheless, He is the Creator. Use the Bible to prove this point. The Bible says that the universe is created by God.
2. The basis of the Christian faith is that God is
   1. From the existence of the universe deduce the origin of the universe.
   2. From the origin of the universe deduce the existence of God.

Subject Two Hundred Sixty

GOD HAS WRITTEN TO MAN

Scripture: Heb. 1:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:16

1. God desires to have fellowship with man
   Since there is a God in the universe, this God must have a relationship with His creatures. Since He is a Being with much intellect, emotion, and affection, naturally He would like to fellowship with His creatures. Among the creation, the best object of fellowship is man. Hence, God would have fellowship with man.
2. How does God fellowship with man?
   Men fellowship among themselves mainly through speaking and writing. The fellowship between God and man is also in these two ways. When it is possible, He communicates with man face to face. When this is not possible, He conveys His thoughts to man through writing.
3. God fellowships with man through the Bible
   1. Among all the writings of the human race there is only one book given by God to man. In the entire history of mankind, no book except the Bible was written by God. Strongly emphasize that the Bible is inspired by God.
   2. Is the Bible inspired by God? If the Bible is written by God, it must contain the following few points:
      1. It must claim that it is a book written by God Himself to man.
      2. It must reveal the origin and the consummation of the universe.
      3. It must speak of the relationship between God and man.
      4. It must present the highest standard of morality.
      5. It must be powerful.
      6. Its prophecy has to be fulfilled.
      No other classic satisfies the above six requirements. Only the Bible is qualified. Hence, the Bible is the unique book written by God to man. (See The Normal Christian Faith, by Watchman Nee, pp. 33-49.)