Summary: Psalm 19:1-6 NIV 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. 5 In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. Psalm 19:7-9 NIV "The law of the Lord." "The statutes of the Lord." "The precepts of the Lord." "The commands of the Lord." "The ordinances of the Lord." Psalm 19:14 NIV "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Romans 10:1-4 NIV 1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. - Religion is mankind's attempt to create a pathway to God. - God created us and our world in perfection. - Our first parents, as well as we ourselves, sinned against God by disobeying His stated law. Our sin delivered us to a force more powerful than ourselves that we cannot overcome. - God became a human being in Jesus Christ in order to live according to His commands and He died under punishment to pay for our sins. - God signaled His approval of this sacrifice by raising Christ from the dead. - Faith in this work is the only way we can receive the effect of this work. - The effect of this work is righteousness. Therefore, Christianity is not a religion but rather a relationship. "The One we need to know most cannot be discovered on our own." - Kevin DeYoung Taking God At His Word - God's Word is necessary. Luke 24:36-41 NIV 36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at My hands and feet. It is I Myself! Touch Me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement... Luke 24:41-43 NIV 41 ... He asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42 They gave Him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and He took it and ate it in their presence. Luke 24:44-45 NIV 44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms." 45 Then He opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures. Romans 10:17 NIV So then, faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. Luke 24:46-47 NIV 46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." John 14:23 NIV Jesus replied, "If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."
