Baptist Articles of Faith - Articles I and II

I want to do a Sunday School series for the Adult Sunday School class that covered the Baptist Articles of Faith as covered in the old Baptist manual. When I was set aside to be ordained I read through the manual and read and reread the Articles of Faith. I think that we ought to not only believe that Jesus is our savior, but we should also know why we believe it to be so.

I know there are many people who wouldn't to share their salvation story with anyone willing to hear it. I believe that if we are asked if we are born again, we wouldn't hide it and gladly tell it. If though, someone asked 'why' you believe what you believe, would you have an answer that was as fast and certain for the questioner? I believe at least in this country, we have very little excuse as to why we might be ignorant of the Holy Bible. I believe a series of lessons on the articles of Faith will be beneficial for everyone who loves the Lord.

This week, we will cover the first two articles of Faith.

 I. OF THE SCRIPTURES 

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and  is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Samuel 23:2, 2 Peter 1:21, Acts 1:16, Acts 3:21, John 10:35, Luke 16:29-31, Psalms 119:111, Romans 3:1-2)
that it has God for its author, salvation for its end; (2 Timothy 3:15, 1 Peter 1:10-12, Acts 11:14, Romans 1:16, Mark 16:16, John 5:38-39)
and truth without any mixture of error, for its matter; (Proverbs 30:5-6, John 17:17, Revelation 22:18-19, Romans 3:4)
that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; (Romans 2:12, John 12:47-48, 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, Luke 10:10-16, Luke 12:47-48)
and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union (Philippians 3:16, Ephesians 4:3-6, Philippians 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1Peter 4:11)
and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.  (1 John 4:1, Isaiah 8:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:6, Jude 3:5, Ephesians 6:17, Psalms 119:59-60; Philippians 1:9-11) 
      

 II.  OF THE TRUE GOD 

We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, and infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth, (John 4:24Psalms 147:5; Psalms 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10)
inexpressibly glorious in holiness, (Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1; Revelation 4:6-8)
and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love, (Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11; Matthew 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13)
that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost, (Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7)
 equal in every divine perfection, (John 10:30; John 5:17; John 14:23; John 17:5; John 17:10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Philippians 2:5-6)

and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of 
redemption. (Ephesians 2:18); 2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-5; Comp 2 &7) 

Genesis 22

Abraham's faith is tested

The bible calls Isaac a lad, so we feel he is old enough to understand some things, but not yet an adult. God comes to Abraham and tells him to go to a place of God's choosing and offer Isaac for a sacrifice. Needless to say, this would put Abraham in a grievous position. Never the less, Abraham obeys and does as God asks. On the journey, Isaac has enough understanding to realize that there is no sacrifice with them. Abraham  tells Isaac what still holds true to this day and is the foretelling of the Messiah, that God will provide a sacrifice. 

Despite the torment Abraham must have been going through, he obeys and goes to sacrifice his son. God, who is always on time, sends and angel to stay his hand. In verse 17 God reiterates his promise to Abraham because of his faithfulness. We must believe that Jesus saves us from our sins, but we also must believe enough to put it into action. 

The chapter ends to show of the generations of Abraham's brother that will provide a wife for Isaac in an upcoming chapter.