Evidentiary Faith
Faith that is not Blind

Evidentiary Faith

Introduction (John 14:11; Romans 1:19–20):
Scripture presents faith as trusting God on the basis of His revealed works and words. Jesus said, “Believe… on account of the works,” and creation itself bears witness to God.

What Scripture Means by Faith
In the New Testament, the common word for faith (pistis) carries the idea of active trust. It is confidence that moves the heart to rely on reliable testimony. This is not wishful thinking or a leap into darkness. Faith receives God’s testimony in Scripture and entrusts the whole life to Him.

Creation’s Witness and the Call to Test
Paul teaches that God’s “invisible attributes” are “clearly seen” in the things that are made (Romans 1:19–20). The created order—its beauty, order, and moral awareness—speaks to every conscience. Because truth welcomes examination, believers are instructed, “Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–22). God’s word invites careful testing and faithful holding fast.

Belief Is Commended, Yet Must Be Living
James warns, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder” (James 2:19). Faith that stops at mere acknowledgment offers no fellowship with God. The risen Lord told Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). This blessing rests on those who trust trustworthy testimony—God’s word and the apostolic witness—so that faith becomes a lived allegiance.

History, Archaeology, and the Endurance of Scripture
Across the centuries, the Scriptures have been read alongside records from the ancient world and the spade-work of archaeology. Names, peoples, places, and customs in the biblical text stand in recognizable conversation with the world it describes. Beyond this, Scripture displays remarkable coherence from Genesis to Revelation and has been preserved and proclaimed across millennia, bearing a unified story of God’s redeeming purpose.

Evidence and the Limits of “Proof”
There is no laboratory proof for Sinai’s thunder, Elijah’s fire, or the virgin birth. Yet the convergence of Scripture’s reliability, the world’s witness, fulfilled promises, and transformed lives yields a cumulative case that commends trust. Christians do not suspend reason; they submit reason to the faithful God whose word has proven true.

Evidence Leading to Faith in Christ
After passing through the sea, “Israel saw the great power” of the Lord and “believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses” (Exodus 14:31). Likewise, Jesus said, “Believe Me… or else believe on account of the works themselves” (John 14:11). The Messiah’s words, deeds, death, and resurrection fulfill the promises of God, so that faith rests on God’s testimony to His Son and moves the heart to allegiance.

Walking by Faith as Active Trust
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Biblical faith hears, tests, and then follows. It is evidentiary in foundation and obedient in expression—receiving the word, holding fast the good, and living in loyal trust day by day.

Conclusion
God has not asked for credulity; He has given witness—in creation, in Scripture, and supremely in His Son. Evidentiary faith listens, examines, and then commits. Let us be a people who believe on the basis of God’s works and live out that belief in steadfast obedience.

Evidentiary Faith Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (John 14:11; Romans 1:19–20)

  • Faith rests on God’s works and words.

• What Scripture Means by Faith

  • Pistis as active trust grounded in testimony.

• Creation’s Witness and the Call to Test

  • General revelation (Romans 1:19–20).

  • “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–22).

• Belief Commended, Faith Must Live

  • James 2:19 warns against lifeless assent.

  • John 20:29 blesses those trusting reliable testimony.

• History, Archaeology, and Scripture’s Endurance

  • The biblical world coheres with known history and endures with internal unity.

• Evidence and the Limits of “Proof”

  • Cumulative case commends trust where laboratory proof does not reach.

• Evidence Leading to Christ

  • Exodus 14:31: seeing God’s works led to belief.

  • John 14:11: Jesus points to His works.

• Walking by Faith as Active Trust

  • Hebrews 11:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7—faith pleases God and guides our steps.

• Conclusion

  • Receive God’s testimony and live in loyal obedience.

Call to Action
Open the Scriptures, test what you hear, and embrace the Lord’s trustworthy testimony. Let creation’s witness and Christ’s works strengthen your heart. Commit to a living, obedient faith that listens to the word, holds fast the good, and follows Jesus each day.

Key Takeaways

• Faith in Scripture is active trust grounded in testimony (pistis).

• Creation bears witness to God (Romans 1:19–20).

• God commands testing and discernment (1 Thessalonians 5:20–22).

• Mere belief is insufficient (James 2:19); faith lives and obeys (John 20:29).

• Christ invites belief on the evidence of His works (John 14:11).

• Walking by faith pleases God and shapes life (Hebrews 11:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7).

Scripture Reference List

• Romans 1:19–20 – Creation reveals God’s power and nature.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22 – Test all things; hold fast the good.

• James 2:19 – Belief without allegiance is empty.

• John 20:29 – Blessed are those who believe without seeing.

• John 14:11 – Believe on the evidence of Christ’s works.

• Exodus 14:31 – Israel believed after witnessing God’s power.

• Hebrews 11:6 – Without faith it is impossible to please God.

• 2 Corinthians 5:7 – We walk by faith, not by sight.

Prepared by Scott Perkins of the church of Christ at Granby, MO