Post on 17-Jan-2016
The Ultimate Allegiance
Isaiah 45:18-25
How do people demonstrate allegiance?
Is there anyone or thing on this earth that you can
absolutely giveultimate allegiance to without
the fear of being disappointed?
Dr. Ben Carson
Stephen Hawking
Nicolaus Copernicus (16th century),astronomer and the first in-depthproponent of heliocentrism: "Whocould live in close contact with the
most consummate order and divinewisdom and not feel drawn to theloftiest aspirations? Who could not
adore the architect of all thesethings?"
Johannes Kepler (17th century), oneof history's greatest astronomers: "My Lord and my Creator! I would
liketo proclaim the magnificence of yourworks to men to the extent that my
limited intelligence can understand."
Isaac Newton (18th century), founderof classical theoretical physics: "The
admirable arrangement and harmonyof the universe could only have comefrom the plan of an omniscient and
omnipotent Being."
Carl Linnaeus (18th century), founderof systematic botany: "I have seen
theeternal, infinite, omniscient,
omnipotent God pass close by, and Iknelt prostrate in adoration."
Thomas A. Edison (20th century), theprolific inventor who held 1200
patents: "My utmost respect andadmiration to all the engineers,
especially the greatest of them all:God."
Robert Millikan (20th century), greatAmerican physicist, Nobel Prize 1923:"I can assert most definitely that the
denial of faith lacks any scientificbasis. In my view, there will never be
a true contradiction between faithand science."
Albert Einstein (20th century),founder of modern physics and 1921
Nobel Prize: "Everyone who isseriously committed to the cultivationof science becomes convinced that in
all the laws of the universe ismanifest a spirit vastly superior to
man, and to which we with ourpowers must feel humble."
Erwin Schrödinger (20th century),discoverer of wave mechanics, NobelPrize 1933: "The finest masterpiece is
he one made by God, according tothe principles of
quantum mechanics… "
Wernher von Braun (20th century),rocket engineer and space architect:
"Above everything is the glory of God,
who created the great universe,which man and science discover andresearch day after day in profound
adoration."
Charles Townes (20th century), physicist,shared the 1964 Nobel Prize for
discovering the principles of the laser: "Asa religious man, I feel the presence and
intervention of a Creator beyond myself,but who is always nearby … intelligence
had something to do with the creation ofthe laws of the universe."
Allan Sandage (21st century), astronomer,Crafoord Prize (equivalent of the Nobel
Prize): "I was practically an atheist in mychildhood. Science was what led me to the
conclusion that the world is much morecomplex than we can explain. I can only
explain the mystery of existence to myselfby the Supernatural."
DISCUSSION GUIDE
1. Underline in (Isaiah 45:18-25) each time the Lord declares that He is the one true God.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
2. How does this powerful declaration stir your soul?
DISCUSSION GUIDE
3. According to (Isaiah 45:18) why did God create the cosmos?
He created it to be inhabited by mankind.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
4. How should (v. 18) give you great hope and strength?
DISCUSSION GUIDE
5. How should (v. 19) motivate you to openly and verbally declare your allegiance to God?
God has revealed His plan with boldness. Weshould declare our allegiance to Him as we go
without fear or shame.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
6. In (vs. 20-21) God challenges the idol worshippers to put down their idols. What are you putting before God in your life? How can you give God your whole allegiance?
DISCUSSION GUIDE
7. What do (vs. 22-23) teach about the universality of God?
God is available to all people if they will repentand turn to Him.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
8. Who do you know that is following false gods and needs to be directed to the one true God?
DISCUSSION GUIDE
9. What is the significance of the fact that in the end every knee will bow before the one true God?
DISCUSSION GUIDE
10. Read the following passages that also reference how all will kneel before the Father one day. Record your thoughts
of adoration.
a. (Psalm 95:5)b. (Romans 14:11)c. (Ephesians 1:10)d. (Revelations 5:13)e. Philippians 2:10)
7 STEPS TO ULTIMATE ALLEGIANCE
Step 1 Recognize who is in control of your life
Step 2 Make Jesus Lord of your lifeStep 3 Practice the “Golden Rule”Step 4 Live ChristStep 5 Use your gift(s) for GodStep 6 Give yourself awayStep 7 Glorify God