June 5 2016 Living What You Believe

The Apostle's Creed: "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen."

• Wasn't written by the apostles
• Is not Scripture
• Was used to distinguish orthodoxy from heresy

FOUR QUESTIONS OF BELIEF

1. ASK: WHAT DO I BELIEVE?

"Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups." — 2 Corinthians 13:5

2. ASK: ON WHAT ARE MY BELIEFS BASED ?

"An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth; fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies." - Proverbs 15:14

"Truth stands the test of time; lies are here today, gone tomorrow." - Proverbs 12:19

3. ASK: DOES MY BEHAVIOR MATCH MY BELIEFS?

Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. - James 2:17

4. ASK: HOW WILL I LIVE OUT WHAT I BELIEVE ?

"Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13

"Fool! When will you ever learn that 'believing' is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith." - James 2:20

My Beliefs Determine:

• MY BEHAVIOR

(James 4:17; Psalm 119:59)_

• MY SIGNIFICANCE

(Genesis 1:27; John 10:10; John 8:31-32; Mark 6:34)

• MY ETERNITY

(John 5:24; John 3:16-17)

"For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9

April 5 2015 The Dynamics Of Easter

THE DYNAMICS OF EASTER

Philippians 3:10 and Ephesians 1:19-20

Philippians 3:10 – I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.

Ephesians 1:19-20 – I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe in Him.  It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in a place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven.

THREE DYNAMICS TO EXPERIENCE

1. Dynamic one:  Power for real life.

John 10:10 – I came that you might have life and have it to the fullest.

John 3:17 – For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

2. Dynamic two:  Power to help you.

Ephesians 1:20 – I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe in Him, the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead.

Philippians 4:13 – I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

3. Dynamic three:  Power to trust His promises.

2 Corinthians 1:20 – He carries out and fulfills all of God’s promises, no matter how many of them there are.

1 Peter 1:3 – We have been born again into a life full of hope through Christ rising again from the dead.

Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.

John 5:24 – I tell you the truth, whoever hears my words and believes in Him who sent me has eternal life.  He will not be judged, but has already passed from death to life.

Romans 10:9 – If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Revelation 3:20 – If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him.

December 1 2013 When God Interrupts Your Life

WHEN GOD INTERRUPTS YOUR LIFE

Proverbs 19:21 – You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

He’s trying to get your attention.
Ps. 81:13 – God says, “I wish my people would listen to Me.”

Prov. 16:25 – There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

He has a different plan.
Jer. 29:11 – I know what I am planning for you, says the Lord, I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.

I Cor. 2:9 – No one has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love Him.

He wants you to trust Him.
Rom 8:28 – We know that all that happens to us is working for our good IF we love God and are fitting into His plans.

Jer. 29:13 – God says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

How to Establish a Spiritual Base for My Life

Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for me and showed He was God by coming back to life. 
I Cor. 15:2-4

Accept God’s free forgiveness for my sins. Rom 3:22

Switch to God’s plan for my life. Mark 1:15; 
Rom. 12:2

Express my desire for Christ to be the director of my life. Rom. 10:9

If you are willing to take these four steps, then pray this simple prayer:

Dear God, I believe You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins so I can be forgiven. I’m sorry for my sins and I want to live the rest of my life the way You want me to. Please put Your Spirit in my life to direct me. Amen