Sermon Central
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Beyond Belief
Contributed by Philip Myers on Nov 15, 2006 (message contributor)
Summary: I can fully believe, but unless I act on my belief, I am of no benefit to my community. This is number 2 of 9 in a series.
BEYOND BELIEF PART 1
“ … shall be strong and do exploits (KJV)”
“ … will display strength and take action (NASB)”
In today’s society – our kids encounter
- More ethical and moral temptations …
- Greater spiritual battles …
- More emotional and relational struggles …
… more than any other generation in history.
Our youth are exposed to sexual temptation, school violence, alcohol, illegal drugs, and variety of other dangerous influences which threatens to undo all that we are teaching our children.
But what we need to fear is not what our kids are tempted to do – but rather what they are led to believe.
What we see as attitudes/actions spring from our value system.
What our value system is based upon in what we believe.
The actions are the tip of the iceberg. We must have solid Biblical beliefs which in turn develop godly values that drive their righteous behavior.
Unless our actions are built on a solid foundation of Biblical beliefs, we can expect our lives to reflect the pain and consequences of wrong choices.
Barna research group revealed:
- 63% of our kids believe that all religions pray to the same god.
- 72% say they can tell when something is right by whether or not it “works” in their lives.
- 51% of our kids don’t believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ.
- 65% don’t think that devil is real.
- 70% of our kids say there is not absolute moral truth.
People who don’t know a solid biblical belief system are:
- 225% more likely to be angry with life
- 210% more likely to lack purpose in life
- 200% more likely to physically hurt someone
- 300% more likely to use illegal drugs
- 600% more likely to attempt suicide
There is a need to come to a face to face encounter with Christ that changes our lives.
There is a need for Christ, the Savior to be real, relevant, powerful to transform a dead, sinful existence into a living relations with God.
There is a need to move beyond belief – to the point of convictions.
My belief must be personally life transforming.
I can believe but what I do know.
Matthew 16:24-25, “If any of you wants to be my followers, you must put aside your selfish ambitions, shoulder your cross and follow me … if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.”
Question: do I believe that or do I know that? (Conviction)
“… they who know their God shall be strong and do exploits…” (know means to be aware of without question recognition of the reality of God)
Hosea 4:6 – God’s people are destroyed from lack of knowledge …”
- not knowing God continually …
- not experiencing God’s presence …
- not acknowledging God in their lives …
These will bring destruction.
If I’m continued of why I believe
then I’ll be committed to what I believe
which then I’ll be changed by who I believe.
Phil 3:8, “I count all things as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege, overwhelming preciousness than our passing worth and supreme advantage of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him. For His sake I have cost everything and consider it all to have more rubbish in order that I may gain Christ the Annointed One.
How do I get to know?
1. Read and study the Bible
2. Pray (talk and listen)
3. Gather together and discuss God and His word
In studying the Bible – you will discover some names attributed to God. That is when we’ll start in getting to know God. For in knowing we will believe.
Ex. 3:13-15 – “… this is my name…”
Ex 20:24
Ex 23:20-33
What is important about a name?
A name is not only a person’s most prominent feature to others … but also their greatest treasure.
Old Roman proverb – “without a name, a man is nothing.”
Proverbs 22:1 – “A good name is be more desired than great riches …”
There are 8 compound names of God.
Benefit Name Meaning
Sin Jehovah – Isidkenu Jehovah our righteousness
Sin Jehovah M’keddesh Jehovah our sanctifies
Spirit Jehovah Shalom Jehovah is Peace
Spirit Jehovah Shammah Jehovah is there
Jehovah Rapha Jehovah heals
Success Jehovah Jireh Jehovah provision shall be seen
Security Jehovah Missi Jehovah my banner
Security Jehovah Rohi Jehovah my shepherd
The name reveals a facet of the character of god and need to know God is His workings in my life.
Jehovah Isidkenu
Ps 97:2 – states God is righteous
Jer 17:9 – states men is evil
Ps 49:7 – states no men is innocent and righteous