1. DO YOU TRULY BELIEVE?

2. What does believe mean? πιστεύω (pisteuo), “to believe to the extent of complete trust and reliance – ‘to believe in, to have confidence in, to have faith in, to trust” (Louw & Nida, 31:85)

3. What does believe mean? πιστεύω (pisteuo), “to believe also, ‘to be persuaded of’ and hence ‘to place confidence in, to trust’, signifies in this sense of the word, reliance upon, not mere credence.” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary)

4. What does believe mean? πιστεύω (pisteuo), used more than 220 times as believe and more than 220 times as faith. “Believe” typically a verb “Faith” typically a noun

5. What does believe mean? Believe – to be fully convinced of something to the point that you respond to it.

6. What does believe mean? Abraham – a case study in faith. Early he began to trust God At times he struggled, but in time his faith matured! Genesis 15:6

7. What does believe mean? Abraham – Genesis 15:6 Hebrews 11:8-19 Romans 4:3 – justified by faith (not meritorious works) Gal. 3:6 – faith vs. law James 2:23 – justified by work, not “faith only”

8. True belief believes what is true! Many different beliefs (and belief systems) in the world. Many are diametrically opposed (incompatible) to each other. By definition they CANNOT all be true! “What is truth?”

9. True belief believes what is true! Truth is found in God’s word John 17:17, “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth.” (Our study today based upon believing this)

10. True belief believes what is true! Romans 1:16, The gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” Mark 1:15, “Repent and believe the gospel.”

11. True belief believes what is true! Sadly many are deceived and believe the lie, 2 Thess. 2:9-12, Gal. 1:6-9

12. True belief believes what is true! How can we know what is true? INVESTIGATE! Acts 17:11-12 2 Tim. 2:15, “Be diligent”, study Heb. 5:14, senses exercised

13. True belief believes what is true! But it must be preached! Rom. 10:14-17

14. True belief applies! A conviction powerful enough to change our life. Strong enough to make application and obey! Matt. 7:21 James 1:21-25 James 2:14-26 faith & works

15. True belief is seen! Not ashamed of the gospel! Romans 1:16 Matt. 5:16 – let your light so shine! John 12:42 some are ashamed, cf. Luke 9:26, Matt. 10:32-33

16. Facts to truly believe That God is – John 5:24, Heb. 11:6, John 6:29 That God so loved the world John 3:16, 17:20- 21 That Jesus is our only hope John 8:24, 1 John 5:5

17. Facts to truly believe Through His blood we find salvation – Rom. 5:9, see Rom. 6:3-4 Matt. 26:28, see Acts 2:38 Acts 16:31-34

18. Facts to truly believe That He arose from the dead 1 Cor. 15:1-4, Rom. 10:9-10. Note: We observe His resurrection weekly and in other ways, not with an annual observance!

19. Facts to truly believe That He will come again 1 Thess. 4:14, 2 Tim. 1:12

20. “Help my unbelief” Mark 9:24 Said by one who DID believe but doubted. There was room for improvement. It is the same with us!

21. Do YOU truly believe?