DOES IT REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Does it really matter? Religious division is no secret Often in discussing faith, one will express that it doesn’t matter what we believe – except for a few fundamental points But when we study the Bible we find that God does care what we believe!

Does it really matter? He demands genuine unity – 1 Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 2:1-2 John 17:20-21 He holds us accountable for the details - Adam and Eve – one tree - Nadab & Abihu - Uzzah

When you study the Bible: Does it really matter? When you study the Bible: Does it make a difference what church we are a part of? Does it matter how we worship God? Does He care about our moral standards? Does He tell us how to be saved? To God, such things matter. And they should matter to us too!

It makes a difference: What we hear Mark 4:24, Luke 8:18, “Take heed what you hear.” Matthew 11:15, 13:9, 43,… - “He who has an ear, let him hear.” (Also Revelation 2:7, 11, 17,…) Luke 18:6, “Hear what the unjust judge said…” Jesus is saying, “Listen!” “Consider what I am saying”

The source The interpretation The application It makes a difference: What we hear Romans 10:17, where our faith begins Acts 17:11, the Bereans were more fair minded. They received the word and searched Matthew 7:24-27 It matters what we hear. The source The interpretation The application

It makes a difference: What we think Proverbs 23:7, “as he thinks in his heart, so is he” Proverbs 4:23, out of the heart spring the issues of life Matthew 15:18-20, out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,…these defile a man

John 16:2-3, Acts 26:9, faulty thinking It makes a difference: What we think John 16:2-3, Acts 26:9, faulty thinking Philippians 4:8, “meditate on these things” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, the “weapons of our warfare”…will even bring our thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Your thoughts CAN be wrong. To God, these things make a difference

It makes a difference: What we say Many sins involve the tongue James 3:6-12, describes how destructive it can be Matthew 12:36-37, we will give an account for every idle word we speak

What we say makes a big difference It makes a difference: What we say We must use our words for good! Proverbs 13:3, 16:1-2, a soft answer turns away wrath Colossians 4:6, seasoned speech James 1:19, be slow to speak Psalm 141:3 What we say makes a big difference It can determine what direction someone will go

It makes a difference: What we believe Far too many think this doesn’t matter. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, they believed the lie. There are many reasons why people believe what is wrong – ignorance, prejudice, agendas, relationships, consequences, laziness, etc. Such do NOT change what is truth!

It makes a difference: What we believe John 17:17, “Your word is truth” John 3:36, he who does not believe (obey) the Son shall not see life. 1 John 4:1, we must not believe every spirit, but test them Ephesians 4:4-6, these things matter! Every warning in scripture against false teachers and teaching tells us it does matter what we believe! Cf. Matthew 15:13

It makes a difference: What we love 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world…” 2 Timothy 3:1-5, men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, etc. 1 Timothy 6:9-10, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil

What we love will determine what we do and why we do it. It makes a difference: What we love We need to love: Matthew 22:37-39, God and our neighbor John 14:15, 21, Jesus to the point that you will obey Him Psalm 119:97, 1:1-2, the truth (cf. 2 Thess. 2:10) John 13:34-35, 1 Peter 1:22 – one another as brethren What we love will determine what we do and why we do it. And that makes a difference!

It makes a difference: What we do Knowing and loving the truth is not enough. 2 Corinthians 5:10-11, one day we will give an account for what we have done! Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, God will bring every work into judgment Matthew 7:21-23, we must do the will of the Father (cf. Luke 6:46)

How we live our life does makes difference How we live our life does makes difference. The choices we make do matter

That difference will determine where we spend eternity!