The Afterlife June 19, 2011 What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’?

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? Sermon Series: The Afterlife Today’s Topic: What does it mean to “Believe”?

The Apostles Creed (390 AD) 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,

The Apostles Creed (390 AD) 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.

The Apostles Creed (390 AD) I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

The Apostles Creed (390 AD) Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. John 6:47 This is the simplicity of the gospel, believing brings eternal life! The question is what are we believing?

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31 John wrote his gospel to answer the question, “What are we to believe?”

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? He (Jesus) came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. John 1:7 Believing is for everyone!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 Receiving and believing are the same His name, who he is, is important. Believers become His children!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish (hell) but have eternal life (heaven). John 3:16 Believe that God has one son! Believing guarantees eternal life!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:18 We are condemned until we believe!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. John 3:36 - God’s anger is against those who reject (don’t believe) in Jesus. - Non believers don’t get eternal life!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” John 4:39 We can believe in Jesus based on the stories of others!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42 Jesus is the world’s only Saviour!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24 Believers already have eternal life, not just when they die!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:40 God wants everyone to believe, this is an inclusive offer to receive Jesus!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins. John 8:24 Not believing means that our sins remain. Believing means that our sins are gone!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 We believe that Jesus died and rose!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:27 We believe Jesus is God, the Anointed One who came for us!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? What did people believe? What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3 They believed that God was real and there was a resurrection!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? Paul gives us a summary! If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 Jesus proved he is Lord by dying for us and being raised back to life!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? Paul gives us a summary! For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10 Believing is a heart thing that needs to be expressed!

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? - I believe that I need a Saviour - I believe that Jesus is the only Saviour - I believe that Jesus is God’s only Son - I believe that my sins separate me from God and heaven - I believe that Jesus died for my sins

What Does It Mean To ‘Believe’? - I believe that Jesus was resurrected - I believe that by receiving Jesus I inherit salvation - I believe that by consciously choosing Jesus I receive forgiveness for my sins - I receive Jesus as my Saviour & Lord!