Belief is a tough word because many think it only occurs in one’s mind. However, when a person believes, you can see their belief in their actions. James said to be “doers of the words and not hearers only.” (James 1.22)
Remember that Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7.16)
So, how do you know what someone believes?
Consider the life of Richard Wurmband. Richard spent 14 years in prison because of his faith in Christ. Three of those 14 years were spent in solitary confinement. During those years, Richard was tortured, but his faith never left. It is interesting to note that Richard had once been a strong non-believer, but he changed. His new life and choice was to tell as many people as he could about Jesus. After being released from prison, Richard Wurmbrand wrote a book containing this quote, “A man really believes not what is recited in his creed, but only the things he is ready to die for.”1
Jesus calls for His followers to let their lights shine. (Matthew 5.14-16) Each person whose light is shining allows others to see God. Your belief and conviction in God are clearly seen in your actions.
Do you believe?
Just some thoughts,
1 – Tortured For Christ, Richard Wurmbrand, 50th Anniversary Edition, 2017, p.83
The apostle Peter is known for two things (1) putting his foot in his mouth often and (2) delivering the sermon on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Those two events in Peter’s life are his most well-known, but also a testimony to his personal growth.
Peter followed Christ after his brother Andrew brought him to see Jesus (John 1.41-42). Who knew that fisherman from a small town in Galilee would follow the Messiah for three years, open his mouth too soon, yet stand before other followers of Jesus and deliver a message which would, through the power of God, convert over 3,000 people from the beginning. (Acts 2.41)
Who knew?
God knew.
God knew that one person had the power to share a message and convert others.
Jesus knew.
From their first meeting, Jesus called Peter “Cephas” which means rock. Whether it is a look into Peter’s character or his firmness in his beliefs, we know that the word “rock” would mean greater things as the years went on. (Note Matthew 16.16-18)
What caused such growth in Peter? What caused Peter to go from being a fisherman to being a gospel preacher? What allowed Peter to go from an open mouth to preaching from an open heart?
Peter was not a PH.D. candidate, nor was he a theological scholar, yet the Jewish leaders noticed something about his life. They noticed that this “uneducated, common” man had been with Jesus. (Acts 4.13)
Because Peter spent time with Jesus, people saw his boldness and his life. Spending time with Jesus not only changed Peter’s life, but it will change your life.
How can you spend time with Jesus?
Open his words and spend time with His followers being encouraged together.
Just a thought,
Another year has begun, and a fresh start is here!
As the days of a new year are upon us, let us remember that even though it might be a new year, God is still the same and He desires a relationship with you.
God wants you to come to Him. “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
God wants to give you His mercy. “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10)
God wants to give you His grace. “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6)
God wants you to be victorious. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
God wants to give you a home. “…Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)
Remember, no matter what the year, the month or the day, God still wants you. It is His desire for you to have the greatest gift one could consider; a home with Him forever.
Just some thoughts,
Engage your kids in an exciting adventure back to Bible times with our Bible Times Coloring Book. This coloring book, which can be downloaded and printed for free, is a unique way for your child to learn while having fun.
Features pictures that relate to biblical times, making learning interesting.
Suitable for all age groups, fostering a shared family activity.
An excellent free resource for parents and Bible class teachers.
Downloadable and printable, convenient for all your creative needs.
Click the image below to download your Bible Time Coloring Book
(You can right click and choose “Save As” and save it to your computer.)
Enjoy.
