“Sticking with it: The Basis and Benefits of Belief”

June 21/09 1Jn 5:1-15 (2:24-27; 4:13-15)    Play AUDIO (mp3)  Play VIDEO (wmv)

●    BOOK-BELIEF VS. BOB-BELIEF

    ○    hesitant to ‘prove’ physical principle in practice
    ○    demons believe God exists - and shudder (Jas 2:19)
    ○    faith involves stepping into the river, trusting God to act

●    THE BASIS AND CONTENT OF BELIEF

    ○    Jesus came by ‘water’ and ‘blood’ - baptism/death (5:6)
    ○    testimony of the Spirit and the Father (Ps 22; Is 53; 1Jn 2:27, 5:9, Mk 1:11, 9:7; 2Cor 4:6; Ac 16:25)
    ○    believe that Jesus is the Christ, Son of God, Saviour (5:1,5,10,13; 4:14f; 2:24; Ac 3:6, 4:7,10,12; 1Cor 15:3ff)

●    THE BENEFITS OF BELIEF

    ○    born of God, eternal life, God living in us (5:1, 2:25, 4:15; Jn 3:7, 5:24; Rev 3:20)
    ○    Holy Spirit’s anointing teaches us, gives confidence, can ask & be heard (2:27; 5:13f; Jas 1:2f)
    ○    love for God & other Christians, power to obey God’s commands (5:2ff; Gal 5:22; Rom 5:5)
    ○    victory overcoming the world’s troubles (5:5; Jn 16:33)

●    OVERCOMING CAREER CATASTROPHE - THROUGH FAITH

    ○    bankrupt cable installer had to ‘let it all go’
    ○    employees note the difference having a Christian employer makes: unselfish, giving, caring