I Believe

“I Believe”

June 29, 2014

Acts 16:29-34

“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.”

One of the blessings in my life is the opportunity to have friends from many different faiths and religions. Most of my friends are Christians of one faith or another. Some are Arminian; some are Calvinists; some are atheist; some are Buddhists; some are New Age. I don’t believe it is my job to convict someone of sin. It is not my place to judge or condemn. I leave that to God.

I believe it is my job to love everyone as they are and to live my life in such a way as to let God’s light shine through me. The Holy Spirit’s job is to convict and correct. My job is to be the light and the salt God called me to be. My job is to love everyone. I don’t have to agree with them – but I have to love them. And I do.

Having said that – I’m okay with who I am and my beliefs. I don’t feel a need to agree with everyone – in fact, that is impossible. I am comfortable with living in the Light God has shed on me. I have to walk the path that God has revealed to me. I don’t know everything – but I know some things. I don’t have to live anyone’s life but my own. I will only have to answer for myself when we stand before the Great White Throne of God one day.

Have you ever realized how different we are? Have you thought about how strange our beliefs are? The light bulb jokes illustrate that.

How many Arminians does it take to change a light bulb?

Since the bulb has free will – it must make the decision.

How many Calvinists does it take to change a light bulb?

None. God has predestined when the lights will be on… let Him turn it on if He wants.

How many TV evangelists does it take to change a light bulb?

One. But for the message of light to continue, send in your donation…

How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb? Two, one to change the bulb, the other to preach on tithing in order to pay for the new bulb.

How Many Liberal Christians does it take to change a light bulb?

None – they don’t think it needs to be changed.

How many Evolutionists does it take to change a light bulb?

None – it will change itself – it will just take billions and billions of years.

Many people focus on the differences between us – and it drives us farther apart. I think God wants us to love one another and accept one another for who we are. We don’t have to compromise and change our beliefs – and the one who demands that of you to have a friendship or a relationship – you want to avoid. The people I like to be around are those who allow me to be myself and love me the way I am with the beliefs I have - even though they are different from their own.

There are some things I will change for people. I may dress differently or talk differently when I am around certain people. I may dress up or even clean up for some people- maybe even use deodorant. But there are some beliefs I won’t and can’t compromise on. I want to share a few of those this morning.

The first belief that I will not compromise is my belief in Jesus Christ as God. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15). He is the Creator and the Savior. (Col. 1:16, 20) I believe in His divinity.

The Bible teaches us that we have all fallen into sin and rebellion with God and He loved us so much that He came to earth as Jesus (incarnation) so He could die on the cross and pay the penalty for our sins. Believing that and living that truth is called “living by faith”. All throughout the Bible this truth is communicated.