Introduction
• I have a question to propose to you this morning. Does what you believe really matter? Does what you believe really make a difference or affect the outcome of your life?
• A large percentage of Americans no longer believe in the truth of God’s Word.
• Many think any belief is acceptable as long as it satisfies those who hold to that view. Some believe in Buddha, Mohammad, Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny.
• As a result, people no longer have a clear sense of right and wrong.
o Violence, greed, and immorality are rampant just look around or read the newspaper.
• God’s standards haven’t changed. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
o The consequences of sin now and for eternity remain the same.
• It’s vitally important to base our beliefs on the Word of God so that you and I can be a light to this dark world.
(NKJV) 1 Peter 3 13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
1) What do must Americans believe in 2009?
a) Shout…What I believe does matter and will effect my life.
b) About a third of adults believe that the Bible is the fully inspired Word of God and can be taken literally word for word. (Does what you believe really matter?)
c) More than half of all adults believe that a good person can earn a place in heaven.
i) Scripture teaches otherwise: Because we are born with a sin nature, Jesus’ death was absolutely essential for us to enter heaven. Christ said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). (Does what you believe really matter?)
d) Forty-two percent of Americans believe Jesus was merely human, not divine—and that He rebelled against the Father during His lifetime.
i) But Christ had to be absolutely holy for His death to pay the sin-debt of humanity. He was a sinless, guiltless man on this earth. (Does what you believe really matter?)
e) Six out of ten adults believe Satan doesn’t really exist—that he is merely a symbol of evil.
i) As a result, they will find it almost impossible to identify and avoid evil. (Does what you believe really matter?)
f) The majority of men and women under the age of 25 think that all beliefs are equally valid.
i) The hopelessness they feel is reflected in school shootings and other crimes committed by young people.
ii) The removal of the Bible and prayer out of schools and the courts have resulted is a society without God…Jesus! (Does what you believe really matter?)
g) Some seminaries teach students to doubt the Word of God; the result is that fewer and fewer pastors are grounded in biblical principles.
i) We end up with a watered down version of the Word of God!
ii) It’s not surprising that many people in our country lack Christ-centered morals. (Does what you believe really matter?)
2) What does the Bible say about defending the truth?
a) Shout…God; help me to defend the truth of your Word.
b) You and I should be prepared to explain what we believe.
c) Knowing the truth protects us from being influenced by unbiblical teaching.
(NKJV) 2 Timothy 4 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
d) There will be false teachers and non-Biblical teaching. Stay clear from this.
e) Our values are vitally important because they affect every area of our lives.
f) For the most part, our thoughts determine our actions. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you should develop a belief system based on the authority of the Word of God.
3) How does knowing what we believe help us?
a) It prevents us from being misled. Unless believers know the truth, they can easily be swayed by an eloquent or charismatic leader who’s teaching is not based on the Bible.
(NKJV) 2 Timothy 4 1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
b) It protects us from intimidation. Our key scripture in 1 Peter 3:14 addresses this. The apostle encourages us not to fear.
i) Those who are grounded in God’s Word can confidently stand against a world that mocks and attacks our faith.
ii) As parents we need to teach our children biblical principles. Because what they believe does matter.
c) It prepares us for answering sincere questions. Jesus said to preach the gospel to the entire world.
(NKJV) Matthew 28 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
d) People may not want to hear the truth, but their final destiny depends on it.
e) Many may criticize and talk badly about you, but many times, those same individuals will come find you when they need help.
Conclusion
• Can you defend your beliefs on the basis of principles found in God’s Word?
o If not, you leave yourself open to false teachings, open to temptation or satanic attack, and ill-equipped to defend your faith or share the plan of salvation with the lost.
• Prepare yourself to defend biblical principles.
• Preparation is never wasted.
• We seen this morning that what you believe does matter.
• What we believe will direct the course of our lives.
• We need to be ready to make a difference in a world that desperately needs the hope found only in Jesus Christ.
• Share what you believe; lives are in the balance between Heaven and Hell.
• Whether they realize it or not, everyone has a belief system.
• Make sure yours is well thought out—not something you developed over the years or adopted because it fit your lifestyle.
• Study the Bible to find out if what you believe has its basis in the Word of God.
• Shout…Jesus, what I believe does matter. I believe in you and your living, life changing, saving and yoke destroying Word of God. I believe you died on a cross for me. I believe that your blood was shed for me. I believe that you rose from the dead, defeated death, hell and the grave. I believe I am healed. I believe I a blessed coming and going. I believe I can do all things through Christ Jesus that strengthen me. I believe you have a great plan for my life. I believe in you Jesus. Amen.
• Let us pray!
