Last Sunday I started a sermon series on the Apostles' Creed. This ancient baptismal confession begins with I BELIEVE IN GOD...
Most people in the world today believe in God. But, do they believe in the God of the Bible, or a god of their own making?
Following are some statements by people who BELIEVE IN GOD.
"I believe in one God. I don’t believe in religion. I don’t believe in Christians or Muslims. I think it’s all the same God, and I don’t believe in Hell. But as far as God, of course I believe in God." -Jay-Z
"I believe that there are many paths to God, or many paths to the light. I certainly don’t believe there is only one way." -Oprah
“Sometimes I believe in God, sometimes I don’t. I think it’s 50-50 maybe. But ever since I’ve had cancer, I’ve been thinking about it more. And I find myself believing a bit more.” -Steve Jobs
“I believe in Jesus, I believe in God, I’m very spiritual, I pray. At the same time there isn’t one religion that doesn’t hate or speak against or be prejudiced against another racial group or religious group or sexual group. I guess you could say I’m a very religious woman who is confused about religion.” -Lady Gaga
Jay-Z, Oprah, Steve Jobs, and Lady Gaga all BELIEVE IN GOD. But is belief in God enough? I don't think so. And neither did James who wrote, You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder. (James 2:19)
The demons James writes about not only believed in God, they believed in the true God, and they believed the truth about God. Yet, despite their belief, they were still demons.
Likewise, many today who BELIEVE IN GOD still live like demons. Belief, even right belief, is not enough. Believing in God simply qualifies a person to be a demon.
Belief or faith is one side of a two sided coin. The other side of the coin is repentance. Faith is turning to God. Repentance is turning from sin. We can't do one without the other. And that's why mere belief in God is not enough.
So, the question is not simply do you believe in God, but have you turned from sin and turned to God?
Well said!
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 16, 2012 at 10:36 AM
Agree Steve. Loved your sharing at our ACC Conf on the Gold Coast last year. Enjoyed your book Wikichurch also! Thanks.
Posted by: Mark B | March 16, 2012 at 11:53 AM
The God in the bible that I read about is petty, childish and given to destructive fits when things don't go his way.
He manipulated pharaoh to be hard-headed and not let the Israelites go, then he uses that as an excuse to torture him with plagues and annihilate him and his army.
He commanded the complete annihilation of the Amalekites including the women and children and was mad at Saul for not doing so.
He loosed a couple of bears on kids who taunted Elisha for being bald.
He let Job go through all that horror (and killed his children) just to prove a point to Satan. And if you say, well, he replaced them later anyway...what is that? Are people cars or clothes that you can just replace when you take them away?
And if you say well that's the old testament...don't you claim that God is the same yesterday, today and forever?
So tell me again why I should believe in the God of the bible.
Posted by: Andy | March 16, 2012 at 12:35 PM
Great insight!
Posted by: Sebs | MaximizingMarriage.com | March 16, 2012 at 12:51 PM
Yes! Faith is not enough..
Posted by: Timothy Jan | March 16, 2012 at 12:55 PM
A must read article!
Posted by: M | March 16, 2012 at 02:06 PM
thank you Pastor Steve.
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 16, 2012 at 03:24 PM
I got moved here. Thanks, Steve!
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Posted by: RobersonJuliette28 | March 26, 2012 at 02:33 PM
Truth hurts. But knowing the Truth..which is absolute, from God's Word ( Man's Operating Manual) can set us free! Thanks for the reminder...our walk with God is a walk of repentance and faith, from beginning to end. We are only changed because of His grace. Manny Pacquio's lifechange testimony is a great example.
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