Believing!

Believing is important. Without believing we cannot be saved. ( Mark 16:16; Romans 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2) However, what the believing BRINGS OUT IN OUR LIFE is also of supreme importance. James noted that “Even the demons believe -- and shudder!” ( James 2:19) He also made it clear that faith and works go hand in hand ( James 2:18-25) and that without those works faith is dead. ( James 2:26) So, what is our belief DOING FOR US?

As Jesus’ earthly ministry progressed, belief began to grow among the people. This greatly distressed much of the leadership of the day. Still, even some of the “authorities” began to believe. However, what did that belief CAUSE THEM TO DO?

We read. . .
“(42) Nevertheless, MANY EVEN OF THE AUTHORITIES BELIEVED IN HIM, BUT FOR FEAR OF THE PHARISEES THEY DID NOT CONFESS IT, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; (43) for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” ( John 12:42-43 ESV)

See where the primary focus was? Even though they believed, see what they did not want to lose? Despite the fact they believed, their love for acceptance by others was greater than their love for acknowledging the Lord.

Note the contrast in the following passage:
“(18) So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. (19) But Peter and John answered them, ’Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, (20) FOR WE CANNOT BUT SPEAK OF WHAT WE HAVE SEEN AND HEARD.’” ( Acts 4:18-20 ESV)

The “authorities” mentioned above, as well as Peter and John, had “seen and heard” the works and teaching of Jesus. Nevertheless, they did not respond to the belief in the same manner. In the first case these believers STOPPED SHORT of public acknowledgment. Peter and John, on the other hand, even in the face of punishment could NOT BE STOPPED from speaking! In both cases believing took place, but these “authorities” appear to have -- as Paul mentioned as being possible in his letter to the church at Corinth -- “believed in vain.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:2 ESV)

Jesus promised and warned. . .
“(32) So EVERYONE WHO ACKNOWLEDGES ME before men, I ALSO WILL ACKNOWLEDGE before my Father who is in heaven, (33) but WHOEVER DENIES ME before men, I ALSO WILL DENY before my Father who is in heaven.” ( Matthew 10:32-33 ESV)

That sounds fair enough, does it not? Let us recognize how our believing is to move us into ACTION OF WORD AND DEED. May our belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of our soul well up from deep within us so that we too CANNOT HELP BUT SPEAK of the difference He has brought to our life and desires to bring to others as well.

Have a great day SUSTAINED BY AN UNSTOPPABLE BELIEF!
Carl

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