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Evangel Communion this Sunday, Both Services- July 12th 2020
Drive-up option available in 10:30 a.m. service only, available until 12 noon. evangelchurchpca.org
The Christian Life
What does it mean to “Believe in Jesus". “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16 Belief in the simplest form says that Jesus was the son of God and that his death on the cross was accepted for our sins. True faith in this represents the door to salvation. Those that come in are given eternal life and promised great joy eternally with God. This is all possible because the penalty for sin that we all owe was paid by Jesus for those who truly believe in him. However a closer look at the scriptures reveal belief as much deeper and identified with the Holy Spirit giving us a new heart that desires to please God. John 3:3-8. In Luke 14:25 Jesus confirms belief is more than just saying words when He warns to consider the cost before following him. He sums it up by saying those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. Luke 14:33 Jesus' last command is to go and make Disciples to do my commands. Matthew 28:19 Many see the Christian life as more about ignoring sin and resting on a foggy concept of grace, but belief in scripture describes discipleship. This is giving up our sins and anything that hinders us to obey God’s commands for a transformed life through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is becoming more and more common today to avoid this truth and make it as easy as possible to join the Church. It is being taught that belief and discipleship are two different things, however biblical belief is confirmed by discipleship. John 2:23-24 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. This passage shows Jesus rejecting belief without discipleship. We can understand why when they profess belief but make excuses for not doing the work Jesus calls them to do. They will have time and money for their desires but not much for Jesus or his Church. When the Holy Spirit is given to a person their heart and mind are changed and you see the effects. Jesus explained this in John 3:8 and the first four beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-6. They become unsettled spiritually, remorseful over sin, increasingly meek or humbled and marked by a new hunger for righteousness. They begin to understand the depth of their sin and unworthiness and the great love Jesus showed in dying for them. They begin the journey of turning from sin to Godliness in faith. When our love for Jesus exceeds our love for our sins we will obey Him. If you love me you will obey me. John 14:21 This is the belief the Holy Spirit gives to those that sincerely ask. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7. Have you truly Believed? Evangel Church PCA –Alabaster - All are welcome! 205-664-0889 evangelchurchpca.org |
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