Stages of Belief

Generally speaking, there tend to be four (4) distinct phases of belief.  It is through these phases that we each acquire our most significant belief systems in life. 

1.  It is too absurd to be true.  It's impossible to believe.  Doesn't make sense.

2.  I'm investigating and considering the facts, but am still puzzled --- and not convinced.

3.  Personal experience occurs; a personal encounter with the truth causes me to accept the facts as truth.  I'm no longer puzzled or confused about the matter.

4.  Because of my conviction, I now commit myself to the truth and begin to behave differently as a result of what I now believe.

Taking Charge

Often times we find ourselves in difficult situations where it is tempting to take matters into our own hands and force the issue.  Most often, such moves lead to sin though.  The more perplexing the dilemma, the more important it is that I first turn to God and ask Him to lead my response.

Holy & Righteous

When I confess my sins to God, He not only forgives me, but He declares me to be holy and righteous.  That is not because of what I've done or not done.  Rather it is because of who God is.

Sin of Unbelief

According to Jesus, not believing in Him is a sin!  (John 16:8-9 NLT)

Holy Spirit's Role

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit both a "Counselor" and a "Spirit of Truth."  He is both.  The "Counselor" encourages, helps, and strengthens us.  His "Spirit of Truth" teaches, illuminates, and reminds us of the truth that God has revealed to us through His Word, through other people and yes, even through His Spirit.

Knowing His Love

We cannot possibly know the depth of Jesus' love for us until we are able to comprehend the fact that He knows us completely.  Otherwise, we are fooled into thinking or believing that He must love the people we pretend to be --- versus the sinners that we really are.

Age & Experience

Age and experience tend to humble us as we become more aware and more conscious of our sinful nature and our desparate need for a Savior.

Suffering's Training

It's been said that suffering is the training ground for spiritual maturity.  Does that mean that those who haven't suffered can't truly be spiritually mature?

Restoring the Broken

Almost every miracle that Jesus ever performed involved restoration of fallen creation.  He restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and made the lame to walk.  He even raised the dead.  We must remember that He is the God who continues His creation --- by renewing life in the weak, depressed, bi-polar, obese, alcoholic, orphaned, drug addicted, abandoned, oppressed, poor, discouraged, abused and others who are in desperate need of renewal and re-creation.

Sin's Choices

Hebrews 4:15 reminds me that I don't have to sin when I am tempted.  It is a choice that I make ... or that I (foolishly) allow others to make for me.

Priorities

It seems that life is just a string of choices.  And I have to decide.

Am I more intersted in being right ... or being reconciled (to those with whom I have a difference)?
Am I more interested in personal power and influence ... or in participation and community?
Am I more interested in domination and control ... or service to others?
Am I more interested in getting what I want ... or giving what I cherish?

It would seem that the answers to questions like these really form the basis for my character.

Paying Attention

Paying careful attention (to anything or anyone) is hard work.  It involves focusing our mind, body and senses. 

Confirm or Deny?

It's been said that people don't always do what they say - but they will always do what they believe.  Does your life confirm or contradict what you say you believe? 

Effective Christian

The marks of an effective Christian life are that he (or she) can stand firm amidst persecution, are faithful in their work, are full of loving deeds, and lives in eager anticipation of the Lord's return.  How are you doing?

Victory Incomplete?

So when I struggle with sin pattern in my life (like maybe losing weight or sticking to a financial budget), is the fact that I'm not completely victorious yet evidence that my victory is incomplete?  Or is it instead evidence that I am trapped in sin?  Am I trying to justify my own sin, waiting for someone else (maybe God) to take responsibility for it and give me victory over it?  (1 John 3:8-0 & notes.)

Growing Up

Once we see our need for Godand His Word - and begin to find nourishment in Christ Jesus, our spiritual appetite will increase - and we will start to mature spiritually.

Being Different

As Christians, Jesus expects us to think clearly, exercise self-control, and stay focused on the things that matter to Him.  We are to be quite different than the world we live in.

True Love

Sincere love involves self-less giving --- much like Jesus' love, giving of Himself for me.  A self-centered person then is incapable of truly loving anyone else (besides themselves).