Boldly Declaring Our Faith: I Believe
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Hope City! Today is Declaration Sunday, a day to boldly declare our faith. Every Sunday, by showing up, we declare our beliefs. Today, I challenge you to reflect on what you believe and how it shapes your life. Inspired by Phil Wickham's song "I Believe," we explore the importance of standing firm in our faith, just as Paul the Apostle did. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a fearless advocate for the gospel, declaring, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ."
In my household, we have a light-hearted debate about the best burger, but today, we're not talking about preferences. We're discussing solid biblical truths that strengthen our faith. I've had moments of both courage and shame in sharing my faith, but each experience has taught me the importance of knowing and declaring what I believe.
We looked at Peter's first sermon in Acts 2, where he lays out foundational beliefs for the early church. Peter's message is a powerful declaration of faith, urging us to consider the evidence of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, repent of our sins, engage in a new life, express praise to God, and depend on the Holy Spirit's power.
Phil Wickham's song echoes these beliefs, emphasizing one salvation, the crucifixion, the resurrection, the hope of heaven, and Jesus' return. These truths should not only be statements we recite but should influence how we live our lives. A true creed shapes our behavior, leading us to live out our faith boldly and authentically.
As we reflect on these beliefs, let's remember that our faith should be evident in our actions. Whether it's standing up for our faith like Paul or embracing the Holy Spirit's power like Peter, our beliefs should drive us to live transformed lives. Today, let's declare, "I believe," and let that declaration guide our actions and interactions.
### Key Takeaways
1. Consider the Evidence: Peter's sermon in Acts 2 urges us to consider the evidence of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Jesus was accredited by God through miracles, wonders, and signs, affirming His divine nature and mission. Reflecting on this evidence strengthens our faith and compels us to live in alignment with these truths. [01:04:40]
2. Repent of Your Sins: Understanding that Jesus' death was part of God's deliberate plan for our salvation should lead us to repentance. Acknowledging our sins and turning to God is a crucial step in our faith journey. This act of repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual process of aligning our lives with God's will. [01:09:12]
3. Engage in Living a New Life: Believing in Jesus' resurrection means we are called to live a new life. This new life is characterized by freedom from the power of sin and a commitment to follow Christ's teachings. Baptism symbolizes this transformation, representing the death of our old self and the birth of a new, Spirit-led life. [01:11:10]
4. Express Praise to God: Our faith should naturally lead us to express praise and worship to God. Recognizing Jesus' exaltation to the right hand of God and His ultimate authority should inspire daily worship and adoration. This expression of praise is a vital part of our spiritual life, reflecting our gratitude and reverence for God's work in our lives. [01:15:18]
5. Depend on the Holy Spirit's Power: Living out our faith requires dependence on the Holy Spirit. Peter's sermon highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live according to God's will. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we gain the strength and guidance needed to navigate life's challenges and remain steadfast in our faith. [01:18:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:48] - Introduction: Declaration Sunday
[44:57] - Paul's Bold Declaration
[46:02] - Personal Anecdote: Whataburger vs. In-N-Out
[47:57] - Solid Biblical Truths
[49:15] - College Encounter with a Mormon Missionary
[50:15] - Paul's Experience in Athens
[52:41] - Transition to Peter's Sermon
[53:39] - The Meaning of "I Believe"
[54:43] - Hope City's Creed
[56:15] - Phil Wickham's "I Believe" Song Breakdown
[01:00:40] - The Holy Spirit's Arrival
[01:03:07] - Peter's Five "I Believe" Statements
[01:04:40] - Consider the Evidence
[01:09:12] - Repent of Your Sins
[01:11:10] - Engage in Living a New Life
[01:15:18] - Express Praise to God
[01:18:22] - Depend on the Holy Spirit's Power
[01:26:21] - Paul's Outcome at Mars Hill
[01:28:21] - Call to Action and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."
2. Acts 2:22-24 - "Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."
3. Acts 2:36-39 - "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul declare about the gospel in Romans 1:16?
2. According to Acts 2:22-24, how was Jesus accredited by God?
3. In Acts 2:36-39, what does Peter say the people should do in response to his message? [01:19:22]
4. What are the five "I believe" statements that Peter makes in his sermon in Acts 2? [01:03:07]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that he is "not ashamed of the gospel" in Romans 1:16? How does this relate to the theme of Declaration Sunday? [44:57]
2. How does Peter's call to "repent and be baptized" in Acts 2:38 reflect the importance of a transformed life? [01:09:12]
3. What is the significance of Jesus being "accredited by God" through miracles, wonders, and signs as mentioned in Acts 2:22? [01:04:40]
4. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38-39 empower believers to live out their faith? [01:18:22]
### Application Questions
1. Paul boldly declares, "I am not ashamed of the gospel." Reflect on a time when you felt either courageous or hesitant to share your faith. What can you learn from Paul's example? [44:57]
2. Peter calls for repentance and baptism as a response to the gospel. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and seek transformation? How can you take a step towards that this week? [01:09:12]
3. Considering the evidence of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, how does this strengthen your faith? How can you use this evidence to share your faith with others? [01:04:40]
4. Peter's sermon emphasizes the importance of living a new life in Christ. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to reflect this new life? [01:11:10]
5. Expressing praise to God is a natural response to our faith. How can you incorporate more praise and worship into your daily routine? [01:15:18]
6. Dependence on the Holy Spirit is crucial for living out our faith. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in your life? [01:18:22]
7. Reflect on the creed or beliefs that guide your life. How do these beliefs influence your actions and interactions with others? How can you make your faith more evident in your daily behavior? [54:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Consider the Evidence of Jesus' Life
The evidence of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is foundational to our faith. Peter's sermon in Acts 2 emphasizes that Jesus was accredited by God through miracles, wonders, and signs, affirming His divine nature and mission. Reflecting on this evidence strengthens our faith and compels us to live in alignment with these truths. By considering the historical and spiritual evidence of Jesus' life, we can deepen our understanding and commitment to our faith. This reflection is not just an intellectual exercise but a call to live out the implications of these truths in our daily lives.
Peter's message urges us to look at the undeniable signs that God provided through Jesus. These signs are not just historical facts but divine affirmations of Jesus' identity and mission. As we consider this evidence, we are invited to respond with a faith that is both informed and transformative. Let this reflection lead you to a deeper conviction and a more vibrant expression of your faith. [01:04:40]
Acts 2:22-24 (ESV): "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."
Reflection: What specific evidence of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection strengthens your faith the most? How can you let this evidence shape your actions and decisions today?
Day 2: Repentance as a Continual Process
Understanding that Jesus' death was part of God's deliberate plan for our salvation should lead us to repentance. Acknowledging our sins and turning to God is a crucial step in our faith journey. This act of repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual process of aligning our lives with God's will. Repentance involves a heartfelt recognition of our shortcomings and a sincere desire to change our ways, seeking God's forgiveness and guidance.
Repentance is a transformative process that requires humility and a willingness to change. It is an ongoing journey of turning away from sin and turning towards God. This continual process helps us grow in our faith and become more like Christ. As we repent, we experience God's grace and mercy, which empowers us to live a life that honors Him. [01:09:12]
2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV): "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and seek God's forgiveness? How can you make repentance a regular practice in your spiritual journey?
Day 3: Living a New Life in Christ
Believing in Jesus' resurrection means we are called to live a new life. This new life is characterized by freedom from the power of sin and a commitment to follow Christ's teachings. Baptism symbolizes this transformation, representing the death of our old self and the birth of a new, Spirit-led life. Embracing this new life involves a daily commitment to live according to God's will and to reflect Christ's love and grace in our interactions with others.
Living a new life in Christ is not just about avoiding sin but actively pursuing righteousness. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions. This new life is marked by a desire to grow in our relationship with God and to serve others selflessly. As we live out this new life, we become witnesses of God's transformative power and His love for the world. [01:11:10]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the new life you have in Christ today? How can you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in your daily decisions and interactions?
Day 4: Expressing Praise and Worship to God
Our faith should naturally lead us to express praise and worship to God. Recognizing Jesus' exaltation to the right hand of God and His ultimate authority should inspire daily worship and adoration. This expression of praise is a vital part of our spiritual life, reflecting our gratitude and reverence for God's work in our lives. Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a daily practice of acknowledging God's greatness and expressing our love for Him.
Expressing praise to God involves both our words and actions. It is about living a life that honors God and reflects His glory. Worship can take many forms, including prayer, singing, serving others, and living in obedience to God's commands. As we make praise and worship a regular part of our lives, we draw closer to God and experience His presence in a deeper way. [01:15:18]
Hebrews 13:15 (ESV): "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name."
Reflection: How can you incorporate praise and worship into your daily routine? What specific actions can you take today to express your gratitude and reverence for God?
Day 5: Dependence on the Holy Spirit's Power
Living out our faith requires dependence on the Holy Spirit. Peter's sermon highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live according to God's will. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we gain the strength and guidance needed to navigate life's challenges and remain steadfast in our faith. The Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, and guide, enabling us to live a life that honors God and reflects His love to the world.
Dependence on the Holy Spirit involves surrendering our own will and trusting in God's plan for our lives. It means seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in our decisions and relying on His power to overcome obstacles. As we depend on the Holy Spirit, we experience His presence and power in our lives, which transforms us and equips us to fulfill God's purposes. [01:18:22]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power? How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength in your daily walk with God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to challenge you today. I want to challenge you like I was challenged at one time when someone came up to me and said, what do you believe? What are your beliefs? What are the creeds you live by? And I had to think about it. I mean, I'd been taught most of my life, and so I believed those things. But did I apply them to my life? And so I'm going to challenge you today to do that." [43:48] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I admire people who can stand up for their faith and share. And so. So what comes to my mind is Paul, Paul, again, he finds himself in Athens in Acts chapter 17. He finds himself in Athens and he's all by himself. He had left Luke in Philippi and he had left Silas and Timothy in Berea and he goes to Athens." [50:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you have the capacity to believe in something, then you have a creed. I mean, in the past, I've had people tell me, I don't believe in creeds. You just did have a creed. I don't believe in creed. That's a creed. You live your life by that." [54:43] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we truly have a creed, you truly believe something in your heart, so much so that you'll go to your death believing that. Nothing can change that belief in you. Then it's going to affect your behavior. It's going to affect how you do it." [59:31] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know I think those same things are in this room today. Some of you are going to look at the evidence and you're going to say I don't think so. I don't believe. Some of you are going to say well that's interesting. Maybe I'll come back another time and check that out. You're procrastinating when you know you need to believe." [01:27:25] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What we're going to be talking about today is I'm talking about solid truths that the Bible lays down and there is no doubts and it strengthens our faith. Now, we started off with I'm not ashamed and I'm ashamed to admit that I have been ashamed. At times in my faith, I didn't share Christ with people that the Holy Spirit was clearly telling me." [47:57] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we talk about creeds, creeds should be statements of truth that identify what we believe. But not only that, a creed becomes a creed if it influences how we behave. If it influences how we behave. That's what I want to focus on today." [59:31] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Consider the evidence. And here's what Peter says in his message in verse 22. Fellow Israelites, listen to this. Jesus of Nazareth, was a man accredited by God, to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. And so what is Peter saying to them? What's his belief when he says this? He says, Jesus was a man accredited by God." [01:04:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Repent of your sin. That should be our action. If Jesus is who he says he is, and he came for a certain reason, it should form us to repent of our sins. And so, here's what Peter says in verse 23. This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge. And you, with the help of God, of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him on the cross." [01:08:35] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Express praise to God because you've considered the evidence, you've repented of your sins, you've engaged in a new life, it makes you want to express your praise to God and that's what we do. Now I'm going to go to the chorus of the song. The song says this, all praise to God the Father, all praise to Christ the Son, all praise to the Holy Spirit our God has overcome." [01:15:06] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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