What Does it Mean to Believe?

May 03, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: Nets Left in the Surf

Jesus stood on Galilee’s shore, salt wind tangling His hair, and called fishermen soaked in sweat and fish scales. “Follow Me,” He said. Simon and Andrew stared at their nets—tools of survival, anchors of identity—then dropped them. The kingdom wasn’t a political revolt or a religious ritual. It was a man with calloused hands offering a new way to live. Repentance meant turning from self-made nets to trust the net-caster. [27:27]

Jesus didn’t demand moral perfection first. He called broken people to walk with Him. The kingdom wasn’t about earning—it was about surrendering the old life to grasp the new. Galilee’s fishermen traded certainty for a promise: “I’ll make you fishers of men.”

What nets have you clung to—security, reputation, control? Jesus isn’t waiting for you to clean up. He’s asking you to let go. What one thing are you gripping tighter than His invitation?

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15, NIV)

Prayer: Ask Jesus to reveal the net He’s asking you to drop today.

Challenge: Write down one habit or fear you’ve refused to release. Crumple the paper and throw it away.

Day 2: Demons Shudder, Disciples Follow

A possessed man writhed in the synagogue, screaming, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” Demons knew His title, His power, His holiness—and trembled. Jesus didn’t debate. He commanded, “Come out.” The man’s body stilled. His eyes cleared. The crowd gasped, but their amazement didn’t become allegiance. [30:11]

Belief that doesn’t transform is just information. Demons knew facts about Christ but hated Him. True faith leans into His authority—not just acknowledging it, but yielding to it. The healed man left changed; the crowd left curious.

You might recite creeds but still clutch control. Where have you substituted head knowledge for heart surrender? When did you last let Jesus’ words rearrange your choices?

“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (James 2:19, NIV)

Prayer: Confess areas where you’ve treated faith like a trivia game, not a lifeline.

Challenge: Text one person today and say, “Jesus is challenging me to change ______. Can you pray for me?”

Day 3: Fever Broken at Twilight

Peter’s mother-in-law burned with fever, her body limp on the mat. Jesus didn’t recite incantations. He gripped her hand, lifted her up. Heat fled her skin. She stood—not convalescing, but serving. A miracle wasn’t the end; it was fuel for mission. The town flocked to Him, but He withdrew before dawn to pray. [51:16]

Jesus prioritized connection with the Father over crowds’ demands. Healing flowed from intimacy, not obligation. The disciples saw power; Jesus cultivated dependence.

When has success made you frantic instead of faithful? Where do you need to pull back from “doing for God” to sit with God?

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35, NIV)

Prayer: Thank Jesus for His power, then ask for discipline to seek His presence before His provision.

Challenge: Set a phone alarm for 5:00 AM tomorrow. Spend five minutes in silence before speaking.

Day 4: Immediately They Followed

James and John mended nets with their father when Jesus called. No hesitation. No farewell feast. They left Zebedee mid-sentence, sails flapping on abandoned boats. Their “yes” wasn’t calculated. It was instinctive—like grabbing a lifeline in a storm. [33:27]

Following Jesus isn’t a career move. It’s a death to “plan B.” These men didn’t know about crosses or resurrection. They knew the Rabbi’s voice compelled them more than familiar shores.

What makes you delay obedience? Comfort? Fear of loss? Jesus isn’t your backup plan. He’s the plan. What’s your “boat”—the thing you’re tempted to revisit when faith gets hard?

“At once they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1:18, NIV)

Prayer: Tell Jesus one reason you’ve resisted acting quickly on His promptings.

Challenge: Donate or throw away one item that symbolizes a past season He’s asked you to leave.

Day 5: Before Dawn, He Prayed

Darkness clung to Capernaum. Jesus slipped away from snoring disciples and aching crowds. Alone, He prayed. Not for strength or strategy—He already had authority. He prayed to abide, to remember His source. The disciples panicked when they couldn’t find Him. Jesus replied, “Let’s go somewhere else—to the nearby villages.” [58:00]

Power didn’t pressure Him. Applause didn’t addict Him. His compass was the Father’s voice, not human demands.

Where have you let others’ expectations drown out God’s whisper? What would it look like to walk away from “good things” to pursue the best thing?

“Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else.’” (Mark 1:36–38, NIV)

Prayer: Ask Jesus to untangle your worth from productivity.

Challenge: Decline one request today to create space for 10 minutes of prayer.

Sermon Summary

Jesus begins ministry in Galilee after John the Baptist’s imprisonment, proclaiming that the time has come and the kingdom of God is near. The call is simple and concrete: repent and believe the good news. Repentance requires a directional change away from a sin-centered life; belief requires more than mental assent, demanding trust, dependence, and visible change. Jesus’ first followers demonstrate that authentic response looks like immediate reorientation of priorities—leaving nets and old livelihoods behind to follow his leadership.

Mark frames these opening events to establish authority. Teaching in the synagogue wins amazement because the content comes from one who authored the law and knows its intent. Authority shows itself not merely in words but in deeds: an impure spirit recognizes Jesus, is rebuked, and obeys; a fevered woman rises at his touch; crowds bring the sick and demon-possessed and receive healing. These actions mark Jesus as one whose words carry covenantal weight and whose presence ushers in a new way of living under God’s rule.

The gospel’s proximity surprises people because expectations focused on political restoration, whereas the kingdom Jesus announces emphasizes grace, humility, and voluntary entry. True entrance into that kingdom hinges on repentance plus believing in Jesus in a way that reshapes loyalties and actions. The narrative contrasts superficial belief—accepting facts about Jesus—with transformative faith that trusts him as Lord, resulting in obedience, service, and sacrificial devotion.

The early scenes model discipleship as immediate response and sustained obedience. The call to serve follows the example of the Son of Man, who came to serve rather than be served. Small acts of obedience and willingness to be placed where God needs someone prove more revealing of calling than waiting for ideal assignments. The invitation ends in a present offer: people may recommit or come to Christ for the first time, enter into community, receive baptism, and begin a life reoriented by the authority and mercy of Jesus. Communion and an open invitation to follow underscore that the turning point always remains the present moment.

Key Takeaways

1. Repentance and belief are essential Repentance demands a felt and acted turn away from self-governed living; belief demands entrusting life to Jesus’ rule. Together they form the doorway into the kingdom, not two optional steps but a single posture of dependence. This posture rejects attempts to earn favor before coming and instead receives mercy while committing to change. [27:27]
2. Belief requires trust and obedience Belief is not mere intellectual assent; it binds the heart and will to Jesus so that decisions follow his lordship. Even doubts may linger, but true belief presses toward answers, grows through obedience, and reshapes priorities. The contrast with demons who know facts but do not submit highlights the difference between knowing and entrusting. [31:18]
3. Followership demands leaving past behind Following Jesus often costs the comfortable patterns, reputations, and livelihoods that defined identity. The disciples’ immediate departure underscores that conversion shows itself in reoriented daily choices and a willingness to serve where needed. Obedience to small, present calls opens doors to larger purposes over time. [33:27]
4. Jesus' authority transforms lives Authority appears through teaching, deliverance, and healing; the same words that rebuke demons restore bodies and reorder communities. Where Jesus speaks, spiritual brokenness yields and people receive new capacity to serve and worship. That authority invites a response of trust, not merely curiosity. [47:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:43] - Property and Volunteer Updates
[06:45] - Worship in the Park Reminder
[07:39] - Opening Prayer
[20:04] - Baptism Class Invitation
[21:06] - Mark Journals and Series Plan
[23:12] - Being Doers of the Word
[24:31] - The Kingdom Is Near
[27:27] - Repent and Believe
[33:27] - Calling of the First Disciples
[46:08] - Teaching with Authority and Demons
[53:19] - Healings and the Town’s Response
[56:49] - Invitation to Commit or Recommit
[66:01] - Confession of Faith and Baptism

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Mark 1:14-20 (ESV)
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” 16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

Observation Questions

What two actions does Jesus command in Mark 1:15 as the response to the nearness of God’s kingdom?
How do Simon, Andrew, James, and John respond to Jesus’ call in Mark 1:18 and 20? What does “immediately” emphasize about their decision?
In the sermon, what contrast is made between the demons’ belief in Jesus and true saving faith? ([30:33])
What three areas of authority does Jesus demonstrate in the sermon (teaching, spiritual forces, physical healing)? ([47:24])

Interpretation Questions

Why might Mark emphasize the word “immediately” in describing the disciples’ response to Jesus’ call? How does this challenge modern ideas about faith and action?
The sermon states, “Belief is not mere intellectual assent; it binds the heart and will to Jesus so that decisions follow his lordship.” How does this definition of belief reshape our understanding of Mark 1:15?
Jesus’ authority over demons and sickness is described as “covenantal weight.” What does this imply about the relationship between His words and His identity? ([46:08])
Why does the sermon contrast the crowd’s amazement at Jesus’ miracles with the disciples’ decision to leave everything and follow Him? What does this reveal about superficial vs. transformative faith?

Application Questions

Repentance involves a “directional change” away from self-governed living. What specific area of your life might need this kind of reorientation right now?
The disciples left their nets and livelihoods to follow Jesus. What “nets” (comforts, habits, or priorities) might God be asking you to leave behind to follow Him more fully? ([33:27])
Belief requires “trust and dependence,” not just agreement with facts. What practical step could you take this week to actively depend on Jesus in a situation where you typically rely on yourself?
The sermon warns against treating belief as a casual truth that doesn’t reshape priorities. How would your daily choices look different if you fully trusted Jesus’ authority over your relationships, work, or fears?
Jesus’ first followers reordered their lives around His leadership “immediately.” Is there a prompt or conviction from God you’ve been delaying obedience to? What would it look like to act on it now?
The demons knew Jesus’ identity but rejected His lordship. Are there areas where you acknowledge Jesus’ power intellectually but resist surrendering control? How can you move from knowledge to trust in those areas? ([30:58])
The sermon invites recommitment to Jesus daily. What small habit could you build to intentionally “re-up” your dependence on Him each morning?

Sermon Clips

54s

#believeInNotJustBelieve

“``did all of those people walk away believing in the gospel, The good news of Jesus and the coming kingdom of God. Or did they just walk away believing that somehow, someway this man healed me named Jesus. Yes. They were all physically changed in that moment, but they did they allow their spirits to truly see and believe the one who had changed them. Because there's a big difference between believing and believing in. Believing in is to obey. Believing in requires action. So I ask us today, have we given Jesus full authority over our lives.”

60s

#leaveYourPastFollowJesus

“Do you truly believe like these men did? How can you tell? Okay. Have you left your past behind to follow him like they did? Yet, Jesus is calling us to do the exact same thing today. It might not be leave your profession, but it is to leave your past life behind. And if you've already accepted that call to follow, then Jesus is then then ask Jesus. Jesus, what are you calling me to do in this moment? Is there something that I have been avoiding? Is there someone that I have been avoiding? Have I placed my life something else ahead of you? Help me call that out. Help me get rid of that, so that the call for me to lay those nets down, leave them behind, and I can move on and put God first.”

49s

#faithShouldChangeYou

“Family, if if if we are truly believing, there should be a reaction Yes. In our lives. There should be change in our lives. We will not shudder like the demons. No. We will rejoice like the angels if we truly trust in and believe in God. We love him and we follow his commands. We literally turn our lives over to him, placing him in control as Lord of our lives. So I ask, do you simply believe or have you truly repented of your sins? Do you know him? Not just know about him. Do you know Jesus? Truly know your Lord and savior?”

40s

#humbledAndCalled

“After this happens, Simon Peter falls at Jesus' feet and he tells Jesus to go away. Now does that sound like someone might just leave everything and just goes and follow Jesus? No. No. We're not there yet. We're not quite there yet. Tells Jesus to go away because he's a sinful man. You see, Peter knew he wasn't good enough to go to Jesus. So he's like, Jesus, get away from me just like so many people do today. Simon realized he was in the presence of something, someone incredibly great, maybe even the Messiah. And Jesus' response, ah, now we get, come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people.”

40s

#inviteHolySpiritNow

“With one simple decision, your life can be changed Amen. Today. And it might be Jesus needs to command an impure spirit to come out of you and we absolutely can do that with the name of Jesus today in this place. His name is just as powerful today as it was when he was speaking it then. But it might also be that he wants to instead of casting out a demon, he wants you to invite in his holy spirit. His pure perfect spirit to come dwell within you. A different kind of healing is waiting for you if you will accept his invitation.”

34s

#knowGodTruly

“I know who you are, the holy one of God. Do we know the demons know who God is? Do we? Do we truly truly know who God is? Because they know when they don't trust him. They know when they don't put their faith in him. They know when they reject him. So that means it's possible to know God and to reject him for your salvation. Reject his love for you. Reject forgiveness that he offers. Do we know God, the holy one of God? Do we truly know him and believe in him.”

53s

#comeAsYouAreRepent

“Now, please understand that this is not something that you do beforehand, before coming to God. Too many people are too hesitant to come to God, come to Jesus because they think, you know what? I'm not good enough for him to accept me. If that's your logic, if that's your reason, you'll never be good enough because none of us are ever good enough to come to Jesus. That's not what he asks. He asks us to come as we are and repent of our badness, if you will. Repentance is part of that coming of God. We cannot come into the kingdom of God unless we leave our sin centered, self centered, sin filled lives behind. And repentance is an essential part of that coming of faith into Jesus Christ.”

52s

#teachingWithAuthority

“The people were amazed at his teaching because he had taught he taught them with authority, not as the teachers of the law. Now, was there anything wrong with the teachers? That's not what he's saying. The teachers knew their material. Some of them, like teachers we had, were probably very good at presenting it. Some of them probably weren't. But Jesus' teaching was different. You see, Jesus just didn't know the law. He wasn't a really good professor that had a good control of the subject. No. He is the author of the book. John one one, John reveals to us that in the beginning was the word, that is John's code name for Jesus here, and the word was God and was with God. To say that Jesus had mastery over his subject is a bit of an understatement.”

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What Does it Mean to Believe?

Devotional

Day 1: Nets Left in the Surf

Day 2: Demons Shudder, Disciples Follow

Day 3: Fever Broken at Twilight

Day 4: Immediately They Followed

Day 5: Before Dawn, He Prayed

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

What Does it Mean to Believe?

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