Believe, Believe, Believe: Acts 14: 1-7

Sermon Resources

Summary:

In this powerful exploration of faith, we're challenged to embrace a deeper understanding of belief. The message centers on Acts 14, where Paul and Barnabas spread the Gospel in Iconium. We're reminded that true belief isn't passive, but active and transformative. The sermon introduces three levels of belief: believing the Logos (God's written word), the Rhema (God's living word), and obedience to God's commands. This progression shows us how faith should inform, transform, and conform us to God's will. The message emphasizes that faith is a gift from God, not something we can manufacture on our own. We're encouraged to persistently seek God's guidance and strength, much like the disciples did after Jesus' resurrection. This sermon challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent and into a faith that actively shapes our lives and relationships.

Title: Believe, Believe, Believe: The Journey of Faith in Action

Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the concept of belief as a multifaceted journey, emphasizing that true faith is not passive but involves active engagement with God's Word, miracles, and commands. The pastor discusses three levels of belief: believing the message (Logos), believing in miracles (Rhema), and believing through obedience. The sermon underscores the importance of persistently seeking God's guidance, forgiveness, and transformation, while also highlighting the need for believers to act on their faith through obedience and good works.

Key Points:
  • Belief in the Logos: Understanding and accepting God's inspired written Word
  • Belief in the Rhema: Experiencing God's living Word that transforms from within
  • Belief through obedience: Acting on God's commands and walking in His light
  • Faith is a gift from God that requires continuous nurturing and persistence
  • Forgiveness is a two-way process: receiving God's forgiveness and forgiving others
  • Believers are called to persist in asking, seeking, and knocking for God's guidance
  • Faith without works is dead; true belief leads to action and obedience

Scripture Reference:
  • Acts 14:1-7
  • Luke 24 (Easter evening account)
  • John 20 (Jesus breathing on disciples)
  • Luke 11 (Lord's Prayer and persistence in prayer)

Stories:
  • Luke's testimony of growing in faith through reading the Old Testament
  • Tom Hanks' character in "Angels and Demons" discussing faith as a gift
  • Vicki Fisher's testimony about seeking God first before pastoral counsel
  • Parable of the rich man who wanted to take his money to the afterlife
  • AARP's saying that "getting old is not for sissies" used to illustrate perseverance in faith

Scripture:
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some suggested relevant verses for the main themes:
Mentioned/Alluded to:
  1. Acts 14:1-2
  2. Luke 24 (specific verses not given, but referring to Jesus appearing to disciples after resurrection)
  3. Acts 14:3
  4. John 20:22-23 (Jesus breathing on disciples and giving them the Holy Spirit)
  5. Luke 11:2-4 (Luke's version of the Lord's Prayer)
  6. Matthew 18:21-22 (Forgiving 70 times 7)
  7. Luke 11:9-10 (Ask, seek, knock)
  8. Acts 14:4-7
  9. Ephesians 2:8-10 (Saved by grace through faith)
  10. James 2:14-19 (Faith without works is dead)

Suggested relevant verses for main themes:
  1. Believing in God's message:
    • Romans 10:17
    • Hebrews 11:1
  2. Believing in God's miracles:
    • Mark 9:23
    • John 14:12
  3. Believing through obedience:
    • James 1:22
    • John 14:15
  4. Persistence in faith:
    • Galatians 6:9
    • Hebrews 10:36
  5. Forgiveness:
    • Colossians 3:13
    • Matthew 6:14-15
  6. Holy Spirit's guidance:
    • John 16:13
    • Galatians 5:16
  7. Courage in faith:
    • Joshua 1:9
    • 2 Timothy 1:7
  8. God's presence in difficulties:
    • Isaiah 41:10
    • Psalm 23:4

Quotes:

Believe, believe, believe does not mean to do nothing, freeze and just believe and try harder to believe and try harder to believe. It's not what it means at all. It means asking God to do something that we can't do for ourselves in part.
Faith is a gift from God. We simply open it. We come and say, I want that. I want to believe. I receive that ability to believe outside of myself.
The killers of this belief is doubt, confusion, tradition, and pride. And it can poison the gift of believing like it did that day that we're in in Iconium.
There's one baptism where it all starts, but many fillings. Over and over and over we hear it again in the book of Acts.
For it is by grace that we have been saved through faith. This is not of ourselves. It's a gift of God. Not by works so that someone can boast. For we are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works.
God wants us to walk in obedience. And some days it's a big step. Other days it's just baby steps of obedience and faithfulness of the light that he shines before us.
Believe. Believe. Believe. But belief or faith without works is dead. Book of James says.
God wants us to have courage to live on. To do the next baby step in whatever great fear, whatever great doubt, whatever great confusion it is. And he wants us to stay small children to him until the day we die.

Discipleship
Discussion Questions
How do you distinguish between passive belief and active faith in your own spiritual journey? In what ways can we move from merely believing to truly trusting and acting on God's guidance?
The sermon mentions three types of belief: in the Logos (written Word), Rhema (living Word), and obedience to God's commands. Which of these do you find most challenging in your life, and why?
How does the concept of persistent prayer, as illustrated in the sermon, challenge or affirm your current prayer practices? What might change if you approached prayer with more persistence?
The sermon emphasizes forgiveness as a crucial aspect of receiving God's grace. How have you experienced the connection between being forgiven and forgiving others in your own life?
In what ways do doubt, confusion, tradition, and pride act as 'killers of belief' in your spiritual life? How can we overcome these obstacles to deepen our faith?
The sermon suggests that God provides light for the next step rather than illuminating our entire life path. How does this perspective impact your approach to seeking God's guidance?
How do you balance the idea of faith as a gift from God with the call to actively pursue and nurture that faith? What role does human effort play in developing and maintaining belief?
The sermon talks about the disciples' epiphany in understanding Scripture in a new way after Jesus' resurrection. Can you recall a time when you experienced a similar 'aha' moment in your faith journey?
How does the concept of being continually filled with the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in the sermon, challenge or enhance your understanding of spiritual growth?
The sermon concludes with the idea that courage is not the absence of fear, but having more courage than fear. How can this perspective help believers face challenges in their faith and life?

Small Group Guide: Believe, Believe, Believe
Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer asking God to guide your discussion and help apply the sermon's teachings.

Key Takeaways:
  1. Believing involves three aspects: believing the message (Logos), believing the miracles (Rhema), and believing in obedience (action).
  2. Faith is a gift from God that we must continually ask for and nurture.
  3. Forgiveness is a crucial part of our faith journey - both receiving forgiveness and forgiving others.
  4. Obedience and action are essential components of true belief.

Discussion Questions:
  1. The pastor mentioned three types of belief: Logos (written Word), Rhema (living Word), and obedience. Which of these do you find most challenging in your faith journey and why?
  2. How does the idea that "faith is a gift from God" change your perspective on your own belief? How might this impact how we approach doubts or struggles in our faith?
  3. The sermon emphasized the importance of persistence in prayer and seeking God. Share an experience where persistence in your spiritual life led to growth or breakthrough.
  4. Discuss the connection between forgiveness and faith as presented in the sermon. How has forgiveness (either giving or receiving) impacted your relationship with God?
  5. The pastor stated, "Believe, believe, believe does not mean to do nothing." How can we ensure our faith leads to action in our daily lives?
  6. Reflect on the statement: "God wants us to stay small children to him until the day we die." What does this mean to you practically?

Practical Applications:
  1. Daily Prayer Challenge: Commit to asking God daily this week for light to guide you, courage to act, and love to share.
  2. Forgiveness Exercise: Identify one person you need to forgive or ask forgiveness from. Take a step towards reconciliation this week.
  3. Obedience in Action: Choose one area where God is calling you to obey. Share with the group and ask for accountability in taking that step.
  4. Scripture Meditation: Spend time reflecting on Ephesians 2:8-10, considering how grace, faith, and good works interact in your life.
  5. Persistence Practice: Identify an area where you've been tempted to give up in your spiritual life. Commit to persevering in prayer about this for the next month.

Closing Prayer: End by praying for each other, asking God to strengthen your faith, guide your obedience, and deepen your understanding of His Word.

Devotional:

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the transcription:

Day 1: Believing God's Message Reading: Romans 10:9-17 Devotional: Today we focus on the power of believing God's message. The sermon emphasized the importance of the "Logos" - God's inspired Word. As you read this passage, reflect on how faith comes from hearing the message about Christ. Consider how God's Word has informed and inspired your own faith journey. Have there been times when you've struggled to believe? Ask God to deepen your trust in His Word and to open your mind to His truth, just as Jesus did for the disciples after His resurrection. Remember, faith is a gift from God - we simply need to open our hearts to receive it.

Day 2: The Living Word Transforms Reading: John 1:1-14 Devotional: Today we explore how God's Word is not just information, but transformation. The sermon spoke of the "Rhema" - the living Word of God that changes us from the inside out. As you read about the Word becoming flesh in Jesus, consider how Christ's presence in your life has transformed you. Have you experienced moments of epiphany where God's truth suddenly became clear? Reflect on areas of your life where you need God's transforming power. Pray for the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into your faith, just as Jesus breathed on His disciples, empowering them with the Spirit.

Day 3: Persistence in Prayer and Forgiveness Reading: Luke 11:1-13 Devotional: Today's focus is on persistence in prayer and the power of forgiveness. The sermon highlighted Jesus' teaching on continual asking, seeking, and knocking. As you read this passage, reflect on your own prayer life. Are there areas where you've given up too easily? Consider also the link between receiving God's forgiveness and forgiving others. Are you holding onto any unforgiveness that's blocking God's work in your life? Ask God for the gift of persistence in prayer and the strength to forgive as you have been forgiven.

Day 4: Walking in Obedience Reading: James 2:14-26 Devotional: Today we consider how faith and actions work together. The sermon emphasized that "believe, believe, believe" is not passive, but leads to obedient action. As you read James' words about faith and deeds, reflect on how your beliefs are shaping your actions. Are there areas where God is calling you to step out in obedience? Remember, we are God's handiwork, created to do good works He has prepared for us. Ask God to shine His light on the next steps He wants you to take, and for the courage to walk in that light.

Day 5: God's Presence in Suffering Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 Devotional: Our final day focuses on God's presence and comfort in times of suffering. The sermon acknowledged that life can be difficult, but reminded us that God is with us to direct us through our problems. As you read Paul's words about comfort in suffering, reflect on challenging times in your own life. How have you experienced God's presence in those moments? Consider how your own experiences might equip you to comfort others. Pray for those you know who are struggling, asking God to make His presence known to them. Remember, just as the greatest people in the Bible endured suffering, God can use our trials to deepen our faith and broaden our ministry.



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