Psalm.147, Proverb.3.1-6, 1 Jn.3.1-8, Mark.16.9-20

When we talk about faith, what we want to believe is important. Hebrews chapter 11 discusses faith in detail. Many people who lived by faith are mentioned here. There are two creeds that the Christian Church believes – the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed. Still, some of them are analyzed in this sermon on the basis of those Creeds which have been accepted by the Christian faith since the early church. Why believe? If asked, we should know to say, “The word of God says so”. We must believe in the written Word (Romans 10:8,9). Supernatural things happen when we believe God’s writings, not man’s writings.

1. God

We must believe in the only God and that God is the creator of everything and He is the one who rewards those who come to God (Hebrews 11:1,6). Because without faith it is impossible to please God. Nothing is impossible for this God. God is greater than any challenge or crisis. Everything is under the control of this God (Genesis 18:14; Jer 32:17; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; 18:27; Romans 4:21).

2. The fulfillment of Jesus

We must believe that Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God and that He bore our sins, sicknesses, curses and death on the cross and thus gave us redemption, salvation, healing, deliverance and eternal life (Isaiah 53:3-5; Matthew 8:17; 1Peter 2:24; Gal 3:13,14). The works of the devil were destroyed fully by Jesus’ death on the cross (1 John 3:8). The handwriting that was against us by the rules of the law was blotted out and removed from the midst of the cross (Col. 2:13,14). Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers and triumphed over them on the cross (Col 2:15). Therefore, the believer has the power to resist all the schemes of Satan. (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:6-8; 1 John 4:4). As per the law – “Cursed is he who hangs on a tree” (Deut 21:23), Jesus was hung on the cross for us and became a curse. So, we are no longer under the curse (Gal 3:13,14; Acts 21:23; Acts 5:30; Gal 4:5). No curse can come upon those who are in Jesus. Jesus taught to believe that when you pray you receive (Mark 11:24; 1 John 5:14,15). This is an unusual faith.

3. Beyond our understanding

God works beyond our understanding (Phil 4:6,7). Therefore, we must not rely on our own understanding but believe beyond understanding (Romans 4:17-23; Proverbs 3:5,6). Our intelligence is limited and childish before God’s intelligence. Because, only God’s wisdom is perfect (Romans 11:33-36; 1Cor 1:20-25).

4. In the name of Jesus

When praying and believing it is important to remember that we do them “in the name of Jesus”. Real faith is not the faith in our faith, but the faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Our faith is weak. It is not to be relied upon. But the name of Jesus is unchanging. It is above all the names. The resurrected Jesus commanded to use the name of Jesus (Mark 16:17,18). This is what Peter said when the lame man was healed (Acts 3:16) – “by faith in his name”.

5. By the grace of Jesus

Faith and grace are closely related. We must believe that it is not by our merits, but by the grace of God alone (1Cor 15:10).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the truths we have explored today. Thank You for revealing to us the importance of believing in You, our Almighty Creator. We acknowledge Your sovereignty, wisdom, and unfailing love. Help us to deepen our faith and trust in Your divine plan, even when we cannot fully understand Your ways. Lord Jesus, we are grateful for Your life, death, and resurrection, which fulfilled the promises of old and brought us salvation. May we continually believe in Your power to transform our lives and lead us into righteousness. Strengthen our faith to rely on Your name, for there is no other name by which we are saved. Holy Spirit, guide us to embrace the mysteries of faith that are beyond our human understanding. Open our minds and hearts to accept Your ways, trusting that Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Fill us with the peace that surpasses all comprehension, knowing that You are in control. Father, we believe in the power and authority of the name of Jesus. Help us to speak His name with confidence and boldness, proclaiming His truth and love to a world in need. May our lives be a testament to the saving grace found in Jesus Christ alone. Finally, we thank You for Your abundant grace that sustains us each day. Remind us of Your unmerited favour and love, which empower us to live faithfully and serve others. May Your grace continue to shape our hearts and guide our steps, drawing us closer to You. As we leave this place, let our belief in You, in Jesus, and in Your grace be the foundation of our lives. Empower us to live out these beliefs with courage, humility, and joy. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.