How can we apply the call to believe in Jesus in our lives? Hearing Paul’s Challenge in Acts 19:4 “Paul explained: ‘John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’” John pointed forward; Paul points straight at Jesus. The call is clear: Believe. Here’s how that invitation takes shape in everyday life. Recognize that “believe” means entrust, not merely agree • Head: accept the facts—Jesus is Lord, crucified and risen (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Heart: rely on Him alone for forgiveness and life (John 3:16). • Hands: act on that trust (James 2:17). Genuine belief embraces all three. Turn from self-reliance to Christ (repent and believe) • Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin (Mark 1:15). • Replace confidence in good deeds, religion, or personal strength with confidence in Jesus’ finished work (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Ongoing lifestyle: whenever sin surfaces, turn again and trust again (1 John 1:9). Receive Jesus personally • “To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) • Belief is personal: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). • Simple, sincere response: “Lord, I trust You to save me.” (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10) Confess Him openly • Faith steps into the light: baptism follows belief (Acts 8:36-38). • Daily conversations reflect allegiance: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) Live by faith each day Galatians 2:20 frames the rhythm: • I have been crucified with Christ—identity. • Christ lives in me—indwelling power. • I live by faith in the Son of God—moment-by-moment trust. Practical expressions: – Pray before decisions, expecting guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6). – Hand over worries—He cares (1 Peter 5:7). – Obey Scripture even when feelings lag—faith acts first, feelings follow. Feed faith with Scripture • “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) • Daily intake: read, listen, memorize, meditate. • Match passages to needs: courage (Joshua 1:9), purity (Psalm 119:11), hope (Romans 15:13). Join a community of believers • Early disciples gathered for teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). • Fellowship strengthens faith through encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serve others—faith grows muscles through love in action (Galatians 5:6). Expect fruit and persevere • The Spirit produces love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23). • Trials refine faith like gold (1 Peter 1:6-7). • Keep eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2). Share the invitation • “You will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) • Tell your story—how believing changed you. • Offer the same simple call: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31) Rest in assurance • “I write these things to you who believe… so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13) • Assurance rests on His promise, not our performance. • When doubts whisper, answer with Scripture and remember the cross and the empty tomb. Believing in Jesus begins with a decisive yes to His gospel and unfolds into a lifetime of trusting, obeying, and enjoying Him. Acts 19:4’s call echoes today: keep believing—heart, soul, mind, and strength. |
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