Do you believe in Jesus – not just “kinda believe” in Jesus, but do you really believe? Years ago, shortly after Max Lucado came back from his mission work in Rio, Brazil, he shared with a group of his closest friends that his theology was pretty simple. He didn’t have a handle on a lot of the big, difficult theological problems that divide folks. However, Max said he came to the firm and deep conviction that God loves us, and he showed that love by really sending Jesus to live among us, to die for us, and to be raised from the dead so that we could be raised from death, too. This is the work of God – amazingly simple and awesomely powerful. I believe in Jesus. I pray that you believe in Jesus. While we may be uncertain about many specific details of complex doctrinal issues, the work of God we need is to genuinely “believe in the one he has sent.”
We’ve included Phil’s ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:
Holy God, I do believe that Jesus came to earth, died, and was raised from the dead. Please help me show and share that message with those around me who are looking for hope and help. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to those around me who are searching for Jesus, and please give me the courage and sensitivity I need to share Jesus effectively with them, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Father, I want so much to share in your work of both believing in Jesus personally and also helping others to believe in him. I rededicate myself to this gospel message today. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.
