Break Out – 2 – When Your Faith Croaked – How to Believe Again

Welcome

 

Break Out

What if there was a plan for you to be free?
Fear, regret, debt, depression, addiction…

 

JESUS- More than a story – Blueprint for freedom and confidence

Ephesians 3:11-12 (NIV) 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Last week – When your hope dies.. how to have hope again.
Hope can return before you realize it.

 

Today – When your faith croaked – How to believe again

 

Belief is a Struggle

Me

I struggle with belief

Myself – believe the worst

Others
Marriage – Seen bad examples
Women – Manipulators

God – Is the Bible true?

We struggle with belief.

Yourself – That idea/business
Speaking your mind – fear/self esteem

Others – Friendship/betrayal
Liars/fakes

God – Is God real? Care?

Belief is a Struggle

We all struggle with belief.

Belief & Action

Right belief and right action is rare.

Continual tension.
I believe… do I believe enough?

Belief is not a one-time confession
Faith
Marriage
Career
Yourself

 

Belief is Necessary

Every success story starts with belief.
Date, Married, STAY Married
Start business, grow bizz, keep bizz
Start working out, get fit, stay fit
Start counseling, heal thoughts, stay healthy
Receive Christ, grow/baptized, remain in JC

 

The freedom you want REQUIRES belief.

Believe you can…
it is possible…
it is worth it…
you are loved and valuable…

 

Beliefs change (THANK GOD!)
You will not always believe like you do now.
Christian – You need your belief to grow.

 

God says that we are CLAY, not Concrete.
We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

Be transformed by the renewal of your mind. (Romans 12:2)
Think on these things instead. (Philippians 4:8)
Set your mind on things above. (Colossians 3:2)
Take your thoughts captive. 92 Corinthians 10:5)

Your brain is supposed to change.
Your thoughts are not set in stone.
Beliefs change (THANK GOD!)

How do I believe again?
Receive New Information

John 20:24-25
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.

 

Thomas says I won’t believe unless… I receive NEW INFORMATION

“The sky is purple with pink polka dots…”
Believe me?
No. You would need new information.

How does God respond… God I need more information?

Thomas – I won’t believe until I see it… touch it…

How does Jesus respond?
“STUPID UNBELIEVING THOMAS. YOU’RE FIRED!”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Jesus gave Thomas what he needed to believe.
What do you need today to believe?
What new information do you need to investigate?

Connect Groups is a great place to get new information.

Seek info from believers… not unbelievers.
explain…

 

Thomas’ response…

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

From doubt to revelation.
Not just alive… MY LORD & MY GOD.

 

Beliefs change (THANK GOD!)

 

Imagine believing again.

Turn your doubt into revelation.

• Marriage
• Career
• Ministry
• Education
• Yourself

 

Call to action 

What is your belief struggle?

• Stop beating yourself up
  • embrace the struggle
• Align your beliefs & actions

What new information do you need?

• Investigate
  • Connect Group new semester
• Ask God for new Information
  • Pray