What do we believe 1?

What do we believe . . . 

Our belief about “the present” is why we have chosen to be where we are today (in church or outside of church) – and “what we believe” about 

tomorrow determines the direction that our lives will take toward the future of all of our tomorrows . . .

When we talk about “religion” we could name a variety of things regarding “what we believe” about our present life – as well as

what we believe about “the next life” (if in fact we do believe that there IS a next life).

Now the basic reason that “religion” even exists is because of what men BELIEVE happens to them when they die . . . and

based upon what WE BELIEVE “happens” to us “after we die” – we have “bought in” (or subscribed) to a particular type of religion.

In the book of Job 14: 14 we read . . .

Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

So the universal “question of life” really doesn’t deal with the present life . . . but it is actually a question about death and what occurs during the NEXT life.

What a man “believes” about the present life is important . . . but what he believes about the NEXT life is even MORE important.

Our beliefs about "what comes next" . . . will determine the direction of our lives and where we are “today” . . . what we believe about eternity is responsible for what we believe about "today" . . . if there is no eternity – 

then the only purpose of “today” is to find pleasure . . . if however we will live in eternity – then the purpose of today is to PREPARE for that life in eternity.

“What we believe” about “the next life” has quite literally motivated each of us to find a religion which promises to take care of us in the next life . . . and according to the internet –

there are about 4200 different religions that exist throughout the world . . . and each one of these religions promise “comfort” to the

believer after they die . . . what this means is that there are a number of different beliefs about what really happens to us when we die

which give rise to about 4200 different “systems of teachings” (called religion) each of which promote HOW TO avoid

“unpleasant” circumstances which are believed to exist after death – as well as teachings about HOW TO achieve “pleasant” circumstances which are believed to exist after death.

So knowing that we are alive – and possessing a belief in this life about “what happens” AFTER this life – we should realize that the

most basic purpose of “religion” is to provide guidance in this life – about HOW TO succeed in the next life. 

So from this perspective “Religion” is basically a road map . . . or a HOW TO BOOK regarding how to succeed in eternity. 

If there are 4200 road maps describing the path which leads “to eternity” the odds of picking “the right” map by just choosing one at

random are 1/4200 or about .0002% chance of following the right path and finding peace in eternity. 

These are not good odds at all . . . but if this were the best that we could do . . . then knowing that there have been an estimated

110 billion people that have ever lived on planet Earth – means that only about 26 million people "throughout all history" have found “the right” 

religion . . . and have any chance at all to find peace with God in eternity . . . but suppose . . . that ALL religions were pointing in the wrong direction . .

this would mean that following ANY type of religion would give us a ZERO% chance of finding peace in eternity . . . which if this were true - it would 

basically mean that (as far as the next life and eternity were concerned) that the entire human race was 100% guaranteed

to fail in their search for a pleasant experience in eternity.  God has tried to tell us this very thing in scriptures like . . .

Ro 3: 23 For ALL HAVE SINNED, and come SHORT of the glory of God;

Ec 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Ro 3:10 As it is written, There is NONE righteous, no, not one:

If we do the math about our chance of finding “the right” religion . . . out of the estimated 7 billion people that are alive today – only 1.6 million

of them have a chance to go to heaven . . . but according the The Bible . . . 100% of the human population is destined for hell.

An example of what we are talking about can be seen in what is called the shell game . . .

this is when a pea is hidden under one of three different shells . . . all you have to do is to keep your eye on the shell that contains the pea . . .

The objective of this game is to test your eyes to see if they can track fast enough. This game involves fast thinking and good eyesight.

All you have to do is to place your bet, then keep your eye on the small black ball and then figure out which shell it is in after the shells are shuffled.

The point is . . . if the pea has been removed so that it is not under ANY of the shells – then instead of having a 1/3 chance of getting the

prize . . . then no matter how good your eyes are – no matter how fast you think . . . when you place your bet - you have a ZERO% of winning . . .

All men have sinned and come short of the glory of God . . . For those of us who are depending upon religion to keep us safe in

eternity . . . Satan has drawn us into a shell game . . . but he has secretly removed the pea . . . no matter how good you live – no

matter what religion you choose - you cannot win because there is no pea under ANY of the shells . . . likewise in regard to eternity . . .

There is no religion that is capable of leading even the .0002% who would be lucky enough to find it – to a place of peace with God in eternity.  

So it is time for each of us to consider “what we believe” about heaven – what we believe about hell – what we believe about eternity.

And what we believe about the promises that over 4200 different religions make to us regarding HOW TO find a pleasant experience in “eternity” after death.

As we come to a close in this lesson . . . do the math for yourself . . . if you are depending upon religion to save you . . . the odds are

not good at all . . . in fact (if you would be honest about it) you really don’t stand any chance at all . . .

So what do you plan to do about eternity . . . Do you understand that “Christianity” – Jesus and the cross – faith and repentance . . . are not simply things that define another religion

Religion is defined as . . .  commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance.

Religion is what-ever “a man” happens to believe . . . if a man believes the wrong thing – then that man has “the wrong” religion . . .

Compare this concept of “religion” with “The Truth” . . .

The Truth is not something that is defined by mankind . . . in fact The Truth is not something that is dependent upon man in any way at all . . .The Truth begins with GOD . . . in fact God is TRUTH.

So “what we believe” as a man will have no effect at all upon “The Truth” . . . in other words something will not “be true” just because we WANT IT to be true . . .

What the “majority believes” has no bearing on “The Truth” either . . .

If every single person that had ever been born "believed with all of their heart" that the pea was under the middle shell . . . this would not change 

the truth . . . which is that there is no pea at all . . . the “bet” would be lost – and the entire human race would perish because they chose “the wrong” religion.

Consider some of the things that we have always heard . . . it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere . . . let’s

adapt this to fit our example . . . it doesn’t matter which shell you believe the pea is under – as long as you are sincere . . .

The Truth that is over looked in this philosophy is that it really doesn’t matter which shell you believe the pea is under at all . . . because

there IS NO PEA under any of them . . . You see RELIGION is not the answer to the question of life . . . JESUS is . . . 

The devil “cheats” – he has the whole world fighting over “religion” (where the pea is located) . . . when the truth is – there is no pea at all.

Ye shall not surely die . . . don’t worry about eternity – concentrate on your present life . . .

So what we believe about GOD and JESUS are more important than any other belief . . . because if there is no God then “Christianity”

is just another “religion” . . . and the more religions we can experience during life – then the better our odds . . .

What will you choose?

Matt 25: 14 ¶ For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

The master returned to “the kingdom” not to see who remained as his servants (not to see who was saved and who had lost their salvation) . . .

but he returned to have his servants “give an account” of what they had done during the time he had been gone.

And in the day of judgment . . . We will not stand before God to find out whether or not we lived a good enough life to earn salvation

But we will stand before God as a lost man to be sentenced to hell . . . or we will stand before God as one of His servants – to be rewarded

for our faithfulness – or punished for our unfaithfulness if we hid our talent . . .

 John 5: 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

You see the Bible indicates here – that the question of heaven and hell will have been settled BEFORE we ever come forth from the

grave.  The master that returns to “reckon” with his servants . . . is an illustration of Jesus when He returns to reckon with (to judge) His children.

In the day of judgment a man will COME FORTH from the grave unto the resurrection of life as child of God to be rewarded or to suffer loss

OR in the day of judgment a man will COME FORTH from the grave to face hell as they hear Jesus say in the judgment of the lost . . .

Matt 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: DEPART FROM ME, ye that work iniquity.

When you stand before God – to give an account of your life . . . you will stand in one of two judgments . . . the judgment of the saved OR the judgment of the lost.

And in your day of judgment – you will hear one of three things . . . if you stand in the judgment of the saved you will hear

Well done thou good and faithful servant . . . as you receive a reward . . . or if you are saved but NOT faithful to God (having hidden your

talent) then . . . you will be told that you are a wicked and a slothful servant . . . at which

time you will lose any reward that you might have had to enter heaven empty handed . . . but worst of all . . . if you come forth from the grave as a lost man to stand before God in the judgment of the lost . . .

The last words that you will ever hear spoken will be from Jesus as He says . . . depart form me ye that work iniquity – I never knew you (you were NEVER one of my children).

And after this you will be cast into hell – to be tormented day and night for-ever and for-ever . . .

So in which judgment will you stand . . . and what words will you hear in that judgment?

To die lost you need do nothing in life but continue to forget about that burden that God has placed upon your heart . . . To die saved . . . all you need to do is to read John 3:16-18

    16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (to die on the cross as payment for our sins - so) that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
 
    The who-so-ever refers to anyone . . . as sinners when we "believe" in the sacrifice that Jesus made to be able to "pardon" our sin we gain everlasting life (we shall not perish)
    
    17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.


    This verse tells us that Jesus did not bring condemnation when He came to the earth . . . but He brought the hope of salvation . . . a doctor does not bring sickness to his patience . . . a doctor brings hope to those patience who are ALREADY sick.  Jesus came to us because we were already sick in sin.



18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is CONDEMNED ALREADY, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
 

Subject to a higher power

Ro 13: 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God

Let “every soul” refers to “all of you” . . . “to be subject unto the higher powers” refers to how we ALL have “the responsibility” to submit to

or to be obedient to “the higher powers”.  The higher power referred to here indicates those in positions of “authority” in our government.

For there is no power – there is no government – there is no magistrate – there is no delegated authority this is not “determined” or arranged “beforehand” by God.

When I read this verse I am reminded of the Israelites and the pharaoh that held them captive in cruel Egyptian bondage . . .

The Pharaoh during this period of time was not a good man . . . and he used his authority as the head of the Egyptian government – not to help the nation of Israel – but to instead persecute her . . . But in the face of this

persecution - God’s people were NOT encouraged to “rise up” and overthrow the Pharaoh . . . however they were encouraged (in the midst of their hour of need) to submit themselves unto God and to wait upon His will to be accomplished.

Ex 9:  13 And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

The world has always sought to hinder the proper worship of God’s people . . . and such was the case in the land of Egypt with the nation of Israel . . . God’s message to Pharaoh

14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.  
15 For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.

If Moses had led a rebellion . . . then Moses and his army would have gotten the credit for defeating Egypt and cutting her off from the Earth instead of God getting the credit . . . You see God’s plan 

was to deliver His people . . . but God’s plan was to deliver them in such a way – that God (and not an army of men) would receive the glory for their deliverance.

16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

You see there was a divine purpose behind allowing such an evil man as Pharaoh to ascend to the throne of Egypt.

And there was also a divine plan to DELIVER those whom he persecuted . . .

Romans 13: 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth “the power” resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

In other words . . . “as Christians” we are bound by the laws of the land – so long as those laws are not contrary to the Laws of God. 

An example of this is seen in Acts 5

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God RATHER than men.

Now I understand that this passage of scripture makes reference to the authority of our government . . . and that one of our responsibilities “as Christians” – is to submit to that authority when we can do so without disobeying God . . .

Romans 13: 4 For he (referring for example to the magistrate – or the local “law officer”) is the minister of God to thee for good.

But if thou do that which is evil (if you break the law – then you should) be afraid; for he (in his position of authority) beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil (to him that doeth evil refers to those who live outside of the law . . .

5 Wherefore (because of this) ye must needs be subject (submissive to the law) not only for wrath (not only to avoid punishment), but also for conscience sake (referring to our relationship with God).  notice the following verses

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute (taxes) also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore TO ALL their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Now at the time of this writing – the Roman government was “the power” that Paul was alluding to . . 

It is no secret that the Roman government was extremely corrupt . . . the officials were guilty of taking bribes . . . the judges were dishonest

And Jesus knew all of this when He taught His disciples to pay the taxes they owed to this corrupt government – Jesus was aware of the

greed and dishonesty of the Roman officials when he taught His disciples to pay the fines that were levied in commerce by the officials

who cheated everyone they could – Jesus taught them to be afraid to break the law . . . and Jesus taught them to respect “the

position” in their local government - even if they had lost respect for the individual holding the position . . .

The point to this teaching - is that we are to uphold “the law of the land” until it comes in direct conflict with the law of God . . . The law is not perfect . . . but to live without any laws

at all (and to not have any “officials” to enforce our laws) – would simply be the end of everything that we have ever known.

I know that our own country of America is far from being perfect – and I know that many of us disagree with most of our elected officials

But God tells us to pay our taxes . . . God tells us to live and to work “within” the established system and to honor the positions of those who hold public office even when we disagree with their politics

Ro 13: 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Let all of us submit ourselves to the authority of our respective governments . . . for there is no government that has not been predetermined beforehand to exist by God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

The individual who rises up in opposition to the government actually rises up in opposition to the arrangement that God has made to establish law and order among society . . . the result of this type of opposition is what defines a person as a criminal . . .

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

There is no need to be afraid when we obey the law – but we have every reason to be afraid when we break the law . . .

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Our government is how God has arranged for us to be “taken care of” . . . this is the meaning of “the minister of God to thee for good . . .

To bear not the sword in vain simply refers to how punishment for doing wrong is not an empty promise . . .

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

If we want to avoid going to jail – then we are required to obey the law of the land . . . if we expect to have a proper relationship with God

– then we are also required to obey the law of the land . . .

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing . . . This is why we pay taxes . . .

Our tax money makes it possible for the police to keep us safe . . . our taxes pay for the emergency workers . . . who as God’s ministers attend to our needs as a society.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

As we understand that God knows that our government is not perfect – as we understand that God realizes that our government

officials have human frailties and are often greedy and abuse their power . . . in spite of all the flaws that we could name . . .

GOD is the one that has arranged all of this – and He has put it in place FOR OUR BENEFIT

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Now Paul is not teaching us – that it is a sin to borrow money . . . what he is talking about

here is that we are not to FORGET the obligations that we have toward others . . . As citizens of this country – we have certain

obligations to fulfill “as a citizen”. . . 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

 . . . As Christians – we also have certain obligations that God expects us to fulfill . . .

Matt 22: 37  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

 38 This is the first and great commandment.

 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

if we live in violation of the law of the land and if we neglect our obligations as a citizen –

then we commit a sin . . . to owe no man does not refer to staying out of debt . . . to owe no man refers to how God expects us not to

forget about our obligations as citizens of the country of our birth – as well as our obligations as Christians as citizens of heaven.

. . . the laws of the land are intended to maintain peace and order in our society . . . and if we seek to destroy this peace and order – then we are putting the lives of those whom we are obligated to love – into harm’s way . . .

And if we forget our obligations as Christians (or as citizens of heaven) then we put the souls of those for whom Christ died in danger – as we

become guilty of hiding the gospel from a lost and a dying world.