Why Do I Believe in Jesus - From the Pulpit (6/28/09)

[LT]

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Why I Believe in Jesus (6/28/09)

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Title: Why Do I Believe in Jesus?
Scripture: Matthew 16:1-4
Date: June 28, 2009

I. The Test
..A. The Pharisees and Sadducees were not seeking proof from Jesus.
....1. They were not looking for evidence to support who Jesus claimed to be.
....2. They sought information to use against Him.
......a. To this point they have not been able to make one accusation stick.
......b. At Jesus’ trial they sent people in to lie and still failed to make an accusation stick.
......c. Their final judgment against Jesus was when He stated the truth, the truth that they rejected.
.......1) Matthew 26:63-66
..B. They sought to put Jesus to the test.
....1. Key Word: Testing
......a. Greek word – Peirazo
.......1) Meaning: To tempt, test, try to trap, and try to attempt.
......b. Matthew 4:1-3 gives us a better understanding regarding this word “testing.”
.......1) Peirazo can relate to a method or purpose
........2) Peirazo can mean a being.

II. Jesus’ response
..A. Let’s ponder something first:
....1. Did Jesus or Father God give any signs prior to this event recorded in Scripture?
......a. O.T. Prophets
........1) Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; Isa. 9:6-7; Micah 5:2
......b. At Jesus’ baptism the Father proclaimed Him to be His Son and Spirit of God descended like a dove from heaven and lighted on Him. Mat. 3:16-17
......c. The many miracles: Casting out demons, healing the sick, and raising the dead to name a few.
..B. Jesus responded by stating that no sign (further sign) shall be given, except the sign of Jonah.
....1. The sign of Jonah:
......a. Three days and three nights in the belly of a fish.
........1) People responded to His message.
........2) They responded from the lowest to the king.
........3) They repented and fasted with ash and sackcloth.
..........a) Mat. 12:40-41; Book of Jonah
......b. It is believed that the people of Nineveh heard of Jonah’s journey.
........1) Thus, they believed that God had brought this man out of death to life to teach them the truth.
....2. Jesus’ parallel.
......a. Three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
......b. Dead, yet raised to life.
......c. Jesus in life was rejected by the majority and after His resurrection that has not changed.
........1) The Jews, most of them, failed to recognize the coming of the Messiah.

III. Why not give a sign?
..A. Signs alone will not convince anyone.
....1. Many today believe that if God would only do such-and-such they would believe.
......a. That simply is not true.
......b. Belief in Jesus that leads to salvation is much more than evidence that there is a Creator and requires more than simple knowledge.
........1) Salvation requires conviction and repentance that is wrought about by the Holy Spirit.
....2. The account of “The rich man and Lazarus.” Lk. 16:19-31
......a. The rich man’s request – vv.27-28
......b. Abraham’s response – v.29
......c. The rich man’s logic – v.30
......d. Abraham’s conclusion – v.31
..B. The fact that the leaders had to ask for another sign reveals something about them.
....1. They do not believe the Word of God – Scripture.
....2. They do not believe in the power of God – signs.
....3. They do not believe Jesus – His actions and words.
..C. Look at the cross.
....1. Mark 15:29-32
......a. They proclaimed that if Jesus came down from the cross they would believe.
......b. Why not believe if He comes out of the grave?
.......1) Which is easier?
..........a) Read Mat. 9:5-8
............1. This is an example for us.
............2. Jesus resurrection is evidence of His ability to forgive sins.
..D. The Bible warns us about people like the Pharisees and Sadducees..
....1. Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5
......a. People will be lovers of themselves.
......b. Lovers of money
......c. Boastful.
......d. Proud.
......e. Abusive.
......f. Disobedient to parents.
.....g. Ungrateful.
.....h. Unholy.
.....i. Without love.
.....j. Unforgiving.
.....k. Slanderous.
.....l. Without self-control
.....m. Brutal
.....n. Not lovers of good.
.....o. Treacherous.
.....p. Rash.
.....q. Conceited.
.....r. Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
.....s. Having a form of godliness but denying its power.
....2. Most of the items listed fit the Pharisees and Sadducees that crucified Jesus.

IV. Conclusion
..A. Self-examination:
....1. 2 Cor. 13:5-6
......a. This test is not how well you are living according to code.
......b. Have you been converted? Is the Holy Spirit truly living in you?
........1) Not, have you said a prayer and bought into some teaching.
........2) Has God changed you?

Lord Bless,
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