State of Belief
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The document discusses the core Christian belief that Jesus is the Son of God, died and was resurrected, and will return one day. It also discusses how belief can be tested by external situations and personal circumstances. Additionally, it examines how Peter assumed a leadership role among Jesus' followers after His resurrection, as Jesus had instructed Peter to feed His sheep and take the lead. Dynamic leadership was important for spreading the gospel and ensuring believers' faith would not be severely challenged without guidance and action.
State of Belief
- 1. Our belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He is risen and seated at the right hand of God and that He will return one day for us is the core belief of our faith. State of Belief 1 of 13
- 2. Constantly being tested by: 1.External Situations: a. The economy b. War or Peace c. Technology & Culture 2.Our personal circumstances including: a. Health, physical and mental b. Finance c. Relationships State of Belief 2 of 13
- 3. What then strengthens our belief? What conditions are required to provide feed and to ensure Growth? Let us have a look at some of the issues surrounding the triumphant departure of Jesus Christ from Earth State of Belief 3 of 13
- 4. We have commented on the authors of the four (4) gospels and how John’s gospel is more descriptive, explaining a variety of issues, not least of all why the appearance of Lazarus was so important State of Belief 4 of 13
- 5. Even more important was John’s 2 chapters on the resurrection of Christ •Matthew, Mark and Luke only 1 chapter •Matthew and Mark almost identical •Luke more detailed with quotes from Christ •John’s analysis over 2 chapters is even more extensive State of Belief 5 of 13
- 6. The first chapter of Acts is also devoted to the resurrection of Jesus. •Many agree that Luke wrote Acts after the death of Paul in Rome •V4 - Jesus commands His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. •V15 – His followers are numbered as 120. Peter clearly takes lead of the pack. •V26 – Matthias replaces Judas as a disciple State of Belief 6 of 13
- 7. Why would Peter assume leadership of these followers? In John 21, the disciple who Jesus loved provides the evidence. • V12-17 Jesus imposes it on Peter to feed His sheep – 3 times •V20-21 – Peter is concerned about John’s role and is set straight by Christ. •It is clear at this point in time that Judas’ betrayal was still unknown State of Belief 7 of 13
- 8. Why would Peter assume leadership of these followers? In Acts 1:16-20 Peter now asserts himself stating what Judas had done, his fate and that of the priest who authorised the use of the money Judas had returned (see Matthew 27:3-10) State of Belief 8 of 13
- 9. Why would Peter assume leadership of these followers? Acts 2:14-36 - Peter speaks on behalf of all who have received the promised baptism of the Holy Spirit Acts 38-40 – Peter issues instructions Thereafter Peter and John work together to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. State of Belief 9 of 13
- 10. Some question must be buzzing about this as we examine Church Leadership today. 1.Would the Gospel of Christ have spread were it not for Peter taking up the role Jesus instructed him to take? 2.What about the responsibility of John in allowing Peter to lead? 3.Were Believers inspired to ACT? State of Belief 10 of 13
- 11. We started by agreeing what our core belief is and identifying tests which impact on our belief. It is also clear that without dynamic leadership, this too will affect our state of belief. Jesus spoke about feeding His sheep knowing full well that this was a critical part of Peter’s role State of Belief 11 of 13
- 12. Some core attributes required. Leaders must be prepared to: 1. Plan, guide and put into action what God has instructed them to do. (Fulltime) 2. Boldly speak on behalf of believers when challenged. 3.Sacrifice their time, freedom and even their life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ 4.Work in partnership with others, combining talents for the Gospel of Jesus Christ State of Belief 12 of 13
- 13. Finally, it should be clear that without dynamic leadership, our belief system will be severely challenged. It is for this very reason that we have church as instructed by Christ - Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. State of Belief 13 of 13