BELIEVE IT OR NOT
Pastor Bill Young
bill@trc.life

The importance of true BELIEVING …

I. Three examples of (warnings against)

.

1 . Jesus appears in the

(Mary Magdalene).

Mark 16:9-11 (NIV84) When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

a) Sometimes Jesus sends faithful

to remind us.

Q: Has God sent faithful believers to 

  

    
       
       Reveal Answer
    
  

 you of truth? Listen?

2 . Jesus appears on road to

(Two Disciples).

Mark 16:12-13 (NIV84) Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.

a) Sometimes Jesus shows up in ways we don’t

.

Q: Will you believe what God says when things don’t make 

  

    
       
       Reveal Answer
    
  

?

3 . Jesus appears in the

Room (The Eleven).

Mark 16:14 (NIV84) Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

a) Sometimes Jesus

us of what he has already done.
- To Thomas: “Stop doubting and believe!” (John 20:27b)

b) Remember what God has

.
Psalm 78:9-11 NIV84 The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned back on the day of battle; 10 they did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by his law. 11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them.

Q: Will You

Jesus and His Word?

II. Three evidences of (encouragements to) true

.

A. Outward Expression (Baptism).

Mark 16:15 (NIV84) He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

a) Baptism is a

to salvation!

Q: Have you been

? (If not, why not?)

2 . Changed Lives (Sign Gifts).

Mark 16:17-18 (NIV84) And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

a) A changed life is

of salvation.
“Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues?” (1 Cor 12:29-30)

Your life should change inwardly & bear good fruit outwardly.

Q: Can others see any 

  

    
       
       Reveal Answer
    
  

 of your faith?

3 . Action taken (On Mission).

Mark 16:19-20 (NIV84) After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

a) Being on

is a byproduct of salvation.

 Q: What practical 

  

    
       
       Reveal Answer
    
  

 can you take this week to live out your beliefs? 

Discussion Questions
1. Name something you personally have trouble believing or trusting God for. Why is it difficult for you?
2. Have you ever been baptized? If yes, was it before or after you became a Christian? If not, why not?
3. Describe one or two real-life differences Christ has made in your life. Have other people noticed these differences/changes?
4. Read these verses out loud: Psalm 78:9-12 and Psalm 77:11.
According to these verses, why did the Israelites doubt God and His Word? What practical steps can you take this week to live out your beliefs?