Sermon by Sanjay
Few examples that I quote below from the Bible will help us understand the difference between faith and belief.
1. Sarah and Abraham Laugh at God’s Promise
Abraham and his wife Sarah are two of the most important figures in the Old Testament. Both followed God faithfully through a lifetime of challenges and trials. But they couldn’t quite bring themselves to believe one promise God made to them: that they would give birth to a son in their old age. In fact, they both laughed at the prospect. Once their son Isaac was born, however, Abraham’s trust in God had grown so great that he was willing even to sacrifice that promised son if God asked. (Genesis 17:17-22 & Genesis 18: 10-15)
2. Gideon doubts God could use him to lead Israelites to Victory
Could God use one man to turn the tide against Israel’s oppressors? Perhaps, but Gideon doubted that God could use him to do it. He tested God twice (challenging God to provide proof of his reliability through a series of miracles) before he would believe. God assured him with supernatural signs —and through Gideon, God lead the Israelites to victory against Midianite army despite a vast numerical disadvantage (Judges 6:36 – 40)
3. Thomas Doubts the Resurrection of Jesus
One of Jesus’ own disciples—someone who had perhaps spent years witnessing miracles, traveling with Christ, and learning at Jesus’ feet—famously doubted that his master had been raised from the dead. Note that an entire week went by before he saw Jesus—plenty of time for questions and doubt to gnaw at his mind. But when Thomas finally saw the risen Christ, his doubt fled. (John 20:24-29)
2 people who showed faith and belief in Jesus which changed their life
1. The sick women who suffered with the issue of bleeding for 12 years. Though she had been to the best of doctors and had given up all hopes, she believed that Jesus could change her situation. Her belief was so strong that she chose to be dragged in a crowd just to get the touch of the hem of his garment and she was completely healed by her faith. (Luke 8:40-48)
2. One of the criminals who was crucified with Jesus.
He knew nothing about Jesus except that he was crucified along with him, but still he believed in Jesus in those last few moments of his life. His faith saved him from eternal hell. (Luke 23:39-43).
Let us all learn to believe God just as this sick woman and the criminal had in Jesus though they just had a glance of Him in their lives.
