TRUTH YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE A CHOICE TO BELIEVE
BELIEVE SERIES
Believe: There is more to life than just here and now. This LIFE is not all there is!
“… God has… planted eternity in the human heart…” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)
“… When this tent we live in—our body here on earth—is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 (GNT; TEV)
While life on earth offers many choices, eternity offers only two: Heaven or Hell
When you live in light of eternity, your VALUES change.
Paul: “I once thought [all] these things were [so very important], but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.” Philippians 3:7 (NLT)
“… No mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (TLB)
Jesus: “… Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Matthew 25:34 (NIV)
“[God’s] plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally.” Psalms 33:11 (GNT; TEV)
“… This world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.” Hebrews 13:14 (TLB)
“… Realizing that every moment we spend in these earthly bodies is time spent away from our eternal home in heaven with Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 5:6 (TLB)
Believe — “This world is fading away, along with everything [it] craves. But [if you do the will of] God you will live forever.” 1 John 2:17 (NLT)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE?
The way YOU SEE your life SHAPES your life.
“Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God…” Romans 12:2 (GNT; TEV)
The Bible offers metaphors that teach us God’s view of life:
LIFE IS LIKE A WITHERING GRASS
“The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” Psalms 103:15-16 (NIV)
LIFE IS LIKE A VAPOR
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14 (NIV)
LIFE IS A TEST
“We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13-16 (TPT)
The good news is that God wants you to PASS the tests of life,
“God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (GNT; TEV)
“Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (GW)
LIFE IS A TRUST
“The world and all that is in it belong to the LORD; the earth and all who live on it are his.” Psalms 24:1 (GNT; TEV)
“[God] blessed them, and said, ‘Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge…’” Genesis 1:28 (GNT; TEV)
“What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though [you have accomplished something on your own?]” 1 Corinthians 4:7b (NLT)
“… Those who are trusted with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NCV)
“… Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” Matthew 25:23 (NIV); Luke 16:11 (NLT); Luke 12:48b (NIV)