Summary
The speaker discusses the rarity of hearing the word from the Lord today, attributing part of it to believers' laziness in studying scripture. He focuses on three misunderstood words—believe, worship, and church—using the first occurrences in scripture to define them. He details the meaning of 'believe' using Abraham's response of 'Amen' in Genesis 15, emphasizing that true faith requires not only belief but also patience to wait for God's promises to be fulfilled.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean to believe in God?The first time the word believe appears in Scripture is in Genesis 15, when God tells Abraham his descendants will be like the stars.Genesis 15:1
Abraham's response of AmenAbraham responded with amen, meaning he completely agreed and believed that God would do exactly what He promised without questioning.
Faith coupled with patienceHebrews 6 teaches that we must imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises of God, recognizing that His promises operate on a divine timeframe.Hebrews 6:12
Faith does not shut its eyes to realityRomans 4 explains that Abraham considered his own body as good as dead and Sarah's womb dead, yet he did not waver in unbelief because he was fully assured God was able to perform what He promised.
Promises for today versus the futureWhile physical restoration awaits Christ's return, the promise that sin shall not have dominion over us is a present reality we can claim right now by faith.
The first mention of worship in GenesisThe word worship first appears when Abraham is asked to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac on Mount Moriah after a three-day journey of careful thought.
Worship is not just a praise meetingMany Christians confuse Sunday morning praise and thanksgiving with worship, but biblical worship is something deeply personal done all alone between a person and God.
Worshiping in spirit and in truthJesus told the woman at the Samaria well that the Father is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth rather than relying on outward rituals.
How to actually worship GodA true worshiper is someone who makes a list of everything most precious to them on earth—such as career, family, or reputation—and sacrifices them to God, declaring He is everything.
Jesus builds His churchThe word church is first used in Matthew 16 when Jesus declares He will build His church upon the rock of Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
The mark of the true churchJesus promised that the gates of Hades will not overpower the church He builds, protecting it from internal strife, jealousy, competition, and the forces of spiritual death.
An invitation to be built togetherWhile many sit on the outer edges without truly yielding, God gathers believers together to be built into His spiritual body so that His blessing extends to future generations.
