Believe If only they can get us to watch that video, hear the testimonies, and believe their spiel, they can gain value from us. Especially when we submit our contact info, they have used our belief to gain access to our identity. Once an action has been taken to acquire what they dangle, the connection they're really after has begun. This is what advertising is all about, using persuasion to secure a relationship that will lead to a financial commitment. A one-time transaction would be great, but they’re really after an ongoing, unending link that will continue paying off indefinitely. Obtaining this belief-acquired bond is most necessary for any benefit. Converting a spectator to a believing participant is the desired goal. Though God can put on quite an impressive demonstration, He’s really after an indefinite heart connection. Until there is belief in Him that goes past His ability to His identity, there can be no lasting effect. The benefit He desires is one that comes from an endless walk that converts an impression of what He can do into belief in who He is. It’s the worship beyond the show of His glory that is His completed work. Jesus’ passion in all of His miracles and healings was for belief in eternal transformation, not just temporal gratification. He is able to do anything, but all things are possible to those who believe beyond His ability to His identity. He’s after the long-term subscription with eternal blessings and benefits. Belief in Him and not just about Him will sustain through any trying times with unfailing gratification and promised blessing. Notes Our whole existence as followers of Jesus is dependent upon believing in Him. If this is the basis for everything else, then everything else will be challenged through belief. All things are possible with belief? Mark 9:23 (NKJV) 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Critical – what is believed – Ability vs Identity Ability belief yields a fickle spectator; Identity belief yields a participant. Jesus’ works were a greater testimony than what John said of Him John 5:36 (NKJV) 36 But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. Believing works does not equal believing in Him John 10:25-26 (NKJV) 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. Belief in His Word not necessarily in Him John 4:47-50 (NKJV) 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” 49 The nobleman said to Him, "Sir, come down before my child dies!" 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. Belief IN transforms everything as it follows Him John 4:53 (NKJV) 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. Belief in works can produce an action without producing the works John 6:2 (NKJV) 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. Producing works requires believing IN John 6:28-29 28 They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” 29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” His work within is the belief in Him - John 6:53 (NKJV) 53 Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Those who believe in what He can do vs believe IN Him John 6:66-67 (NKJV) 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” In the testimony of His works there can become belief in His identity John 10:37-38 (NKJV) 37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him." Belief in Him is belief in who He is within Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. The revelation of God’s glory – not outward, but inside. Colossians 1:27-28 (NLT) 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. 28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. Belief in identity is obvious 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. John 14:12 (NKJV) 12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. Overview: All things are possible to those who believe. Knowing what to believe is critical. Believing in ability produces a fickle spectator/Believing in identity produces a lifelong participant. Believing in ability can be popular while believing in identity loses many. From works can come transformation to identity when His glory is discovered. Belief in will transform everything, not just a circumstance. Belief in Him will be obvious in appearance and performance. Prayer: Father, fill me with belief in Your ability that takes me to a revelation of who You are in me. Reveal Your glory in and through every part of my life as my heart follows only after You. Declarations: All things are possible to me because I believe. My belief in God’s works is greatest for that work of His life in me. I am no longer just a spectating believer but have become a participant in the identity of Christ within. My hope is great for the glory of God within, producing those same works that will draw others to believe in Him and not just His ability.