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Mark 9:24, “Lord, I believe . . . “

I enjoy reading about the Civil War.  After reading about half of Gettysburg written by Newt Gingrich, I went across the hall (I was teaching then) to my friend, D. C. Adkisson and said something about this book is not correct.  Gingrich is supposed to be a historian and this book is supposed to be historical fiction.  But he has the South winning at the battle of Gettysburg.  He asked a simple question, “Are you sure its not a ‘what if’ book?”  I had not heard of this style of writing, but that was exactly what it was.  The book was written as if the battle had been won by the South and not the North.

Well I have been thinking about that type of writing lately. What if . . .

Jesus had never been born?

Jesus was just another prophet as many have said?

Jesus had decided He was not going to hang on a cross?

the disciples had really stolen His body and there was no resurrection?

the Bible is just an old book that has no meaning?

What if . . . ? 

What if . . . ?

What if . . . ? 

Then for Believers there is no hope.  We become a sorry people who believe in things that will never happen; our hopes for eternity in heaven would be based on a false premise.  That’s why our faith in God’s Word as truth must shine forth in this world that has such fear and has believed the lies of “what if”.  We must stand boldly upon the Word of God as Truth and Hope for today and tomorrow no matter what we face.

I remember as a kid memorizing the Apostle’s Creed in Sunday School. I read it again in a devotional a few weeks ago.  It is a great affirmation for Believers to read, recite, and remember.

“I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic [universal] church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.”

“Lord, I believe . . . “

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