Sermon Notes: “Do You Really Believe This Doctrine?”

Pastor Jeff Kern

1. Key Sermon Theme:

The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their belief in the doctrines they profess, particularly in the transformative power of the Gospel. It uses historical references, particularly Joshua V. Himes and the early Adventist movement, to ask if we truly live according to our beliefs.

2. Scripture References:

• 1 Thessalonians 1:5
  “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.”
• Philippians 4:5
  “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”
• Philippians 3:13-14
  “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

3. Sermon Highlights:

• Historical Background of Joshua V. Himes: Himes’ journey from radical reform movements to his alliance with William Miller in promoting the Adventist message. His pivotal question to Miller, “Do you really believe this doctrine?,” sparks the core reflection of the sermon.
• Transformation Through Belief: The doctrine must not only inform the mind but change the heart. It’s not about intellectual assent but about a life-altering conviction that leads to action.
• The Power of the Gospel: As seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, the Gospel is transformative, moving beyond words to change lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• The Urgency of the Doctrine: Himes and the early Adventist pioneers lived with an urgency, believing the second coming of Christ was imminent. That sense of urgency should influence how we live and prioritize our lives today.

Reflections and Application:

4. Our Message:

• Question: What does it mean to truly believe in the doctrines of the Bible?
• Reflect on your understanding of faith. Is it merely intellectual, or does it impact how you live, think, and make decisions? The Gospel message, like in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, should come with power and conviction.

5. Our Conduct:

• Question: Does your belief in the Gospel influence your daily actions?
• Consider how your behavior reflects your faith. Are you living with the expectation that Christ could return at any moment, as Philippians 4:5 encourages? How does that impact your priorities, decisions, and the way you interact with others?

6. Practical Application:

• Question: How can you let the doctrine of Christ transform you further?
• Transformation is ongoing. Are there areas in your life where your faith hasn’t yet fully penetrated? Think about how belief in the second coming, or the hope in Christ’s promises, can renew your daily perspective. Like Himes, are you ready to commit fully to living out the doctrine you profess?

7. Personal Commitment:

• Question: Are you dependent on Christ, or are you relying on your own strength?
• Paul, in Philippians 3:13-14, acknowledges that he has not yet “arrived,” but he presses on toward the goal. Reflect on whether you are trusting in Christ’s sufficiency or whether self-reliance is creeping in. Are you, as Ellen White warned, too focused on your own inadequacies or past failures, or are you looking to the worthiness of Christ?

Prayer Points:

• For Transformational Faith:
  Ask God to help you live a faith that not only knows doctrine but is transformed by it—heart, mind, and actions.
• For Urgency and Focus:
  Pray for a renewed sense of urgency, recognizing that “the Lord is at hand.” Ask God to help you live with a focus on eternal priorities, not temporary distractions.
• For Humility and Dependence on Christ:
  Request God’s help in staying humble, relying on His righteousness, not your own. Seek the grace to look away from self and cling to Christ for strength and direction.