A belief does not stand alone. Our beliefs all work together to create systems of beliefs. These systems create our political ideology, social philosophy and theology. However, some beliefs have more impact than others. What we believe about Jesus has the greatest possible impact upon our lives. However, our belief in Jesus cannot, and does not, stand in isolation from our other belief systems. It should, and if we are going to be righteous, it must, effect all of our important belief systems. What we believe about Jesus will affect our political ideology, our social philosophy and it will shape our theology.

When we do not know Jesus, it is easy to look at a world full of hate and injustice and believe that God does not care. That changes when we recognize that God so loved the world he gave his only son. People who believe Jesus is the son of God will find themselves believing that God is love.

When we come to belief in Jesus, we also come to the recognition that before we knew Him we were perishing. The world was killing the light of hope within us and it was slowly, but surely, crushing our ability to be creative and loving. Sin is destructive, and when we recognize Jesus as our Savior, we recognize the deadliness and destructiveness of sin. Belief lets loose the power of prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives; where once we were perishing we are now living. That new life within is not a temporary spark that soon burns out, but it is rather a small flicker that flares into a flame that shines for eternity.

Before we meet Jesus, our sins, both our failures and our deliberate wrong acts, condemn us. Jesus, who is creator of the universe, has a right to condemn all mankind, but instead, because of love, He offers forgiveness to all mankind. Our belief in Jesus leads us from darkness and death into light and life.