In this episode of Seeking with Shari, “Secret Believer,” Shari discusses three types of secret believers and encourages everyone to embrace their faith and let their light shine publicly. She explores the distinctions between imagining a God that conforms to personal desires, being open to knowing the true God, and knowing the truth while hiding one’s faith due to fear or waiting for a “safe” time.
Through her message and these powerful scriptures, she reminds us of the importance of seeking accurate understanding, repenting from misconceptions, and openly living out one’s faith:
- Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”. Shari highlights the danger of creating a “personal God” that you can manipulate to your wishes, urging listeners not to trust their own understanding.
- Acts 17 – This chapter describes the Apostle Paul’s visit to Athens, where he encountered altars to “an unknown God.” He acknowledged their interest in religion and then introduced them to God, our Creator, calling them to repent of idol worship and teaching them about Jesus’ resurrection as proof of God’s power.
- Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl; instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. This scripture reinforces the call not to hide one’s faith.
- Luke 8:16 – “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light”. This verse parallels Matthew 5, emphasizing the purpose of a believer’s light.
- Matthew 4:17 – “From that time on, Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near'”. Shari notes the need to repent of previous misconceptions and false ideas once the truth is understood.
- Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”. This scripture emphasizes the outcome of genuine repentance.
Videos:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ATR5-4JxE_o
Rumle: https://rumble.com/v6wcfyk-secret-believer.html
If you’re grappling with your faith or considering how to share it more openly, this episode is for you. Tune in for encouragement, inspiration, and a powerful reminder that we are not meant to keep our love for God a secret; it’s made to shine brightly.