True Faith in Christ!

By

 


True Faith in Christ

Scripture: Romans 4:20–21, Hebrews 11:6

“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” 

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

Abraham was a man who had true faith in God. True faith includes belief, conviction, dependence in the right object or person, and follow through with action consistent with the conviction.

James said, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17)

Intellectual belief alone is not true faith. Faith in Christ and in what he has done on the cross includes conviction and dependence in him alone, which ultimately produces works through the believer.

Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24)

As the crucified life begins to work in the heart of the believer, the life of Christ begins to take control, enabling the believer to live for the will of God rather than his own will. The self-life dies, and the Christ life begins to flourish in the heart of the believer.

Regarding the Word of God, Jeremiah said: “But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” (Jeremiah 20:9)

The Word became such a power in his life that he had to proclaim it. Jesus Christ wants us to be vessels for the continuance of his ministry in this world. He wants to live his life through us as Christians.

The works of the Spirit in the life of the believer are a natural outcome of Christ living in the heart of the believer. The Spirit will reveal and produce the works that God has already planned for the believer to do as he submits himself to the will of God. The works are a natural outgrowth of faith placed in the person of Jesus Christ.

What will a seed of corn or wheat produce if it is planted in the right kind of soil? Look at the application we find from the words of Jesus, “All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.” (Mark 4:28)

Faith placed in the person of Jesus Christ will produce works, just as the seed of corn planted in the ground will through the process of growth produce first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. So true faith placed in Christ, not self, will produce works.

Today, ask yourself:

  1. Am I fully persuaded that God can do what he has promised?
  2. Do I believe he will reward me if I diligently seek him?
  3. Am I willing to die to self, so Jesus Christ can live his life through me?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stay in Balance!

By
Image
  Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:31 Stay in Balance Everywhere Jesus went, He was healing people, teaching in the synagogues, pouring Himself into His disciples. People made constant demands on His time and energies. Imagine how He felt. As the Son of God, He had this incredible power, anointing, wisdom, so much to offer. Yet at times, when He was exhausted, He would go away from the crowds and get alone so He could be refreshed. Despite the pressing needs around Him, Jesus knew that He had to take care of His temple.  If the Son of God had to be alone and rest, if He couldn’t meet all the demands of the people around Him, why do we think we can go all the time and be everything for everyone? No matter how anointed, strong, smart, or gifted you are, you get depleted. Despite all the needs around you, you have to
Read more

Give Cheerfully!

By
Image
        Give Cheerfully “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  (2 Corinthians 9:7) When giving is done with the right attitude, it can be a gateway for God to move in significant ways in our lives. It is important to remember that it is not the amount we give that matters so much as it is the attitude that characterizes our giving. God loves it when we give out of a cheerful and grateful heart. God’s loving of a cheerful giver results in God taking action in our lives. Scripture states unequivocally that God will make all spiritual and earthly blessing abound to us so we can multiply our efforts for the kingdom. This is why I believe giving provides a major gateway for God to work in our lives, we can expect God to visit us. Jesus will fellowship with the cheerful giver, and the Holy Spirit will impart life to out mortal bodies. When we weave a pattern of giving into our lives, we can
Read more

Don’t Water it Down!

By
Image
  And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature… (2 Peter 1:4) Don’t Water it Down All of us have dreams we’re believing for, but too often we get discouraged and quit believing for the fullness of what’s in our heart. It’s easy to water down what God promised us. “I don’t like this job, but it’s good enough.” “I was believing for a house, but this apartment is okay.” “I was hoping to get well, but I’ve learned to live with this sickness.” If you’re going to become all you were created to be, you have to keep a fire in your spirit that says, “I refuse to settle for less than what God promised.” You’re not going to be talked out of it, you’re not going to water it down, and you’re not going to let good enough be good enough. It may be more difficult and taking longer than you thought, but what God promised you is still on the way—not a watered-down version, not a make-do promotion,
Read more