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We live in a society that is permeated with the idea that all a person
needs to do is to "believe." It doesn't even matter what he
believes - and it doesn't even matter if it is rational - as long
as it is "faith."
Scripture teaches us that we need much more than this. Not only
must we have a faith (or trust) that is based firmly on the Word of God
- a reasonable faith that is based on historical fact (Acts
26:25b) - but we must have a faith that "translates" itself into action.
Otherwise, it is useless, dead, sterile, worthless - and we are then no
better off than the demons, who also believe the Bible -
compare to James 2:14-26.
A living faith will grow; it will develop into maturity; it will
result in the "fruit of salvation." It can be no other way, for God has
guaranteed that it will happen that way. This is the purpose for which
he saves us, and he himself will see to it that his purpose is
accomplished - Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:10; etc.
On the other hand, there is the "human
responsibility" aspect - and this is the primary focus of this section.
If you are truly saved, you will exert the effort necessary for growth
- or God, in love, will discipline you until you do (Proverbs
3:11-12).
You may ask, "What about all my friends who say they are
Christians, even though they don't live like it?" You might not like the
answer, but Scripture is quite clear about how genuine their "salvation"
really is. You can choose to ignore what the Bible says, because you
don't like the implications. But the Word stands firm in
its message, and choosing to ignore it does not cause it to change into
something more pleasant.
One last thing: Not only must we grow in our
salvation, but we must let the Bible define what that growth is. Scripture
contains many warnings about counterfeits for genuine spiritual growth.
What If My Life Does Not
Match the Bible's Description of a "Disciple"? |
This is a serious issue. However, it doesn't mean we
are to give-up in despair. If we are growing - even if we are a long way
from the "perfection" we desire - we have hope. If not,
then (if we're honest) we know what we need to do. |
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Our Weakness... God's Strength |
We need to trust God for the strength to grow. On
our own, we are too weak to do so. More than that, our very weakness
(when rightly understood) makes it possible for God to display his
strength! This outline looks at some of the verses that focus on these
issues. Questions at the end provide an opportunity for you to evaluate
yourself. |
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The New Testament Concept of Fruit |
A genuine disciple of Jesus will have the
"fruit of salvation." This is because genuine salvation causes
fruit. This outline presents what the New Testament says about this
issue. It lists the verses, arranged by topic - but you need to
examine the verses for yourself, if you really want to know
what God says on this matter. (The outline is intended only as a
help, not as a substitute, for your own study.)
[Note that the Bible, not people, defines what this "fruit"
is.] |
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What Path Are You Taking? |
A look at some verses in the book of Proverbs, with a
focus on the "path" or "way" we should live. You
are encouraged to let the book of Proverbs influence your day-to-day
living. After all, it is one of the "wisdom" books of the
Old Testament! |
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Accomplishing Things For God |
Actually, this is a word study entitled "To
Work-out, to Accomplish Something,"
based on the New Testament Greek word "katergazomai." But
accomplishing things for God is the end-result, not the starting point, of
this study. Because of what sin accomplished in us (in the
past), we are unable to accomplish what pleases God, until he
first accomplishes salvation in us... and only then can we
accomplish anything good for God! |
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Concerning Spirituality...
and Spiritual Laziness |
If you truly want to be a follower of Jesus,
it will take some effort on your part. There is a big
difference between merely talking about spiritual growth, and doing
something about it! Those who are willing to do something about
it are enabled by God to do so; the others will never get anywhere.
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How to Oppose Christ and Still Call Yourself a
"Christian" |
This is a warning. It is easy to let "good"
things overshadow "godly" things. When this happens, we are in danger of
accomplishing the opposite of what we think we are doing. Instead of
exalting Christ, we could be in danger of opposing him. |
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How to Dishonor God - "The Easy Way" |
What we don't do is just as important as
what we do. By simply ignoring God, we can dishonor him as
much as when we actively choose to sin - especially if we claim to be his
followers. |
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Don't You Realize? (An Appeal for the "Lukewarm"
to Change Their Ways) |
Some comments about what the world offers, vs.
what Jesus offers. |
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Commentary about the Lukewarm
Church at Laodicea
(Revelation 3:14-22) |
Sometimes almost entire churches are so self-absorbed,
that they think they are something special, even though Jesus claims he is
not even among them! This passage shows us the impossibility of being spiritually
lukewarm and disciples (followers) of Jesus at the same time.
Regretfully, this is a commentary on many so-called "Bible-believing"
churches today. [This link takes you to the last in a series of articles
on Revelation 1-3. The PDF edition can be obtained by way of the "title
page" link, at the top of the article.] |
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The Bible says...
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.
The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the
truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in
him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
(1 John 2:3-6)
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