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Daily Faith and the Christian: Three Reasons to Stand in Faith

Posted by Roderick on October 3, 2011
Posted in: Bible Study, Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 comment

Image by MSO Clipart

Everything created has a beginning and an end. We expect things at some point in time to stop. However, as Christians, there is something that we cannot ever stop doing; that is, we cannot stop believing in our God. Foundational to the Christian life is the ability to have faith; that is, believe. Without a belief in the work of God through Jesus Christ, one cannot enter into salvation. Moreover, the obtained salvation cannot be maintained without an ever growing faith, hope, and belief in God.

Our belief in God has to go beyond a general belief in His existence. It has to expand to a solid belief in His power and ability to move on our behalf. Why do Christians stop believing that God is willing to move on their behalf? Even after He has done so many things apparently, it can still be difficult to trust Him. Many are double-minded: they swing between believing and not believing. Yet, it is time now to strengthen our faith in Christ again. We have to have a daily, active faith in our Christian walk.

Christians may not wrestle with belief in His existence, but they do wrestle with belief in His willingness to intervene in their life affairs. In this state, spiritual development is frustrated. This type of erroneous thinking frustrates many. Causes for this thinking vary from individual to individual. Some do not believe because they do not think they deserve anything from God. Others feel that they have done so much wrong that God could not possibly hear their requests. Yet, others feel that if they are not a “called” person then God is not concerned about them. All of these thoughts are inconsistent with sound biblical doctrine. Here are 3 reasons why a Christian must not stop believing in God (through prayers) who will walk with them daily:

1. We are instructed to pray. Jesus taught on numerous occasions concerning prayer. He said that we are to always pray and not faint. The parable He used demonstrated that even though we may have to pray about a situation more than once, it does not mean we will not get our request. We should come to Him in prayer, again, because He said so. He gives an open invitation. Why not receive it?

2. We are instructed to pray in expectation. He told us to ask in faith, believing we will receive from Him. Though there are times when our requests are rejected (for our benefit nonetheless), we can never stop believing that He will give us what we have asked for. He said that everyone that asks will receive. Jesus said that if our earthly fathers knew how to give good things, how much more our heavenly Father. If you are bold enough to make the supplication, He is God enough to perform it.

3. We are instructed to pray so that God would receive glory. When we pray and God answers accordingly, He receives glory. How? We bring glory to His name personally and as tell others of His good works towards us. God receives no glory in unanswered prayers. Trust that He will do it for you. Develop your times of prayer before Christ. Do not doubt His presence and power to perform your requests. If it is not in His will, He will give you peace in the midst of it. Remember, never accept defeat in faith: Don’t Stop Believing.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful.

Morality According to Christ: The Truth About Holiness

Posted by Roderick on September 26, 2011
Posted in: Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 comment

Image by MSO Clipart

Well, the verdict is in! God is still holy and expects those that draw nigh unto Him by faith in Christ to be holy. I know, I know: individuals throughout the ages have placed different stances on the holiness and what it means to be holy. However, one thing is established, God is holy. Holiness can be defined as morality according to Christ. Both Testaments affirm that God is Holy. Also, both Testaments agree that there is a requirement on those who serve Him to be holy; that is, demonstrated His definition of morality as revealed in the scriptures. In this post, we want to briefly examine three reasons for holiness in the Christian life.  Let’s get to it.

1) God EXPECTS those that come to Him to be holy. Jesus Christ freed men from the law, but not from living morally upright before God. As Peter wrote to the believers, he reminded them of God’s command to His people.

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)

Remember, God sets the parameters of holiness. It is not defined by what we are comfortable with or what we agree with. He identifies Himself as holy. This clearly demonstrates that our actions should reflect who He is.

2) One has to be holy to ESCAPE the coming judgment. Understand, faith in Christ is what saves men from their sin. However, after coming to Him, we still must live a life theat clearly reflects the faith and our relationship with Him.

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness…? 2 Peter 3:11 (KJV)

3) The Christian who is holy serves as an EXAMPLE of the faith. The Christian’s lifestyle of holiness is a visible manifestation of the work of Christ. Paul reveals this in his exhortation to Timothy,

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.1 Tim 4:12 (KJV)

Christ died for man’s forgiveness and freedom from sins. When others see a changed life, they come face-to-face with the power of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Well there you have it! Holiness is not a religion or belief system, it is the defining quality of God that is to be reflected in His people. Until next time, continue in Him whose eyes are upon those who wait for Him.

The Heart of Worship – 3 Facts of True Worship

Posted by Roderick on January 14, 2011
Posted in: Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Picture1Jesus stated that those who worship God must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Worship is an outward demonstration of an inner conviction and relationship with God. Thus, the heart of worship does not begin with religious adulation bestowed upon God. It begins with the lifestyle of those who serve Him. To understand worship, we want to look at three factors concerning it.

1. Worship is Sacrifice. The worship of God finds its roots in sacrifice. Abraham was willing to sacrifice someone that was dear to him in order to worship. He described the potential sacrifice of his son as worship. If we want to enter into true worship, we have to have this mindset. I will enter into His presence, even if it costs me.

And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. (Genesis 22:5)

Before we can enter into God’s presence fully via worship, we have to willing to give up everything first.  If we are to experience true worship, our love for God has to supersede our love of anyone and anything else.

2. Worship is Subsistence. Worship is to characterize the believer’s life and existence. The believer is worship. It is to be his condition or state of being. The believer recognizes that it is through the Lord that he exists and does all things.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God. (I Corinthians 10:31-32)

His life should be a living demonstration of worship. While eating, sleeping, working, and relaxing, the Lord’s glory and honor should not be diminished.Our daily activities should bring glory and not offence to God. Our lives are to be subject to His righteousness.

3. Worship is Selfless. Worship is not designed for man, but it is reserved for God alone. There is a tendency (especially seen among Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians) to believe worship is for their benefit. Though worship blesses believers, its sole purpose is to exalt and magnify the personality and power of the true and living God. Isaiah prophetically reveals this truth,

I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. (Isaiah 42:8)

The Christian is to worship in appreciation and honor of God. He is not to worship with the selfish motive of receiving a blessing. God blesses us daily. Therefore, believers should regard the opportunity to worship God as a privilege. This is because only His people are able to approach Him in worship.

Remember, worship is built upon three truths: it is sacrifice, it is subsistence, and it is selfless. Without these, the worship experience will be a religious exercise rather than communion with God. Well, there you have it. Until next time, trust in Him who cannot lie.