If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this mans religion is vain. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Richard Craig, Author at GraceAndWorks - Page 46 of 60
What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
Unfaithful creatures! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Unfaithful creatures! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
I knew there would be water come out of the faucet, but none came out when I turned it on–called the plumber!! I knew the lights would come on when I flipped the switch. but they didn’t–called the electrician!! I knew the car would start when I put the key in the ignition and turned it, but it didn’t–called the mechanic!! You see I had faith that these things would happen, when they didn’t, I called the professional.
I knew my life was just going fine and stay that way, then it went sideways–tried to fix it myself!! That didn’t work so well. Here’s the question I have for you, why did I call the professionals for plumbing, electrical and auto, yet when my life went sideways I tried to fix it myself instead of calling on the “Professional? The “Professional” being God.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. We are to have no doubt about our faith, believing in Jesus and not being ashamed of the Gospel. Faith rests on God’s power. As we go through life, we walk by faith not by sight. We need to be sincere, have a firm belief, and through that faith, Christ will dwell in our hearts. This kind of faith will shield us from evil. Our faith will grow and be strengthened by studying and hearing God’s word. If we have a sincere heart and continue our works in the Kingdom, Jesus will help us in perfecting our faith.
Ephesians chapter 4 tells us there is only one faith. It works through love, encourages us, and prompts us to act. Next time there is trouble with your life, don’t try to fix it yourself–call on God!! FAITH OVERCOMES THE WORLD!!
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Take no part in the unfruitful works of the darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
And the multitudes asked Him, “What then shall we do?” And He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” The tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to Him, :Teacher what shall we do?” And He said to them, “Collect no more than is appointed you.” Soldiers also asked Him, “And we, what shall we do?” And He said to them, :Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.
Therefore, putting away all falsehood, let everyone speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. Let no evil come out of your mouths, but only such as good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those that hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Recent Comments