What Is the Evidence of Your Faith?

Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1,3,6

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.(1) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.(3) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.(6)

Scripture Commentary: Faith is the evidence of our relationship with Christ

Believing in God is only the beginning. Faith is the foundation and the evidence of our relationship with Christ and our eternal life with God in Heaven. God will not settle for mere acknowledgment of his existence. He wants a personal and dynamic relationship with you. He wants to transform your life.

The first step to faith is believing in God’s character; he is who he says he is. The endpoint is believing in God’s promises; he will do what he says. Believing in God’s promises demonstrates true faith.

Faith allows you to carry the power of God within you.

How many times have you asked for God’s help and received a solution? God’s word has awesome power, and faith allows you to carry that power within you. Through faith, God is always with you, giving you the strength you need to serve him.

God rewards those who seek him with his intimate presence. Faith is trusting God regardless of the circumstances or consequences. In times of pain, persecution, or suffering we should trust confidently in God.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Hebrews Chapter 11

Do Not Turn to the Right or Left; Keep step with God

Scripture: Mark 10: 38-39

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

Scripture Commentary: Stay on point with God – do not turn to the right or left

James and John wanted honored places alongside Jesus. They wanted to know where their places were. Would they sit at Jesus’ right or left at the table?

Today, people think they are working toward having a physical spot next to Jesus. We don’t realize that, if we live and love as Jesus did, there would be no need to question our place.

Jesus died and rose; he paid the price for our sins. We have an opportunity to turn to God. God’s plan is to give us what we want out of love, and in return we love him with faith.

We suffer, just as James and John, with serving others. Jesus will not ridicule us for wanting to know where we stand. Remember that God wants us with him.

Take it upon yourself to remove sin from your life. Repent and find a place with God. Live a Christ-like life and minister to the needs of others. Fill your life by serving Jesus Christ.

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Mark Chapter 10

The Lord Offers You A Seat At His Table

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10: 21,31

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.(21) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.(31)

Scripture Commentary: You cannot have both a seat at the Lord’s table and a seat at the devil’s.

At which table are you seated? If you wake up and tell yourself that today you will be a Christian but tomorrow you’ll act contrarily, you are wrong. If you think you can sit at both tables, you cannot.

You are either a Christian, living as God wants you to live, or you are not. There is no middle ground between God and Satan. You cannot switch back and forth moment to moment based on where you want to belong.

Your relationship with God is a commitment.

As followers of Christ, we must give him our total allegiance. We cannot, as Paul explains, have a seat at the Lord’s table and have a seat with the devil. To sit at God’s table is to commune with Jesus and identify with his death and resurrection.

To sit with Satan is to promote evil and worship of earthly things. Do not try to live two lives. At the end, you will be held accountable for one. Remember that no matter what, this life is only temporary. The next one is for eternity.

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1 Corinthians Chapter 10

He Began to Cry Out, Have Mercy On Me!

Scripture: Mark 10: 46-48

And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

Scripture Commentary: Jesus hears us when we cry out to him

When we pray we cry out to Jesus. We often cry out to him seeking help; either for something we want or think we need. What are we doing in our lives that leaves us with a need for something?

God gives us everything we need, so what are we asking for? Did we use or did we waste what we had? We often call out to Jesus looking to gain something that we do not need, but something that is the object of our greed.

Jesus gives you what you need. What have you given him?

Jesus healed Bar-ti-mae’-us out of love. He gave you what you need, and sometimes he gives you the things you ask for, out of love. What have you done for Jesus out of love?

Have you taught his Word to others? Do you spread the word about what Jesus has done for you and for your family? Jesus gives you so much. What have you given?

Read the Entire Chapter:
Mark Chapter 10

If God is for us, who can be against us?

Scripture: Romans 8: 31-34

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Scripture Commentary: Jesus intercedes for us; He is always with us

These verses are especially for those who do not think they are good enough to receive God’s love. Do you think that you are not worthy of God’s salvation? Do you exclude yourself from the forgiveness and mercy God has for us? Just remember the words in the Scripture, “If God is for us, who can be against us!”

God gave his only son, hoping we might turn to him and serve him. He gave his son to you. With his son, he gave salvation to everyone. Christ gave his life for you; he will not turn around and condemn you. He will not withhold any of the tools you need to live for him and with him.

Jesus always advocates for you

Paul says that Jesus is interceding for you in heaven. God acquitted you and removed your sin and guilt. It is Satan, not God, who accuses you and guilts you. Satan strikes all the time. Jesus always advocates for you; he stands at God’s right hand to present your case.

No matter what happens to you, no matter where you are, you can never be lost to God’s love. If you believe these overwhelming assurances, you will not be afraid of anything. In Christ, you are a super conqueror, and his love will protect you at all times.

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Romans Chapter 8

Money Can’t Buy What Is Eternal

Scripture: Acts 8: 9,13,18

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Sa-ma’-ri-a, giving out that himself was some great one: (9) Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.(13) And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money.(18)

Scripture Commentary: Money won’t get you into heaven

In our world, everything has a price. We live in a world of wealth, of bribes, and of materialism. Simon thought he could buy the Holy Spirit’s power with money. Peter harshly rebuked him. The only way to receive God’s power is to do what Peter told Simon to do; turn from sin, ask God for forgiveness, and fill up with his Spirit. God gives the Holy Spirit in return for you giving yourself to him.

You can’t put a price on God

Can you calculate the price value of our Lord Jesus Christ? “O Lord, if you get me out of this mess, I will be good,” or “If you help me hit the lottery, I will do what you will have me to do.” Do these phrases sound familiar? Do you have a price for your service to God?

Do not put a price on giving yourself to God. God wants you to serve him out of your faith. No amount of money can buy salvation and forgiveness. None can buy God’s love. Give yourself to our Lord Jesus Christ. He will show you the way to salvation.

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Acts Chapter 8

Love Is Of God; Let Us Love One Another

Scripture: 1 John 4: 4-8

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Scripture Commentary: Love is of God

Is there a person in your life whom you hate; someone who has done wrong by you either in actions or words? Do you consider yourself a child of God? If you answer yes to both, then think about this scripture. We are of God, and love is of God.

To be a child of God means to love as he loves.

God’s love knows no bounds. Walking in God’s image means you cannot hate another person and call yourself a child of God. If Jesus Christ is your savior, you are to love everyone.

If you truly follow Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in you. With the Holy Spirit in you, you will love everyone, including your enemies. God reveals himself to others through our acts of love.

John tells you that “God is love” not “Love is God.”

The world has shallow and selfish views of love; it has turned these words around and contaminated the understanding of love.

Real love is God, for he gave his only begotten son to us and for you, to show you his love for you. How can you say you love God and dislike someone? If you truly know God, you will love as he loves.

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1 John Chapter 4

Save Yourself Through Belief; Save Others Through Discipleship

Scripture: Luke 23: 37-41

And said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Scripture Commentary: You save yourself when you accept Jesus as your Saviour

Two criminals hung on crosses on either side of Jesus, to be crucified with him. One challenged Christ to prove himself. “Save yourself and us!” he cries. The other asked Jesus for forgiveness for he knew he had done wrong.

Which one are you? Are your thoughts and actions self-serving? Or, are you like the criminal who sought forgiveness from Christ?

Accepting Christ into your life reflects who you are as a person

You receive and give love. You receive forgiveness and forgive. Our deeds alone will not save us. Our faith in Christ will.

Earthly life is finite. The potential for our time to be fulfilling and wholesome exists in our walk with God. The sooner we choose this walk, the more time we have to do God’s will. However, even those who are latecomers – who repent in their last moments – can still be with God in paradise.

Repent now. Every day is a blessing, and there is always the chance you may not wake in the morning. Live as though each day is the last chance you have to accept Christ.

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Luke Chapter 23

Walk After The Lord Day After Day

Scripture: Romans 8: 1-4

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Scripture Commentary: Do you walk after the flesh or after the Holy Spirit?

Paul sorted all people into two categories; those whose sinful natures control them, and those who follow or walk after the Holy Spirit. Which are you? Every one of us would fall into the first category if Jesus hadn’t offered us a way out. Accept Jesus into your life; follow his way of eternal life and peace.

Jesus gave himself as the sacrifice for our sins. He forgave us, relieves us of our guilt and lets us go free. Without Jesus there would be no hope at all. We would be justly condemned for breaking God’s holy law every day.

We have the right of choice every day … Who do you choose to follow?

Every day we must consciously choose to center our lives around God. Thank God every day. He declares us not guilty in spite of our sin. God offers mercy and freedom from sin. He gives us the power to carry out his will. Do God’s will and you will always do right. Let the reality of Christ’s power lift you up to real victory over sin.

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Romans Chapter 8

Do Not Believe Everything You Hear

Scripture: 1 John 4: 1-3

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

Scripture Commentary: Do not believe every spirit as all is not from God. Be discerning.

“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…” This excerpt warns us against believing everything we hear. Just because someone tells you their message is inspired by God does not mean you should trust them.

There are many impersonators, pretending to be people of God. Question them, question their words, and find the truth. Christians should have faith, but they shouldn’t be gullible. If a message is truly from God, it will be consistent with Christ’s teachings.

We live in a world that increasingly embraces evil because it knows no better.

The antichrist epitomizes all evil, and the increasingly evil world we live in will receive him well. The wickedness around us is frightening, and the problems we face seem insurmountable.

Evil’s strength is greater than ours, but not greater than God’s. God conquers all evil.

His love for us is stronger than the work of evil.

Read the entire chapter:
1 John Chapter 4