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Here are brief lessons about faith. Most of these appeared as part of Tuesday Briefings. They are placed here without the other distractions. The hope is that Jesus Christ will use these to improve your faith.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Cleansed by the blood of the Lamb
During times of faith tests it is necessary to draw very close to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith often.
The closer a person is to His light the more that the stains of personal sins appear.
The human tendency is to shrink back.
An unclean sinner is unworthy to have intimate fellowship with the holy one of Israel.
Yet that is when the old time hymns and songs about the blood of the lamb can benefit.
The precious blood of the Savior washes away those stains.
He has made complete provision for that too.
And remember the breast plate of righteousness that is part of the whole armor of God.
During times of faith tests it is necessary to draw very close to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith often.
The closer a person is to His light the more that the stains of personal sins appear.
The human tendency is to shrink back.
An unclean sinner is unworthy to have intimate fellowship with the holy one of Israel.
Yet that is when the old time hymns and songs about the blood of the lamb can benefit.
The precious blood of the Savior washes away those stains.
He has made complete provision for that too.
And remember the breast plate of righteousness that is part of the whole armor of God.
Fear not
MANY places in the Bible the Word of God says to
fear not
do not be afraid
do not be dismayed
etc
Other places it says to take courage
The writers know that the human tendency is to fear.
That fear harms or destroys faith.
Often in the same or next verse the writer mentions a promise or provision to build faith. Often that is the fact that God is with you, will not forsake you.
There must be a very deep seated fear of abandonment in all of us.
The enemy tries to play on this.
The five senses are useful in other areas.
But it clearly says we walk by faith and not by sight.
MANY places in the Bible the Word of God says to
fear not
do not be afraid
do not be dismayed
etc
Other places it says to take courage
The writers know that the human tendency is to fear.
That fear harms or destroys faith.
Often in the same or next verse the writer mentions a promise or provision to build faith. Often that is the fact that God is with you, will not forsake you.
There must be a very deep seated fear of abandonment in all of us.
The enemy tries to play on this.
The five senses are useful in other areas.
But it clearly says we walk by faith and not by sight.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Faith alone in Christ alone.
When presenting the gospel it is wise to incite that salvation is available for free and that all that is needed to receive this free gift is placing faith alone in Christ alone.
While faith alone in Christ alone is the central truth of rebirth it is also the central truth of the walk of biblical discipleship.
When following Jesus He takes you as your Good Shepherd along paths that require for you to trust and obey Him one day at a time. This is not pleasant, fun or comfortable.
The tendency of humans is to trust in various alternatives to Christ alone. They may trust in their own strength, wisdom, connections, talents, skills, education, family, friends, church, etc. That is natural and there is a place for it. We have need of each other. No person is a self sufficient island. The aim is not total dependence on others or isolated independence but rather a healthy interdependence.
Yet having said that I am here to testify that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of your and my faith. He know how and when to remove the very things we were leaning upon instead of Him. He has the power to do that and He has the grace to do it gently.
This happens in cycles and seasons. It is does not last forever. The unpleasant and often painful process is unique for each person yet very similar to many others.
When presenting the gospel it is wise to incite that salvation is available for free and that all that is needed to receive this free gift is placing faith alone in Christ alone.
While faith alone in Christ alone is the central truth of rebirth it is also the central truth of the walk of biblical discipleship.
When following Jesus He takes you as your Good Shepherd along paths that require for you to trust and obey Him one day at a time. This is not pleasant, fun or comfortable.
The tendency of humans is to trust in various alternatives to Christ alone. They may trust in their own strength, wisdom, connections, talents, skills, education, family, friends, church, etc. That is natural and there is a place for it. We have need of each other. No person is a self sufficient island. The aim is not total dependence on others or isolated independence but rather a healthy interdependence.
Yet having said that I am here to testify that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of your and my faith. He know how and when to remove the very things we were leaning upon instead of Him. He has the power to do that and He has the grace to do it gently.
This happens in cycles and seasons. It is does not last forever. The unpleasant and often painful process is unique for each person yet very similar to many others.
