Dedicated Christian

As Christians, we are to be in the world, but not of the world. This is pretty easy to say, but we constantly interact with those who do not walk with Christ. These interactions can become quite complicated at times, and without the Word to fall back on, relationships ‘in the world’ can sometimes make it impossible to make the Godly choices over that which is ‘expected’ of you. It is impossible to please everyone, so choose to make God happy with what you do.

Strong bonds with the past can inhibit your forward progress with God. This does not mean to ignore your past, but be aware that what you thought was good before receiving Christ might not be good after you walk in God’s Word. Sometimes those ties can serve to bind you.

Today’s discussion will be about 6 words that I believe to be the ‘keys’ to walking with strength in God’s will. Keep in mind that reading the word of God must be done each day of your life, and praying, believing, being always truthful, and constantly praising God must also be something that occurs as naturally as breathing, eating, and sleeping. All of these traits must be bound together by a constant called love. The personal relationship with God removes any doubt that God’s words are life! These special traits may not come to you immediately, but perseverance will allow the attributes to continually grow. Limitations are caused only by you, and you alone.

Grace:

Genesis 6:8

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Romans 1: 7

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God to be called saints: Grace to you and peace from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2Corinthians 12:9 (concerning Paul)

And He said to me. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Ephesians 2: 8

For by grace you have been saved by through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the ‘gift of God’, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

James 4: 6

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Grace has been available to man since the days of Noah. It is not given to man through the deeds that we do, but simply because of our belief and willingness to humble ourselves before God. Grace cannot be earned by our words or actions, but it is made available as we rid ourselves of our pride and boasting. Grace travels a path that is the opposite to what man teaches. Grace is simply a gift from God that cannot be earned through deeds.

Faith:

Habakkuk 2:4

“Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

Matthew 17:20 (concerning healing)

So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly I say to you, if you have the faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Romans 10: 17

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2 Corinthians 5: 7

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Galatians 5: 6

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision or uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 6: 16 (the whole armor of God)

‘above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.’

2 Thessalonians 3: 1-2

Finally brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

Hebrews 11: 1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11: 6

But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

James 5: 15

And the prayer of faith will raise the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

As you can see from the scriptures above, faith is the link between that which is asked for, and that which is about to be accomplished. Without faith, there is no hope! Faith is believing for things that cannot yet be seen. Faith is a key link between man and his belief in God. Faith in God will materialize into something that can be seen by man! Man must take the first step before the wheels of faith begin to turn. God does not first come to you, you must go to Him, in FAITH!

Remember, man is born of corruptible seed (the flesh), but reborn (in spirit) in the Spirit of God!

(Part 1/ to be continued)