July 10, 2013

Faith on Man’s Terms

The Scriptures are clear in describing faith as essential. The Hebrew writer said, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Yet too many have a conditional faith. In other words, even though the Bible tells us that faith is based upon the word of God (Romans 10:17), this is not enough for some people. They will not believe unless they see, receive, or otherwise experience something beyond the revealed will of God.

This is nothing new. Even during the first century, there were those who would only have faith on their terms, rather than have faith based upon what God had chosen to reveal to them. In this article we will notice a few of these conditions that men have placed upon their faith. At the end, we will also see what genuine faith looks like.
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June 3, 2013

The Application of Wisdom: Teachings About God (Part 2)

Notes on Proverbs

Trust God

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones” (3:5-8).

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February 28, 2013

Daniel Sommer on the Foolishness of Atheism

Though many in the world consider belief in God to be foolish, the psalmist declares that it is the fool who says there is no God (Psalm 14:1). In his book, Plain Sermons, Daniel Sommer explained the words of the psalmist and how they are true of the atheist.
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February 21, 2013

Let No One Look Down on Your Youth

Holding a Bible

Paul told Timothy, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:12). The apostle’s instruction to the young evangelist will also apply to any young Christian. But how can young men and women in Christ keep others from looking down on their youth? They cannot control the thoughts of others. Instead, they must control what is in their power to control – they must live in such a way as to give no reason for others to look down on their youth.

Though one may be young, he can still be faithful and be an example in the areas Paul mentioned.
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December 19, 2012

“By Their Deeds They Deny Him” (12/19)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Titus 1-3.

Many religious people will declare that they know God. They will affirm that they have faith in Him. They will profess to others that Jesus is their Lord. Yet words are meaningless if they are not confirmed by actions. Sadly, too many will speak as though they are disciples of Christ, yet prove otherwise by their actions.

“They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed” (Titus 1:16).

Declaring to know the Lord is useless. We must do what He has commanded. “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4).Continue Reading

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December 8, 2012

Fully Assured of God’s Promises (12/8)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Romans 4-7.

Paul used the example of Abraham to teach us a lesson about faith in God and His promises. Abraham was promised a son. And though it was improbable – even nearly impossible – he believed what the Lord told him.

“In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:18-22).

Earlier in the chapter, Paul also wrote, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). God was pleased with Abraham’s trust in Him.
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December 7, 2012

“Obedience of Faith” (12/7)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3.

The epistle of Romans is widely regarded as Paul’s explanation of how we are justified by faith. This is certainly discussed in this letter (Romans 5:1), but many misapply these teachings because they begin with a flawed definition of faith.

Generally, those among Protestant churches define faith in such a way that it is completely separate from works. They believe that salvation could only come by one of two ways: by faith or by works. Therefore, they believe that since salvation is by faith (Romans 5:1), then there are no works (obedience) required on our part to be saved. The problem with this is that it is not taught in the New Testament.

Notice what Paul had to say about faith in the beginning of this letter:

“Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake…” (Romans 1:5).

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