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Is your faith genuine or is it a phantom or fictious faith?

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Faith is important, it’s an essential. Walking by faith will prevent us from departing from the faith… which the LORD informs us is entirely possible (Luke 8:13, etc.).

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1 Timothy 4:1-2

We are warned here that some will “depart from the faith” and so this should concern every one of God’s people and cause us to examine our faith before God to see how genuine it is, or is not. “doctrines of devils” or false teaching can definitely cause any of us to “depart from the faith.” False teachings about faith is dangerous and so understanding what true saving faith looks like is essential.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.” 2 Corinthians 13:5-6

Good works produced out of saving faith are a Gospel reality. 

Faith Without Works Is Dead

14  What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 

15  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 

16  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 

17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 

18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 

19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 

20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 

21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 

22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 

23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 

24  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 

25  Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 

26  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:14-26

It’s one thing to merely say you have faith and yet another to prove you have saving faith.

Faith: Four Types of Faith, Which Do You Have?

  • Dead Faith. James informs us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). …
  • Demonic Faith. James also teaches that even demons believe and shudder at the name of Jesus (James 2:19). …
  • Vain Faith (James 2:20).
  • Saving Faith. Faith coupled with repentance, a turning to God with the whole heart and the fruit to prove regeneration (James 2:18; Acts 20:21; Matthew 3:7-10).

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:18

Real faith, an authentic relationship with the LORD will always bring worshipful obedience to His Word.

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

The good fruit produced out of saving faith, good works, save no one and yet they are the cardinal proof that someone has truly repented, is trusting Christ, is a regeneration new creature in Christ, where all things are new, and are of God! (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

According to James 2, what type faith do you currently have?

  • Dead faith (v17).
  • Demonic faith (v19)
  • Vain faith (v20)
  • Saving faith (v18)

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

The Biblical Prescription to Nourish and Build Your Faith in God: The Daily Practicals

3 Essential Daily Basics for Every Believer Per Holy Scripture ….

  1. Daily Bible study (Job 23:12; Jeremiah 15:16; 1 Peter 2:2)
  2. Daily life of prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
  3. Daily fellowship with other true believers (Acts 2:42-47; Heb 3:13; 10:25)

You may also wish to specifically pray as did the apostles:

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5 

Fighting the good fight of faith is the fight to keep your faith in God and in nothing, in no one else!

“Fight the good fight of faith, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 

“HOLDING FAITH, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:” 1 Timothy 1:19

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Saving faith is overcoming faith.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”1 John 5:4-5

PRAYER: Holy Father, please increase our faith. Thank You for finding and saving me into Your kingdom family. I love You Jesus. Please establish my life deeply in Christ the LORD. Cause the roots of my life to grow ever more deep in Thee. Please forge my faith in the fire and make me Your genuine disciple. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Articles

Is Romans 7 Before or After Paul’s Salvation?

“The truth is that while Christ dwells in the believer’s new nature, He has strong competition from the believer’s old nature. The warfare between the old and the new goes on continually in most believers.” AW Tozer

The law of God is “holy, and just, and good.” (Romans 7:12)

The holy law of God and the depraved nature of fallen mankind could not be further apart – the righteousness of God inherent in His law vs the “old man,” the iniquitous fallen nature of mankind (Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9).

Nothing but a caustic reaction, explosion could be the result of the 2 colliding (Romans 7). One or the other must reign.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17

In what tense did the great apostle speak in when addressing this “old man” that wars against the Spirit in us?

“O WRETCHed man that I am! (presently) who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24

Paul’s flesh was and our flesh is a constant reminder of the ever momentary need for the cross, burial, and resurrection grace of Jesus (Romans 6:3-10; 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). Read Romans chapters 6-7 each morning this week.

It really is true that Jesus “saved a wretch like me” when He mercifully saved me.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

No, the apostle wasn’t admitting to living in sin but rather that that “old man” – the flesh – was present and must be crucified with Christ daily. Is that not exactly what Jesus taught?

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his CROSS DAILY, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

I believe Romans 7 applies to both before and after one is saved …. Because if the saved person departs from the daily cross walk, that same “old man” will take center stage. “O wretch man that I AM (present) (Romans 7:18) ….. we are born again children of God, saints of the Most High and yet that potential to evil, that “old man” must be crucified and “put off” by the daily cross so the “new man” can reign with Christ in this life and eternity. What Paul calls the “old man” must be “put off” and so we can conclude that there IS an “old man” to be “put off” otherwise no such instruction would have been given. We are not to deny the “old man” – the sinful bent – but rather to crucify it (Romans 6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9).

Charles Pray writes: “So many want to hide their sins, especially those who like to appear Holy on the outside while inside they are dark, unholy ministers of the flesh. They have become a product of their own desires. Dear Lord, please bring them back to their first Love–Jesus! Amen.”

Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

What to “Put Off” and What to “Put On”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation THE OLD MAN, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on THE NEW MAN, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off THE OLD MAN with his deeds; 10 And have put on THE NEW MAN, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:9-10

“When we embrace the crucified life we are given overflowing rivers of new life! New life is breathed into us. Walking in the flesh only makes our soul sick with sin! And sin kills and destroys! (Romans 6:23). Rotting us from the inside out! But the way of the cross brings life to our flesh! (Proverbs 3:8, 4:22). Our flesh meaning our whole spirit, soul and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23. We cannot be a whole person until we are completely given over to the Lord! And this can only happen through the cross. When we are dead and buried and raised up in the newness of life Jesus offers us, then the joy of the Lord will fill our hearts!” Karen Cochran

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Bible/Word of GodThe Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ

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Articles

What Does it Mean to Follow Christ? [podcast]


“Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3

THE LORD is calling for an immediate release of the WHOLE counsel of HIS WORD!

DO you have a 20/20 vision? Read Acts 20:20 and get it!

Just like fake news TV, wolves only give you a small part of the whole story – in order to manipulate you! Half truths kill!

YOU know when you are right with God when you are running TO the cross message and not AWAY from it! “Enemies of the cross” of Christ “mind earthly things” and not the things the LORD commanded (Philippians 3:18-19).

The cross is a dethroning, unseating of self and the enthroning of Christ!

The Crucified Life 

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Bible/Word of GodThe Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ

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Abiding

“I Desire Fruit that May Abound to Your Account” [podcast]


“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17

Did you realize that as a born again disciple of Jesus, that you have an “account” in Heaven?

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21

Laying up treasure in Heaven and not wasting it on this fleeting life, is the command and the wisdom of God.

“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”  1 Chronicles 29:14

To some I would say:

“So let me get this straight…. you attributed your own earnings for your whole life to yourself and so now, how dare someone suggest you allow other saints to help fund God’s work, to lay up treasure in Heaven …..”

“But as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.” 1 Samuel 30:24 

Some seem to take offense to anyone receiving help from God’s people… which is 100% selfish and pride filled…. in more than one way:

1. The work is expanded with greater funding;

2. God’s people are laying up treasure in Heaven when they choose to give.

This all seems to indicate that you are far too involved in the “ministry” you are doing. It’s all about you, not Christ.

Think about how Jesus and Paul and John had numerous “fellowhelpers to the truth.” Every member was free and able to function fully in our LORD’s work.

“We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” 3 John 8

Apparently some bogusly believe, pretend to be more righteous than Jesus and the apostle Paul by denying love offerings to do the work of God.

These men are actually preventing God’s people from laying up treasure in heaven and acting self-righteous about it.

Apparently you seek to be the hero who serves yourself in many ways instead of Christ and others and therefore you wish all of your labor be attributed to your own account in Heaven. Philippians 4:17 says:  “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”

We give the Gospel “without charge”…. and yet that does not in any way negate all that the Bible says about giving and laying up treasure in Heaven: “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:18). This would mean that he doesn’t ask for money and yet that doesn’t mean he didn’t receive such help nor that what he taught in verses 1-14 are negated.

Regrettably, there are men doing ministry who are babes in understanding this Bible 101 doctrine of giving, of stewardship.

Isn’t it time we get out of the way and let those sitting on the bench get on the field, participate, lay up treasure in Heaven?

Do we not understand how Christ told us His kingdom works…. that when we give, it connects our hearts closer to Christ and His work? See Matthew 6:21.

Following our heretical beliefs instead of the Bible on this topic of stewardship would have thus far resulted in the deprivation of so very many beloved needy people here in Mexico. It would have cheated them out of many blessings…. food and the Word, salvation, etc.

Remember, such as was the case with the few loaves and fishes. Jesus takes what we give to Him, to His work, and multiplies it. Do the math. John 6. Five thousand men were fed out of 5 loaves and 2 fishes and yet there was much food (more than they began with) left over, surplus (2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:20).

“Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.” John 6:13

Regrettably, we have novices who are abandoning the truth of God due to others perverting it….(2 Corinthians 2:17).

Are they making excuse for not giving?

The LORD “giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”

Every good and every perfect gift on this earth is from God and is a mere foretaste of glory divine!

“The living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17

Does God’s Word not warn us that God’s people are to “behold” both “the goodness and the SEVERITY of God” lest we be “cut off”?

“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:22

LORD, we thank You now for EVERY good and perfect blessing You alone have provided—beginning with the ultimate, the unspeakable, the unfathomable gift of Your only begotten Son who died, was buried, and raised again from the dead to justify us (Romans 4:25)! We love You LORD Jesus!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates |The Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Consider Your Ways [podcast] | Consider and Build [podcast] | Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] | Dollar DialogueJesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | Escaping Sodom!Waste | Stewardship | Giving | Fellowship | Haggai | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich Podcasts

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