Many churches today are forsaking the gospel. n As a new Christian I often wondered how such a thing...

Many churches today are forsaking the Many churches today are forsaking the gospel.gospel.

As a new Christian I often wondered how As a new Christian I often wondered how such a thing could happen in the days of such a thing could happen in the days of the Apostles. the Apostles. (Gal 1:6-7)(Gal 1:6-7)


Galatians 1:6-7Galatians 1:6-7 - I marvel that you are - I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.pervert the gospel of Christ.

Many churches today are forsaking Many churches today are forsaking the gospel.the gospel.

The perversion came in the focus of their The perversion came in the focus of their faith. They mixed the two covenants faith. They mixed the two covenants that in that very act caused them to seek that in that very act caused them to seek justification by the Law. justification by the Law. (Gal 5:1-4)(Gal 5:1-4)


Galatians 5:1-4Galatians 5:1-4 - Stand fast therefore in - Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. will profit you nothing.


3 And I testify again to every man who 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who estranged from Christ, you who attempt to attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.grace.


It is important to understand how to build a It is important to understand how to build a living faith! living faith! (Gal 2:16, 19)(Gal 2:16, 19)


Galatians 2:16Galatians 2:16 - "knowing that a man is - "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.shall be justified.


Galatians 2:19Galatians 2:19 - "For I through the law - "For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God.died to the law that I might live to God.


When we look to build a living faith our When we look to build a living faith our God has pointed to Abraham as an example God has pointed to Abraham as an example of how to build such a saving faith. of how to build such a saving faith. (Rom 4:11-13, 16)(Rom 4:11-13, 16)


Romans 4:11-13Romans 4:11-13 - And he received the sign - And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which of the faith which he had while still he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, imputed to them also,


12 and the father of circumcision to those 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only who not only are are of the circumcision, but of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham which our father Abraham had while still had while still uncircumcised. 13 For the promise that he uncircumcised. 13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world would be the heir of the world was was not to not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.through the righteousness of faith.


Romans 4:16Romans 4:16 - Therefore - Therefore it is it is of faith that of faith that it might be it might be according to grace, so that the according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us allis the father of us all


This is not just any kind of faith!This is not just any kind of faith!


This is not just any kind of faith!This is not just any kind of faith! Abraham will show us both the kind of faith Abraham will show us both the kind of faith

we need and how to build such a faith! Do we need and how to build such a faith! Do not build your faith with junk.not build your faith with junk.

Abraham had a Faith that Separated Him Abraham had a Faith that Separated Him from the Worldfrom the World

Abraham had to leave his family religion, Abraham had to leave his family religion, idolatry. idolatry. (Josh 24:2)(Josh 24:2)


Joshua 24:2 (NKJV)Joshua 24:2 (NKJV) And Joshua said to And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the LORD God all the people, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Your fathers, of Israel: ‘Your fathers, includingincluding Terah, Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, dwelt on the other side of the River Nahor, dwelt on the other side of the River in old times; and they served other gods.in old times; and they served other gods.


God called Abraham from this kind of God called Abraham from this kind of background. background. (Gen 12:1, 4)(Gen 12:1, 4)


Genesis 12:1 (NKJV)Genesis 12:1 (NKJV) -Now the LORD had -Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.house, To a land that I will show you.


Genesis 12:4 (NKJV)Genesis 12:4 (NKJV) - So Abram departed - So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram went with him. And Abram waswas seventy- seventy-five years old when he departed from five years old when he departed from Haran.Haran.


Was God being too hard on Abraham by Was God being too hard on Abraham by making him make such a difficult choice so making him make such a difficult choice so early in his faith?early in his faith?


Was God being too hard on Abraham by Was God being too hard on Abraham by making him make such a difficult choice so making him make such a difficult choice so early in his faith?early in his faith?

Could Abraham have kept his personal Could Abraham have kept his personal belief in God and remained in fellowship belief in God and remained in fellowship with the religion he was raised in? with the religion he was raised in? (1 Cor 10:18-20)(1 Cor 10:18-20)


1 Corinthians 10:18-201 Corinthians 10:18-20 - Observe Israel after - Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19 What am I sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.not want you to have fellowship with demons.


The beginning of the faith of Abraham is The beginning of the faith of Abraham is like the beginning of every Christian’s faith.like the beginning of every Christian’s faith.


The beginning of the faith of Abraham is The beginning of the faith of Abraham is like the beginning of every Christian’s faith.like the beginning of every Christian’s faith.

Could Paul have stayed in Judaism? Could Paul have stayed in Judaism? (Phil 3:4-10)(Phil 3:4-10)


Philippians 3:4-10Philippians 3:4-10 - though I also might have - though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, Israel, of of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. law, blameless.


7 But what things were gain to me, these I 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ may gain Christ


9 and be found in Him, not having my own 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which righteousness, which is is from the law, but from the law, but that which that which is is through faith in Christ, the through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,sufferings, being conformed to His death,


A biblical faith will also bring you into “the A biblical faith will also bring you into “the fellowship of His sufferings.” Human fellowship of His sufferings.” Human religion will be at the core of this conflict! religion will be at the core of this conflict! (Jn 16:1-3)(Jn 16:1-3)


John 16:1-3John 16:1-3 - - "These things I have spoken "These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 2 "They will put you out of the stumble. 2 "They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3 "And these things they will God service. 3 "And these things they will do to you because they have not known the do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.Father nor Me.


Some today are giving up on Some today are giving up on undenominational Christianity.undenominational Christianity.


““The churches joined in “covenant” across The churches joined in “covenant” across denominational lines to serve their denominational lines to serve their communities together — not waiting on the communities together — not waiting on the day when all Baptists and Methodists would be day when all Baptists and Methodists would be converted to our way of thinking and not converted to our way of thinking and not waiting for some national merger effort. Just waiting for some national merger effort. Just walk across the street, agree to work together, walk across the street, agree to work together, and together seek God’s will for how to bring and together seek God’s will for how to bring his redemptive work to Tuscaloosa.his redemptive work to Tuscaloosa.


But this works best when the churches share But this works best when the churches share worship and eucharist — when they enjoy worship and eucharist — when they enjoy table fellowship as one.” table fellowship as one.” - Jay Guin, University church of Christ, - Jay Guin, University church of Christ, Tuscaloosa, AlabamaTuscaloosa, Alabama

Abraham had a faith that made him a Abraham had a faith that made him a pilgrim.pilgrim.

What is a pilgrim? What is a pilgrim? (Heb 11:8-10)(Heb 11:8-10)


Hebrews 11:8-10Hebrews 11:8-10 - By faith Abraham - By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as the land of promise as in in a foreign country, a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; heirs with him of the same promise;


10 for he waited for the city which has 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker foundations, whose builder and maker is is God.God.

pilgrim - pilgrim - of one who stays for awhile as an of one who stays for awhile as an alien in a place alien in a place sojourning, staying; sojourning, staying; subst. subst. temporary resident, sojourner, stranger; temporary resident, sojourner, stranger; fig. of fig. of Christians, as not counting this earth as their Christians, as not counting this earth as their home. home.

Have you ever lived in a foreign country? Your Have you ever lived in a foreign country? Your heart is at home.heart is at home.










How can we become pilgrims in our own land?How can we become pilgrims in our own land? By wanting something far greater that the By wanting something far greater that the

world has to offer! Have you ever been so world has to offer! Have you ever been so caught up in something that all else is blocked caught up in something that all else is blocked out?out?

We become pilgrims when we prepare We become pilgrims when we prepare ourselves for heaven. Ex. In Nebraska: ourselves for heaven. Ex. In Nebraska: “You are not from here!”“You are not from here!”










God will allow us to face hardship God will allow us to face hardship concerning our desires. (concerning our desires. (1 Pet 2:9-11)1 Pet 2:9-11)


1 Peter 2:9-111 Peter 2:9-11 - But you - But you are are a chosen a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once who once were were not a people but not a people but are are now the now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. but now have obtained mercy.


11 Beloved, I beg 11 Beloved, I beg you you as sojourners and as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,war against the soul,

What kind of faith redefines sin because What kind of faith redefines sin because resistance is “too hard.”resistance is “too hard.”

Was Jesus a “legalist” when he told this Was Jesus a “legalist” when he told this young man a hard thing to do? young man a hard thing to do? (Mt 19:21-23)(Mt 19:21-23)










Matthew 19:21-23Matthew 19:21-23 - Jesus said to him, "If you - Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.


A living faith will stand when God’s way is A living faith will stand when God’s way is difficult! difficult! (Mt 19:9-12)(Mt 19:9-12)


Matthew 19:9-12Matthew 19:9-12 - "And I say to you, - "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery." 10 His who is divorced commits adultery." 10 His disciples said to Him, "If such is the case of disciples said to Him, "If such is the case of the man with the man with his his wife, it is better not to wife, it is better not to marry." marry."


11 But He said to them, "All cannot accept this 11 But He said to them, "All cannot accept this saying, but only saying, but only those those to whom it has been to whom it has been given: 12 "For there are eunuchs who were given: 12 "For there are eunuchs who were born thus from born thus from their their mother's womb, and there mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, it, let let him accept him accept it.”it.”


Does God’s grace contradict any difficult Does God’s grace contradict any difficult earthy consequence of sin?earthy consequence of sin?

Some seek for a different kind of faith.Some seek for a different kind of faith.


Does God’s grace contradict any difficult Does God’s grace contradict any difficult earthy consequence of sin?earthy consequence of sin?

Some seek for a different kind of faith.Some seek for a different kind of faith.


““..whenever my reading of some Biblical ..whenever my reading of some Biblical commandment drives me to a doctrinal commandment drives me to a doctrinal posture that is oppressive to human beings posture that is oppressive to human beings whom God is trying to redeem, it is time for whom God is trying to redeem, it is time for me to double-check my interpretation of me to double-check my interpretation of Scripture.” Scripture.”


““..some mistakenly think that they are horning ..some mistakenly think that they are horning God and doing something that can save God and doing something that can save marriages by condemning divorce and marriages by condemning divorce and forbidding remarriage with such legalistic forbidding remarriage with such legalistic fervor that they make spiritual orphans of fervor that they make spiritual orphans of people..” Rubel Shelly, Divorce and Remarriage people..” Rubel Shelly, Divorce and Remarriage – p 22, 35– p 22, 35

How about reading Hebrews 11! How about reading Hebrews 11! (Heb 11:17-18, 35-39)(Heb 11:17-18, 35-39)


““..some mistakenly think that they are horning ..some mistakenly think that they are horning God and doing something that can save God and doing something that can save marriages by condemning divorce and marriages by condemning divorce and forbidding remarriage with such legalistic forbidding remarriage with such legalistic fervor that they make spiritual orphans of fervor that they make spiritual orphans of people..” Rubel Shelly, Divorce and Remarriage people..” Rubel Shelly, Divorce and Remarriage – p 22, 35– p 22, 35

How about reading Hebrews 11! How about reading Hebrews 11! (Heb 11:17-18, 35-39)(Heb 11:17-18, 35-39)


Hebrews 11:17-18Hebrews 11:17-18 - By faith Abraham, - By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten up his only begotten son,son, 18 of whom it 18 of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called,”called,”


Hebrews 11:35-39Hebrews 11:35-39 - Women received - Women received their dead raised to life again. And others their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. imprisonment.


37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented -- 38 of being destitute, afflicted, tormented -- 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, wandered in deserts and mountains, in in dens dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,faith, did not receive the promise,

Abraham had a faith that embraced the Abraham had a faith that embraced the promises of Godpromises of God

A living faith looks at the next life and not A living faith looks at the next life and not at the hardships of this life. at the hardships of this life. (Heb 11:13)(Heb 11:13)


Hebrews 11:13Hebrews 11:13 - These all died in faith, - These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, embraced them them and confessed that and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.earth.


Did Abraham ever have an easy life? It Did Abraham ever have an easy life? It depends on what life you speak of!depends on what life you speak of!


Did Abraham ever have an easy life? It Did Abraham ever have an easy life? It depends on what life you speak of!depends on what life you speak of!

A living faith is satisfied with the simple A living faith is satisfied with the simple directions God has given and will not directions God has given and will not try to change them to make life easier.try to change them to make life easier.


Abraham was promised a great number of Abraham was promised a great number of descendants. descendants. (Gen 12:1-3; 13:14-18; 15:4-6)(Gen 12:1-3; 13:14-18; 15:4-6)


Genesis 12:1-3 Genesis 12:1-3 Now the LORD had said to Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.“families of the earth shall be blessed.“


Genesis 13:14-18 (NKJV)Genesis 13:14-18 (NKJV) - And the - And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and northward, southward, eastward, and westward; 15 for all the land which you see westward; 15 for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. I give to you and your descendants forever.


16 And I will make your descendants as the 16 And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, number the dust of the earth, thenthen your your descendants also could be numbered. descendants also could be numbered. 17Arise, walk in the land through its length 17Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” and its width, for I give it to you.”


Genesis 15:4-6 (NKJV)Genesis 15:4-6 (NKJV) - And behold, the - And behold, the word of the LORD word of the LORD camecame to him, saying, “This to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” come from your own body shall be your heir.” 5 Then He brought him outside and said, 5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”to him, “So shall your descendants be.”


6 And he believed in the LORD, and He 6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.accounted it to him for righteousness.


This was not easy for him to accept, This was not easy for him to accept, consider his age.consider his age.


This was not easy for him to accept, This was not easy for him to accept, consider his age.consider his age.

He received the promise and had to wait He received the promise and had to wait years. years. (Psa 27:14; Isa 40:31)(Psa 27:14; Isa 40:31)


Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)Psalm 27:14 (NKJV) -Wait on the LORD; -Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!LORD!


Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) - But those who wait - But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew on the LORD Shall renew theirtheir strength; strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.walk and not faint.


What do we do when we understand God’s What do we do when we understand God’s word but our “wisdom” disagrees?word but our “wisdom” disagrees?


What do we do when we understand God’s What do we do when we understand God’s word but our “wisdom” disagrees?word but our “wisdom” disagrees?

God’s promise was contrary to human God’s promise was contrary to human expectation. expectation. (Rom 4:17-18)(Rom 4:17-18)


Romans 4:17-18 (NKJV)Romans 4:17-18 (NKJV) - (as it is written, - (as it is written, “I “I have made you a father of many nations”have made you a father of many nations”) in ) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, according to what was spoken, “So shall your “So shall your descendants be.”descendants be.”


Abraham never wavered in his confidence Abraham never wavered in his confidence in God. in God. (Rom 4:20)(Rom 4:20)


Romans 4:20 (NKJV)Romans 4:20 (NKJV) - He did not waver - He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,God,


Some today will only accept the Lord’s will Some today will only accept the Lord’s will when it makes sense to them. when it makes sense to them.


Consider the universal promise concerning Consider the universal promise concerning Biblical Baptism. Biblical Baptism. (Acts 2:38-39)(Acts 2:38-39)


Acts 2:38-39Acts 2:38-39 - Then Peter said to them, - Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.“God will call.“


““I refuse to subscribe to the sacramentalist I refuse to subscribe to the sacramentalist view of baptism! After much study and view of baptism! After much study and reflection, I believe this doctrine to be reflection, I believe this doctrine to be contrarycontrary to the teachings of God’s Word. I do not to the teachings of God’s Word. I do not believe that we can dogmatically affirm that believe that we can dogmatically affirm that one’s baptism is the one’s baptism is the precise point in timeprecise point in time when when God God impartsimparts eternal salvation to a believing, eternal salvation to a believing, penitent disciple of Christ…” - Al Maxey as penitent disciple of Christ…” - Al Maxey as quoted by Jay Guinquoted by Jay Guin


Where do you place your trust?Where do you place your trust?


If God is in it, then all is well. If God is in it, then all is well. (Rom 4:21)(Rom 4:21)


Romans 4:21 (NKJV)Romans 4:21 (NKJV) - and being fully - and being fully convinced that what He had promised He convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.was also able to perform.


Do we waver in the forgiveness of God? Do we waver in the forgiveness of God?

Abraham had a faith that was testedAbraham had a faith that was tested

Why did Abraham offer Isaac? Why did Abraham offer Isaac? (Heb 11:17-19)(Heb 11:17-19)


Hebrews 11:17-19 (NKJV)Hebrews 11:17-19 (NKJV) - By faith - By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten offered up his only begotten son,son, 18 of whom 18 of whom it was said, it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be “In Isaac your seed shall be called,”called,” 19 concluding that God 19 concluding that God waswas able to able to raise raise himhim up, even from the dead, from which up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.he also received him in a figurative sense.


A Biblical faith grows through tests! A Biblical faith grows through tests! (1 Pt 1:7; Rev 2:10)(1 Pt 1:7; Rev 2:10)


1 Peter 1:71 Peter 1:7 - that the genuineness of your - that the genuineness of your faith, faith, being being much more precious than gold much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,revelation of Jesus Christ,


Revelation 2:10Revelation 2:10 - "Do not fear any of - "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw Indeed, the devil is about to throw some some of of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.crown of life.


Please do not buy into the watered down Please do not buy into the watered down standards of those who falsely talk of standards of those who falsely talk of God’s grace.God’s grace.


We know that God will take our failures We know that God will take our failures and build us as long as we carefully look to and build us as long as we carefully look to the light of His word. the light of His word.


We know that God will take our failures We know that God will take our failures and build us as long as we carefully look to and build us as long as we carefully look to the light of His word. the light of His word.

Several years ago I had to leave two Several years ago I had to leave two churches early in my walk of faith.churches early in my walk of faith.


I believe that all of us must fight to have the I believe that all of us must fight to have the faith of Abraham and the grace that is found faith of Abraham and the grace that is found in that stand!in that stand!


Do you have the faith of Abraham? Do you have the faith of Abraham? (Rom 4:23-24)(Rom 4:23-24)


Romans 4:23-24 (NKJV)Romans 4:23-24 (NKJV) - Now it was not - Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,

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Many churches today are forsaking the gospel. n As a new Christian I often wondered how such a thing...

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