Genuine Faith
Genuine Faith8
The Stamp of Reality
By Major Ian Thomas1345:54ACT 1:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that the early church was characterized by joy, fearlessness, and a deep connection to Jesus Christ, who continued His work through them. He argues that the Book of Acts should be seen as the ongoing acts of Jesus through His church, rather than just the apostles' actions. Thomas highlights the importance of being fully available to God, allowing Him to work through us as His body on earth, and warns against the dangers of hypocrisy, as exemplified by Ananias and Sapphira. He calls for a genuine commitment to living out the Christian faith, where believers are not just seeking personal salvation but are actively participating in God's mission. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to embrace their identity as members of Christ's body, fully surrendered to His will and purpose.
First Things Must Come First
By A.C. Valdez Sr.6750:19MAT 11:28A.C. Valdez Sr. emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God in his sermon 'First Things Must Come First.' He highlights that while many seek God's blessings, they often overlook the conditions required for receiving them, such as genuine faith and righteousness. Valdez encourages believers to come to Jesus early, establishing a real connection with Him rather than treating Him as a convenience during times of trouble. He stresses that true salvation and transformation come from a heartfelt acceptance of Christ, which should take precedence over all other desires. Ultimately, Valdez calls for a deeper commitment to God, urging the congregation to examine their hearts and ensure they are living in accordance with His will.
I Kings 14:1
By Chuck Smith01KI 14:1Chuck Smith delivers a sermon on I Kings 14:1, emphasizing how God uses various methods to capture our attention, particularly in times of trouble. He discusses the character of Jeroboam and his wife, who only seek God when faced with crises, highlighting the danger of being an occasional hearer of God's word. The sermon also addresses the futility of disguises, as the wife attempts to hide her identity while seeking help from the prophet Ahijah, only to be called out by him. Ultimately, Smith conveys the heavy tidings of judgment upon Jeroboam's family, contrasting it with the glorious tidings of God's mercy for the godly. The message serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine faith and the consequences of hypocrisy.
These Have No Root
By C.H. Spurgeon0MAT 13:20C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of deep, genuine faith in Christ, warning against superficial acceptance of the Word that lacks true inward transformation. He illustrates this through the parable of the seed sown on rocky ground, which initially shows promise but ultimately withers due to a lack of deep roots. Spurgeon urges self-examination to ensure that one's heart is softened and receptive to God's grace, as true growth in faith requires both upward and downward development. He cautions that without a sincere relationship with Jesus, one's faith may appear vibrant but will ultimately fail under trials. The preacher calls for believers to seek the Holy Spirit's work in their lives to cultivate a lasting and fruitful faith.
Personal Holiness
By A.W. Pink0ISA 61:10MAT 5:8MAT 16:24ACT 15:9PHP 2:5COL 3:12TIT 1:1HEB 11:8HEB 12:141PE 1:15A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of personal holiness for believers, arguing that our fall in Adam has tainted our nature, necessitating reconciliation and renewal to see the Lord. He stresses that true holiness is not merely imputed through Christ but must be evident in the believer's life, as genuine faith produces a heart that grieves over impurity and leads to obedience. Pink warns against the deception of believing one can have faith without personal holiness, asserting that such faith is lifeless and fruitless. He calls for a transformation of the inner man, aligning our actions with God's will, and highlights that true discipleship requires self-denial and conformity to Christ's example. Ultimately, Pink asserts that without personal holiness, one cannot claim to truly know God.
Our Future Rewards
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 6:20ROM 14:101CO 3:14GAL 6:9COL 3:232TI 4:8HEB 11:6JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 22:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes that our motives in the Christian life should be genuine and rooted in love for God, rather than solely for the rewards He offers. He reassures believers that while we should serve God for who He is, we should also remember the glorious future promises He has made, which include eternal rewards for those who walk in faith, love, and obedience. Tozer expresses confidence that God's faithful servants today may shine as brightly as the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews, suggesting that the legacy of faith continues beyond the past.
Possess, Not Only Profess
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 37:4MAT 13:12ROM 12:2GAL 5:22EPH 3:20PHP 1:9HEB 11:1JAS 2:192PE 1:51JN 4:18C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of possessing genuine faith rather than merely professing it, highlighting that true faith leads to an abundance of grace from God. He warns that superficial faith will ultimately be stripped away, urging believers to ensure their faith is real and deep. Spurgeon encourages the faithful to seek a greater depth of love and trust in God, as true possession of grace leads to spiritual abundance. He expresses a desire for increased hatred of sin, deeper faith, and a fervent love for God, recognizing that these are gifts that come from a genuine relationship with Him.
Impossible to Renew Unto Repentance
By Harry Ironside0HEB 6:4Harry Ironside emphasizes the grave warnings found in the Epistle to the Hebrews regarding apostasy and the impossibility of renewing those who have once tasted the truth but later turn away. He explains that many may experience enlightenment and even partake in the Holy Spirit without truly knowing Christ, leading to a false sense of security. Ironside reassures true believers that their faith is secure, while cautioning against the dangers of spiritual sloth and the consequences of willful sin. He draws parallels between the experiences of the early Hebrew Christians and the modern church, urging self-examination and genuine faith. The sermon serves as a reminder of the seriousness of rejecting God's grace and the importance of persevering in faith.