True Belief
True Belief3
I Kings 8:39
By Chuck Smith01KI 8:39ROM 7:18Chuck Smith emphasizes that God knows our hearts and desires us to give our hearts fully to Him. He explains that mere knowledge or belief is insufficient for salvation; true belief must come from the heart, which involves our will and actions. Smith illustrates this with examples from David and Abraham, showing that God values our intentions and willingness over mere actions. Ultimately, he urges listeners to reflect on their hearts and ensure they have truly surrendered to God, as He is aware of our innermost thoughts and feelings.
1 John 4:15
By John Gill0John Gill emphasizes the significance of confessing Jesus as the Son of God, highlighting that this confession goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it requires a heartfelt belief that leads to righteousness and obedience. He contrasts true faith with the belief of demons and unregenerate individuals, stressing that genuine faith is accompanied by love and a commitment to Christ's teachings. Gill encourages believers to openly profess their faith in Jesus, assuring them that such a confession brings them into communion with God.
Because You Ate the Loaves
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 73:25MAT 6:33JHN 6:26JHN 15:13ROM 8:182CO 5:17EPH 2:8PHP 3:8COL 3:21PE 2:7Thomas Brooks emphasizes that Christ is precious only to those who truly believe, urging Christians to value Him above all earthly duties, privileges, and benefits. He draws a distinction between those who love Christ for His personal qualities and those who seek Him merely for the benefits He provides. Brooks highlights that true believers appreciate Christ for His inherent beauty and glory, rather than for the material or spiritual gains they might receive. He warns that many professing Christians follow Christ primarily for the 'loaves'—the blessings—rather than for a genuine love of His person. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper, more authentic relationship with Christ that transcends mere transactional faith.