Is believing in Jesus enough? Or is there more? Hear the words of Jesus:
True Faith: More Than Just Believing in Jesus…if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. (John 12:47-48)
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parables of the Bridegroom and Patches and Wineskins
The disciples of John the Baptist and the disciples of the Pharisees asked Jesus:
The Parables of the Bridegroom, Patches and Wineskins : Jesus’ Teaching on the New CovenantWhy do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink? (Luke 5:33)
The Fragrance Of Christ: Becoming A Sweet Aroma Of Love And Faith“Now thanks be to God who always leads us to triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?”
—2 Corinthians 2:17—
We Are Not Peddling The Word Of God: Embracing Authentic Faith“For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.”
—2 Corinthians 2:17—
Salt of the earth and Light of the World“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)
In the New Testament, we read about crowds of people being converted to Christ. Many of them are unnamed—we don’t know their stories—just that they heard the gospel and responded in obedience to the Lord. However, the Spirit of God gave us several details about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, and not just his conversion but what he did thereafter. Let’s spend a bit of time considering Paul, the convert to Christ.
Saul’s Radical Conversion: A Life Made New In Christ
Over the past year, we’ve faced many Covid-19 related restrictions from all levels of government; federal, provincial, and regional. Non-essential travel has been restricted with closed land borders. Those who travel must submit to a mandatory test, costly hotel stay, and forced quarantine upon their return. The economy has been shut down, stay-at-home orders and curfews have been issued, social gatherings have been limited, masks are compulsory in almost every indoor setting (and some outdoor settings), etc..
The Christian’s Duty to God and Government: A Biblical Perspective
SERIES: DO YOU REALLY KNOW JESUS?
At the time this article was written, the #1 result for the words “Jesus” and “legalist” on the internet is an article titled, “Why Jesus Hates Legalism.” The author calls legalism a sin and tells us that “Jesus had more conflicts with the legalists of His day than any other group.”1 In fact, the writer tells us that Jesus deliberately provoked the legalists by not following their hand-washing customs and by healing people on the Sabbath. Obviously, the writer of the article in question, like many others, identifies the Pharisees as legalists.
Was Jesus a Legalist? What the Bible Actually Teaches
Of the Lord Jesus and His obedience to the Father, the Hebrew author wrote:
He Learned Obedience: What Hebrews 5:8 Really Means…though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
Everyone knows to make a good sandwich taste better, you put “lettuce” on it. To make us spiritually better, or be salt of the earth, “let us” do certain things the apostles say. Notice the emphasis on “us,” as we have been set apart or sanctified by the blood of Christ. We are the chosen people of God.
Let Us Focus on Purity, Obedience, and Diligence for Spiritual Growth