Learn how to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News of the coming Kingdom

Charles Spurgeon said:

If you read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the word of God, the qualities of that word will be displayed in you.

By the non-trinitarian Baptists Spurgeon was a treasured guide. His words, from the time when he saw the only One God could bring the congregation to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the word of God, so that the qualities of that word would be displayed in the congregation.

He taught  the sin-pardoning God in Christ Jesus. For Spurgeon it was clear that we should come to the knowledge that Jesus was the man send by God to save us by a gift of grace.

Saint George Preca has been likened as a successor to Saint Paul's evangelical work on the island of Malta. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is grace upon grace. Observe that if we climb on high, the position may be dangerous; but if the Lord sets us there it is safe.
He may raise us to great usefulness, to eminent experience, to success in service, to leadership among workers, to a father’s place among the little ones.
If He does not do this, He may set us on high by near fellowship, clear insight, holy triumph, and gracious anticipation of eternal glory.

For the non-trinitarian baptist as the same for us Christadelphians we learned from Spurgeon how to go out into the world and give enough attention onto the preaching of the Gospel.

We should feel the same as the apostle Paul who felt it a great privilege to be allowed to preach the gospel. For us it is a privilege to be long to the chosen ones, to be a child of God but also a worker for God.

The Apostle Paul did not look upon his calling as a drudgery, but he entered upon it with intense delight. Yet while Paul was thus thankful for his office, his success in it greatly humbled him. The fuller a vessel becomes, the deeper it sinks in the water.

Today we still can use many of Spurgeons teachings to inspire us and remember his works:

If you seek humility, try hard work; if you would know your nothingness, attempt some great thing for Jesus. If you would feel how utterly powerless you are apart from the living God, attempt especially the great work of proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ, and you will know, as you never knew before, what a weak unworthy thing you are.

Although the apostle thus knew and confessed his weakness, he was never perplexed as to the subject of his ministry. We should find an example in the apostle Paul, who always wanted to do the work for the Only One god, first as Saul, thinking the followers of Christ where worng, but than after he got more insigth given him by Christ, he became a speaker for Christ. We too should be such an ardent speaker in the name of Christ, and show the world that Jesus did not preach an other Gospel than the many prophets before him. Jesus was that fulfilment of the words of the prophets and the fulfilment of the Word of God having become into the flesh (John 1:1)

Jesus was not another one who claimed to be God. No he clearly indicated the Father was grater than him and that he could not do anything without his Father, the Only One God. We too, can not do anything without God the Father, who is in heaven. Like Jesus and the apostle Paul we should know that and be thankfull that God has drawn us near to Him and does allow us to work for HIm.

From his first sermon to his last, Paul preached Christ, and nothing but Christ. He lifted up the cross, and extolled the Son of God who bled thereon. Follow his example in all your personal efforts to spread the glad tidings of salvation, and let “Christ and Him crucified” be your ever recurring theme. . .

Only because God wanted to accept the Peace offering of Christ we can be saved for ever. By the acceptance of the Ransom we have no debts any-more and can trust the Good News of the coming Kingdom. This marvellous Good News we should proclaim all over the world, with gladness and full of grace.

If there is anyone who should be opposed to strife and bloodshed it is the man that names the name of Christ. Spurgeon considered the spirit of war to be absolutely foreign to the spirit of Christianity….
Modern conservative, fundamentalist, and evangelical Christians, all of whom might claim him as one of their own, have much to learn from Spurgeon, not only for his example of an uncompromising and successful Christian minister, but also for his consistent opposition to war and Christian war fever.--Laurence M. Vance [extended quotes and citations]

Spurgeon near the end of his life. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Our kingdom is not of this world; else would God’s servants fight with sword and spear. Ours is a spiritual kingdom, and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual, and mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds.

We as Christians should bring the message of peace, which Jesus brought into the world, and should let others know the Word of God, without forcing it on them with violence but with the word of love, the arrow of the cupid. Our war should be a continuous war of bringing peacefully the message Jesus proclaimed. We should display the work of God's Word in us. We should have become transformed so much by the Word of God that we can attract others with our righteousness.

We should not hesitate and wait until tomorrow but stand up in a hurry, before the End Times will surprise many, so that more people shall recognise when Jesus will return to the earth, and find us worthy followers of him, worthy to enter the Kingdom of God.
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Please do read also:

1. Self-development, self-control, meditation, beliefs and spirituality
2. Church sent into the world 
3. If we, in our prosperity, neglect religious instruction and authority 
4. Are Christadelphians so Old Fashioned? 
5. Our relationship with God, Jesus and eachother 
6. God’s design in the creation of the world 
7. God’s reward 
8. God’s promises 
9. God is one 
10. God of gods 
11. God’s salvation 
12. Creator and Blogger God 3 Lesson and solution
13. Creator and Blogger God 4 Expounding voice
14. Creator and Blogger God 5 Things to tell
15. Statutes given unto us
16. Bible in the first place #2/3
17. Missional hermeneutics 1/5
18. Missional hermeneutics 3/5
19. Missional hermeneutics 4/5
20. Missional hermeneutics 5/5
21. Breathing to teach
22. Blogging for Jesus...

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• Charles Spurgeon's Advice To Preachers
• Enemies of the Cross
• Authority Expressed in Care
• Smeagle and Jesus with a Side of Scotch
• False Teachers, Beware !
• What You Need To Know About Israel: They Killed Their Own Prophets and They Killed Jesus Christ Too!
• Spurgeon's Last Sermon from the Tabernacle
• Be an Example
• "His name is faithfulness" by Charles Spurgeon

Asia Cahaya Conference focusing on preaching

This is different, its unusual, its exciting, it's never been done before and it's a once in a life time opportunity!!!

 Start date is currently set at Sat 27 Dec 2014 Picture 150 to 200 young people, all making their way to Penang Island in Malaysia, to a 7 day conference with a range of talks and activities...focusing on preaching, and the way to go about preaching...now...you know that feeling on the last day of conference...when you just want it to go longer...even just one day longer would mean the world. Well that's the next stage....we split into groups and fly around Asia to different locations to meet with our fellow Christadelphians, and to help them preach to the locals...and after a week of that, we head back to KL to finish of the overall conference with two days of catching up and sharing our experiences with each other..

Map of Malaysia with Penang Island highlighted (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 If you have ever wanted to visit Asia, go to a longer conference, and preach the word of God...then Cahaya is your calling.. If you’re 18 years and over and would love to be part of such a unique experience, book in now to secure your place!

 Details are still being finalised, so keep checking the website for updates. In regards to fees there will be scheduled amounts you will need to pay. $50 to book in (non refundable) $250 Deposit 1 - Due 1st December 2013 (non refundable after 31st December. $TBA for amounts and dates.

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Jehovah's Witnesses not only group that preach the good news

Are Jehovah's Witnesses the only group that preach the good news? If that was the case what accounts for the growth of other religions and Christianity becoming the largest religious group globally?

The Christadelphians try to let others know about the Kingdom of God. They are not with many. But Baptists have the most missionaries of any religion. In 2004 there were 7 million Baptists out side of America, 600,000 baptisms and 21,000 new churches. In 2004 Witnesses baptised only 200,000 globally. Interesting information on the significant efforts of Baptist missionaries can be viewed at internationalministries.org and namb.net. The Gideons International is placing and distributing more than 63,000,000 Scriptures worldwide.

Read more in: Are Jehovah's Witnesses the only ones that Preach?

Holland Week of billing

We have received the task from Jesus to go out in the world and to spread the Gospel of the Good News.

To bring this Evangelion several brothers and sisters were willing to come to help their Dutch brethren. We were pleased to have this happy reunion of believing people willing to share the Word of God with each other and with others who are at first site not interested in God.

But by putting leaflets in their mailboxes (were it was allowed) we gave them an opportunity to look at we think and react anonymously. When we met some people and could talk to them it gave a possibility to spread the Good News directly. I had some nice opportunities that way (being master enough of Dutch to give some answers directly).

Like good soldiers should do we started early in the year, early in the month, early in the week, early in the day. We were Invited by a different and/or unique publisher to work with us, namely the Broeders in Christus Nederland (Brethren in Christ Holland). For the 'Family Support- allowing you to stay out in the ministry' they provided with nice little houses in a Bungalow park in Hoenderloo, by Apeldoorn. From there we went to Apeldoorn, Deventer and Zutphen to do the door-to-door billing.  the family feeling was in the morning and evening when we all came together with the night visitors from Holland. After the morning reading we went into small groups each our way to post the flyers about the Dutch magazine "Met Open Bijbel" (With Open Bible) and the book "Uitzicht op de toekomst" (View on the Future").

Loolaan, Apeldoorn-Noord (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We tried to synch our service schedule with other Pioneers and learned plenty of other aids from long time Pioneers, Circuit Overseers, Elders. The good thing was that there were "anciens", elders who had come down to the Netherlands already for more then 15 years. They were used to the planning of all those small streets and alleys in living quarters. Going around one clockwise and the other anti-clockwise was a good system to take over. You really could not do it like we used to do in Belgium, going in groups each site of the road and then into the next one. The going around the block and mapping it as done was the only sure way to not miss out one street or group of houses or not to do them twice.

We naturally also got proper rest and did not refrain to have a laugh now and then. Before, between and billing we had social activity.So we did make JOY! Yes, because that is also part of the ministry of a believing person. Make certain that your Ministry is very Joyful And Fun!

    J.O.Y. = Jehovah 1st, Others 2nd, Yourself 3rd. That is what we do have to keep in mind when do Gods work. Then your blessings come from Jehovah!

Increasing the quality of our ministry; can make increase your joy; which increases your ministry and the whole community of the ecclesia!

We at night picked up our Bible Study. And this was more pleasant and could also be more fulfilling then doing it on your own at home. We also could get excited sharing experiences and it was nice to hear how others came to the truth or had conversion stories. It was an open informal pleasant way to always build each other up.

Open Bible (Photo credit: moyerphotos)

Together we could pray for and focus on progressive Bible Studies, sing together and praise the beauties of the Lord.

Those who were there, we thank them for all their efforts to come to our Low Countries to help us to spread the Good News.
Gratefully for this help in the 'Notification' we hope yet that such fine days may come more often and that once we also may find you among us.

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie: Aankondigingsweek in Nederland
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2013 update:

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Trying to get the youth inspired

As a youngster would you not like to go abroad and widen your horizon?
The Onesimus Program prepares enthusiastic young people to serve and preach, and then put them to work serving and preaching.
Anyone interested, either baptized or unbaptized, in good standing with their ecclesia, aged 16 and older is encouraged to apply for a two week training. Young people, 18 years of age or older,
interested in the full program must be baptized members in good standing with their home ecclesias.
For many it can be a stepping stone like this youngster wrote:
“Before the training I was shy about speaking to people about the Bible. Now I have more courage and confidence in myself.” And an other one:
“I went into my first year of college not having full conviction in the God of the Bible … the spark was missing. A big spark came this summer … and Onesimus was where the hammer finally hit the nail square on the head. I was immersed in the love for our Father and Christ, and I felt
God channel love to me through one on one (conversations) and talking to my peers. Walking through my spiritual struggles this past year … showed me that the Father was and is always with me. My cup overflows with the comfort of the Father through Christ … and I was baptized July 18th, 2009 in the name of Jesus Christ.” – Bro. Matt Drabenstott
So it can succeed to leave self-gratification behind and learn to give oneself in service,
sharing light with those in darkness, supplying our brother’s need, always standing ready to say, “Here am I, send me!”

Read more about it:
>39-years-onesimus
> Operation Onesimus

Bible for you and for life

Some time soon Jesus is coming and everybody should be aware of the importance of the Bible.  2011 can be a very important year where more people shall talk about Gods Word then ever before. We should take the occasion to make it come alive.

TheBible4Life Committee explain what is planned for the national preaching effort next year.

  

How should we preach?

Jesus Christ has instructed us "to go and teach" to proclaim the "Good News" and to distribute it around the world.
How should we preach?

We should:

• preach to all who will listen (Acts 28:30)

• preach with confidence (v. 31)

• not preach with “wisdom of words” (1 Cor. 1:17)

• only preach the true gospel (Gal. 1:8)

• preach with sincerity and goodwill (Phil. 1:15)

• be “blameless and harmless” and “shine as lights in the world” (2:15)

• preach with warning and teaching (Col. 1:28).

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From - Preaching the Gospel
Basic Bible Principles
http://www.testimony-magazine.org/back/PreachingTheGospel.pdf

Dutch translation / Nederlandse vertaling > Hoe moeten we prediken?

It is Today

It is Today

Today has come as yesterday
we said if our Lord still tarries,
then during the daylight hours
yet for some
in the darkness of night,
to His Judgement seat
we have been borne.
And in the midst of a great multitude gathered
I seem to stand alone
waiting for my name to be spoken
by the righteous Judge.
It is today.

Yet sometimes I am distracted
in this waiting,
and from the reflections of my past
as I watch as others are granted
the prize, eternal life.
Still more and more distractions and
then on seeing some
who have slept
within the earthy bowels
awaiting trumpet sound.
Was I at times reproachful
of those who'd run their race?
In the Judge's mind
they yet now have
received their immortal place.
It is today.

Another in the midst of the throng
I had not seen for years.
What was his name, I can't recall
and ponder why he left.
A lonely man who found God's truth
then oft times more alone
and 'though this pearl of great price he found
not so with those "in Christ".
And hearsay among some brethren
had I ever played a part
a destructive little past time
which human nature loves.
And those who longed to be a part
did I yet cast aside, and considered them not worthy
to be in company of the bride.
It is today.

And the brethren that offended me
did I put this in the past
and forgiven and forgotten
or harboured till this day.
Did I rejoice in things of beauty
the preaching of His word
to all the world around us
the coming of our Lord.
And on and on I go
with reflections of the past
of circumstance that may have changed
or no, it just won't be.
Pardon? My name has been called
I must stand before His seat, the righteous Judge,
probation is now past.
It is today.
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1999 Kay McGrath

When discouraged facing opposition

It can be easy to become discouraged when facing opposition in our ministry. Here are a couple of things which can help:

Knowing that the opposition we may face in relation to sharing Bible truths means that we are on the right track:
"You will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my [Jesus'] name; but he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved." (Matthew 10:22)
"If they have persecuted me [Jesus], they will persecute you also." (John 15:20)

Jesus and many other faithful ones of Jehovah have suffered far worse than mere harsh words. But when you think of it, what can Man do to us?

"And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Ge·henìna." (Mt. 10:28)
"Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them. Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens." (Matthew 5:10-12)


What moves one to share Bible truths? Someone once said, "Preaching merely out of obligation becomes burdensome in time." If our motivation is the natural desire to share the wonderful, life-saving knowledge that we have learned with others, then it doesn't become burdensome at all.  Love for God is a primary reason why we share in the ministry, and truly being like Jesus includes being moved by compassion to preach and teach. (Matthew 22:37-39) Jesus' loving compassion for people was a key motivation for his sharing the good news with them:
^"Well, on getting out, he saw a great crowd, but he was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd. And he started to teach them many things." (Mark 6:34)
"But the crowds, getting to know it, followed him. And he received them kindly and began to speak to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those needing a cure." (Luke 9:11)
"This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." (John 17:3) 
Here are some scriptures that have helped me with discouragement in the past:

"Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let YOUR petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard YOUR hearts and YOUR mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6,7)
"Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." (Prov. 3:5,6)

"Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter." (Psalm 55:22)
"Those who are hoping in Jehovah will regain power." (Isaiah 40:31)

The Most Reliable English Bible

This month, Christadelphian Waymark magazine has a special issue focussing on the topic of Bible Translations, and which is "The Most Reliable English Bible"

 

Introduction

The New Testament

Roman Catholic Involvement

The "Recieved" Text

The Gospel was Preached in All the World

Paraphrases and Translations

The Old Testament

What is the Basis for New Translations

References

A Living Faith #3 Faith put into action

A LIVING FAITH

Faith put into action

Previous > A living faith #2 State of your faith

It is really quite easy to express a belief in something or a love for somebody but as the saying goes ‘actions speak louder than words’.  I recall once having a patient who described her husband as saying that he cared about and loved her, but she was upset and depressed because the care and love was never shown by actions. As she once said, it’s easy to say ‘I love you, but his actions show that he really doesn’t care about me.’

Our behaviour and deeds will show our true attitudes and feelings. We can often deceive ourselves and for a while we can deceive others, but God knows the heart, we cannot deceive Him! Try to honestly answer these questions:

• Would you say that you believe, trust and love Yahweh?
• Would you say that you strive to obey His Word?
• Would you say that you put all your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
• Would you say that you strive to obey His commandments?
• Would you say that you desire the Kingdom of God above all things?

I am sure most of us would want to answer ‘yes’ to the above questions. Words may very well express that Yahweh’s Word is the most valuable thing in our lives. Word may express that we long for His Kingdom and that we love the Lord our God above all else.  But what do your actions say?

Now James writes these well-known words, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” James 2:14

The implied answer is no, it cannot save him. You see, faith must be something living and active in our lives. Faith is not something expressed merely by words. Our true inner feelings and the truth of our words will be demonstrated by actions or deeds.  But one may argue ‘I do believe’, ‘I do have faith’; indeed Paul writes that one is saved by faith (Eph 2:8), ‘How then can it be suggested that my faith will not save me?’  Well, James writes that faith without works is dead! Thus the reality and depth of faith is proved by its works just as James continues:

“..faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:17-18

Faith is indeed an essential ingredient of salvation. However, faith in itself is a somewhat abstract concept, it is something intangible.  Faith cannot be measured and although a person can demonstrate knowledge about a subject and express a belief in that knowledge, its value to a person cannot be measured by a mere expression of belief. For example one may know the law of the land which sets a certain speed limit on roads and may believe that the law states if a driver is caught breaking the speed limit they will pay a fine, or in the worst case a persistent offender will lose their licence.  Does this stop everybody speeding? In short the answer is no! Why? Well simply because that particular law is not considered to have any great value and people generally are more concerned about getting from A to B as fast as possible.

In a similar manner the scriptures may be learned and believed, but if it does not have a value higher than all else in ones life, then our deeds will surely reflect the little value we place upon God’s Word. On the other hand, if the Word is our greatest treasure, then we will believe and then act upon that belief. Thus faith will influence and change our way of life. However, producing the works of faith is not easy; it takes a lifetime of sustained effort.  

A time is soon coming when we all will bow the knee before the Lord Jesus and render an account of our lives. The deeds of faith will be scrutinised and the record of life reviewed.  By our works we will stand or we will fall! Thus we read:

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” Rev 20:12

However, if we truly value God’s Word and if we have a genuine and sincere faith, then the thought of judgement and giving an account of our lives will be tempered by the knowledge that Yahweh is very merciful towards those who love Him.  With this in mind, the trials faced in life that He sends to refine and purify faith will not be overly burdensome. Our eye will look to the future, not focus upon the present trials.  Indeed, even though we may face death, we have the reassurance that our works of faith will not be forgotten, for John records:

“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'" Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Rev 14:13

So, James sums it up by saying: “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” James 2:24. So then, our works or fruits as scripture also terms them, will arise from what is within the heart. Just consider these words of Jesus:

"You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”...”Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Matt 7:16-20

As Jesus also said, “a bad tree cannot bear good fruit, nor will a good tree bear bad fruit”. Any gardener will know that a well watered, well nourished tree will produce an abundance of fruit and careful pruning will help increase and maintain the yield.  In a similar manner, if an individual’s life is nourished and watered by the Word of life, and if they respond to the pruning action of life’s trails, then they will yield the good fruit of faith.

If you were asked the question, ‘what works of faith are you displaying in your daily life? What would you say?  Would it be the attendance at meetings, the preaching of the Word, the knowledge of the Word and the study efforts made to give exhortations or Bible class subjects  that would be cited.  Are these the works of faith by which a person may be justified?  Well, Jesus said:

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.  "Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name?’  "And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matt 7:21-23

So Jesus is clearly saying that it is not merely acknowledging him as Lord and saviour that justifies a man. It is not performing great acts of service in the sense of preaching in his name; these more public works are but an outward show. Thus in the context of our day and age, one may say ‘did I not give exhortations?’ or ‘Did I not study and learn much in the Bible?’ or ‘Did I not travel extensively preaching the Truth?’  These things are in some ways the works of faith, but it is the attitude of heart and the motives behind the works that are crucial. What has driven us to do these things, for it is possible to preach and speak for selfish motives rather than the one desire of honouring Yahweh. Thus Paul notes: “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will” Phil 1:15 and warns “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit”. Phil 2:3

Only living our lives in accordance with the Word of Truth will provide a solid underpinning for the works of faith. There is no place for self-seeking and pride, because the works of faith will be borne out of a deep desire to know Yahweh and follow the example of Jesus who said “I do not seek my own will but the will of the Father who sent me.” John 5:30

Trying to amalgamate the shifting sands of human wisdom with the principles of scripture will only make a shipwreck of faith. The only way that faith can be developed is by wholeheartedly learning and then applying the Word to all aspects of our daily lives. Obeying what we describe as the ‘Commandments of Christ’.

The only way that faith will grow is by walking according to the Light of the Word, trusting Yahweh and shunning any who turn away from the Word of Truth. The only way that faith will be refined is by learning from the trials of life and humbly submitting to the overruling hand of Yahweh.

The works of faith will only come from striving to obey the commandments of Christ and striving to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Tim 2:15 Now Jesus spoke a parable to illustrate this principle:

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.  But everyone who hears these sayings of mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:  "and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." Matt 7:24-27

So then in summary, faith and works go together, they are utterly inseparable. Works cannot save for we cannot earn favour, faith must come first. Non-the-less the value of faith is then in turn proved by its works.

To be continued….A Living Faith #4 Effort

Andy Peel.

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In this series:
A Living Faith #1 Substance of things hoped for
A living faith #2 State of your faith
A Living Faith #3 Faith put into action
A Living Faith #4 Effort
A Living Faith #5 Perseverance
A Living Faith #6 Sacrifice
A Living faith #7 Prayer
A Living Faith #8 Change
A Living Faith #9 Our Manner of Life
A Living Faith #10: Our manner of Life #2
A Living Faith #11 My place in the body of Christ and my ecclesia
A Living Faith #12 The Love for Jesus


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2016 January update

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• Faith

Preaching to an unbelieving world

We are preaching to an unbelieving world, fighting rapidly falling standards in our own community, trying to build up those scattered far and wide in the earth, caring for increasing numbers of elderly and incapacitated and those who are spiritually sick, and all the time trying to overcome our own innate personal weaknesses, problems and frustrations " So much effort, so little achieved. Sometimes it seems as if, in certain areas both at home and abroad, ecclesial life is falling apart, as it must have seemed to Paul in those early years of that ecclesia at Corinth.

... it is a day of small things.We do not have the power of the Spirit. God does not manifest Himself openly in the mighty acts of power. We have the Word of God which is quite sufficient to convince those of a right frame of mind. But these are very few in number, so few that sometimes it seems as if our preaching and our exhortation is ineffective, as if we are failing in some way. The few who do respond are those whom God has reserved, as He told Elijah. That was what God told Elijah, and Paul quotes God’s words to him in his Letter to the Romans to prove that there was in his day also a remnant according to the election of grace, and surely we trust that it is so in our own day. We believe that we are part of that remnant chosen by God by His grace, called by the gospel, responsive to that still small voice.
Yet the vast majority remains totally unmoved. Even within the community of the saints there will always be those who are not responsive. But we press on, struggling to remain part of the faithful remnant, and we are sure that in time, in God’s time, judgment will be poured out on the rebellious, the hard-hearted; not by men like Jehu, men who proved in the end to be no better than were those they destroyed, but judgment will be in the hands of One whom God raised up in righteousness.

We shall remember that this was how Paul comforted the believers in the first century who were suffering persecutions, “it is a righteous thing with God” he said, “to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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This is the day of small things, the day for faithful service, no matter how little we seem to achieve, the day for accepting whatever difficulties and frustrations come our way as a result of that service, the day for bearing whatever burdens an all wise God sees fit to place upon His servants.

 - Bro E. T. 1986

full text > Three faithfull men