Simple belief isn't all there is to our faith.

(Please see The view of this blog for an important statement on this post)

Simple belief in Christ for salvation isn't all there is to our faith!

I am not going to teach salvation by works, since we are saved by faith alone, and by Gods grace alone...but simple belief is not what is expected of the Christian(1). There is so much more to our faith!

When we make the decision to follow Christ, we literally are called to die to self(2). Our former life of sin is to be put behind us, as we live a life of repentance(3). As so often used in the New Testament, a good tree will bear good fruit(4). You are now a tree....Just kidding, but in all seriousness, a Christian who follows Christ will seek to bear fruit in keeping both in repentance(5), and in following Christs' commands. 

Our faith, which in some ways has been stripped of its substance in the United States, will actually challenge you at times when lived out.

Ask yourself - What is there in my life that is keeping me from God? Pray that He shows you. 

Is it food? Greed? Being kind and loving others? How about sharing the Good News with others? 

Our life here on earth was never designed to be comfortable. There will be trials and temptations(6), but the main question is what do you do with them?

Repentance is to turn away from our former ways, to instead follow the leadership of God. The things that formerly had a hold on us may tempt us later(7), but it is critically important that we fight. 

God offers to us confession and forgiveness when we screw up (8) - but that should hopefully be our last resort. Jesus leads us to instead pray that we will not be lead into temptation. Dying to self can be hard at times, but in a way it is rewarding to know that we are doing the right thing when we follow Jesus' lead.

We must be ready for Him to come back (9); And this entails living here and now for Him.

..."Be holy, because I am holy."...

1 Peter 1:16, ESV

Interested in Christianity? The Gospel in a Nutshell is a great place to start! And Church of course! :)

Cited Verses:

1.) "But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." James 2:18, ESV

2.) "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:24, ESV

3.) "And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38, ESV

4.) "So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.Thus you will recognize them by their fruits." Matthew 7:17-20, ESV

5.) "Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham." Luke 3:8, ESV

6.) "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, ESV

7.) "Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly." Proverbs 26:11, ESV

8.) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9, ESV

9.) See Matthew 25:1-13, Parable of the ten virgins