Even as he spoke, many believed in him. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” John 8:30-31
To believe in Jesus is much more than just to believe Jesus. Genuine/real faith flows from a heart transformed by the truth of God's word, not just inspired by an emotional desire or intellectual interest. Those whose faith is only a flash of feelings will fall away, but those who embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord are never the same. Belief in Jesus conforms us into the likeness of Jesus as intended by God from the beginning (see Genesis 1:26-27). Our language is kind. Our demeanor softens. Our eyes brighten. Our attitude is hopeful. Our is spirit joyful.
Beginning faith is like meeting an attractive person, admiring their life, maybe even dating for a while, but the relationship is far from a marriage commitment. On the other hand, authentic or saving faith is wed to Christ. It is a lifetime covenant of learning, growing, transforming, and becoming one with Christ. We who believe in Jesus are the bride of Christ. It is unconditional belief and fidelity based on His divine nature. Faith in Him is foundational to our relationship of hope, love and forgiveness.
In a manner similar to a man and woman who have been married for decades, so is our maturing faith in Jesus Christ. Their intimate knowledge of one another conditions them to anticipate the needs of the other. The familiarity of their individual thought processes creates space to patiently wait. The understanding of their unique communication styles causes them to frequently complete each other’s sentences. As they grow older they act and look more like one another.
Jesus is clear, “If we hold to His teachings we are really His disciples.” Our faith is not perfect, but it is learning and growing. Is your life hidden in Christ? Has He captured your affections and ignited your imagination for Him? Yes, move beyond believing Him to believing in Him. Make faith foundational by depending on Jesus for your every need. What’s more, healthy Christians reproduce spiritual children, so pray your life is a channel for the Holy Spirit to convict lost souls to be born again. Our real faith goes to God daily to listen, learn, and be loved by Him.
Come join me for worship Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am at 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va. Let's make an impact for the Kingdom together.
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Beginning faith is like meeting an attractive person, admiring their life, maybe even dating for a while, but the relationship is far from a marriage commitment. On the other hand, authentic or saving faith is wed to Christ. It is a lifetime covenant of learning, growing, transforming, and becoming one with Christ. We who believe in Jesus are the bride of Christ. It is unconditional belief and fidelity based on His divine nature. Faith in Him is foundational to our relationship of hope, love and forgiveness.
In a manner similar to a man and woman who have been married for decades, so is our maturing faith in Jesus Christ. Their intimate knowledge of one another conditions them to anticipate the needs of the other. The familiarity of their individual thought processes creates space to patiently wait. The understanding of their unique communication styles causes them to frequently complete each other’s sentences. As they grow older they act and look more like one another.
Jesus is clear, “If we hold to His teachings we are really His disciples.” Our faith is not perfect, but it is learning and growing. Is your life hidden in Christ? Has He captured your affections and ignited your imagination for Him? Yes, move beyond believing Him to believing in Him. Make faith foundational by depending on Jesus for your every need. What’s more, healthy Christians reproduce spiritual children, so pray your life is a channel for the Holy Spirit to convict lost souls to be born again. Our real faith goes to God daily to listen, learn, and be loved by Him.
Come join me for worship Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am at 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va. Let's make an impact for the Kingdom together.
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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Saturdays 6:30pm (come as you are), or Sundays at 10am.
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org
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