Authentic Faith:
According to the dictionary, the word “authentic” means – conforming to fact and therefore worthy of belief.
It also means that it’s not counterfeit or copied!
Friends, we know there is an authentic faith because there are numerous counterfeits, umpteen copies that are represented as the original!
Yet, to recognise the counterfeit, we must have first-hand knowledge of, or be familiar with the Real Deal.1.
Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God.2.
But know this, false prophets will always minimize the role of Christ and maximize the role of people!!3.
For this reason, Jesus said, “We must watch out for doomsday deceivers.
Okay, He probably didn’t say it quite like that!
Still, the Amplified Bible outlines it like this:
“Be careful that no one misleads you – deceiving you and leading you into error.
For many will come in on the strength of My name – appropriating the name which belongs to Me, saying, I am the Christ the Messiah, and they will lead many astray.4.
In another scripture, Eugene Peterson fluently crafts the words this way:
“Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity.
Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other.
Don’t be impressed with charisma – look for character.”5.
Take note, as Christians, we must never have an attitude which finds or brings attention to fault!
However, this doesn’t mean that we should abandon the ability to make good sound judgement.
If we want to know about the character of a person – look at the fruit in their lives!
Don’t believe everything you hear.
Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you.6.
Now listen, this is what the God of hope says, “Walk with Me and work with Me, watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”7.
Here and now, God challenges us to be true-hearted, and regardless of the hoo-ha of the day, we should look to Him and not wander aimlessly from the right track.
So, if you’re new to the Christian faith, or if you’ve been on the journey for some time – we encourage you to attend a Bible believing church – and keep in regular Christian fellowship.
Try talking to God on a daily basis – and make an effort to read the Bible as often as you can.
Listen, and believe the Voice of Truth.
Keep focused. Open-eyed, wide-eyed!
Finally, concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the Truth plain and simple.8.
Have a great week.
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
Now friend, if this message has comforted or challenged you, please click the recommend button found before this post.
Thank you.
E-mail david@newday-prince.me.uk.
2 1 John 4:15
3 Max Lucado.
4 Matthew 24:4-5
5 Matthew 7:15
6 1 John 4:1-3
7 Matthew 11:29-30
8 2 Timothy 2:15
Amplified Bible.
The Message.
New International Version.