Enter by the narrow gate;
for wide is the gate
and broad is the way
that leads to destruction,
and there are many who go
in by it. Because narrow
is the gate ad difficult
is the way which leads
to life, and there are
few who find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
What is the resolution that distinguishes Authentic Biblical Faith from cultural Christianity? It is the determination and intentional desire to pursue a life that is in conformity with the Character of Jesus Christ. Notice two words: 1. Determination 2. Intentional and yes, we are fallen in our nature and our battle is with this fallen nature and our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ for they are in contradiction to one another and we have a difficult time with this conflict. It is when a person tries to harmonize their faith with that which is cultural that that causes some to renounce, at least in some form, living an Authentic Biblical Christian life. Jesus promised us to have the Holy Spirit to be in use, to guide us, to aid us in our walk, but we must choose the path that we will travel. The broad road is easy, and it is filled with many good things, things that make a person feel pious, but it is hiding the truth for in its dark edges sin is removing the image of Jesus Christ from you. Jesus did not promise us happiness if we follow Him. Jesus promised us joy: "If you keep My commandment, y9u will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. these things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:10-11). Yes, keeping the commandments of God may isolate you from those who don't and will cause grief as you see those you love turn away from you because you believe in Jesus Christ and have turned away from any other theology that is not Scriptural. Meditate upon this though: God is all knowing and all loving, and His will for your lives is one that will produce the greatest benefit for you. It is when your faith is motivated to become formed in the image of His Son Jesus Christ and to be obedient to God's will and that motivation is stirred to action because you walk the road that brings glory to God. Authentic Biblical Christians who have Authentic Biblical Faith are driven to serve God by a sense of trust and hope in Him. You become more and more appreciate for the awe of His goodness. You have a spirit of joyfulness and continual gratitude.
Looking in the mirror and seeing the truth of you may bring upon you a sense of discouragement for you see a person that has a long road to travel to become what God has intended you to become. Don't be discouraged, take hope and trust in God for not all people are in the same degree of sanctification and a godly character development. People love, or reverent, or trust in different degrees. There is a common denominator for those possessing Authentic Biblical Faith: it is the determination to devote yourself to the service of God to His glory. All have this denominator as well, it is they understand how inadequate they are to achieve this goal without the grace and empowerment supplied by God.
Devotion to God is not reserved for some special class of Christians, the Bible does not distinct such separation of Christians. The Bible is clear as to God's instructions and they are stated in such terms as any honest seeking person being enabled by God, drawn to Him and this by the Holy Spirit: "It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). The Holy Spirit, the One sent to God's children is sent to all Authentic Biblical Christians, we are devoid of God's help: "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me" (John 15:26). When I wrote the Apostles Creed, it is there for you to know that what was written was based on Scripture for where it says that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son that is Scriptural.
Do you want joy or happiness in your life. It is not that happiness is bad, rather that if happiness is not founded on joy then all you have is some transient emotional feeling: it was go and come like waves on an ocean. To obtain joy in your life it is by obedience. All are to serve Him and submit to Him with intentional obedience that demonstrates to the world that we have God in our lives and that He holds priority in our lives. We have a relationship with God the creator, the Savior, and the Helper. What joy it is to serve God. What will you do to change your life so that you are becoming formed in the image of Jesus Christ?
However, when He, the Spirit
of truth, has come, He will
guide you into all truth; for He
will not speak on His own
authority, but whatever he hears
he will speak; and He will tell
you things to come.
John 16:13
Pray to become the image of Jesus Christ
Richard L. Crumb
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