“GENUINE FAITH”

New Life Bible Church

September 7, 2014

Allen McLauchlin, Pastor

A family friendly, never alone, purpose driven church

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread”? Matthew 16:8 (Their faith was not rock solid)

QUESTION: How can you be certain that your faith is rock solid and genuine?

1. When its based upon the fact of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I know that my redeemer lives. Job 19:25a

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:12-14,17

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

2. No matter the dire circumstances, you are certain of the victory.

In the end He will stand victoriously on the earth and I with Him. Job 19:25b

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Psalm 23:4

He said to his servants,  “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you”. Genesis 22:5

When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved……..  Paul stood up before them and said: “ I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed”. Acts 27:20-22

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

3. When you can find peace in the promises of God.

“Even as my skin is being destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God; Job 19:26

You will be kept in perfect peace all who trust in His promises,  and all whose thoughts are fixed on Him! Isaiah 26:3

Praise the Lord who has given peace to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses. 1 Kings 8:56,57

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

4. When your five senses can experience the presence of God.

I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:27

They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32

How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Psalm 11:103

If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Mark 5:28

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

Let me hear joy and gladness; let my bones feel the joy. Psalm 51:8