Title [Faith is the answer]
2014. 6. 22 Sunday morning sermon
Bible: John 15:7-8
Title: Faith is the answer
John 15:7-8 ‘7. If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
.
Christianity is not a cultural religion, but rather a documentary and an event in which facts, facts and truths flowing through history are revealed in the field of life. Therefore, we reflect the reality of salvation we have received from the God we believe and live in (Psalm 42:2) with thanksgiving and worship to God.
.
The Christian faith is a responsive relationship in which man responds to God's salvation and God continues to answer our prayers. Therefore, the unresponsive state is unfortunate and very dangerous. We respond with a lot of voices, but whether there is an answer from God.
.
1. When Jesus and the truth are in us
.
The most important thing is to establish a personal relationship where Jesus dwells in us. John 15:7 “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
.
In order to ask for anything, we must come to God and be in a state where we can see Him, so we repent and sanctify our hearts. It is not the right attitude to believe unconditionally.
.
Mark 1:15 '...Repent and believe the gospel', Isaiah 59:2 'But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from hearing you. '(Isa 1:15), so in order to approach God, you must first be sanctified, so you must repent (God who looks at the heart, 1 Samuel 16:7).
.
What the Salvation Sect or Darakbang (Ryu Gwang-soo) emphasizes is that if you realize it, you can receive answers (relationship with God) even if you do not pray much. Enlightenment is very important, but knowing information about God's covenant does not mean that a relationship is already established. We must live in awe with prayer, worship, zeal, and suffering.
Ezekiel 36:37 “…Nevertheless, they must ask me to do this for the house of Israel.”
.
2. Faith answers with fruit
.
Faith is not about speaking well, but living according to God's truth and showing history. Of course, the eternal life faith is sufficient as a confession of unchanging faith, but the expression as one who has faith must bear witness in life.
.
When Jesus came to the land of Judea, the people's faith at that time had only national pride in tradition, but there was no practice of faith, so they were destroyed.
Matthew 23:3 “Therefore, whatever they say, do and observe; do not imitate what they do, for they speak only, and do not
Matthew 11:19 “… Wisdom is justified by what it has done”
.
In the text John 15:8, “My Father will be glorified that you bear much fruit, and you will be my disciples.” The conclusion of the message is that you must bear fruit to be true disciples. The fruit is to receive a life that is clear enough to be called the grace and work of God in faith.
.
Heretics deviate from the thought of the Bible, so their lives are wrong and they are condemned by society. The reason the church is criticized by society is not its ideology, but the wrong things in life. Not only Mr. Byung-eon Yoo of the Salvation Sect, but also believers who do not have the fruit of faith must reflect.
.
At least, a believer who profess to believe in the God who created heaven and earth must have a life that shows his power in the smallest unit of life and moves himself. Entering the church itself is not a life of faith.
.
When you evangelize or when someone asks, how will you testify about the living God? In order for the world to hear and prove that you are different from the gods of other religions, you must show them the fruits that God has given you as you repent and earnestly pray with all your might. Otherwise, the excuses will only increase. Christians are witnesses, not apologists. I bless you to be a living believer.