Bullets from the Bible 2-18-18
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There are two types of religion. The first type of religion is the most popular and that which most “Christians” have. The fist type of religion is “Faith” in name only. 2 Timothy 3:5 describes this type of faith. It says, “having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” People with this type of faith will claim to be Christians. They will attend worship and will appear to be great religious people. People with this type of faith love to be seen of men and will rarely work for the Lord unless it will gain them some sort of recognition from other Christians. People with this type of faith pray to be seen of men (Matthew 6:5). When they help others, their only motivation is to be seen of men (Matthew 6:1-2). People with this type of faith will often live like the world when they are around the world...and then appear Godly on Sundays. People with this type of faith often know the truth, speak the truth, and demand that the truth be taught, but they refuse to actually live what they teach. People with this type of faith have fooled themselves in to believing that they have given up so much for God….yet they have completely missed the point of Christianity.
The second type of faith is a life changing faith. This type of faith is a true commitment to Christ. People with this type of faith will strive to do that which is right whether they are being watched or not. People with this type of faith will often do good that no one else knows about...and they wouldn't’ ever tell about it either. People with this type of faith strive to continually become better, to learn more, to be stronger Christians. People with this type of faith will never feel as if they have “arrived”, but rather will feel that they continually struggle to be the Christian that God desires. People with this type of faith realize that they are a forgiven sinner and are continually thankful for the grace that God offers. People with this type of faith will reach out to the lost...not in condemning judgment, but rather with truth hoping to save their souls. People with this type of faith are meek, humble, loving, and continually trusting in God instead of themselves.
Christianity often gets a bad name due to those with the first type of “faith”. This hypocritical faith will cause many to refuse truth and to be lost as a result. The irony is that many of those who are viewed by the world as the “most religious” fit into this category. Many who are hailed as very righteous people are the ones who are Christians in name only and only a Christian to be seen of men.
As we live the Christian life, let us strive to have a true, pure faith. Let us in meekness realize who we are, that we are sinners who are lost without Christ. Let us have the humility to serve Him without desiring recognition for the good that we do. Let us completely submit to His will and refuse to be a Christian in name only. Let us have a truly life-changing faith that will lead us to change our lives to do His will. Let us love Him, serve Him, put Him first...and realizing that there is more to Christianity than most Christians ever realize.
