Many accept things as true without really testing them

1
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• More and more I am hearing of Christians who go
  to a denomination or become involved with
  new movements under the name "church of Christ.

2
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• More and more I am hearing of Christians who go
  to a denomination or become involved with
  new movements under the name "church of Christ.
• It is not uncommon to hear those make comments
  that "I used to believe this, but I never was
  challenged to test it.

3
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• The problem is one that is more prevalent amongst
  young people, but I am finding more adults making
  drastic changes because they were never grounded.

4
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• The problem is one that is more prevalent amongst
  young people, but I am finding more adults making
  drastic changes because they were never grounded.
• The real tragedy comes when they accept something
  else just because it is different and still are
  unwilling to have the openness to have that new
  belief tested as well!

5
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• There is only one kind of heart that will find
  God's truth and be saved. (Jn 319-21)

6
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• (John 319-21 NKJV) - And this is the
  condemnation, that the light has come into the
  world, and men loved darkness rather than light,
  because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone
  practicing evil hates the light and does not come
  to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
  21 But he who does the truth comes to the
  light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that
  they have been done in God.

7
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• Jesus challenged the Jews to test themselves and
  find the truth. (Jn 832 717)

8
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• (John 717 NKJV) - If anyone wants to do His
  will, he shall know concerning the doctrine,
  whether it is from God or whether I speak on My
  own authority.

9
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• (John 832 NKJV) - And you shall know the
  truth, and the truth shall make you free.

10
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• Truth has not changed nor the way to find it.

11
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• Satan also has deceitfully placed deadly error
  before Christians for centuries and called it
  truth. He, however, does not want to be tested at
  all. (2 Cor 1114-15 1 Jn 41)

12
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• (2 Corinthians 1114-15 NKJV) - And no wonder!
  For Satan himself transforms himself into an
  angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great
  thing if his ministers also transform themselves
  into ministers of righteousness, whose end will
  be according to their works.

13
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• (1 John 41 NKJV) - Beloved, do not believe
  every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they
  are of God because many false prophets have gone
  out into the world.

14
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• It is crucial that each one be grounded in the
  truth of God. (Eph 414-15)

15
Many accept things as true without really testing
them

• (Ephesians 414-15 NKJV) - that we should no
  longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried
  about with every wind of doctrine, by the
  trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of
  deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth
  in love, may grow up in all things into Him who
  is the head Christ

16
How to know when you have made faith your own

• It can be defended. (1 Pt 315 Jude 3)

17
How to know when you have made faith your own

• (1 Peter 315 NKJV) - But sanctify the Lord God
  in your hearts, and always be ready to give a
  defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the
  hope that is in you, with meekness and fear

18
How to know when you have made faith your own

• (Jude 13 NKJV) - Beloved, while I was very
  diligent to write to you concerning our common
  salvation, I found it necessary to write to you
  exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith
  which was once for all delivered to the saints.

19
How to know when you have made faith your own

• How many have avoided talking to their friends
  about the Bible?

20
How to know when you have made faith your own

• In that isolation you may never be tested! When
  we share the gospel with others, we are benefited
  too. (Ex. Young people study on Calvinism.)

21
How to know when you have made faith your own

• In that isolation you may never be tested! When
  we share the gospel with others, we are benefited
  too. (Ex. Young people study on Calvinism.)
• We base our lives upon it. (2 Cor 124 1 Jn 54)

22
How to know when you have made faith your own

• (2 Corinthians 124 NKJV) - Not that we have
  dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers
  for your joy for by faith you stand.

23
How to know when you have made faith your own

• (1 John 54 NKJV) - For whatever is born of God
  overcomes the world. And this is the victory that
  has overcome the world our faith.

24
How to know when you have made faith your own

• It is the wisdom and the warnings from God's word
  that blesses us. (1 Jn 53)

25
How to know when you have made faith your own

• (1 John 53 NKJV) - For this is the love of
  God, that we keep His commandments. And His
  commandments are not burdensome.

26
How to know when you have made faith your own

• When others misrepresent what we stand for as
  "traditional" or "blindly following church of
  Christ opinions", we know better!

27
How to know when you have made faith your own

• When others misrepresent what we stand for as
  "traditional" or "blindly following church of
  Christ opinions", we know better!
• We will stand for it. (1 Cor 1613)

28
How to know when you have made faith your own

• (1 Corinthians 1613 NKJV) - Watch, stand fast
  in the faith, be brave, be strong.

29
How to know when you have made faith your own

• Some of the strongest attacks will come because
  you will not have fellowship with those who
  have gone beyond the scriptures. (Ex. My father
  and instrumental music)

30
How to know when you have made faith your own

• Even as a non-Christian I knew that if I could
  get someone who claimed to be a Christian to
  go along with me, that he really had no
  convictions, just talk.

31
How to know when you have made faith your own

• Even as a non-Christian I knew that if I could
  get someone who claimed to be a Christian to
  go along with me, that he really had no
  convictions, just talk.
• It becomes a part of us! (2 Cor 413-14)

32
How to know when you have made faith your own

• (2 Corinthians 413-14 NKJV) - And since we
  have the same spirit of faith, according to what
  is written, I believed and therefore I spoke,
  we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing
  that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also
  raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with
  you.

33
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• Because of the natural doubts that go from being
  a child to being an adult.

34
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• Because of the natural doubts that go from being
  a child to being an adult.
• As a child we believe certain things because our
  parents taught us. (Ex. Is there a God?)

35
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• Because of the natural doubts that go from being
  a child to being an adult.
• As a child we believe certain things because our
  parents taught us. (Ex. Is there a God?)
• It is not uncommon when one is faced with other
  who have a different belief to conclude that
  everyone is influenced by their upbringing and
  there is no "absolute truth.

36
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• It is possible to have a genuine faith given by
  godly parents and also wrong views given by
  parents. (2 Tim 15 Mt 1034-38)

37
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• (2 Timothy 15 NKJV) - when I call to
  remembrance the genuine faith that is in you,
  which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and
  your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you
  also.

38
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• (Matthew 1034-38 NKJV) - Do not think that I
  came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to
  bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to
  set a man against his father, a daughter against
  her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her
  mother-in-law 36 and a mans enemies will
  be those of his own household.

39
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me
  is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or
  daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38
  And he who does not take his cross and follow
  after Me is not worthy of Me.

40
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• If truth is the issue, them what is right can be
  found.

41
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• Because of the guilt associated with doubts.

42
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• Sadly we may reinforce this guilt by our
  impatience. (Ex. They have been in church for
  years and should know this!")

43
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• Sadly we may reinforce this guilt by our
  impatience. (Ex. They have been in church for
  years and should know this!")
• The Pharisees used pride and intimidation to line
  others up with them. (Jn 745-52)

44
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• (John 745-52 NKJV) - Then the officers came to
  the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to
  them, Why have you not brought Him? 46 The
  officers answered, No man ever spoke like this
  Man! 47 Then the Pharisees answered them, Are
  you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers
  or the Pharisees believed in Him?

45
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• 49 But this crowd that does not know the law
  is accursed. 50 Nicodemus (he who came to
  Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them,
  51 Does our law judge a man before it hears
  him and knows what he is doing? 52 They
  answered and said to him, Are you also from
  Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has
  arisen out of Galilee.

46
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• We know far less than we think. It is high time
  for us to be honest and let our guilt lead us to
  seek for the truth. Do you fear questions?

47
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• We know far less than we think. It is high time
  for us to be honest and let our guilt lead us to
  seek for the truth. Do you fear questions?
• Because we have never learned to trust God.

48
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• Because we have never learned to trust God.
• This is the first step in coming to know anything
  else! (Heb 116)

49
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• (Hebrews 116 NKJV) - But without faith it is
  impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God
  must believe that He is, and that He is a
  rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

50
Why some people have problems developing their
personal faith

• Many have sought out answers to issues before
  ever yielding their hearts to God. What does it
  mean to trust God?

51
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• Avoid the emotional response to run and hide.

52
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• Some when they decide what is right will often
  run and hide from others who may have a different
  view.

53
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• Some when they decide what is right will often
  run and hide from others who may have a different
  view.
• Remember that truth can be examined. Why should
  you refuse to discuss it?

54
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• The false teacher will actively work to subvert
  your faith and then cut you off from those
  who may disagree. Satan is pleased with this kind
  of "faith." (Gal 416-17)

55
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• (Galatians 416-17 NKJV) - Have I therefore
  become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
  17 They zealously court you, but for no good
  yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be
  zealous for them.

56
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• Do not make sweeping generalizations.

57
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• There are two wrong reactions when you find
  yourself in error.

58
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• To blindly accept everything another tells you.

59
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• To blindly accept everything another tells you.
• To blindly set aside everything you have learned.

60
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• To blindly accept everything another tells you.
• To blindly set aside everything you have learned.
• Do not in pride think you are the first to
  discover new truths and that everyone else in
  the church is blind. (1 Cor 81-3)

61
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• (1 Corinthians 81-3 NKJV) - Now concerning
  things offered to idols We know that we all have
  knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
  2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything,
  he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But
  if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

62
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• We need to learn patience with ourselves and with
  others. (Jas 59-11)

63
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• (James 59-11 NKJV) - Do not grumble against
  one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.
  Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10
  My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the
  name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and
  patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who
  endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job
  and seen the end intended by the Lord that the
  Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

64
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• Do not flee from the struggle for truth. (Rom
  121-2)

65
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• (Romans 121-2 NKJV) - I beseech you therefore,
  brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present
  your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
  to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And
  do not be conformed to this world, but be
  transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
  you may prove what is that good and acceptable
  and perfect will of God.

66
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• The struggle for truth is a daily one. If for no
  other reason than the danger of my heart
  becoming corrupted and I then become
  self-deceived. (Mt 1313-15)

67
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• (Matthew 1313-15 NKJV) - Therefore I speak to
  them in parables, because seeing they do not see,
  and hearing they do not hear, nor do they
  understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of
  Isaiah is fulfilled, which says Hearing you
  will hear and shall not understand, And seeing
  you will see and not perceive

68
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• 15 For the hearts of this people have grown
  dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their
  eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with
  their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they
  should understand with their hearts and turn, So
  that I should heal them.

69
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• I need the wisdom to find godly council. (Prov
  245-6) (This does not mean that you follow them
  blindly)

70
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• (Proverbs 245-6 NKJV) - A wise man is strong,
  Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength 6
  For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,
  And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

71
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• Pray to God for wisdom and serve Him with the
  knowledge you have. (Jas 15-8)

72
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• (James 15-8 NKJV) - If any of you lacks
  wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all
  liberally and without reproach, and it will be
  given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with
  no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of
  the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For
  let not that man suppose that he will receive
  anything from the Lord 8 he is a double-minded
  man, unstable in all his ways.

73
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• Always serve God vigorously while seeking His
  will. It is folly to sit and study and do nothing
  else.

74
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• Always serve God vigorously while seeking His
  will. It is folly to sit and study and do nothing
  else.
• Wisdom takes time. There are great truths that
  you keep learning throughout life. (Eph 316-19)

75
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• (Ephesians 316-19 NKJV) - that He would grant
  you, according to the riches of His glory, to be
  strengthened with might through His Spirit in the
  inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your
  hearts through faith that you, being rooted and
  grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend
  with all the saints what is the width and length
  and depth and height

76
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• 19 to know the love of Christ which passes
  knowledge that you may be filled with all the
  fullness of God.

77
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• Where is your faith?

78
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• Where is your faith?
• If we could humbly see where we really are then
  God can do something with us. (Mk 923-24)

79
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• (Mark 923-24 NKJV) - Jesus said to him, If
  you can believe, all things are possible to him
  who believes. 24 Immediately the father of the
  child cried out and said with tears, Lord, I
  believe help my unbelief!

80
Things to remember while making faith your own.

• It is best to know so that we may powerfully
  serve God.