Leaving Our Upper Room

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) 

I heard a preacher this week talk about when Jesus showed Himself to the disciples in the upper room following the resurrection. He said that a lot of pages from Bible commentaries have dealt with how Jesus came through the wall, and left through the wall. But the greatest challenge was how Jesus got those disciples out those locked doors, to get the message of the gospel to the world. They were afraid, and did not want what happened to Jesus, to happen to them. 

Let's look at two questions concerning our work of evangelism today. 

1. What Is The Purpose Of The Church? 

 According to our text, Jesus told His disciples (and us today) that we are His witnesses. And even though we were not there to witness Jesus! resurrection, we can testify to how the Lord has been present in our lives, and has ministered to us, in our Christian walk. How will people know about Jesus, unless we tell them? How will they come to accept Him as Savior, unless we share how He has saved us, and keeps us in His providential care? The church is not to have it's focus on social activities, special programs, and activities. But we are to be involved in personal evangelism. Who can we influence for the cause of Christ. 

Are there not people in our families, in our social circles, at work, at school, who have not accepted Jesus Christ. Without a saving relationship with Him, where will they be in the eternal scheme of things? This is urgent, and we as the church, need to leave our upper rooms, and fulfill our calling to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

2. What Is The Phobia Of The Church? 

The church in America, as well as all around the world, needs to have a boldness to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that in different places in the world, Christians are being persecuted for their faith. 

And we need to expect that if we take a bold stand for Jesus Christ, persecution in various forms will come our way. We are not called to crawl in a corner and not be heard. We are called to share the "good news' concerning Jesus Christ. That through our accepting of Him, we have freedom from our sins, and the hope of eternal life. The Lord is counting on us to be salt, and light for Him (Matthew 5:13-16). 

The apostle Paul told Timothy (and us) that..."God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7) We need to leave our upper rooms, and walk in the strength of the Lord, and boldly share concerning our faith, and the hope that we hold in our hearts. 

We are to influence our culture for the glory of God. It's time for us to leave our upper room. Jesus has died, and He has risen, and He is always with us, in our witnessing for Him. It's time church, to GO and Get To It! GP 

 Photo: fancycrave1/208 images/Pixabay License/Free for commercial use/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

The Family Gathering

 

The Family Gathering

There is an old illustration about two porcupines on a bitterly cold winter night. As the temperature dropped, each porcupine realized it needed the other’s warmth to survive. So they inched closer together, only to discover that their sharp quills pricked and irritated one another. Instinctively, they pulled apart—but the cold drove them back again. After several attempts, they finally learned to draw close enough to share warmth, yet not so close that they wounded each other. Even though they needed each other, they needled each other. In many ways, this is the story of every family gathering. We need one another. God designed us for connection, for shared life, for mutual encouragement. Yet when we come together, our “quills”—our personalities, differences, and imperfections—can easily poke and prod, and needle one another. The question is not whether this will happen, but how God wants us to gather in a way that honors Him and strengthens the family He has given us.

Scripture consistently presents family as a gift from God and a place of intentional togetherness. Psalm 133:1 declares, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Unity does not mean sameness, nor does it mean the absence of difficulty. It means choosing harmony over hostility, grace over grievance, and humility over pride. When siblings grow up, start families of their own, and scatter into different routines and responsibilities, the desire to gather becomes even more important. But how should they do it? What attitudes should shape these gatherings?

First, God calls families to gather with love as the governing principle. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Love is patient, which means we allow room for each other’s quirks. Love is kind, which means we speak gently and listen generously. Love “does not insist on its own way,” which means a family gathering is not the place for competition, comparison, or control. It is a place for servanthood. When adult siblings gather, each bringing their own household, traditions, and rhythms, love becomes the glue that holds the gathering together.

Second, God calls families to gather with humility. Philippians 2:3–4 urges believers to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” A family gathering shaped by humility is one where no one is trying to outdo another in material display, social status, or personal achievement. Instead, each person arrives with a heart ready to bless, not impress. Simplicity becomes a virtue. A simple meal, a simple setting, a simple plan—these often create the richest fellowship. Sophistication may impress the world, but simplicity warms the heart.

Third, God calls families to gather with gratitude. When siblings come together after years of life’s changes, gratitude shifts the focus from what has been lost to what remains. Gratitude celebrates the opportunity to catch up on life’s happenings, to share memories, to laugh over childhood stories, and to acknowledge God’s faithfulness through every season. Gratitude turns a gathering into worship.

Fourth, God calls families to gather with intentional encouragement. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds believers to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another.” A family gathering is not merely a social event; it is a spiritual opportunity. It is a chance to speak life, to strengthen weary hearts, to remind one another of God’s promises, and to celebrate His work in each person’s life. Even small, intimate gatherings of a large family can create deep stability. These smaller circles often foster the kind of honest conversation and heartfelt connection that ripple outward into the larger family dynamic.

So how does God want us to gather as a family, no matter the size? He wants us to gather in a way that reflects His heart—simply, humbly, lovingly, and gratefully. He wants our gatherings to be marked not by perfection, but by presence. Not by performance, but by peace. Not by competition, but by compassion. When a family chooses to gather this way, even with their porcupine‑like quills, they discover what those two creatures learned on that cold night: closeness is worth the effort. And with God’s grace, it becomes not only possible, but beautiful.

Photo: Julia M Cameron - Pixabay.com 

Should We Take God at His Word That He Exists, or Is It Just Wishful Thinking?

Should We Take God at His Word That He Exists, or Is It Just Wishful Thinking?

One of the most honest questions a believer can wrestle with is this: If we cannot see God physically, are we simply wishing Him into existence, or can we truly take Him at His Word? Scripture never shies away from this tension. In fact, the Bible meets it head‑on, acknowledging both the human longing for sight and the divine call to trust. When Thomas touched the risen Christ, Jesus told him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus wasn’t rebuking Thomas for wanting evidence; He was pointing forward to every believer who would follow—people like us, who would learn to trust the invisible God and yet experience His presence in deeply tangible ways.

Faith, according to Scripture, is not blind optimism or emotional wish‑fulfillment. Hebrews 11:1 defines it as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Notice those words: substance and evidence. Biblical faith is not a leap into the dark; it is a step into the light of God’s revealed character. God never asks us to believe without giving us reasons to believe. He reveals Himself through creation, through His Word, through the person of Jesus Christ, and through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. The question is not whether God has made Himself known, but whether we are willing to receive the ways He has chosen to reveal Himself.

Creation itself is one of the first witnesses God gives us. Psalm 19 declares that “the heavens declare the glory of God,” and Romans 1 says that God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen through what He has made. We may not see God physically, but we see His fingerprints everywhere. The order of the universe, the beauty of nature, the moral awareness written into the human heart—all of these point beyond themselves to a Creator. This is not wishful thinking; it is recognizing that the world we live in bears the marks of intentional design and divine purpose.

But God does not stop with creation. He speaks through Scripture, giving us a record of His dealings with humanity, His promises, His warnings, and His heart. When we read the Bible, we encounter a God who is consistent, faithful, patient, and just. We see a God who enters into covenant, who keeps His word, who acts in history, and who ultimately reveals Himself in Jesus Christ. The reliability of Scripture, the unity of its message, and the fulfillment of prophecy all serve as anchors for our faith. We are not believing in a vague spiritual force; we are trusting the God who has spoken and continues to speak.

Still, the question remains: How do we live day by day with confidence in a God we cannot see? Scripture gives us practical instruction. First, we cultivate awareness of God’s presence through prayer. Prayer is not merely talking into the air; it is communion with the living God. As we pray, we begin to sense His guidance, His comfort, and His correction. Jesus promised that the Father rewards those who seek Him in secret. Prayer trains our hearts to recognize God’s nearness.

Second, we become attentive to God’s work in our lives. The Holy Spirit is constantly active—convicting, comforting, reminding, strengthening, and leading. When we look back over our lives, we often see moments where God protected us, opened doors, closed others, or gave us peace that made no sense in the moment. These are not coincidences; they are the quiet footprints of a God who walks with His people.

Third, we walk in obedience. Jesus said that those who obey His teaching will experience the reality of God making His home with them. Obedience sharpens our spiritual senses. When we align our lives with God’s Word, we begin to see His hand more clearly. Faith grows not only by believing but by following.

Finally, we remember that God has given us the community of believers. We see God’s character reflected in His people—their love, their generosity, their perseverance, their testimonies of answered prayer. The church is a living witness that God is active and present.

So is believing in God wishful thinking? Not at all. It is responding to the God who has revealed Himself and continues to reveal Himself. We may not see Him with our physical eyes, but we see His work, hear His voice in Scripture, sense His presence through the Spirit, and experience His faithfulness in our lives. Jesus calls us blessed—not because we believe without evidence, but because we trust the God who is always near, even when unseen.

Photo: einsichtsweise - Pixabay.com 

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The Afterglow Of Easter

 

The Afterglow Of Easter 

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) 

  The hearts of the disciples were still burning with joy, and excitement after seeing the Lord Jesus alive, and walking among them. How can you come down from this mountain top experience after witnessing such an extraordinary miracle? Jesus told them that they were to be witnesses to what had happened, and to share it with people not only In the local realm, but to the ends of the earth. 

  Of course it would be impossible for the early Christians to accomplish this in their life time. That is why the baton of the resurrection event of Jesus Christ, has been carried by Christians since that time. And we as Christians are called to carry it today. People need to hear about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because it is the pillar of hope for our future. 

  If we leave out the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, what good news do we have to tell? It is the motivation behind what we are, and all that we do. It is the motivation behind the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But even though we were not privileged to see the bodily form of the risen Lord, back then, we can still experience His presence in our lives today. The way that we do that, is to open ourselves up to Him. Make time to fellowship with Him. Take time to pray, to meditate on His Word, and be patient, and wait for the doors to open for for His will to manifest itself in our lives. 

  We are evangelistic baton carriers, carrying the message of hope to this generation. It is exciting in the afterglow of Easter to be ready, to hand it to someone who is coming our way. If they grab it, and run with it, what a difference it will make in their lives, and for future lives! GP 

Photo: jeffjacobs1990/183 images/Content License/Free under the Content License/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

The Voice Of The Veil

 

The Voice Of The Veil 

"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is by His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:19-22) 

 "During the lifetime of Jesus, the holy temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life. The temple was the place where animal sacrifices were carried out and worship according to the Law of Moses was followed faithfully. Hebrews 9:1-9 tells us that in the temple a veil separated the Holy of Holies—the earthly dwelling place of God’s presence—from the rest of the temple where men dwelt. This signified that man was separated from God by sin (Isaiah 59:1-2). Only the high priest was permitted to pass beyond this veil once each year (Exodus 30:10; Hebrews 9:7) to enter into God’s presence for all of Israel and make atonement for their sins (Leviticus 16). So, what do we make of this? What significance does this torn veil have for us today? Above all, the tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus’ death dramatically symbolized that His sacrifice, the shedding of His own blood, was a sufficient atonement for sins. It signified that now the way into the Holy of Holies was open for all people, for all time, both Jew and Gentile.(GotQuestions.org/temple-veil-torn.html) 

   So if the veil that hung in the temple could speak, what would it say to us today? I believe that the key word it says to us, is the word "access." Because of the tearing of the veil, we have total atonement 

for sin, by the sacrifice of Jesus, Christ. Now we have "access" to the presence of God. Such a wonderful blessing that we should take advantage of. The Hebrew writer tells us to "draw near", to come near to the throne of grace. Come into the presence of God with boldness. 

   I can say with boldness that a lot of people, don't see this as having any significance at all. It comes down to the fact that people do not see their need for God in their lives. They don't see the need of having a Savior. "Why do I need to be saved?" "Saved from who, and what?" 

  When I look at society, and even the church, I see such pride, arrogance, conceit. Look at who I am, and what I am doing. I don't need anyone except those people I can take advantage of, who can do something for me, to bolster my ego, to enhance my self-sufficiency. 

My response to this is, I need a Savior! I am a sinner who needs to draw near to the throne of grace, and as Paul says in Romans 5:2 to stand in this grace. 

  

  I along with the world, need to have my heart cleansed of an "evil conscience', and my "body"(Mind, body and soul) washed in the blood of Jesus. The veil being torn, speaks to me of the blessed privilege and gift, to come (not through a representative) but of my own accord to Jesus, and submit myself to His grace and Lordship over my life. I see this need for me, and countless others. 

  We are so sick with sin, selfishness, and self-sufficiency. We are going down a path of destruction led by Satan and the world. The veil has been torn, from top to bottom in the temple. No one did this but God Himself. He opened the door for all Jews and Gentiles, to experience all the spiritual blessings that He has to offer. (Ephesians 1:3) 

How sad for us, if we don't come through that spiritual veil, and be made ready to receive God's eternal blessings today, and forever! GP 

Photo: Steve Creitz - GoodSalt.com Tuesday: Torn Veil and Rent Rocks/Sabbath School Net Image © Steve Creitz from GoodSalt.com

Palm Sunday! A Passion That Loved To The End!

"Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come, that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end."

(John 13:1)

Palm Sunday: 

A Passion That Loved to the End!

Palm Sunday ushers us into the most significant stretch of time in human history—Holy Week, the Passion Week—when the journey of Jesus toward the cross and ultimately the empty tomb reaches its climactic moment. As we step into this sacred week, John’s words settle over us with a quiet, powerful weight: “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come, that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1). These are not casual words. They reveal the heartbeat of Christ as He prepared to lay down His life. He knew what was coming. He knew the suffering, the betrayal, the loneliness of the cross—and still, He loved. He loved fully, faithfully, relentlessly, to the very end.

That is the passion of Jesus. Not a fleeting emotion, not a momentary affection, but a love rooted in eternity itself. Scripture tells us that this love didn’t begin in the upper room or on the road to Jerusalem. It began “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). Long before Palm branches were waved, long before nails pierced His hands, long before we ever took our first breath, Christ’s passion for His people was already set in motion. Holy Week simply reveals it in its most breathtaking form.

But Palm Sunday also invites us to turn the question inward. If Jesus’ passion for us is so deep, so enduring, so sacrificial—what is the depth of our passion for Him? We admire His love, but do we mirror it? We celebrate His devotion, but do we respond with our own? Passion for Christ is not meant to be seasonal, rising only during Holy Week or fading when life becomes busy. It is meant to be steady, shaping our choices, our priorities, our obedience. Paul captures this beautifully when he urges believers to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Passion that endures. Passion that acts. Passion that remains anchored even when life shakes us.

So as we enter this sacred week, we are invited to reflect not only on the passion of Christ but on our own. How much do we love Jesus? How deeply does our devotion run? Do we follow Him only when the crowds are cheering, or also when the road grows steep? Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus’ love carried Him all the way to the cross. May our love carry us into deeper faithfulness, deeper gratitude, and deeper surrender.

Holy Week has begun. Christ has loved us to the end. Now we walk with Him—hearts stirred, spirits awakened, passion renewed.

 Photo ID 7852612 © Javier Santiago | Dreamstime.com

Is It Too Late To Change?

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) 

There are those who say, that they are too old to change. "I've been this way, for so long, there is no way I am going to change now!" But when we look at people in the Bible, such as Zacchaeus, Peter, and the Apostle Paul, we see how the Lord made dynamic changes in their lives. 

Yes, it can happen, if one is willing to submit to the wisdom, and authority of the Lord. To say, "I've had enough of this old life, I want to be what the Lord wants me to be!" "The devil has had me too long!" "It's time for me to give myself totally to the Lord Jesus Christ!" 

No doubt it will take time, and some falls, before we are steadfast on our feet as a Christian. It begins with an honest evaluation of our lives. 

To answer the question: "Is this who I want to be?" With the Lord's help, by submitting to His Word, and applying it to our daily lives, we will be different people. 

Our attitudes and actions will change. People will be astounded at how the Lord will make a difference in our lives. It is the willingness to go the distance with Jesus. To go as far as He will take us in, our spiritual transformation, and growth. 

We are never too old to change, and with the Lord Jesus Christ, it can happen! GP 

Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 24 October 2014 Stock photo - Image ID: 100294873 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Simplicity In Our Family Relationships!

 

Simplicity In Our Family Relationships!

Biblical Devotion: Keeping It Simple in Our Family Relationships

In a world that often measures worth by possessions, status, or the ability to impress, Scripture gently calls us back to what truly strengthens a family: love expressed through humility, patience, and genuine care. 

The Bible reminds us that “life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15), and this truth becomes especially powerful in our homes. God never asked families to be perfect or impressive—He asked us to be present. 

Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3), a reminder that the heart of family is not what we own but how we serve one another. 

When disagreements arise, Scripture urges us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), choosing reconciliation over pride. 

Love is kept alive not through elaborate gatherings or outward displays, but through simple acts of kindness, listening, forgiveness, and showing up for one another. 

Jesus Himself modeled a life of simplicity and selflessness, teaching that greatness is found in serving, not being served. 

When we focus less on ourselves and more on nurturing the hearts God has placed in our care, our homes become places where His love can flourish. Keeping it simple—choosing humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness—creates a family culture where Christ is honored and every member feels seen, valued, and supported.

Photo: congerdesign - Pixabay.com 

Rage In America!

 

Rage In America!

America’s anger is a symptom of a deeper spiritual fracture, and James 1:19 speaks directly into that wound: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.” 

When a nation forgets how to listen, it forgets how to love. The shouting in the 2026 State of the Union, the disrespect, the violence in our streets—these are not merely political problems but spiritual ones. They reveal hearts untethered from the God who calls us to humility, patience, and compassion. 

God has already shown us the path back: trust and obey. Not because obedience earns His love, but because obedience aligns our lives with His peace. 

When we choose understanding over accusation, gentleness over rage, and mercy over vengeance, we stand in the light of a holy and righteous God who desires unity, not division. 

As Christians and as Americans, our calling is the same: to model the love we long to see, to speak truth without hatred, to disagree without dehumanizing, and to let the peace of Christ govern our responses. 

A nation cannot heal through anger, but it can be transformed when God’s people live out His Word with courage and grace. 

What part of James 1:19 feels most urgent for you in this moment—listening, speaking carefully, or slowing anger?

Photo: Copied: Pixabay.com 

Seek, Submit, Stand

 

Seek, Submit, Stand

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Matthew 6:33 is one of Jesus’ most clarifying statements about what life is meant to revolve around. In a world full of competing priorities, this verse calls us back to a single, steady center. Below are three movements of devotion—each beginning with S—that help us live out this command.

1. Seek His Kingdom

Seeking is active, intentional, and persistent. Jesus doesn’t say “notice” the kingdom or “occasionally think about” the kingdom. He says seek it—make it the pursuit that shapes every other pursuit. Seeking God’s kingdom means aligning your desires with His. It means letting His Word shape your worldview. It means asking daily, “What does God want in this moment? When we seek Him first, everything else finds its proper place.

A hiker once got turned around deep in a national forest. The trees looked the same in every direction, and every path seemed promising. But he had one tool that never lied: his compass. No matter how confused he felt, the compass pointed him toward true north. Seeking God’s kingdom is like checking the compass before taking a step. Life offers countless paths—career, relationships, ambitions—but only one direction is “true.” When we seek God first, we stop wandering in circles and start walking with purpose.

2. Submit to His Righteousness

Jesus pairs the kingdom with His righteousness—not our version of goodness, not cultural morality, but God’s own standard. Submission isn’t passive; it’s a willing surrender of control. We submit by obeying His teachings even when they challenge us. We submit by letting the Holy Spirit correct, convict, and transform us. We submit by trusting that God’s way is better than our way. Righteousness isn’t something we achieve; it’s something we receive and then reflect.

A potter shapes clay with steady hands, but the clay must stay centered on the wheel. If it resists or shifts off-center, the vessel becomes warped. But when the clay yields to the potter’s touch, something beautiful emerges.

3. Stand in His Provision

The promise at the end of the verse is not an afterthought—it’s a reassurance. When we seek and submit, we can stand confidently in God’s faithful provision.

We stand in peace instead of anxiety.  
We stand in trust instead of striving.  
We stand in gratitude instead of fear of lack.

Jesus is not promising luxury; He is promising sufficiency. 

When God is first, worry loses its power.

At a crowded parade, a small child couldn’t see anything but legs and elbows. She tugged on her father’s sleeve, and he lifted her onto his shoulders. Suddenly, she had the best view in the crowd. Nothing about the parade changed—only her position did.

Standing in God’s provision is like sitting on the Father’s shoulders. The circumstances may not shift immediately, but our perspective does. When we trust His provision, we rise above fear, anxiety, and scarcity, seeing life from a higher vantage point.

Closing Reflection

Matthew 6:33 invites us into a reordered life—a life where God is not an accessory but the anchor. As you move through your day, let these three words guide you:

Seek. Submit. Stand.They form a rhythm of trust that leads to a life marked by peace, purpose, and the steady presence of God.

Being Faithful With Our Faith! (Five Part Series)

 

Being Faithful With Our Faith (Five Part Series)

Part 1 — How To Develop Faith In God (Romans 10:17)

Faith doesn’t appear out of nowhere—it grows from hearing, receiving, and responding to God’s Word. In this opening post, discover how to cultivate a faith that is rooted, nourished, and strengthened by Scripture. Learn how God speaks, how we listen, and how faith becomes a living force in your daily life. (Please Click Link Below!)

Ĥow To Develop Our Faith In God (Part 1)

Part 2 — Pleasing God With Our Faith (Hebrews 11:6)

God isn’t impressed by our accomplishments—He’s moved by our faith. This post explores why faith is the key ingredient to a life that delights God. You’ll see how trust, expectation, and confidence in Him open the door to divine reward and deeper intimacy. (Please Click Link Below)

Pleasing God With Our Faith (Part 2)

Part 3 — The Necessity of Our Faith (John 11:25–26)

Faith isn’t optional—it’s essential for experiencing the life Jesus offers. In this powerful installment, walk through the words of Christ that reveal why faith is the bridge between death and life, despair and hope, impossibility and resurrection power. (Please Click Link Below)

The Necessity Of Our Faith (Part 3)

Part 4 — Partnership With God’s Grace and Our Faith (Ephesians 2:8)

Grace saves us, but faith receives what grace provides. This post unpacks the beautiful partnership between God’s unearned favor and our believing response. You’ll gain clarity on how salvation, transformation, and spiritual growth all flow from this divine collaboration. (Please Click Link Below!)

Partnership Of God's Grace And Our Faith (Part 4)

Why Show Our Faith? (Part 5) (James 2:14)

Faith that never shows itself never grows itself. In the final post, discover why genuine faith always produces visible action. Learn how works don’t replace faith—they reveal it. This closing message challenges and empowers you to let your faith be seen, lived, and demonstrated in everyday life. (Please Click Link Below!)

Why Show Our Faith? (Part 5)

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Why Show Our Faith?

 

Being Faithful With Our Faith (Part 5)

"Why Show Our Faith?"

James challenges us with a question that cuts straight to the heart of Christian living: “What does it profit… if someone says he has faith but does not have works?”(James 2:14). Words alone are hollow when they are not accompanied by action. Faith, when genuine, naturally expresses itself in the way we treat others, the way we respond to needs, and the way we endure trials. Scripture never presents faith as a private sentiment tucked away in the heart; it is a living trust in Christ that becomes visible through obedience, compassion, and perseverance. Jesus Himself said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Our works do not save us, but they reveal the One who does.

If the Hebrew writer is right—and he is—that “without faith it is impossible to please God,” then the world around us desperately needs to see what real, God‑pleasing faith looks like. Many people will never read a Bible before they read our lives. They watch how we respond to hardship, how we treat the overlooked, how we speak to the hurting, and how we carry ourselves when life presses in. When we reach out with the gospel, when we offer help instead of empty words, when we endure trials with a quiet confidence in Christ, we are showing the world a faith that is alive. Our actions become a testimony that Jesus is not merely an idea but a living Savior who transforms hearts.

A simple story illustrates this well. A man once noticed his elderly neighbor struggling to carry groceries up her steps. He felt compassion, but he was tired, running late, and told himself, “I’ll help her next time.” Weeks passed, and he continued to wave politely from his driveway, always meaning to help but never acting. One morning, an ambulance arrived at her home. She had slipped on the steps while carrying her bags alone. As he watched the paramedics load her into the vehicle, his heart sank. His intentions had been kind, but intentions never carried a single bag. Later, he told a friend, “I realized that day that good thoughts don’t change the world—only good actions do.” His regret became a turning point, and from then on, he made it a habit to look for ways to serve, not just think about serving.

Our faith is meant to be seen—not for our glory, but for God’s. When we act in love, when we serve without being asked, when we forgive freely, when we stand firm in trials, we are painting a picture of Christ for a watching world. A living faith is a shining faith, and a shining faith draws people to the Savior who first loved us.

Photo: doungtepro - Pixabay.com 

Partnership Of God's Grace And Our Faith (Part 4)

Being Faithful With Our Faith (Part 4)

Partnership of God’s Grace & Our Faith 

Ephesians 2:8 reminds us that salvation is entirely a gift from God: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” 

Salvation begins with grace—God’s initiative, His movement toward us long before we ever thought about Him. Grace is His unearned kindness expressed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It means God loved us while we were still sinners, provided the sacrifice we could never offer, opened the door we could never unlock, and gave a gift we could never afford. Grace is not God helping us save ourselves; it is God saving us because we cannot save ourselves. Faith, then, is our response. If grace is God’s hand reaching down, faith is our hand reaching up. Faith does not earn salvation—it simply receives it. It trusts that Jesus’ sacrifice is enough, relies on Christ instead of our own goodness, surrenders our attempts to earn God’s approval, and rests in what Christ has already accomplished. Salvation happens where grace and faith meet: grace is the source, faith is the channel, and Christ is the substance. We are not saved because our faith is strong, but because God’s grace is strong; even our ability to believe is stirred by His Spirit. This partnership continues throughout the Christian life—grace empowers and faith responds, grace supplies and faith obeys, grace sustains and faith endures. Spiritual growth always follows the same rhythm: God gives, and we trust.

To picture this, imagine a deep canyon separating humanity from God. No amount of good works, moral effort, or religious activity can build a bridge long enough to reach Him. But God Himself builds the perfect bridge—Jesus Christ. The bridge is complete, sturdy, and freely offered. Yet believing the bridge exists is not enough; faith is stepping onto it. Grace built the bridge, and faith walks across it. We are not saved because we build the bridge, but because we trust the One who already has. In the end, grace invites and faith responds; grace provides and faith receives; grace saves and faith trusts. This is the beautiful partnership of salvation—God’s grace extended, and our faith accepting.

Photo: doungtepro - Pixabay.com 

The Necessity Of Our Faith

 

BEING FAITHFUL WITH OUR FAITH!

The Necessity Of Our Faith (Part 3) 

The Necessity of Our Faith

John 11:25–26

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Faith is not optional for the Christian life. It is not a spiritual accessory or a religious hobby. Scripture makes this unmistakably clear: “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).  

But the necessity of faith reaches even deeper than our daily walk with God. Faith is essential because it is the very means by which we receive salvation, hope, and eternal life. Nowhere is this truth more beautifully displayed than in Jesus’ conversation with Martha outside the tomb of her brother Lazarus.

1. Jesus Reveals the Source of Resurrection

Martha believed in a future resurrection—something that would happen “on the last day.” But Jesus redirects her hope from a distant event to a present Person.

He doesn’t say, “I can resurrect.”  
He says, “I am the resurrection.”
He doesn’t say, “I can give life.”  
He says, “I am the life.”
Resurrection is not merely a doctrine.  
Eternal life is not merely a promise.  
Both are found in Christ Himself.
Faith is necessary because eternal life is not found anywhere else.

2. Jesus Declares the Promise of Eternal Life

Jesus gives Martha two astonishing truths:
“The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”  
 Physical death is not the end for the believer.

 It becomes a doorway, not a destination.
“Whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”  
  Eternal life begins now. It is not postponed until heaven; it is the present possession of all who trust in Christ.
Faith is necessary because only belief in Jesus bridges the gap between earthly death and eternal life.

3. Jesus Asks the Question That Confronts Every Heart

After revealing who He is and what He offers, Jesus turns to Martha with a question that echoes across centuries:
“Do you believe this?”
Not—  
Do you understand this?  
Do you agree with this theologically?  
Do you feel inspired by this?
But—  
Do you believe this?
Faith is not passive. It demands a response.  
It is not inherited. It must be personally embraced.  
It is not theoretical. It must be lived.

4. Our Answer Matters More Than Anything Else

Jesus’ question to Martha is His question to us today.
Do you believe that He is the resurrection?  
Do you believe that He is the life?  
Do you believe that eternal life is found in Him alone?  
Do you believe that death is not the end for those who trust Him?
Your answer shapes your eternity.  
Your answer shapes your hope.  
Your answer shapes your life today.
Faith is necessary because everything God promises hinges on our trust in His Son.

Reflection

As we continue in this series, "Being Faithful With Our Faith," this passage invites us to examine not just the strength of our faith, but the object of our faith. Jesus doesn’t ask Martha to muster more belief—He invites her to place her belief in Him.
And He invites us to do the same.
So what is your answer to Jesus today?  
Not just with your words, but with your life, your choices, your trust, and your hope.

Photo: doungtepro - Pixabay.com