Last updated on 1/1/99

Viewpoint Brief Bible Study #012
		JESUS calls US to be members of His church
The Christian religion is the worship and service of Jesus Christ. It’s not Mary we worship, but her Son. We worship neither saints, angels, a law code, nor even God’s Spirit. It’s JESUS who is to be honored. The Bible is our guide.

"For therein [in the revealed Gospel, Romans 1:16) is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38; and Habakkuk 2:4)

CONCLUSION (Part 8 of eight parts)
The Power of Unbelief

    The power of unbelief is staggering. It holds back omnipotence and causes a cessation of divine work in the individual. It is vital that this be seen, in order that we might apply our energies to the good fight of faith. The Word of the King has some rather startling things to say about the effects of UNBELIEF.

    "And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief" (Matthew 13:58). "And He could there do no mighty work, save that He laid His hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief" (Mark 6:5-6).

    Only one other reference is made to Jesus marveling. It is written that when confronted with the FAITH of the Centurion, Jesus "marvelled at him, and turned Him about, and said unto the people who followed Him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (Luke 7:9).

    In my opinion, Jesus marvels at the unbelief that reigns almost uncontested in the professed church -- much like it did in "his own country" (Matt 13:54-58). Yet, there is no reason why YOU cannot cause Him to marvel at your faith. Every advantage has been provided to encourage and maintain your faith. Do not miss this truth! If you are dominated by unbelief, you have bound the hands of Deity so far as your benefit is concerned!

    Those who walk by faith provide opportunities for Jesus to work in them -- and He will not miss such an opportunity. Faith is ALWAYS blessed. Unbelief is ALWAYS cursed. Those who live by faith will NOT be cursed. Those who dwell in unbelief will NOT be blessed!

THINK AGAIN!
Building Up Yourselves

    How does someone become strong in the faith -- able to withstand the storms and buffetings of life? How can YOU avoid being crushed by the circumstances of life, deceived by the Tempter, and swamped by the deluge of iniquity about you?

    There is a way! "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on YOUR most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 1:20). You can do as David did when he was "greatly distressed" because of the hostility of the people. He "encouraged himself in the Lord" (1 Sam 30:6).

    Your faith is the reservoir of your strength! It is the means by which you are made strong. If your spiritual vision is clear -- if the things of God are not vague to you -- you will be strong. You cannot be weak and have a grasp on the "exceeding great and precious promises of God. If you give attention to your faith, you WILL BE "built up."

    Your faith is a "most holy faith." It was given to you by God, and is the sole means of appropriating spiritual benefits. Your faith is your connection with God. It is your means of appropriating "all things that pertain to life and godliness."

    You build yourself up in that faith by focusing on the good things of God. You do it by turning away from the delusions of this "present evil world." Inner strength results, enabling you to triumph over the devil.

    Treasure your faith highly. It is your sole means of victory!
              In joyful expectation of glory,      Given O. Blakely

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Brief Bible Study #12 from Ray Downen. To go back to
Viewpoint's first page, click < here.   Or here to go on to Viewpoint Study 13. For Ray's concluding remarks, click HERE.