The Real Measure of Faith

What does it mean to have genuine faith? Is it merely about claiming a set of beliefs, or is it something more profound that shapes our daily lives? True faith is not just a ticket to be cashed in later; it’s a lifelong journey that reflects in our actions, attitudes, and how we live each day. The real test of faith isn't simply about having the right words at the end of our lives, but about how we embody that faith in every moment.

When we examine our lives through the lens of faith, we see that believing in Jesus as the Christ is foundational. This belief isn't just intellectual agreement but a transformative trust that shapes our identity. As believers, our lives should be marked by love—for God and for others. This love isn't an abstract concept; it's the evidence of our faith, visible in our interactions and decisions.

Bearing the Fruit of Love

Love is the hallmark of genuine faith. It’s more than just a feeling or a word; it's an active force that drives us to care for others, to serve, and to act with kindness and compassion. The scripture repeatedly emphasizes that those who truly love God will inevitably love others. This love isn’t optional or secondary—it’s the fruit that naturally grows in the life of someone who is truly connected to God.

This love is not just about being nice or agreeable; it’s about living out God's commands, which include loving others as we love ourselves. It involves making sacrifices, having hard conversations when necessary, and standing up for what is right. True love reflects God's holiness and calls us to a higher standard, where we align our actions with His will.

Becoming More Like Christ

As we deepen in our faith, we should see a transformation in ourselves—we should become more like Christ. This transformation isn't just about being more loving; it's about living a life of obedience to God's commands. Obedience might seem daunting, but scripture assures us that God’s commands are not burdensome. When we truly understand and embrace our identity in Christ, obedience becomes a natural expression of our faith. (see 1 John 5:1-5)

Being like Christ means living a life that honors God in every aspect—how we treat others, how we handle challenges, and how we make decisions. It’s about being intentional in our actions and allowing our faith to influence every part of our lives. This is the real victory that overcomes the world: a life transformed by faith in Jesus.

Victory Through Faith

Life is full of challenges, and sometimes it can feel like we’re in a constant battle against the pressures of the world. But the good news is that, as believers, we are not fighting this battle alone. Our faith in Jesus is the source of our victory. It’s not about trying harder or being perfect; it’s about trusting that Jesus has already overcome the world, and through Him, we can too. (see 1 John 5:4)

This victory isn’t something we achieve by our own strength—it’s a gift from God. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are assured of His help, His strength, and His victory in our lives. No matter the struggles we face, we can have confidence that Jesus will carry us through. It’s this trust in His power and love that enables us to live boldly and faithfully, passing the real test of faith each day.

This journey of faith is not a solitary one. As we walk in obedience and love, we reflect Christ to the world around us, showing that our faith is real, alive, and powerful. Let us strive to live out our faith daily, not just in words but in actions that glorify God and demonstrate His love to all.

— Daniel mackey

Youth Pastor - [Multiply]Family of Churches

The Radiant Love That Transforms

Growing up, my brother and I had one burning desire: to own a vehicle. We worked tirelessly from a young age, pooling our resources to achieve this dream. Finally, the day arrived, and we had our very own truck.

To us, the truck was amazing with a shiny finish, loud radio, and big tires. It made us feel on top of the world.

Yet, as I reflect on this memory, I realize that the truck wasn’t actually shiny and new. It wasn’t that desirable at all. The true value of the truck was not in its physical attributes but in the love and effort we poured into obtaining it. This story beautifully illustrates the two types of love we encounter in life: a love that values what is already deemed valuable and a love that imparts value to what it cherishes.

The Essence of Divine Love

Understanding the love of God is a profound endeavor. It's not merely about the affection we express or receive in human relationships. God's love transcends human understanding; it is a divine attribute that exudes from His very being. When the scriptures declare, "God is love," they emphasize that love is not just an action or feeling from God but an essential part of His nature. This divine love is not a logical tautology, equating love with God, nor is it merely an emphasis on God's loving nature. Instead, it is a fountain from which all genuine love flows. Just as water from a fountain spreads and nourishes everything around it, so does God's love emanate from Him, reaching and transforming all it touches.

Manifestation of Divine Love

The supreme manifestation of God's love is found in the sending of His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. This love was not because we were worthy or valuable, but because God chose to love us. In our unworthiness and sin, God's active love was demonstrated through Christ's sacrificial death, making us valuable and restoring our relationship with Him. Unlike human love, which is often passive and reactive, God's love is proactive and transformative. It seeks out the undeserving and imparts worth and dignity to them. This divine love is a gift that changes lives, not based on our merit but on God's gracious choice.

Active Love in Action

God's love is not a passive feeling but an active force. It moves from the heart to the hands and feet, demonstrating love through action. Jesus' life and ministry exemplify this active love. He didn't merely feel compassion; He acted on it, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the broken-hearted. This kind of love challenges us to move beyond mere feelings and into tangible expressions of care and kindness. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates this beautifully, contrasting the passive neglect of the priest and Levite with the active compassion of the Samaritan. True love, as modeled by Jesus, compels us to act, to reach out, and to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Power of Unconditional Love

John’s transformation from a brash "Son of Thunder" to the beloved disciple speaks volumes about the power of God's love. His story is a testament to the fact that God’s love can reshape even the most unlikely of individuals. This love, unlike human affection, doesn’t wait for us to become worthy; it makes us worthy. It’s a love that reaches out to us in our brokenness and transforms us from the inside out. If you’ve ever felt unworthy or questioned your value, understand this: God's love for you is unconditional. It isn’t based on your achievements, your looks, or your ability to maintain a perfect image. It’s rooted in His nature, a divine love that chooses to value and cherish you, flaws and all. God’s love is a gift that renews and restores. It’s not just a concept to understand but a reality to live out. Embrace it fully, let it redefine your sense of self-worth, and share it generously with those around you. In doing so, you become a living testament to the power of God’s unconditional love.

— Nic lombardi

President - [Multiply]Family of Churches

The Danger of False Teachings

Every day, we are constantly bombarded with information and advice from all directions. It's easy to fall prey to bad advice, but there's an even more dangerous threat lurking: false teachings. These aren't just misguided opinions—they are harmful deceptions designed to lead us astray. Understanding how to identify and resist these false teachings is crucial for maintaining a strong, authentic faith.

Recognizing False Teachers

False teachers are not a new phenomenon. Even in the early days of Christianity, they posed a significant threat to the church. These individuals spread teachings that directly contradicted the true gospel, leading many believers astray. The apostle John warned his followers to be vigilant: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). In today's digital age, the voices of false teachers are amplified through social media and other platforms. It's essential to test everything we hear against the truth of Scripture. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian truly is, and not every message that sounds spiritual comes from God.

The Litmus Test of True Teaching

So, how do we discern true teaching from false? John provides a clear test: "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God" (1 John 4:2-3). The core of Christian belief is the divinity of Jesus Christ. Any teaching that denies this fundamental truth is false. This distinction is crucial because it separates authentic Christianity from other belief systems that may acknowledge Jesus but do not accept His divine nature. For instance, groups like Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses have different views on Jesus that do not align with the biblical portrayal of Him as God incarnate.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

False teachings can be intimidating, but we are not left defenseless. John reminds us that "he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). As believers, we have the Holy Spirit within us, guiding us into all truth and helping us to overcome deception. This assurance gives us confidence. We don't rely on our own strength or wisdom to discern truth from falsehood; we depend on the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit not only helps us recognize false teachings but also empowers us to live out our faith authentically.

Living in the Light of Truth

Knowing that false teachers are out there and understanding how to identify them is only the beginning. Our daily lives should reflect our commitment to the truth. This means spending regular time in prayer and studying Scripture, which helps us deepen our relationship with Jesus and fortify our understanding of His teachings. Additionally, being part of a community of believers provides support and accountability. We can learn from each other, share insights, and encourage one another to stay true to the gospel. Engaging with true teachers and avoiding those who promote false doctrines is vital for maintaining spiritual health. In a world full of deceptive voices, it’s essential to surround ourselves with those who speak the truth in love.

Anchoring Ourselves in Truth

In the end, resisting false teachings is about more than just intellectual discernment; it’s about fostering a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By anchoring ourselves in the truth of His word and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate the complexities of our world without being led astray. Let’s commit to knowing Jesus deeply and living out His truth boldly, confident that He who is in us is greater than any false teacher we might encounter.

— Louis Fischer

Church Planting Resident - [Multiply]Family of Churches

The defining mark of a christian

The Mark of True Believers

In the world of faith, actions speak louder than words. The essence of being a true believer is not about the outward symbols we carry or the labels we wear. It's not about the size of your Bible, the stickers on your car, or the music you listen to. It's about how we live our lives and, more importantly, how we love others. The Bible teaches us that sacrificial love is the defining characteristic of a child of God.

In 1 John 3:10-15, it is evident who belongs to God and who does not. Those who do not practice righteousness or love their brothers and sisters are not of God. Love is the primary proof of our identity as believers. Jesus emphasized this in John 13:34-35, stating that people will recognize us as His disciples by our love for one another. Love should be our highest priority, our main objective, and our greatest ambition. Without love, all our achievements and possessions are meaningless.

Jesus: Our Model for Sacrificial Love

Jesus exemplifies the ultimate act of love. 1 John 3:16 tells us that we know love because He laid down His life for us, and we should do the same for our brothers and sisters. This is the essence of sacrificial love—putting others' needs above our own, just as Jesus did. It's not just about grand gestures but also about small, everyday acts of love.

Mother Teresa famously said, "There are not great actions; only small actions done with great love." This means that every act of kindness, no matter how small, is significant. Whether it's making dinner for your family, listening to a friend, or helping a neighbor, these are all acts of love that reflect Jesus' example. The best way to show love is by giving our time, a resource we can never get back, making it a true sacrifice.

Living Out Sacrificial Love

Living a life of sacrificial love requires a change of heart. 1 John 3:17-18 challenges us to see the needs around us and respond with action, not just words. If we have the means to help but close our hearts to those in need, how can God's love be in us? This kind of love is not something we can achieve on our own; it is empowered by the gospel and the example of Jesus.

Jesus didn't just teach about love; He demonstrated it through His actions. His life was a testament to loving others selflessly. To live out this love, we need to receive more of God's love so that we can pour it out to others. It's about allowing God's love to transform us, enabling us to love in ways that go beyond our natural capabilities.

The Importance of Love

At the end of the day, the most important thing we can do is to be a person of love. Our work, hobbies, achievements, and possessions will all fade away, but love endures (See 1 Corinthians 13). Life is not about how much we earn, acquire, or accomplish; it's about how we love. When we focus on loving God and loving others, we fulfill our true purpose.

So, how can you become more loving today? Is there someone in your circle of influence (family, friends, neighbor, co-worker) who needs more of your time and attention?

— Daniel mackey

Youth Pastor - [Multiply]Family of Churches