PRETENDERS

The Lord is well acquainted with our hearts. He notices when any one goes through the motions, gathers with believers, and speaks holy prayers, but there is an absence of worship from the heart and true righteous hunger for the things of God. Some people fail to even realize they are engaging in false worship. The great deception lies in the belief that tradition and church rules equal true worship and relationship with the Lord. Other people have just become lazy and complacent, letting their spirit grow cold.

Read Isaiah 29:13

"The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.'" (NIV)

"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men." (KJV)

TAKING A WALK

To "walk with" someone is so much more than an occasional stroll.
It is to spend time with, be attached to, and take on the ways of those
we "walk with." The Word tells us that we become like those with whom
we walk. As Christians, we are around people of all kinds, but we are
careful and alert about who we "walk with."

Read Proverbs 13:20

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools
suffers harm." (NIV)

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools
shall be destroyed." (KJV)

ONE CHURCH

There is only one Church. This Church is the body of Christ. The body
of Christ is not a particular denomination or group with unique beliefs
that cause them to think their group is the only one. Christ's body, the
Church, is made alive by His Holy Spirit. The one and only Holy Spirit
leads those who believe and trust in Christ into truth and instills the
hope of eternal life with Him.

Read Ephesians 4:4

"There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope
when you were called." (NIV)

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of
your calling." (KJV)

GOD TELLS HIS SECRETS

The ways of God have always been clouded with mystery. Many have
tried to unlock the secrets of the Almighty through research, study,
and spiritual techniques. The Word plainly tells us that God reveals
secrets of His plan and mysteries of His ways to those who reverence
and worship Him from a pure heart.

Read Psalm 25:14

The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known
to them." (NIV)

"The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them
his covenant." (KJV)

CONFIDENT & SECURE

The Lord God has told us He would never leave nor forsake us. Our faith
in His words gives us full confidence in His being all powerful. No matter what people do to us, no matter what the plans and behaviors of others do to us, God's strength is far more powerful. Though it seems the Lord does not see or care, trust him! He is working and He will take care of you. The strength of men is limited and they cannot overpower our God.


Read Hebrews 13:6

"So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?'" (NIV)

"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear
what man shall do unto me." (KJV)

WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION

As Christians, we all have the same Lord and the same Spirit dwelling in us. However, we all have different temptations, difficulties, and situations with which to contend in this life. It is up to each one of us to work out what God has put in us and apply it to our own unique situations. We all have the same tools but a different set of circumstances in our lives and our walk with the Lord.

We have to work it out, carefully following Him.

Read Philippians 2:12

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my
presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." (NIV)

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (KJV)

CREATED EQUAL

Once we realize that we are on an equal footing with all others
in God's eyes, it is a wonderful thing to serve one another in love
and humility. God will richly bless those of us who do.

Read John 13:17

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do
them." (NIV)

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (KJV)