When a man truly lives by faith he has an abundant life. n One who has this faith will find others...

When a man truly lives by faith he has an When a man truly lives by faith he has an abundant life.abundant life.

One who has this faith will find others One who has this faith will find others drawn to them. drawn to them. (Acts 2:46-47)(Acts 2:46-47)


Acts 2:46 through Acts 2:47Acts 2:46 through Acts 2:47 - So - So continuing daily with one accord in the continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the peoplehaving favor with all the people. And the . And the Lord added to the church daily those who Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.were being saved.


Men long for a singleness of life that is Men long for a singleness of life that is fulfilling.fulfilling.



Men also do not want to be fooled by lies Men also do not want to be fooled by lies and acting.and acting.



Men also do not want to be fooled by lies Men also do not want to be fooled by lies and acting.and acting.

In a real crisis Paul’s faith gave direction In a real crisis Paul’s faith gave direction and hope to unbelievers. and hope to unbelievers. (Acts 27:21-25, 35-36)(Acts 27:21-25, 35-36)


Acts 27:21-25Acts 27:21-25 - But after long abstinence - But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. of the ship.


23 For there stood by me this night an angel 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. it was told me.


Acts 27:35-36Acts 27:35-36 - And when he had said - And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken when he had broken itit he began to eat. 36 he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves.took food themselves.


The power of a living faith is in its ability to The power of a living faith is in its ability to release us from the earthly view of life.release us from the earthly view of life.


There are days where I am caught up in There are days where I am caught up in myself I look up and see the beauty of myself I look up and see the beauty of God’s creation and am reminded what is God’s creation and am reminded what is real!real!


There are days where I am caught up in There are days where I am caught up in myself I look up and see the beauty of myself I look up and see the beauty of God’s creation and am reminded what is God’s creation and am reminded what is real!real!

Take two healthy people; one may be filled Take two healthy people; one may be filled with burdens, bitterness and distrust while with burdens, bitterness and distrust while the other is filled with optimism, love and the other is filled with optimism, love and purpose.purpose.


Jesus pointed out why His followers have Jesus pointed out why His followers have found this peace. found this peace. (Mt 11:28-30; Jn 10:9-10)(Mt 11:28-30; Jn 10:9-10)


Matthew 11:28-30Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, all - Come to Me, all youyou who labor and are heavy laden, and I will who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke your souls. 30 For My yoke isis easy and My easy and My burden is light.”burden is light.”


John 10:9-10John 10:9-10 - I am the door. If anyone - I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have have life, and that they may have itit more more abundantly.abundantly.


Early in my life I saw this need for God’s Early in my life I saw this need for God’s peace! peace! (Jn 16:31-33; Rom 8:18)(Jn 16:31-33; Rom 8:18)


John 16:31-33John 16:31-33 - Jesus answered them, “Do you - Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”overcome the world.”


Romans 8:18Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not sufferings of this present time are not worthy worthy to be comparedto be compared with the glory with the glory which shall be revealed in us.which shall be revealed in us.


We can easily cease to walk by faith.We can easily cease to walk by faith.

The power of a living faith in one’s The power of a living faith in one’s heartheart

Some have never had a living faith. Some have never had a living faith. (Jas 2:18-20)(Jas 2:18-20)


James 2:18-20James 2:18-20 - But someone will say, - But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?that faith without works is dead?


Consider some cheap substitutes for a living Consider some cheap substitutes for a living faith: knowledge, activity, tradition, faith: knowledge, activity, tradition, worship and originality. worship and originality.


Consider some cheap substitutes for a living Consider some cheap substitutes for a living faith: knowledge, activity, tradition, faith: knowledge, activity, tradition, worship and originality. worship and originality.

The glaring inconsistency of this “faith” The glaring inconsistency of this “faith” becomes evident in time. becomes evident in time. (Jn 18:28)(Jn 18:28)


John 18:28John 18:28 - Then they led Jesus from - Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the defiled, but that they might eat the Passover.Passover.


Be assured that our children will see this Be assured that our children will see this inconsistency. inconsistency.


Be assured that our children will see this Be assured that our children will see this inconsistency. inconsistency.

A living faith is full of optimism. A living faith is full of optimism.


There is great strength in knowing that God There is great strength in knowing that God is with you! is with you! (Acts 16:27-34)(Acts 16:27-34)


Acts 16:27-34Acts 16:27-34 - And the keeper of the - And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” are all here.”


29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell 29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, 30And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”what must I do to be saved?”


31So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus 31So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32Then they spoke the word of household.” 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour house. 33And he took them the same hour of the night and washed of the night and washed theirtheir stripes. And stripes. And immediately he and all his family were immediately he and all his family were baptized. baptized.


34Now when he had brought them into his 34Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.his household.


There is great strength in knowing that There is great strength in knowing that money and things are not the center of money and things are not the center of your life. your life. (1 Tim 6:6-8, 10)(1 Tim 6:6-8, 10)


1 Timothy 6:6-81 Timothy 6:6-8 - Now godliness with - Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into nothing into thisthis world, world, andand it isit is certain we certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.and clothing, with these we shall be content.


1 Timothy 6:101 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is - For the love of money is a root of all a root of all kinds ofkinds of evil, for which some evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.with many sorrows.


How does a person who is filled with this How does a person who is filled with this kind of joy act?kind of joy act?


How does a person who is filled with this How does a person who is filled with this kind of joy act?kind of joy act?

A living faith is full of courage. A living faith is full of courage. (2 Cor 4:13)(2 Cor 4:13)


2 Corinthians 4:132 Corinthians 4:13 - And since we have - And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”“I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak,we also believe and therefore speak,


A living faith is bold and wants to help A living faith is bold and wants to help others. others. (Acts 4:29-31)(Acts 4:29-31)


Acts 4:29-31Acts 4:29-31 - Now, Lord, look on their - Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Jesus.”


31And when they had prayed, the place 31And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.God with boldness.


Why would some be afraid to speak? The Why would some be afraid to speak? The world will punish you with lost friendships world will punish you with lost friendships and family that will shun you.and family that will shun you.


Many “Christians” have given up speaking Many “Christians” have given up speaking the word or will abandon those who do if the word or will abandon those who do if their friends become upset.their friends become upset.


Many “Christians” have given up speaking Many “Christians” have given up speaking the word or will abandon those who do if the word or will abandon those who do if their friends become upset.their friends become upset.

Paul knew the importance of having the Paul knew the importance of having the right companions in this work. right companions in this work. (Acts 15:37-38)(Acts 15:37-38)


Acts 15:37-38Acts 15:37-38 - Now Barnabas was - Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.not gone with them to the work.


A living faith is full of zeal.A living faith is full of zeal.


A living faith is full of zeal.A living faith is full of zeal. Zeal can be best described as energy and Zeal can be best described as energy and

fire.fire.


Where does our zeal come from? Where does our zeal come from? (Tit 2:13-14)(Tit 2:13-14)


Titus 2:13-14Titus 2:13-14 - looking for the blessed - looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for from every lawless deed and purify for Himself Himself HisHis own special people, zealous for own special people, zealous for good works.good works.


Are we at the University church building a Are we at the University church building a living faith?living faith?

There are environments that faith There are environments that faith cannot grow incannot grow in

Faith cannot grow in materialism. Faith cannot grow in materialism. (1 Tim 6:17-19)(1 Tim 6:17-19)


1 Timothy 6:171 Timothy 6:17--1919 - Command those who are - Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let Let themthem do good, that they be rich in good works, do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.


How will I know if I am substituting earthly How will I know if I am substituting earthly wealth for faith?wealth for faith?


How will I know if I am substituting earthly How will I know if I am substituting earthly wealth for faith?wealth for faith?

How do you view your brethren? How do you view your brethren? (Jas 2:5-6)(Jas 2:5-6)


James 2:5-6James 2:5-6 - Listen, my beloved brethren: - Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world Has God not chosen the poor of this world to beto be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?into the courts?


In the world the rich look down on those In the world the rich look down on those who have less.who have less.


In the world the rich look down on those In the world the rich look down on those who have less.who have less.

What does our tongue reveal about us?What does our tongue reveal about us?


A local church cannot build faith in such an A local church cannot build faith in such an environment. environment.



Faith cannot grow in a heart of pride. Faith cannot grow in a heart of pride.



Faith cannot grow in a heart of pride. Faith cannot grow in a heart of pride. Many glory in their ability to think. Many glory in their ability to think.

(1 Cor 8:1-3)(1 Cor 8:1-3)


1 Corinthians 8:1-31 Corinthians 8:1-3 - Now concerning - Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.this one is known by Him.


In an atmosphere of pride men must praise In an atmosphere of pride men must praise and recognize others or be attacked and and recognize others or be attacked and shunned. shunned. (2 Cor 10:12; Gal 4:17)(2 Cor 10:12; Gal 4:17)


2 Corinthians 10:122 Corinthians 10:12 - For we dare not - For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. are not wise.


Galatians 4:17Galatians 4:17 - They zealously court you, - They zealously court you, butbut for no good; yes, they want to exclude for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.you, that you may be zealous for them.


Pride will always from cliques and parties. Pride will always from cliques and parties.


Pride will always from cliques and parties. Pride will always from cliques and parties. Faith cannot grow in an atmosphere of fear. Faith cannot grow in an atmosphere of fear.

(Num 14:1-2, 9)(Num 14:1-2, 9)


Numbers 14:1-2Numbers 14:1-2 - So all the congregation - So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. 2 And all the people wept that night. 2 And all the children of Israel complained against Moses children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! wilderness!


Numbers 14:9Numbers 14:9 - Only do not rebel against - Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they they areare our bread; their protection has our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord departed from them, and the Lord isis with with us. Do not fear them.”us. Do not fear them.”


What do we fear? What does faith say? What do we fear? What does faith say? (1 Pt 3:11-13)(1 Pt 3:11-13)


1 Peter 3:11-13 1 Peter 3:11-13 - - Let himLet him turn away from turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. pursue it. 12 12 For the eyes of the LordFor the eyes of the Lord are on are on the righteous, the righteous, And His earsAnd His ears are open to are open to their prayers; their prayers; But the face of the LordBut the face of the Lord is is against those who do evil.” against those who do evil.” 13 And who 13 And who isis he who will harm you if you become he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?followers of what is good?


Fear will drive you into isolation and Fear will drive you into isolation and misery.misery.


Fearful people need to learn how to believe Fearful people need to learn how to believe in God. in God.


Fearful people need to learn how to believe Fearful people need to learn how to believe in God. in God.

Faith cannot grow in a heart of bitterness. Faith cannot grow in a heart of bitterness. (Heb 12:14-15)(Heb 12:14-15)


Hebrews 12:14-15Hebrews 12:14-15 - Pursue peace with all - Pursue peace with all people,people, and holiness, without which no one and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;trouble, and by this many become defiled;


It is very easy to let your hearts become It is very easy to let your hearts become filled with these thoughts.filled with these thoughts.


It is even easier to share and spread these It is even easier to share and spread these thoughts. Some who are awkward socially thoughts. Some who are awkward socially have found “acceptance” in the “fellowship have found “acceptance” in the “fellowship of the miserable.”of the miserable.”


It is even easier to share and spread these It is even easier to share and spread these thoughts. Some who are awkward socially thoughts. Some who are awkward socially have found “acceptance” in the “fellowship have found “acceptance” in the “fellowship of the miserable.”of the miserable.”

Do you want the fruit of the spirit or the Do you want the fruit of the spirit or the fruits of the flesh? One will take a lot of fruits of the flesh? One will take a lot of cultivation and weeding while the other cultivation and weeding while the other needs little effort. needs little effort.

The center of our relationships as Christians The center of our relationships as Christians is our faithis our faith

The heart of our assemblies must be here. The heart of our assemblies must be here. (Heb 10:23-25)(Heb 10:23-25)


Hebrews 10:23-25 Hebrews 10:23-25 - Let us hold fast the - Let us hold fast the confession of confession of ourour hope without wavering, for hope without wavering, for He who promised He who promised isis faithful. 24 And let us faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as ourselves together, as isis the manner of some, the manner of some, but exhorting but exhorting one another,one another, and so much the and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.more as you see the Day approaching.


Our assemblies and not just individuals Our assemblies and not just individuals coming to their own isolation chamber coming to their own isolation chamber and then going home. There is a “one-and then going home. There is a “one-another” aspect as well.another” aspect as well.


Our assemblies and not just individuals Our assemblies and not just individuals coming to their own isolation chamber coming to their own isolation chamber and then going home. There is a “one-and then going home. There is a “one-another” aspect as well.another” aspect as well.

The truth is that our general assembly The truth is that our general assembly should be but a fraction of our time should be but a fraction of our time together. Why is that not true for us?together. Why is that not true for us?


Our assemblies and not just individuals coming Our assemblies and not just individuals coming to their own isolation chamber and then going to their own isolation chamber and then going home. There is a “one-another” aspect as well.home. There is a “one-another” aspect as well.

The truth is that our general assembly should be The truth is that our general assembly should be but a fraction of our time together. Why is that but a fraction of our time together. Why is that not true for us?not true for us?

One fruit of faith is edification of other One fruit of faith is edification of other Christians. Christians.


The essence of our encouragement in The essence of our encouragement in association is our faith? Some are association is our faith? Some are encouraged by something else. encouraged by something else. (Rom 1:11-12)(Rom 1:11-12)


Romans 1:11-12 Romans 1:11-12 - For I long to see you, - For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—12 that is, so that you may be established—12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.by the mutual faith both of you and me.


The building of faith was the center of The building of faith was the center of Paul’s relationship with other Christians.Paul’s relationship with other Christians. (Col 2:5; Phil 2:19) (Col 2:5; Phil 2:19)


Colossians 2:5Colossians 2:5 - For though I am absent in - For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your rejoicing to see your goodgood order and the order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.steadfastness of your faith in Christ.


Philippians 2:19Philippians 2:19 - But I trust in the Lord - But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your also may be encouraged when I know your state.state.


What gave Paul encouragement? What gave Paul encouragement? (1 Thess 3:1-5)(1 Thess 3:1-5)


1 Thessalonians 3:1-1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 5 - Therefore, when - Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, concerning your faith,


3 that no one should be shaken by these 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.labor might be in vain.


Paul knew that the battle for theses Paul knew that the battle for theses Christians would be the establishing Christians would be the establishing of their faith. of their faith.



In tribulation do we see the hope and power In tribulation do we see the hope and power of God?of God?



In tribulation do we see the hope and power In tribulation do we see the hope and power of God?of God?

Faith is maintained in an atmosphere of Faith is maintained in an atmosphere of love love (Col 2:2)(Col 2:2)


Colossians 2:2Colossians 2:2 - that their hearts may be - that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and encouraged, being knit together in love, and attainingattaining to all riches of the full assurance to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,Christ,


Consider what you must add to your faith Consider what you must add to your faith (2 Pt 1:5-9)(2 Pt 1:5-9)


2 Peter 1:5-92 Peter 1:5-9 - But also for this very - But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. brotherly kindness love.


8 For if these things are yours and abound, 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will beyou will be neither barren nor unfruitful in neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.sins.


What made the work of Barnabas so strong? What made the work of Barnabas so strong? (Acts 4:36; 11:22)(Acts 4:36; 11:22)


Acts 4:36 Acts 4:36 - And Joses, who was also - And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, of the country of Cyprus,


Acts 11:22 Acts 11:22 - Then news of these things - Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.Antioch.


Be honest are your relationships with Be honest are your relationships with brethren based on a mutual faith or on brethren based on a mutual faith or on other mutual interest? The future of this other mutual interest? The future of this church lies in the answer.church lies in the answer.



We must win the battle for the mind.We must win the battle for the mind.



We must win the battle for the mind.We must win the battle for the mind. Paul saw this terrible struggle among the Paul saw this terrible struggle among the

Galatians. Galatians. (Gal 4:19-20)(Gal 4:19-20)


Galatians 4:19-20Galatians 4:19-20 - My little children, for - My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.have doubts about you.


We are no different than other Christians We are no different than other Christians who have resisted Satan. We need to be who have resisted Satan. We need to be humble and wise and above all to take the humble and wise and above all to take the shield of faith.shield of faith.

When a man truly lives by faith he has an abundant life. n One who has this faith will find others...

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Transcript of When a man truly lives by faith he has an abundant life. n One who has this faith will find others...