Thoughts on Faith

The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Peter 4:7.

Do you believe that the end of all things is at hand, that the scenes of this earth's history are fast closing? If so, show your faith by your works. A man will show all the faith he has. Some think they have a good degree of faith, when if they have any, it is dead, for it is not sustained by works. "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James 2:17.

Few have that genuine faith which works by love and purifies the soul. But all who are accounted worthy of everlasting life must obtain a moral fitness for the same. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." 1 John 3:2,3.

Do you plan to see the King? Do you plan to see our Lord and Saviour? Then this is the work before you, purify yourself by faith and you will.

John and Jerry are best friends. They attended church together every Sabbath. One Sabbath, the pastor told them that the church would be going on a retreat the following week, and that everyone had to be there exactly at 6:00 a.m. or they would be left behind.

During the week, John called Jerry several times to discuss what they were going to bring and many other things. Each time they spoke, Jerry reminded John of the time of their departure. The Friday before the retreat, the Pastor personally called everyone to remind them of the trip and the time to ensure that non would be left behind.

Sabbath morning came. At 5:45 a.m. everyone was there except John. The pastor asked Jerry for John. Jerry replied, "He should be here, I reminded him during the week." At 6:00 a.m. sharp the bus departed.

The kingdom of heaven is very similar. Jesus, our Pastor, has given us exact details as to how to make it. He may not have given us the exact time, but He has given us the signs of His return. The question is, "Will you believe and trust His words, or not?"

Jesus said, "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish." Matt. 25:1, 2.

Which are you? He is coming! Are you ready!

If I were to ask, "Do you believe God?" almost everyone would apply in the affirmative. All of us who claim to be Christians would find it odd that such a question would even be asked. However, many of us, some knowingly, actually have been denying the very God that they claim to love and believe.

David asked, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place?" His response to his own question, is exactly where we fall short. His said, "He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, or sworn deceitfully." Ps. 24:3, 4.

When Jesus says, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5:48). Do you believe Him? Or do you say like the masses, "No one can be perfect." When you are told, "Be ye holy in all manner of conversation." (1 Peter 1:15). Will you give up all that isn't of God? Or will you hold on to things of this world?

There must be a putting away of sin. Our lives must be brought into subjection to every word of God. Pride, self-esteem, love of supremacy, vainglory, unholy ambition, murmuring, discontent, bitterness, evil-speaking, lying, deception, slander must all be put away. Ask yourself honestly, "Will I be able to stand, or will I perish?"

NO ONE who is unclean will enter! NO ONE who loves the world will enter! NO ONE who has not denied self will enter! NO ONE who loves father or mother more that God will enter. NO ONE who doesn't love his brother will enter.

My friends -- only those with clean hands and a pure heart shall be able to enter and stand before the Lord on that day. Ask yourself sincerely, "Am I a child of God, or not?

Walk with the Lord today and be a blessing to someone else.