According to Your Faith

Opinion by Pastor Mike Raines, The Lighthouse Church

Then Jesus touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done unto you.” And their eyes were opened.  (Matt.9:29-30)

We are saved by our faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross and through His resurrection so that whoever truly believes may be saved. The only person who can keep you from believing is yourself. Bear in mind though, when Jesus says “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,” (Mark 16:16) He is referring to all who obey Him. True believers are those who know that obedience is a crucial part of their saving relationship with Jesus. Most believers know that we are saved by grace through faith, not of works, lest any man boast. I believe this as well. It’s in the Word. However, Jesus also says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

Those who say that they live in him must live the same way he lived. (John 2:6) Once we are forgiven and have our hearts purified of all unrighteousness, there is no condemnation against us. “If the Son sets you free, you will be absolutely free.” (John 8:36)

Our Creator chooses to exert resurrection power into those who truly believe. God’s chosen people were miraculously delivered out of bondage in Egypt and saw the power of God at work in their midst, yet they grumbled and complained when the going was rough. They even rebelled at various points in their journey. The Lord calls their disobedience unbelief!                                

The Lord tells us “not to quit going to church,” (Heb.10:25) yet many who claim to believe ditch church often. The Lord tells us to allow Him to make us holy and keep us holy, but many refuse to pay the price, which is an ongoing full surrender, faith & obedience. The Lord tells us not to rob Him, yet many who claim to believe are not faithfully giving the 10 percent that belongs to God.  (See Malachi 3) Are you a gossip? You need to stop. Do you go around judging? You need to stop. Do you look down your nose at other people? You need to stop! Do you mix worship of Jesus with worship of the old false gods? This is an abomination! Jesus said, “If any man (or woman) would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (Luke 9:23-24)

Are you intent on keeping your life for yourself, or will you choose to become a true believer? Sunday morning worship is 10:30 at our house, behind the church building, just west of the Mormon building. Contact me by calling 213-5007 or emailing miker842@yahoo.com