A Healthy Faith

2Th 2:1 ¶ Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

1. My Mind is a Sacred Space

Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

2. The Word of God is my Authority

Extra-Biblical revelation must be substantiated by what the Scripture says.

3. The Whole Word of God Gets My Attention

not segmented attention, over emphasis of a part to the ignoring of the whole.

John 6:12 — When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

Emphasizing what it does say rather than what it does not say.: Angels, Demons, Baptism formula, etc.

4. My Salvation rests in Christ's Righteousness -- Salvation is a free Gift

Matthew 5:17 — Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Galatians 2:16 — Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

I am not producing my own salvation. I have received that by grace through faith.

1 peter 1:18,19

5. Servants of the Spirit and not Slaves to to Structure

Mind control, manipulation, mental slavery and ultimate dependance created on "the structure".

Church is here as a helpful brick your spiritual house. It is not the end or the ultimate purpose.

A fear of God, results in a healthy respect of authority. But no person is to be submitted to without qualification.

Church should be organized, decent and in order but this must not take place of the person of God, Himself.

1 Peter 5:3 — Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

John 7:16-17 — Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

• The Holy Spirit brings LIBERTY and not bondage.

Galatians 5:1 — Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

6. My Faith and Devotion is not Irrational.

We serve God with our mind as well as our heart. You do not leave you brain at home, in order to walk with God. Christ becomes Lord of the WHOLE ME.

• Therefore I do not subject myself to Biblically wrong trends. Jesus because it says "Christian" it should also speak indeed "Christ".

1 Cor. 2:12-16 — 1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The will of God may to immediately make sense, but it always results in holiness, beauty, goodness and a Divine plan.

• UNHEALTHY: "I don't know where this is in the Bible but it sounds good"
• "it feels good"
• Overwhelming our senses, manipulation -- red flag: relying on loud music even double speak to confuse.
• remember it is the truth that sets us free, not magic.

7. My Worship is Exclusive, but my Evangelism is Inclusive

• "The only way to God." is Christ and everyone cannot be right, but EVERYONE is not wrong either.

Eph 4:3 — Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Luke 14:23 — And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Salvation, Healing and Deliverance are available to all who come to Jesus. This refers back to #4 and me knowing how "I AM SAVED".

8. My Faith and Hope is Certain

Jeremiah 18:12

You can know that you know that you know that you are saved!

Hebrews 6:19 —

9. I have but one Mediator to God.

• Otherwise, leads to man worship.

Ephesians 2:14-18 — For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

10. I invest and give with gravity.

The Gospel is and must always remain free. Do not be prressured in giving to your own hurt and especially the hurt of those that depend on you.

• Remember that redemption is accomplished.

John 19:30 — When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.