|
|
We can dismiss Jesus as a fanatic, or we can follow him and see what happens. We did the latter and found 7 simple rules for living by faith in the real world.
PRAY: If you`re going to try walking on water, you better know what you`re doing. Your family, friends and fears all will fight to stop you living by faith. Be honest with God and learn to hear his voice.
SIMPLIFY: Be satisfied with food and clothes (1 Tim. 6:8) enough for today only (Lk 11:3). Anything else is an extra that God may give you. But if he does`nt, it`s no excuse to put off living by faith until he does.
SELL: Sell all that you own. (Lk 12:33, Lk 18:22) If you have debts, the cash belongs to those you owe (Ro 13:8). Pay your debts & then use what is left to do all that Christ has told you to do. (Mark 16:15)
GIVE: Don`t expect others to do all the giving now. You`ll have something which you can give to the needy. (Lk11:41) So give it ...regularly...secretly...and with no way of getting something in return. (Mt 6:1-4)
WORK You have a new employer (God) and new motive (love), but if you won`t work for Him do not expect to be fed. (11 Th 3:10) You show your faith by your works. (Jas 2:18) Do whatever you can to show love in action, & forget about pay.
ASK: Jesus told his disciples to ask who was worthy to help them. (Lk 10:7-8; Mt 10:10-11) Don`t be ashamed to ask for food or clothes if you do not have them. (1 Cor 9:7-14) But don`t beg or be greedy.
SHARE: Don`t work alone. (Mt 18:20) Early Christians lived together & shared everything. (Ac 2:44-45; 4:32-35) Your efforts will be more fruitful if done in company with other Christians. (Mt 18:19; Lk 10:1; Heb 10:25) If you don`t know anyone else who lives by faith, & teaches others to do the same, why not look into working with us.
In conclusion, "Don`t say, In four months I`ll begin to harvest. Look, the fields are ripe already for harvesting. The harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Pray that God will send forth labourers into His harvest." (Jn 4:35, Mt 9:37)
Snailmail:-