Mighty Things Through Faith
by Bill Bright
**Are you living like a practical atheist? We have mentors who would love to talk with you. http://mag.thelife.com/study/lovebusters.html?section=love_dishonesty&ft=BSG-OS
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“And so [Jesus] did only a few great miracles there, because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58).
It was my first visit to Nazareth, and through a series of fortuitous circumstances, I found myself enjoying lunch with one of the city’s prominent leaders. As we talked together in the crowded dining room our conversation turned to Jesus Christ, and ultimately this gentleman bowed his head and began to pray aloud, inviting Christ to be his Savior and Lord.
The change seemed to be immediate and dramatic, and follow – up has proven that God did meet him and change his life. During the course of our conversation, he indicated that what I had shared with him was a new truth. Though he was religious and active in his church, he never had been told that he should receive Christ.
Upon further exploration, I found that, in the entire community of Nazareth, there were but a few in those days who understood the truth of the living Christ indwelling the believer. I was amazed!
Nazareth was the town in which our Lord had spent approximately thirty years of His life. The son of a carpenter, He had walked those winding streets, living, loving and laughing with other young children as they were growing up. He left the town when He entered His public ministry, and went on to perform mighty miracles, die on the cross for our sins and be raised from the dead – and He changed the whole course of history. But 2,000 years have passed since then, and there is still little evidence of the influence of Jesus in the lives of the people of Nazareth.
Then I remembered that it was said of our Lord, He could do no mighty things in Nazareth because of their unbelief. That seems to be true in more than just that city today. Even though there are a billion and a half professing followers of Christ throughout the world, the majority seem to be practical atheists.
And so, our Lord cannot do mighty things in Nazareth, or throughout the world, because of unbelief. The key to releasing His power to accomplish revolutionary, supernatural things in the world – and in individual lives – is faith. “According to your faith be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29, KJV). “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23, KJV). “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17, KJV).
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Questions: Why is it that, although many people claim to be Christians, they are living as practical atheists. How is your life characterized by supernatural living? Please read Mark 6:1-6
About the Author: Bill Bright
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We all have dry periods! But I believe when you continue to read the word that the Bible is sharper than a two edge sword! and it will leap out if you are following the Lord!
mugs,
perhaps for some people, it’s the lack of discipline when it comes to reading faithfully, daily, constantly, the Word of God. it has to be a ”I want to” rather than a ”I have to”. if one has to read scripture, the pages might as well be blank. as adults, i believe we are really no more than children in that if we are forced to do something even when we know its good for us, we will rebel in some way or another. i know this from personal experience–the more I was told I had to, the further away I got.
I think people don’t read the word of God! and need to be in the word! It is the last thing we will do and this is the first thing we need to come!
I think you are right, kanj, when you surmise that ‘practical atheists’ in the Body of Christ live by sight, not by faith. If they see it, they believe it. But, this is not faith. Faith, on the other hand, is believing without seeing . . . trusting in the One, Who is faithful. Those who live by faith see because they believe! Throughout Scripture, and even today, God rewards those who live according to His promises, and claim His Truth for themselves! His truth is ‘true,’ whether or not we receive it and/or accept it. But, when we choose to ‘believe,’ our lives are transformed by His Spirit, and His power and purposes are unleashed in us! And all this, for His glory!! Praise be to Him, Who is worthy!
just saw a typo, my apoligies. the sentence i’m referring to should read: ”if something’s not tangible it’s hard to wrap our heads around it. so, hence, the ””atheist”.
thank you bill for today’s devotional. i’v really gotten much from today’s scripture. at first i didn’t fully understand the scripture until I opened to Mathew. and then i went further to the dictionary to make sure that i understood the exact meaning(as we see it) of the word ‘atheist’ in the dictionary. an atheist, it says, is a person who believes there is no God. then to practical. a simple word right? practical according to the dictionary is having to do with action rather than thought or theory. so i believe that we, as human beings take the practical because we can see, feel, touch. if something is not tangible it’s hard to wrap our heads around it. so, hence, the theist. I believe in God, I believe the Holy Book is the way(for me) to live and die.
my life could be characterized in one word: ”blessed”. I’ve finally stopped wanting what I don’t have have I thank God daily for what I do have today. i’v stopped thinking me, me, me and in doing the best that I can, emulate Jesus’ teachings. His love is eternal when walking IN step with Him, not OUT of step and alone.
To know Jesus we have to spend time with him. in the word and in prayer and listen to his voice!
Strong words in this devotional today. I liked what you all said. I think many people consider themselves to be Christians and feel that is enough. Yet it’s a temptation to want to live life on our own terms, focusing on how much we can get away with rather than on what God’s Word really says. The Bible doesn’t say there is a middle ground or sitting on the fence so to speak. Perhaps some begin the journey thinking it’s going to be easy and are not really told how hard it is. Much food for thought today.
I just want to tell you guys that your devotionals in THE LIFE have made a lot of changes in my life and encourages me everytime i feel like giving up. I thank God for you guys. The Lord is truly using you to show his glory. I speak blessings to all of your staff. Thank you so much. Regards to Ms. Gail Rodgers she is truly a wonderful woman and Dr. Bill Bright- you’re a blessed guy. God bless- From Phillipines/kei
One of the problems in today’s Church was the very same problem that Paul encountered in Corinth 2000 years ago — professing Christians refusing to grow up spiritually. They had been Christians for some time, yet their witness was weak, for they lived by their flesh, and not by faith. This is evident today as well, as many Christians go to church, carrying well-worn Bibles, even serve in the Body, yet resisting the ‘renewal of their minds’ on spiritual truths. Baby Christians staying baby Christians, still nursing on spiritual milk, not advancing to food. And, this is why there is a lack of spiritual victory in many Christians’ lives. Our spiritual growth is dependent on our cooperation with the Holy Spirit, our humble submission to His authority and revelation in our lives. If we resist His efforts to teach us and mold us, then we will remain in the cradle, and our witness for Him is thwarted. Like the seed that fell among the thorns, the Word is choked out by secular concerns and the deceitfulness of prosperity. But, when we put our trust in Him, and live our lives believing in the One Who is faithful, He rewards our faith with great spiritual blessings and peace!
Thanks for reminding us that Jesus challenges us to live by faith.. God bless.