After spending nearly a week in the hospital and several sleepless days and nights, please allow me to share some insight I gained by spending time with The Lord and away from 24-hour-a-day distractions.
**Faith Tested by the World**
Today, many demand evidence of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. They question the validity of our faith, asking for proof that aligns with their understanding. Yet, the Apostle Paul reminds us, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18). The truth of the Resurrection is not just an ancient report; it is the foundation of our hope and the source of our eternal life.
Consider the words of Jesus when He appeared to Thomas, who doubted the Resurrection: "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). We are called to walk by faith, not by sight, and our faith is not in vain, for it is anchored in the living Word of God.
Yet, there are those who, like Thomas, demand to see before they believe. They accept the testimony of the world without question, yet they discard the evidence of the Resurrection as mere fiction. To such as these, I say what the Apostle Peter declared: "For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16).
**Judging by the Fruits**
However, it is not enough to argue or debate these points, for as the Scripture says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Instead, let us focus on the evidence of faith that cannot be denied—the evidence of a life transformed by the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Beloved, it is easy for anyone to claim the name of Christ, but the true test is not in words, but in deeds. Jesus Himself taught us, "You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). A true Christian is not without sin, but when sin is revealed, a true Christian will repent and turn away from it, seeking to live in a manner that honors the Lord. The Apostle John writes, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
We must remember that the world is watching us. They will judge the truth of our faith not by our professions, but by our actions. Therefore, I urge you to examine your hearts. Are you living as a heart-serving Christian, who listens to the Word, learns from it, and changes accordingly? Or are you merely giving lip service, mimicking the behaviors of the world while claiming the name of Christ?
James, the brother of our Lord, gives us a sobering reminder: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). It is not enough to hear the Word; we must live it out. The world needs to see the evidence of our faith in the way we love, the way we forgive, and the way we serve others.
**The Call to Authentic Christianity**
Brothers and Sisters, let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9). The mark of a true Christian is not perfection, but a continual striving toward holiness, a willingness to repent, and a heart that is ever being transformed by the love of Christ.
I challenge you to reflect on your own walk with the Lord. Are you bearing the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? Are you seeking to live in a way that honors the teachings of Jesus, not just in word, but in deed?
In conclusion, let us remember that the evidence of the Resurrection, the proof of our faith, is seen most clearly in the lives we live. As the Apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthians, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Let us ensure that we are living lives that reflect the reality of Christ within us.
**Final Encouragement**
May we continue to seek the Lord with all our hearts. Let our life be a testimony to the world that Jesus is alive, not just because of an empty tomb, but because He lives in us. May you be strengthened in your faith, encouraged in your walk, and ever more committed to following the One who gave His life for you and me.
Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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