An AWESOME T-SHIRT as it is an AWESOME REMINDER of an AWESOME TRUTH!

Introduction to Doctrine 5 - Failure of Faith

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." (Romans 4:20)

There are six NewTestament expressions that trace the decline of faith in an individual. Before a person is saved, he may have:
1) "vain faith" or belief in the wrong doctrine (1 Cor. 15:14-17); or
2) "dead faith" or belief in orthodox doctrine without personal belief in Christ. (James 2:19-20).
After a person is saved, he can experience the following varieties of faith:
1) a kind of unbelief-experienced by believers who fail to accept the whole work of Christ (Mark 16:11-14);
2) "little faith"-a mixture of faith and unbelief (Mark 7:26);
3) "weak faith"-referring to belief expressed as mere legalism (14:1); or
4) "strong faith"-faith that is rooted in the promises of God. (Rom. 4:20)
Illustration: As Christians mature, they should grow in faith. This was the experience of Abraham. Early in his pilgrimage with God, he could not trust God to protect him in Egypt. This was weak in faith (Gen. 12:10-20). He was later able to trust God, in sacrificing his son Isaac. This was strong faith (Heb. 11:17-19).
Application: The Christian life is a continual growing adventure in faith. (also see Romans 8:16)

Autumn in Seoul

Had a fabulous weekend in Seoul! It was so gorgeous with the leaves in full color. Will be posting many pics later... Made me think of the movie "Autumn in NewYork" which I picked up on VCD at the Express Bus Terminal just before heading back down to Pohang. If you haven't seen it, check it out sometime. Great Richard Gere/Winona Ryder flick!

Introduction to Doctrine 4 - Faith-Definition

"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17)

Six kinds or expressions of faith occur in Scripture. Doctrinal faith, called "the faith", refers to the content of Christian belief (Jude 3). Saving faith is trusting in Christ and in Him alone for salvation (Acts 16:31). Justifying faith is the believer's reliance on the fact that God has declared him righteous (Gen. 15:6). Indwelling faith is trusting God's Word in and through us (Gal. 2:20). Daily faith is that day-by-day dependence on God which is part of the sanctification process (2 Cor. 5:7). The gift of faith is a special ability of faith, resulting in a vision of what God can do, faith that is the means by which we can achieve that vision, and the power with God to get answers to prayer (Heb. 11:1-3).
Illustration: God's hall of faith (Heb. 11) identifies a number of Old Testament saints who experienced God's blessings as a result of their faith. Although they did not all experience the same kind of victories, all pleased God by faith (Heb. 11:6).
Application: The Christian should remember that it is impossible to please God without faith. (Heb. 11:6)