Luke Ahrens - April 3, 2016
How To Know If You Are A Genuine Christian
Text: Luke 8:4-15 1A) Genuine believers cling to the message of the gospel. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Psalm 119:105 (ESV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 2A) Genuine believers bear spiritual fruit, consistently growing in grace. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Philippians 1:6 (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. PresentFaith(Trials + Testing) = Genuineness 3A) Genuine believers persevere in their faith, despite trials and testing. Job 23:10 (ESV) But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. John 15:8 (ESV) By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.