This is one of my favorite hymns that sings from the heart of a life that's completely sold out to Jesus. "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:27.
This is my very first recording of any kind...I just got my macbook a couple of weeks ago and had to see what it could do. This is completely done with one acoustic guitar and my own vocals...every sound. I hope you enjoy.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
When the lights don't come on?
Many times us Christians become illogical in our thinking about the realities of what Christianity actually is and does. One of the most controversial conversations in the church and streets today has to do with an age old topic of CONNECTION BETWEEN FAITH AND WORKS. Here are a couple of possible equations that occur when considering the connection between faith and works.
Now that I have faith...I will go and do good works.
or
To have greater faith...I will go do MORE good works. That's how it works right?
maybe...
If I try really hard at doing good works...it will overcome my lack of faith.
You get the picture...they seem quite similar at a glance but if we hold these up to Scripture, none of them are relevant to Christianity. Below is a diagram that explains what Paul says in Galatians 5:6, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." And also what James says in James 2:17, "Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action is dead."
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God that is an electrifying power held back in our lives by one single switch...faith. When faith (correct belief that gives confidence that produces action) becomes real the switch is flipped and the power of God is released into our life.
After flipping a light switch it would be goofy to go smooth talk the lamp until it came on...the existence of electricity automatically energizes light. The same is true with Christ followers...the existence of faith means the existence of the Spirit, which automatically energizes faith based works (love, patience, self control, etc...check fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23).
Moral of the story...if the light isn't on, check the power. If the light of "faith based works" aren't shining in my life...don't try harder but work backwards to see where the power was disconnected through a lack of faith.
Now that I have faith...I will go and do good works.
or
To have greater faith...I will go do MORE good works. That's how it works right?
maybe...
If I try really hard at doing good works...it will overcome my lack of faith.
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God that is an electrifying power held back in our lives by one single switch...faith. When faith (correct belief that gives confidence that produces action) becomes real the switch is flipped and the power of God is released into our life.
After flipping a light switch it would be goofy to go smooth talk the lamp until it came on...the existence of electricity automatically energizes light. The same is true with Christ followers...the existence of faith means the existence of the Spirit, which automatically energizes faith based works (love, patience, self control, etc...check fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23).
Moral of the story...if the light isn't on, check the power. If the light of "faith based works" aren't shining in my life...don't try harder but work backwards to see where the power was disconnected through a lack of faith.
What do I struggle to believe...why...how can I humble myself in order to receive God's truth?
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