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Hello and welcome to Truth Talk!
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Here on Truth Talk, we study the Bible in order to discover how we can apply the Scriptures in a practical way to our everyday lives.
Sometimes it seems that we've heard that word "practical" used so often that we've almost forgotten it's true meaning! So what exactly does this familiar word mean?
Practical:
We can see that this word is all about applying or making something useful. And friends, isn't that the type of Christianity that we want to have? Don't we want to experience the real power that is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can know the Bible from cover to cover, but if we aren't living it from day to day, are we really that much better off than the rest of the world?
Perhaps we truly need to consider the words of James 2:22 "But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
Are we deceiving ourselves into thinking that we really are true Christians? Do we just know the theological issues and doctrines, or do we honestly know Jesus Christ in a personal, life-changing way?
Jesus speaks very plainly in John 17:3 "And this is life eternal, that they might thee the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." So the question is this: Do we really have this kind of a relationship with the Lord? Is He actually abiding in us and are we abiding in Him?
If so, then John 15:5 tells us that we should be bringing forth "much fruit". The Bible says that people will know whether our claim of Christianity is true or not by the type of fruit that we produce. (Matthew 7:15-20)
If Jesus really is living in our hearts, then shouldn't we have the fruits of the Spirit springing up in our everyday lives? (Galatians 5:22-25) Again, we can see our desperate need for a practical application of God's Word in our daily Christian experience!
Let's consider for a moment Christ's words in Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone that saith unto me 'Lord, Lord' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Now friends, this is a heavy statement! Jesus makes it clear that a real Christian will not just "talk the talk", but they will "walk the walk" as well.
The Bible assures us that we can be saved only by the grace of God alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). But if someone truly is on their way to heaven then shouldn't they have actions to back up their words? There should be fruit brought forth as a result of their close connection with Jesus Christ. They will be doing the will of God. They will be denying themselves daily as they take up the cross and follow after the Savior (Luke 9:23).
A true believer will perform these actions not because they are trying to earn salvation, but because these things come naturally whenever someone has a genuine relationship with God. Galatians 2:20 explains that it isn't the Christian that does these things, but rather it's Christ living in us.
As we embark upon a practical application of the Word of God, it's very important that we keep Philippians 2:13 in mind: "For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure." We must always remember just how helpless we are without the Lord's help, especially when it comes to improving our daily lives.
When seeking to walk closer to God, we all must realize that "I can of my own self do nothing" John 5:30. This means that if we want a true change to take place in our lives, then we must surrender ourselves daily to the Lord and constantly depend upon Him in every area of our lives.
Well friends, we pray that you desire this close connection with God as much as we do. May the Lord guide and bless us as we step out in faith and as we seek a deeper friendship with Him here on...
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