Authentic Christianity - Dr. Adrian Rogers - Part 3

[Saintscruiser]

This young man held a high position and plenty of wealth. He had come to a place of success at a very early age. Yet there he was kneeling before a peasant prophet from Galilee. I love the humility of this man.

This young man had a third quality. He had some discernment about him. He called Jesus "Good Master." He had a respect for the Lord, and he had a discernment that Jesus Christ was different from other people.

I'll tell you a fourth thing about him, he showed an interest in spiritual things. He didn't just care about the "nasty now and now," but he cared about the "sweet by and by.: He asked, "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

He did not come to Jesus to ask for more wealth. He did not come to request more happiness. He did not come for Jesus to heal him. He came for eternal life.

There is one more quality about this young man. When Jesus mentioned the commandments to him, he replied. "All these have I observed from my youth." He was morally clean.

You could compare his life to those in church leadership and quite possibly discover that he lived just as pure a life as the very best of them. Maybe you would have loved to have had this man for a neighbor or a business associate. There is just so much for which to commend him.

He was, courageous, humble, and successful. And more than that, as the story reads, "Jesus beholding him loved him." You can understand why. He wanted to know about eternal life and recognized something very special in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What an incredible young man he was! I tell you the truth, if he came down the aisle of the average church on Sunday morning and requested membership, they would receive him in an instant. And after a while, they would make him church treasurer.

The rich young ruler was a man among men. And yet in this story, Jesus did not receive him. The story doesn't say, "and they lived happily ever after." It has a sad ending.

The Bible says that he went away sorrowful. Why? Because when he heard what authentic Christianity really is, he didn't want it. With all of the good attributes this man had, he did not have the attributes of New Testament salvation.

End of Part 3

 

[mightymen]

Sad story, the one thing that was need he didn't have and I see that a lot.

 

[rc3po]

This young man held a high position and plenty of wealth. He had come to a place of success at a very early age. Yet there he was kneeling before a peasant prophet from Galilee. I love the humility of this man.

This young man had a third quality. He had some discernment about him. He called Jesus "Good Master." He had a respect for the Lord, and he had a discernment that Jesus Christ was different from other people.

I'll tell you a fourth thing about him, he showed an interest in spiritual things. He didn't just care about the "nasty now and now," but he cared about the "sweet by and by.: He asked, "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

He did not come to Jesus to ask for more wealth. He did not come to request more happiness. He did not come for Jesus to heal him. He came for eternal life.

There is one more quality about this young man. When Jesus mentioned the commandments to him, he replied. "All these have I observed from my youth." He was morally clean.

You could compare his life to those in church leadership and quite possibly discover that he lived just as pure a life as the very best of them. Maybe you would have loved to have had this man for a neighbor or a business associate. There is just so much for which to commend him.

He was, courageous, humble, and successful. And more than that, as the story reads, "Jesus beholding him loved him." You can understand why. He wanted to know about eternal life and recognized something very special in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What an incredible young man he was! I tell you the truth, if he came down the aisle of the average church on Sunday morning and requested membership, they would receive him in an instant. And after a while, they would make him church treasurer.

The rich young ruler was a man among men. And yet in this story, Jesus did not receive him. The story doesn't say, "and they lived happily ever after." It has a sad ending.

The Bible says that he went away sorrowful. Why? Because when he heard what authentic Christianity really is, he didn't want it. With all of the good attributes this man had, he did not have the attributes of New Testament salvation.

End of Part 3

I think you're reading too much into the word, "loved". Our Lord loves us all and doesn't want to see any of us perish, but He knows that many will.
The young man thought he could fool our Lord Jesus. And he found out real quick that nobody fools our Lord Jesus Christ, because He knows our hearts.

 

[Saintscruiser]

I think you're reading too much into the word, "loved". Our Lord loves us all and doesn't want to see any of us perish, but He knows that many will.
The young man thought he could fool our Lord Jesus. And he found out real quick that nobody fools our Lord Jesus Christ, because He knows our hearts.

I'm just typing it as it is written in the pamphlet. When I'm adding anything, I will say, "This is me talking."

I don't think he was trying to fool Jesus. I believe the young man was being sincere, until he found out what would be required of him. He just didn't want to give up his money. He wanted eternal life on his own terms, and when he found out what would be asked of him, he chose money over Jesus. Many people do that. Who knows.....maybe Jesus just wanted to see what he would do.....if he was willing to give it all up. The guy probably felt like all of the air was punched out of his lungs. He went from excitement to denial within a very short time. If you remember, Peter did that as well when Jesus told him he would deny him.

 

[rc3po]

That's plausible. In any event, the young man trusted his money and the power over people that it allows.

 

[mightymen]

I see something else in that story, the young man lacked FAITH for surely if faith was there the money wouldn't have been important and if he had faith he would have known he got the better part of deal and as a business man would have jumped at the chance to make a profit. So YAH, I see it as lacking faith because he said he wanted eternal life and new who to goto to ask for it, HE WAS RIGHT with everything he said but he lacked faith.

Doesn't Scripture teach us, it's impossible to please God without FAITH.

 

[rc3po]

I see something else in that story, the young man lacked FAITH for surely if faith was there the money wouldn't have been important and if he had faith he would have known he got the better part of deal and as a business man would have jumped at the chance to make a profit. So YAH, I see it as lacking faith because he said he wanted eternal life and new who to goto to ask for it, HE WAS RIGHT with everything he said but he lacked faith.

Doesn't Scripture teach us, it's impossible to please God without FAITH.

Yes. But his faith was in his material wealth.

 

[mightymen]

Yes. But his faith was in his material wealth.

IMO:
We were created to please God not please ourselves with material things. In order to please God it takes faith.

It wasn't that he trust in his wealth or material things, he choose not to please God by using his faith.

Scripture say's We were all given a measure of faith - not less or more than anyone else - we each were given the same amount.

Scripture is very direct.
"Hebrews 11:6Wycliffe Bible (WYC)

6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. For it behooveth that a man coming to God, believe that he is, and that he is [a] rewarder of men that seek him."

 

[rc3po]

IMO:
We were created to please God not please ourselves with material things. In order to please God it takes faith.

It wasn't that he trust in his wealth or material things, he choose not to please God by using his faith.

Scripture say's We were all given a measure of faith - not less or more than anyone else - we each were given the same amount.

Scripture is very direct.
"Hebrews 11:6Wycliffe Bible (WYC)

6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. For it behooveth that a man coming to God, believe that he is, and that he is [a] rewarder of men that seek him."

We were not all given the same amount of faith. There are plenty of Scriptures dealing with faith. Some are full of faith. Our Lord Jesus Christ even asked some, "Where is your faith?". So the correct interpretation of the "each were given a measure of faith" Passage would be that each was given at least a measure of faith. Also remember what our Lord said about the centurion, that He had not seen such great faith in Israel. Some people are given revelations and gifts that increase their faith. The Apostle Paul was also concerned about doing some things, being afraid that his actions may weaken the faith of others.
Also, faith itself is a gift; and some have more of the gift than others.

 

[mightymen]

We were not all given the same amount of faith. There are plenty of Scriptures dealing with faith. Some are full of faith. Our Lord Jesus Christ even asked some, "Where is your faith?". So the correct interpretation of the "each were given a measure of faith" Passage would be that each was given at least a measure of faith. Also remember what our Lord said about the centurion, that He had not seen such great faith in Israel. Some people are given revelations and gifts that increase their faith. The Apostle Paul was also concerned about doing some things, being afraid that his actions may weaken the faith of others.
Also, faith itself is a gift; and some have more of the gift than others.

No where in Scripture can I find where God gives any one more or less but a measure, for we come to God in faith and ask Him to increase our faith it is not the same as the measure that is given to us before we come to him.
Having more faith then someone else, is proof that ones faith has grown.

The centurion faith was not to come to God but for healing of a person. That's a different use of his faith that was given him and it was more than he was given because Jesus said He had not seen such great faith in Israel in other words Israel hasn't used the faith that was given them.

Example of a nonbelieving farming going to Scripture and learning how to grow his crop, if he has faith and follows the instructions he will reap the benefit of the Scripture Gods Word and will increase.

Edit in.

It's not how much faith we have, it's how we use our faith.

Acts 11:17 King James Bible
"Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?"

 

[rc3po]

No where in Scripture can I find where God gives any one more or less but a measure, for we come to God in faith and ask Him to increase our faith it is not the same as the measure that is given to us before we come to him.
Having more faith then someone else, is proof that ones faith has grown.

The centurion faith was not to come to God but for healing of a person. That's a different use of his faith that was given him and it was more than he was given because Jesus said He had not seen such great faith in Israel in other words Israel hasn't used the faith that was given them.

Example of a nonbelieving farming going to Scripture and learning how to grow his crop, if he has faith and follows the instructions he will reap the benefit of the Scripture Gods Word and will increase.

Edit in.

It's not how much faith we have, it's how we use our faith.

Acts 11:17 King James Bible
"Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?"

Yes it's how we use our faith. Some have faith and willfully serve satan because they are evil and they know they can't fool God.
If I had much faith at 3 years old, why didn't everybody?

 

[mightymen]

Yes it's how we use our faith. Some have faith and willfully serve satan because they are evil and they know they can't fool God.
If I had much faith at 3 years old, why didn't everybody?

It's has nothing to do with fooling God which is impossible. God said in the garden unless they eat of the tree of good and evil and live forever. IMO: this is free will given to all man. Serving satan is the use of that free will and has nothing to do with faith but all to do with rejecting God.

Everybody is created with the same amount of faith, if it's not used it will never grow, age doesn't matter. It's a misnomer that we have no faith though we can lack faith but then that lacking has to be compared to what. IMO GOD, for He is righteous in all matters.

For there has only been one righteous man - Jesus.

 

[rc3po]

It's has nothing to do with fooling God which is impossible. God said in the garden unless they eat of the tree of good and evil and live forever. IMO: this is free will given to all man. Serving satan is the use of that free will and has nothing to do with faith but all to do with rejecting God.

Everybody is created with the same amount of faith, if it's not used it will never grow, age doesn't matter. It's a misnomer that we have no faith though we can lack faith but then that lacking has to be compared to what. IMO GOD, for He is righteous in all matters.

For there has only been one righteous man - Jesus.

satan believes and trembles. satan has faith and he will surely go to hell. Just because everybody is given a measure of faith doesn't mean that all receive the same measure. Anyway, it's a fruitless argument.

 

[mightymen]

James 2:19 Thou believest, that one God is; thou doest well; and devils believe, and [together] tremble.


Hebrews 11:11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Acts 11:17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we first believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, why, who was I to be able to thwart God?

1 Cor 12:1-31 (NIV) Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant... There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit... There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. Acts 17:11 Dialog: Use and Abuse of the Spiritual Gifts

Does satan have the gift of faith that comes from the Spirit(God) or was satan cast out.


Author Billy Graham

What does the Bible mean when it says that the devil believes in God? Isn't that what we're supposed to do before we can go to heaven? But the devil's not going to heaven, is he?

No, I can assure you that the devil is not going to heaven, nor are his followers. Jesus said that at the final judgment God will say, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).

It is true that the devil “believes” in God–that is, he believes God exists. But this is a far cry from the kind of faith we are called to have. To truly believe in God means to trust Him–in other words, we not only believe He exists, but we actually commit our lives to Him and trust Him to save us through Jesus Christ.
Yes, the devil believes God exists–in fact, he has no doubts about it. But he doesn’t trust God to save him; instead, he has set himself up in opposition to God and wants nothing to do with him. He also knows that some day the final battle will be fought and that God alone will be victorious. That is why the Bible says, “Even the demons believe that–and shudder” (James 2:19). Satan will not win!

The Bible says, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Don’t be content with a shallow belief, but by faith commit your life to Christ and trust Him alone for your salvation.
http://billygraham.org/author/billy-graham/

 

[Saintscruiser]

IMHO, I believe that everyone is given the same amount of faith when they are born......plus they know that there is a greater power than themselves.....look at the Native Americans. They worshipped all kinds of spirits. They knew that there was something greater than themselves. Even the tribes in Africa know that there is something greater than themselves. I have no idea what they worship, but you get my drift.

Ephesians 2:8-9King James Version (KJV)

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Now that that is established, people can choose whom they put their faith in....money; drugs; power; satan; Almighty God!! (I saved the best for last!) A child of the King is able to grow their faith by standing on God's Word. Christians should grow their faith by trust in God. But, they have the choice to do that, or not. I want all I can get from God the Father. I have a deep desire to learn as much as I can about Him because He just amazes me so much. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, God reveals another facet about Himself. The more He reveals, the more I want. I have this burning desire to actually see Jesus. I know He's with me all the time, thank You, Lord, but I can't wait to meet Him face to face.

I used to have a tract about "What if Jesus Came to Your House." 'What would you do differently. Would you find your Bible and dust it off to put on the coffee table? Would you count the days to when He would leave? Not watch certain tv shows?' Man, He'd have to disappear when it was time to leave my house because I'd be permanently attached to His feet! To be able to listen to Him for days and days would be Heaven on earth for me! Do I have faith to move mountains into the sea? Not yet, but that is my goal. I've been a Christian for 29 years and God has helped me to grow my faith in Him. From the point of salvation to now, I went from milk to meat over these years. You've got to want it. Some true Christians never get past the milk stage. I am finally to the meat stage....why? Because I wanted to be there, and it took 'faith.'

Matthew 7:7-8King James Version (KJV)

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Now I don't believe satan has any faith in God. If he has faith, it would be in himself. I mean, just how stupid can you be, thinking you can out manuver God. satan doesn't have the power. He must be lying to himself. Does he really think he can take over? God allows him 7 years and Scripture states that all mankind would be wiped away if Jesus doesn't come back at the correct moment.

These are just my thoughts on it.

 

[rc3po]

IMHO, I believe that everyone is given the same amount of faith when they are born......plus they know that there is a greater power than themselves.....look at the Native Americans. They worshipped all kinds of spirits. They knew that there was something greater than themselves. Even the tribes in Africa know that there is something greater than themselves. I have no idea what they worship, but you get my drift.

Ephesians 2:8-9King James Version (KJV)

:

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Now that that is established, people can choose whom they put their faith in....money; drugs; power; satan; Almighty God!! (I saved the best for last!) A child of the King is able to grow their faith by standing on God's Word. Christians should grow their faith by trust in God. But, they have the choice to do that, or not. I want all I can get from God the Father. I have a deep desire to learn as much as I can about Him because He just amazes me so much. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, God reveals another facet about Himself. The more He reveals, the more I want. I have this burning desire to actually see Jesus. I know He's with me all the time, thank You, Lord, but I can't wait to meet Him face to face.

I used to have a tract about "What if Jesus Came to Your House." 'What would you do differently. Would you find your Bible and dust it off to put on the coffee table? Would you count the days to when He would leave? Not watch certain tv shows?' Man, He'd have to disappear when it was time to leave my house because I'd be permanently attached to His feet! To be able to listen to Him for days and days would be Heaven on earth for me! Do I have faith to move mountains into the sea? Not yet, but that is my goal. I've been a Christian for 29 years and God has helped me to grow my faith in Him. From the point of salvation to now, I went from milk to meat over these years. You've got to want it. Some true Christians never get past the milk stage. I am finally to the meat stage....why? Because I wanted to be there, and it took 'faith.'

Matthew 7:7-8King James Version (KJV)

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Now I don't believe satan has any faith in God. If he has faith, it would be in himself. I mean, just how stupid can you be, thinking you can out manuver God. satan doesn't have the power. He must be lying to himself. Does he really think he can take over? God allows him 7 years and Scripture states that all mankind would be wiped away if Jesus doesn't come back at the correct moment.

These are just my thoughts on it.

Faith is a "knowing". Just because someone has faith does not mean they have to be good. Angels and people make their own choices.

 

[Saintscruiser]

Faith is a "knowing". Just because someone has faith does not mean they have to be good. Angels and people make their own choices.

Don't forget that the demons have free will as well. God allowed them to leave with satan. As for your 2nd sentence, it depends on where your faith is placed. Even atheists have faith that there is no God. Interesting concept!

You obtain a strong faith by following the Instruction Manual.....God's Word. He gave us His Word so that we could get to know Him. Another way is by praying to God asking Him to strengthen your faith. Faith is strenghtened by adversity. Don't pray for this if you really don't mean it. It's like praying for patience. I only did that once. I haven't done that since, and I've been a Christian for 29 years! I also prayed to be strong in my walk and be content with everything like Paul. I only did that once as well. 8-o

 

[rc3po]

There is a difference between "faith" and "belief". Too many times people say faith, when they should say belief. Faith is a 100% knowing with no doubt. So atheists could not have faith because we know that what they say is untrue, therefore they could only have belief. Many that claim to be Christians only have belief if they have even a shred of doubt.

 

[Saintscruiser]

There is a difference between "faith" and "belief". Too many times people say faith, when they should say belief. Faith is a 100% knowing with no doubt. So atheists could not have faith because we know that what they say is untrue, therefore they could only have belief. Many that claim to be Christians only have belief if they have even a shred of doubt.

Interesting......... Okay, answer me this......which came first? Faith or belief? It makes sense that faith came first. My faith in Almighty God is more solid today than it ever has been and that is what I believe.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

So, God's Grace came first.....then salvation through faith and that becomes your belief. By george, I do believe you are correct. I can say without doubt that I believe that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God with 100% certainty. Okay then, so an atheist just believes there is no God and there is no faith in that....... they just decide one morning that there is no God and that becomes their belief. How empty and sad. That really breaks my heart.

 

[rc3po]

Belief, is questionable; faith, is not. So anyone that only has belief, should pray for faith. Yes, faith is a gift from God.