One of the great failures that ensnares Christians is when they confuse an ACT OF FAITH (trusting Christ for initial salvation) with the LIFE OF FAITH (living by faith). Remember,
the beautiful wedding should lead to a lifetime of loving union;
the first breath of life should lead to a long life of healthy breathing;
the first step should lead to a wonderful journey;
learning the alphabet should lead to lifelong learning;
a seed planted should result in a flourishing plant.
Think of the tragedy and loss if any of these "initial" actions end before they come to fruition or maturity. This gives us a little insight into the tragedy and loss of a person who starts along the path of faith, only to stop, or turn off, or retreat. The deception often leads the person to stop or slow down in their spiritual progress so that they either die on the vine or they are stunted in their growth. To be stunted means that they never reach their full potential and that they never produce the fruit they were capable of producing.
Everyone suffers when a believer fails to grow in grace and knowledge, when he fails to Live by Faith.
Acts 14:22
(22) Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Romans 1:17
(17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Think of the tragedy and loss if any of these "initial" actions end before they come to fruition or maturity. This gives us a little insight into the tragedy and loss of a person who starts along the path of faith, only to stop, or turn off, or retreat. The deception often leads the person to stop or slow down in their spiritual progress so that they either die on the vine or they are stunted in their growth. To be stunted means that they never reach their full potential and that they never produce the fruit they were capable of producing.
Everyone suffers when a believer fails to grow in grace and knowledge, when he fails to Live by Faith.
Acts 14:22
(22) Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Romans 1:17
(17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
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