G-Notes - Hardcover

Davis, Van

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1418486272 ISBN 13: 9781418486273

Publisher: Authorhouse, 2004

Synopsis

G-Notes is a 40 day devotional. It is written for both the New Christian and the Mature Christian. In G-Notes you will find many, many scripture passages and their true meanings. It is sold in its Theological foundation and its plain English is easy to read and understand.

About this title

About the Author

Van is a Christian and a student of the bible. He has been a lay leader for many years, teaching both adult and youth Sunday school classes.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Day Ten

Testing

"Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-unless indeed you fail the test?"

2 Corinthians 13:5

Paul is being very matter-of-fact in this passage. The emotion and passion with which he wrote at times is very evident here. This was the third time Paul had to come to the church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 13:1) and he felt very defensive and probably very exasperated with some of the people there who had continuing doubts about his authority to spread the Gospel. Since God appointed him to be an Apostle (2 Corinthians 1:1), he probably had little desire to answer to the legalistic teachers who were more interested in poking holes in his testimony than they were in living for Christ. This is not a new phenomenon. Today, there are many people whose interest in Christ suffers from worldly attractions. Paul says in 1Timothy 4:1,

"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times, some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines and demons".

So test yourself Paul says. Are you of the faith? Are you a believer? Are you doing the tasks God has called you to do? Does your behavior point to the fact that Christ is in your heart? Paul is saying that you should know if Christ is in your heart because inviting Him in is a very conscious and deliberate act. There should be no doubt. Jesus will not come into your heart accidentally. He will not make a mistake. Unless your repentance is genuine, Jesus will not enter. If He does not enter you will not know Him and you will not be saved.

The Greek word for "test" means to make manifest the evil or unbelief that is within you, especially if you are not a born again Christian. If the works that you do are not the result of your love and obedience to Christ, then, as Paul says, indeed, you have failed the test.

The writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 3:12,

"take care brethren, lest there should be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God".

The "falling away" here refers to those who have never known Christ. They may go to church, they may tithe, and they may go on mission trips. But they have never sought repentance and they have never known the grace (which is Christ) of God. Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23,

"Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord , will enter kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in your name perform many miracles?" And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, You who practice lawlessness."

The Bible teaches us that as Christians, the Holy Spirit fills our lives, and as we grow through bible study and discipleship, we will be able to discern God s voice from the voice of the enemy. Whatever activity you are involved in or a witness of, whatever thought or idea you may have, test it. Below is a list of "tests" you can perform. These "tests" can help you decide if what you do and what you say will bring glory and honor to God. God has not called us to be blind nor ignorant.

1. The Bible Test. Where is it in the Bible? Is it a promise mentioned in the Bible? Is it something that s taught in the Bible? Does it add to, take away from or does it completely ignore or contradict the tenets of the Bible?

2. The Jesus Test. Does the activity bring glory and honor to Jesus? Does it exalt Jesus? Is Jesus mentioned as the basis of the activity or belief? Does Jesus of the Scriptures support the activity?

3. The Evangelism Test. Does the activity bring people to Christ? Is the goal and purpose to win people over to the Jesus and thus glorify God?

4. The Decency and Order Test. Is this activity conducted in an orderly fashion? Is it understandable? Does it violate common sense? Is there chaos and confusion?

5. The Edification Test. Does this activity edify the Church? Does this activity build up and encourage the people of God?

6. The Witness Test. Does my spirit give witness that the Holy Spirit is guiding this activity? Does the Holy Spirit inspire the activity or message? Does the Holy Spirit guide my spirit to seek this truth and other truths that have their basis in the Bible?

7. The Love Test. Does the activity or message bring the assurance and hope of Jesus? If the message is one of correction, is it delivered in Jesus love, or are people being blamed and condemned?

8. The Fruit of the Spirit Test. Is the Fruit of the Spirit present? Because of this activity, are people being changed, challenged and seeking genuine repentance? Are people living for and seeking the grace of God through Jesus?

9. The Prophesy Test. Does this activity and message advance God s kingdom and promote the will of God? Is God being glorified or are people being manipulated?

10. The Submission Test. Have the people, conducting this activity, submitted their lives to Christ? Is the message one of salvation through Jesus, done in love and kindness? Or does the message encourage division, rebellion, dissension and exclusiveness?

Opportunities for further readings and reflections:

1 Corinthians 11:28-32

Edition details

• Publisher: Authorhouse
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1418486272
• ISBN 13: 9781418486273
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 108