John 8:31 English Standard Version (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

John 13:35 English Standard Version (ESV) By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 15:8 English Standard Version (ESV) By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

In simple terms disciple means to learn. The word is used only in the New Testament. It is often associated in emotional terms as followers which should be seen as an adherent of His commands but often is just seen as doing what Jesus did, or following in His footsteps.

These three verses are included today to go a step beyond learning or to simply be a student. The first is the Jewish perspective, one in where the scriptures are given with purpose and promise. By taking His Word and writing them on their hearts, the full effect of the promises of God would be realized. The first visible blessing of abiding in His word in this manner is the activation of faith according to God’s will.

Romans 10:17 English Standard Version (ESV) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Many will ask about our faith and the answer to that question should not be a label. I am a Baptist, I am Catholic, I am Methodist and the growing list of administrations is not faith, they are organizations. That makes as much sense as answering “I am an engineer.” It says nothing about what faith is and does.

Research the word faith in the Blue Letter Bible resource archives and we will find sixty-five different definitions of faith. Some of those resources are extensive and complicated. Faith cannot and should not be reduced to who we associate with in worship.

In an effort to point out the origins of faith we would do well to accept that faith is a gift from God in order that we might know and believe Him. Might does not mean that everyone will.

Psalm 50:16 English Standard Version (ESV) But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips?”

Some of my readers have the ability to discern truth. Yesterday’s plea was for my readers to judge my words for themselves. May those judgments be in spirit and in truth, Amen.

Today’s opening verse speaks to the issues of rights granted by God verses those privileges taken by men with other intentions.

Philippians 1:15 English Standard Version (ESV) Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.

Paul speaks to issues he sees in his own time. If we look around us today and examine what is being said with the abiding truth within us, we might discover something more. Some just get it wrong and refuse to submit themselves to Christ’s Lordship. Pride of intellect will often provide convincing arguments but this is not about convincing, it is about revelation.

Psalm 139:23-24 English Standard Version

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!
²⁴ And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

False teachers will tell us what to think and urge us to rely on their teachings rather than to submit ourselves to Christ’s Lordship and receive correction about our own thoughts.

False teachings will not stand up to the light of truth. Truth dwells within those who have accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ in their hearts. Truth will reveal itself even if we have a false thought. This is a blessing that comes from an intimate relationship with our Lord. The closer the relationship the better the communication.

Psalm 25:5 English Standard Version (ESV) Lead me in your truth and teach me,  for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.