The Proof of Your Faith
The Proof of Your Faith

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:6-7

Do you remember the Haynes underwear commercials with inspector 12? Remember her famous line? "They don't say Haynes until I say they're Haynes." What's the message of that commercial? That Haynes underwear is of the highest quality because it has passed a rigorous test.

When shopping for a used car a customer will run it through a series of tests to make sure the car is in good condition. Let's say the car costs $10,0000.00. Before handing over the money, the buyer will look at the engine, the tires, the exterior. He'll take it for a drive, testing the brakes and listening to the motor. He may examine maintenance records if the owner kept any. Why does the buyer go through all this trouble? Because he wants to make sure the car is really worth $10,000.00.

Peter tells us that the proof or testing of our faith is more precious than gold. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). That being the case, we don't want a faith that is marginal and inconsistent, but one that is steadfast and unshakeable. That's where the testing comes into play for it reveals the quality of our faith (see 1 Cor 3:13). If we pass the test we have reason to rejoice and if we fail the test we have time to make corrections. And what is the outcome of our faith? The salvation of our souls (v. 9).

I want to thank everyone for their support and prayers. These last few weeks have been the hardest I've ever experienced. I know with God's help I will come through this a better and more faithful Christian. Please continue to pray for me and pray for Kimberly. I love you all.

Kurt

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John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 6:5-6 When Jesus the lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

John 16:7-11 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement: Of sin, because they believe not on me: Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgement, because the prince of this world is judged.

Acts 24:12-13 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synogogues, nor in the city: Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

Romans 3:9-12 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jew and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.