Cleartext Point 012
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What does faith mean ?
At the end of this cleartext point, you will find some links that lead to other
cleartext points, in which the issue of doubting is addressed.
Right at the beginning, I would like to recommend you the cleartext point 166.
Maybe it is interesting to you personally - or you can recommend it to someone,
who bears some doubt about Jesus in his heart. The title of this cleartext point is:
Have you doubts about Jesus' resurrection or understandable reservations against Christianity ?
What is the opposite of believing ?
Doubt.
Please read also the cleartext point 062 on the subject of doubt.
There are many people who doubt - or do not believe at all.
"... for all men have not faith."
(2 Thessalonians 3/2)
Often we Christians are asked by the doubters:
"How do you know what comes after death ?
After all, nobody has ever come back from there."
Yes - one came back: Jesus Christ !
Jesus was after his crucifixion for three days in the realm of death,
and he told us what to expect after death.
In the bible is written that already John the Baptist said,
that hardly anyone believes what Jesus Christ told men -
Although Jesus knows it very well, for he was in heaven - and came from there
to us on the earth, and he was in the realm of death after his crucifixion.
He rose from the dead and could tell us everything -
But nevertheless, many people are still claiming,
that no one had ever returned from there.
John said:
"He that cometh from above (Jesus Christ) is above all (he is the Lord over all men):
he that is of the earth is earthly,
and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth;
and no man receiveth his testimony."
(him, Jesus, no one believes.)
(John 3/31-32)
Believe Jesus - do not doubt his statements -
Otherwise, you are a disbeliever.
But what happens on the Last Day with the unbelievers ?
Jesus Christ clearly tells us this:
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers,
and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,
shall have their part (their share, their future) in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:
which is the second death."
(Revelation 21/8)
Recommended on resurrection from the dead
are the cleartext points 117, 119, 120, and 121.
In the Bible, we are told that those who reject Jesus' words,
who therefore do not believe the truth, have distorted senses.
"... so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds,
reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: ..."
(2 Timothy 3/8-9)
On the very last day, there will be an awful (in the truest sense of the word) evil awakening for them.
God and Jesus Christ are aware that there will always be doubters and unbelievers.
" For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not,
and who should betray him."
(John 6/64)
On the subject of faith (gullibility) now the following humoristic thought:
A woman is seated wrong on the plane. She has paid economy class but is sitting in the business class.
The stewardess asks her to sit in the other cabin - but she refuses.
A second stewardess speaks unsuccessfully to her. Now the flight captain is called.
He whispers something to the woman's ear. She gets up and goes to the economy class.
The stewardesses are amazed and want to know how the captain succeeded.
"Quite simply: I told the lady that this part of the machine goes
To Mallorca, and the other one to Rome. "
From this, we learn that whoever is credulous will fall into something more quickly,
as someone who thinks and uses his mind.
Often, however, the exact opposite is also the case:
We do not believe what is actually true.
If someone says something completely unbelievable, then it doesn´t automatically mean
that the person is lying.
The following joking thought:
A woman wants to surprise her husband with a new wardrobe in the bedroom.
When he is on a longer business trip, she takes the opportunity and buys one with three doors.
She has it installed by a specialist. When he left the apartment, she discovers
however, that the middle barrier always opens by itself,
as soon as a tram passes by in front of the house.
She complains - and the installer returns again to correct the damage.
He checks everything thoroughly - but unfortunately, can not discover the error.
He comes up with an idea and he says to the woman: "I'm going to take a look
into the closet, and when the tram comes, then
I may know why the door is opening by itself. "
Said and done. He is standing in the closet and waiting.
At that moment, the husband returns prematurely from the business trip and enters the bedroom.
He enjoys the new wardrobe, opens all doors, and, of course, discovers the man.
Immediately, he asks him what he is doing in the closet.
He answers, "I'm waiting for the tram."
Yes, what sounds absolutely incredible - but can still be the truth.
Some more food for thought.
"Faith" is often confused by people with: "not to know something exactly".
They also say, as soon as something is unimaginable to them: "I do not believe that."
But if something is not imaginable and inconceivable for us humans,
then this does not mean that it is non-existent,
or that it is impossible.
In the following example, I would like to try to make it clear to you:
Please imagine folding a piece of paper. This sheet is 0.1 mm thick.
On the first folding, it gives a total thickness of 0.2 mm.
On the second folding, it is 0.4 mm.
My question to you: How thick would the stack be if you were able
to fold the paper fifty times in total ?
Short pause, so you can decide for a number -
So please do not continue reading immediately.
The answer is inconceivable - but true:
The total height of the stack would be over 112 million kilometres.
This number is written so small, so it doesn´t jump out immediately.
You should have first made your own thoughts.
If your eyes can´t read the small number - it ain´t a big problem:
At the end of this cleartext point, you'll find this incredible number
once again in readable size.
Now my request:
Do not be lazy or gullible - but calculate it yourself.
Only then you will really believe it.
A helpful hint for the three or five "maths grouches" which supposedly exist in our country:
Please write the numbers 1 to 50, one under the other, on a sheet of paper.
Behind the 1 (means: first fold) you write the 0.2 (mm).
Behind the 2 (second fold) you write 0.4 (mm).
Behind the 3 (third fold) you write 0.8 (mm).
Behind the 4 (fourth fold) you write 1.6 (mm).
And so on until the number 50.
(As I said, only for the five maths grouches: From 100 cm it becomes 1 meter.
And from 1,000 meters it becomes 1 kilometre.)
Alright, that makes exactly 1.50 euro in cash - for private tuition. (Small joke -
Oh, I'm a such a wisecracker again today. - Quote from Heinz Erhardt.)
I admit that it is a considerable effort for untrained people.
But it is worth it because you can always say:
I believe it, for I have calculated it myself. "
Nobody can ever take that faith away.
Others doubt - but you believe it.
And this is the case as well with eternal life and with eternal damnation.
Because we can not imagine this, we do not believe it.
You would certainly doubt this huge number too,
if you wouldn´t have calculated it yourself.
But you could "check" it with a pocket calculator - that is why you believe it.
You saw it with your own eyes.
Jesus says,
"... blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
(John 20/29)
One hint:
If you have the opportunity, to have a profound conversation with a doubter (ie a unbeliever or infidel),
then you could cleverly direct the conversation to the just described folding of the paper-
and arouse interest with the following words:
"Imagine folding a normal sheet of paper 50 times.
Estimate how thick (how high) the pile is after the 50th fold.
30 cm, 80 cm or even 3 metres ? Please reckon."
Most likely, he (or she) will name the wrong number.
Then you can tell the correct number -
namely: more than 112 million kilometres.
And then add:
"As you can not imagine this, likewise it is with God and Jesus.
Just because you do not see them - and you can not imagine everything,
you doubt ...
But on the last day, you will get the proof - similar to how to prove the
112 million kilometres with the pocket calculator.
However, the huge problem then is: On the last day
It will be too late for a reversal or a change !
Please take your time thinking about it."
Perhaps you can use this "food for thought", to get your conversation partner
a small step closer to God and Jesus.
It would be sensible if you would additionally hand over a
already by yourself prepared note to him (or her),
in which the complete address of my homepage is located.
Please make sure to mention, that this site is completely
independent from all churches, sects and faiths.
I have always two or three such notes with me, so at the right occasion,
I can give people the opportunity to read
reasonable information about God and Jesus.
We didn´t see the miracles of Jesus with our own eyes,
but those who saw the glory of Jesus wrote it down
for us (in the bible).
It is up to us, whether we believe them - or doubt them.
Jesus Christ promises:
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life."
(John 6/47)
"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received from God the Father honour and glory,
when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard,
when we were with him (with Jesus) in the holy mount."
(2 Peter 1/16-18)
Always remember Jesus' words:
"... blessed are they that have not seen (it), and yet have believed."
(John 20/29)
Concerning the miracles of God and Jesus, I would like to note the following:
God wanted to prove to us human beings, what he is capable of doing with many miracles,
But instead of marvelling about these miracles, they are often laughed about. God´s goal
to make us think and wonder through miracles was twisted by Satan to the exact opposite:
people are ridiculing the miracles, which are written in the bible
(the virgin birth, the levitation of Jesus over the water, etc.).
You have to decide for yourself, whether you believe in the miracles of the Lord -
Or whether you doubt them - as Satan desires.
At this point, I would like to tell you a story (by Henry Nouwen).
It deals in a "childlike" and pictorial manner with the subject:
"I don´t believe, that God - and a life after death exist."
In "Our greatest gift",
Henri Nouwen tells a parable of faith and hope.
He imagines twins–a brother and a sister–talking to each other
in their mother's womb:
The sister said to the brother, "I believe there is life after birth."
Her brother protested vehemently, "No, no, this is all there is.
This is a dark and cosy place, and we have nothing else to do
but to cling to the cord that feeds us."
The little girl insisted, "There must be something more than
this dark place. There must be something else,
a place with light where there is freedom to move."
Still, she could not convince her twin brother.
After some silence, the sister said hesitantly,
"I have something else to say, and I'm afraid you won't believe that,
either, but I think there is a mother."
Her brother became furious. "A mother!" he shouted.
"What are you talking about? I have never seen a mother,
and neither have you. Who puts that idea in your head?
As I told you, this place is all we have.
Why do you always want more? This is not such a bad place, after all.
We have all we need, so let's be content."
The sister was quite overwhelmed by her brother's response and for a
while didn't dare say anything more. But she couldn't let go of her
thoughts, and since she had only her twin brother to speak to,
she finally said, "Don't you feel these squeezes every once in a while?
They're quite unpleasant and sometimes even painful."
"Yes," he answered. "What's special about that?"
"Well," the sister said, "I think that these squeezes are there to get
us ready for another place, much more beautiful than this,
where we will see our mother face-to-face.
Don't you think that's exciting?"
The brother didn't answer. He was fed up with the foolish talk
of his sister and felt that the best thing would be simply to
ignore her and hope that she would leave him alone.
Henri Nouwen, Our Greatest Gift: A Meditation on Dying and Caring (HarperSanFrancisco, 1994), pp. 19-20
In this day and age, it is very important to believe in God's Word,
for the visible miracles of the Lord are rare.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
(2 Corinthians 5/7)
It's no use when you read the bible or listen to sermons about God's word
if you do not believe the words of the Lord written down in the bible-
his words of consolation, but also his exhortations and threats.
Only when you believe God's words, his statements can help you.
"... but the word preached did not profit them,
not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."
(Hebrews 4/2)
So believe - and do not doubt !
Jesus says:
"... If ye have faith, and doubt not ..."
(Matthew 21/21)
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue ... patience ..."
(Make an effort that you prove patience in faith.)
(2 Peter 1/5-6)
Even if the long-awaited help of the Lord is delayed -
we must not doubt but be patient.
"Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord ... "
(James 5/11)
Job was a wealthy man, who lacked nothing.
But God tested him very, very hard. Job lost all he had:
his entire possessions, all his children and his health.
Suffering from pain and sorrow, Job said,
"When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.
... the days of affliction prevented me."
(Job 30/26-27)
But Job did not rebel against God, but he said,
"... the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."
(Job 1/21-22)
And he said:
"... shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?
In all this did not Job sin with his lips."
(Job 2/10)
God ensured, (after Job had successfully passed all the hard trials of God)
that he was well again, and he was consoled for all his losses and torments.
Job was better after the examinations than before.
This has been written down in the bible so that we too
wait and persist patiently in tough times -
but do not give up.
"... knowing that tribulation worketh patience;"
(Romans 5/3)
The term tribulation means distress, dire straits, misery, suffering.
Through these situations, God teaches us patience.
Only those who prove themselves in such situations are patient to God.
Job had proved his patience.
Likewise, we shall also learn and prove patience in faith.
(please read the cleartext point about the topic of patience 063.)
Very important is: do not doubt !
Whoever doubts, does not believe the words of God and Jesus - is, therefore, an unbeliever !
Always remember what will happen with the unbelievers on the last day:
"But the fearful, and unbelieving (including the doubters) ...
shall have their part (their share, their future) in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone ..."
(Revelation 21/8)
How it is with eternal life and eternal damnation,
you will only find out later exactly - on Judgement Day.
But then it's too late for a change !
Faith is currently the only thing that helps you - and you should believe,
what Jesus Christ has told us (and what has been written down in the bible),
because Jesus knows it precisely, as he is God's son !
Believe him - he is not lying to you !
Jesus Christ says:
"... I am the way, the truth, and the life ..."
(John 14/6)
And he adds:
"... and the truth shall make you free."
(John 8/32)
In our country, there is freedom of religion - and we can be very grateful to God,
to may live in such a country, for in our "modern times"
about 200 million Christians are persecuted and even threatened with death !
Everyone can believe deeply inside oneself, what he wants -
but the question is, whether his faith brings him to heaven.
Perhaps you also know the slightly modified saying:
A man's faith is his kingdom of heaven.
(The original saying is: A man's mind is his kingdom of heaven.)
Emphasised should be: His kingdom of heaven.
The kingdom of heaven that men dream and wish for,
remains for many only a dream - thus a phantasy kingdom of heaven.
Getting into the real kingdom of God is much more difficult,
than to reconcile his desired heavenly kingdom in the mind.
This I do not assert, but Jesus Christ personally tells us so.
He says:
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way (the wide and easy way),
that leadeth to destruction (eternal damnation),
and many (people) there be which go in thereat.
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto (eternal) life,
and (only) few (people) there be (this narrow path to eternal life) that find it
(And then actually go on this way)."
(Matthew 7/13-14)
(You will find further important information about this in the cleartext point 015.)
Now another harsh statement (also not from me, but again from Jesus):
Every faith - no matter in which direction - is wrong, whether if Jesus Christ is rejected as the son of God.
With which bible statements this assertion is underpinned,
you can read it in the cleartext point 123.
The Bible assumes that God exists.
Anyone who doubts this is a fool - clear statement !
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."
(Psalm 14/1 and Psalm 53/2)
As already mentioned, "faith" is often confused with "not to exactly know something".
But faith (referring to the bible and to God and Jesus Christ) has nothing to do with that.
Faith means trust.
To believe God's words - to trust him - I got to trust him with my life.
A definition of faith:
Although not to see something and still trust
(and firmly believe) that it is true.
Faith also means:
Though one does not see God and Jesus, still be fully convinced,
that it will come to pass, what they have announced us in the bible.
Always remember the words of Jesus Christ:
"... blessed are they that have not seen (it), and yet have believed."
(John 20/29)
Faith therefore also means: To be firmly convinced that,
which was announced, will actually happen.
Almost everything what God announced to men in his prophecies, was already
fulfilled - only the prophecies of the end times are open.
Please read also the cleartext point 124 on the already fulfilled prophecies.
If you have a faith, it does not automatically mean that it is the
right faith. What is important, is that you will reach your destination with it.
This can be compared with a train ride. It is not significant, whether
in you only enter the next best, fast, beautiful looking train in which
you can comfortably sit and ride, but it is important that it is the right train -
in the exact direction of the desired destination.
It is also very important, that you stay on the train (in firm faith)
and not get off before (give up or doubt).
Also important to know:
Only by faith, one does not reach heaven.
Let´s take a train ride from Berlin to Munich as a comparison for the "journey into heaven".
You can believe the train will take you there. (I don´t only believe it, but I know it
exactly because I live about 300 meters from the railway line Berlin - Munich.)
You can read a lot about the locomotive, the waggons, the tracks, points and train attendants.
But if you do not become active, your "believe" and your "expertise" won´t help you.
You have to get up from your chair at home - get to the station (do something),
have to abandon a part of your money in order to be able to pay the ticket,
have patience until the train has stopped - and you have to enter it (get active).
All these "activities" are the prerequisite for you to arrive at your destination.
The same applies to the "journey to heaven". Only when you become active,
if you learn to renounce, if you have patience - and connect all this
to Jesus' death on the cross, then you are guaranteed to enter God's kingdom.
(Information on how to get to God's kingdom, you can find in cleartext point 001.)
The mere faith "in" Jesus - or only the "expertise" from the bible does not help you.
But the combination (the co-operation, the interplay) of your faith
and your activities (deeds and works of deep gratitude for Jesus' crucifixion),
brings you to the much-anticipated goal - to the eternal life in paradise.
Faith emerges and grows not through miracles, but through the power of our thoughts.
(Please also read the cleartext point 145: The power of thoughts.)
Jesus once fed 4,000 people with seven loaves and some fish (Matthew 15/32-39)
and once 5,000 people with five loaves and two fishes (Matthew 14/13-21).
Some time later the disciples had forgotten to bring food.
They began to complain and moan. Jesus then asked them,
"... Why reason ye (why are you worried), because ye have no bread?
perceive ye not yet, neither understand?
have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not?
and do ye not remember? (as Jesus proved even twice by the miracle of the feeding)
... How is it that ye do not understand?"
(Mark 8/17-21)
By this, we recognise that even his disciples,
who witnessed all the miracles of Jesus,
at first still doubted.
In cleartext point 058 you can find out a lot about the weapons of Satan.
One of his most frequently used tricks is to make us doubt.
Are we willing to trust the Lord - to believe - or do we doubt?
Take the following sentence as a motto into your heart:
Do you still doubt - or do you already believe ?
Do you allow Satan to plant doubts, or do you trust the Lord ?
Jesus Christ tells us that faith must grow.
But if something is to grow, it must be watered.
Faith can also grow only when it is "watered"
with the word of God.
Only those who read often and much in the bible (and, in this context, in this cleartext information),
can achieve that the faith themselves grows.
If you say (or think) that you barely - or no time at all to read the bible
(and illustratively, in this cleartext info),
then I would like to recommend you the cleartext point 005.
Please refer to the cleartext point 003, how you can understand the bible.
And how you become a true Christian, who can be certain of his salvation on the last day,
you can find out in the already mentioned cleartext point 001.
Jesus says:
"... for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not,
from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have."
(Luke 8/18)
Please insert the term "faith" in the quote of Jesus:
"... for whosoever hath (faith), to him shall be given (more faith);
and whosoever hath not (faith),
from him shall be taken even (the little bit of faith) which he seemeth to have."
In Acts, we are told that Paul is the man, who explained the people
many things related to the books of Moses.
But the people reacted in a divided manner.
"... to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God ... from morning till evening.
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not (his words)."
(Acts 28/23-24)
Paul spoke - but they did not believe the words.
They were the words of the Lord.
So they did not believe God's words.
And this is how many people behave today.
They believe "in" God and "in" Jesus Christ,
But they do not believe their words.
"... Believe in the LORD your God ... (many do believe - but :)
believe his prophets (few do believe the words they have written down),
so (then) shall ye prosper."(get eternal life in God´s kingdom)
(2 Chronicles 20/20)
Many people reject God and Jesus Christ from the outset,
but there are also many "believers" and "Christians"
who do not want to believe the words of God and Jesus one hundred percent.
They "pick" out the sentences, that do not require much of them.
But when it is written that we have to turn away from sin,
or to help the poor and need through personal renunciation,
then they do not want to hear or read this.
If Jesus Christ has clearly told us, humans,
that the path to God's kingdom is very difficult,
and that only a few will enter his eternal kingdom
(see cleartext point 015), then they do not believe it.
And when it comes to announcements about the way after death
(eternal damnation), then people do not believe it either.
When it comes to believing the commitments and promises of God and Jesus,
then many (also "believers" and "Christians") begin to doubt.
Whoever is like that, and does not believe the words of God and Jesus,
is designated as an unbeliever by God,
although the person is of the opinion that he is a "believer".
Only to "believe in" God and "in" Jesus is not enough !
The preachers of the half-truths often tell people that it is a comfortable
walk or ride to get into God's kingdom.
They conceal, that the Lord looks at us thoroughly (see cleartext point 023),
that true faith is associated with personal renunciation (see cleartext point 092),
that true Christians are laughed about and are still being prosecuted
and even killed in many countries, even nowadays.
Real faith is therefore not only a "believing in" Jesus, but it is more -
much more. It is renunciation, persecution and suffering.
"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ,
not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
(Philippians 1/29)
But never give up, for your trouble will be rewarded on the last day.
God has promised you this:
"Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears:
for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD ..."
(Jeremiah 31/16)
Obey the Lord, serve him, turn away from sin and
believe what is written in the bible -
thus believe the words of the Lord.
God says:
"... How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me,
for all the signs which I have shewed among them?"
(Numbers 14/11)
Skip this "... (believe) me ..." in this sentence.
The "me" irritates you.
You will read many sentences in this cleartext point,
in which this "me"
can not be found in the original quotation.
This statement of God does not change, but becomes more comprehensible:
"... How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe ... (my words), for all the signs which I have shewed among them?"
(Numbers 14/11)
Please also read the cleartext point 108 on this topic. Its title:
Why are God and Jesus Christ blasphemed and laughed about ?
God has often reaffirmed his words with various signs and wonders,
so that men should believe what he says.
But they still doubt.
Jesus Christ also confirmed his words,
As he did many signs and miracles before the eyes of men.
All the signs and wonders of God and Jesus Christ were written down in the bible,
so that men should not doubt the words God and Jesus tell us.
Many people believe "in" God and "in" Jesus.
But few believe their words.
This is also a distinguishing feature between a true Christian and a "name Christian".
"To believe in God and Jesus - or believe their words,
that is a huge difference !
(In cleartext point 098, you can find further differences between "name Christians" and real Christians.)
Of course, the basic prerequisite is that one does not doubt the existence of God:
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is (that he exists), and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
(Hebrews 11/6)
But then the faith must grow.
Whoever doubts the words of God and Jesus, has no real faith !
Whether these words comfort, exhort - or whether they are even threats,
these are the words of God and Jesus Christ.
And all these words are guaranteed to come true.
Therefore, it is pointless to question these words, and secondly, you move further away
from God and Jesus Christ. Doubters will not get eternal life in God's kingdom !
Jesus' words:
"... If ye have faith, and doubt not ..."
(Matthew 21/21)
This is very important: Do not doubt !
Through doubt, Satan tries to dissuade people from believing !
Please read about this in the already mentioned cleartext point 062.
There you also learn that doubts are even deadly.
Only when we firmly believe - and don´t doubt,
then we shall see the glory of God.
Marta had doubted. Jesus then said to her,
"... Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"
(John 11/40)
We should (and may) not doubt.
"... These things saith the Son of God (Jesus Christ) ...
I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience,
and thy works; and the last to be more than the first."
(Revelation 2/18-19)
(The longer it takes for Jesus to return to earth, respectively
the longer you live on this earth, the more you do for the Lord.)
Believe not only in "God" and "in" Jesus Christ, but believe
what they tell you through their word written down in the bible -
and put word diligently into practice, so that Jesus can also praise you.
Never forget that as a passive "name Christian" (see cleartext point 098)
you won´t get the eternal life in the kingdom of God.
"I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this,
how that the Lord (when he still intervened on this earth),
having saved the people out of the land of Egypt,
afterward destroyed them that believed not."
(Judas 1/5)
Never let yourself be brought to doubting, for anyone who doubts - does not believe.
And whoever does not believe is an unbeliever.
Never forget what will happen to the unbelievers on the last day -
Jesus Christ tells us:
"But the fearful, and unbelieving (including the doubters)
shall have their part (their share, their future) in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone ..."
(Revelation 21/8)
The doubters who are unbelievers for God and Jesus, they don´t desire.
These people are rejected on the last day.
They will "sink" - as Peter "sank" in the following report:
When Jesus walked on the water, Peter wanted to do the same.
He obeyed the order of Jesus. He had said to Peter,
"... Come ..."
(Matthew 14/29)
And indeed Peter could walk on the water. He walked towards Jesus.
But when Peter felt the strong waves and the wind, he was frightened
(He doubted whether this would go well) - and then began to sink.
He cried, "Lord, save me."
(Matthew 14/30)
But Jesus stretched forth at once (not somewhen, when it would be too late, but immediately),
took his hand and seized him.
He asked Peter,
"... O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
(Matthew 14/31)
Always remember: Doubters will drown !
Not only in the water, but also in life.
We should wholeheartedly believe and not doubt !
"... If thou believest with all thine heart ..."
(Acts 8/37)
"... for he endured, as seeing him (God) who is invisible."
(Hebrews 11/27)
Now follows a short quote with an enormous meaning:
"... If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established."
(Isaiah 7/9)
He who does not believe God's words will not be able to survive,
will not have eternal life in God's kingdom.
And another "definition" of what faith is:
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
(Hebrews 11/1)
So, of what use is the best faith "in" God and "in" Jesus Christ ?
The Lord explains us something:
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
(James 2/19-20)
In other words, this would read:
You believe that there is only one God - and "in" him you do believe ?
That's right.
But the devils do not only believe that there is a God, and believe "in" him,
but they know exactly that he exists.
That is why they tremble before him.
But what distinguishes you from the devil, who finally believes "in" God ?
It can only be your good works, that you do for God and Jesus !
"For the love of Christ constraineth us ..."
(2 Corinthians 5/14)
Question: But what do your works look like ?
Does God like what you do all day long ?
Maybe you're just a normal "average guy" ?
Their daily life looks as follows:
To go out for meals,
go dancing,
search distraction,
travel,
car driving,
shopping,
visit the cinema,
theatre,
concerts,
sports events,
solarium,
gym,
to renovate the house or apartment,
gardening,
PC,
hanging out with friends,
celebrate,
watch TV ...
(Please read also the cleartext points 099 and 100.)
You do not have to give me the answer,
but you must give it to God and Jesus on the last day !
They put you in court - not me !
My job is just to make you think and to wake you up,
so you turn wholeheartedly and to one hundred percent
to God and Jesus Christ, to please them - and don´t try,
to twist yourself through life with only 50 or 90 percent !
That is not enough !
"And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart."
(2 Chronicles 25/2)
Jesus will call you "lukewarm" otherwise.
This he predicted in revelation as a warning:
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot."
(If you do not implement the words of Jesus with enthusiasm into action,
then you act lukewarm in his eyes .)
"Because thou art lukewarm ...
I will spue (spit) thee out of my mouth." (That is why I do not want you in my kingdom.)
(Revelation 3/15-16)
"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
(James 2/24)
Freely re-translated, this means:
Man is only made a "just man" who pleases God, through works
(Not by faith "in" God and "in" Jesus Christ).
Please read absolutely the cleartext point 047, to find out what a "righteous" is.
If you do not become active for God and Jesus Christ,
then you only carry a dead faith in yourself - and what is dead,
is worthless !
Without deeds and works, you believe,
that you have a faith - but
it is only a dead faith.
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
(James 2/26)
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
(James 2/17)
An important lesson:
"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly,
that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.
These things are good (for the "practising" Christian because God desires it)
and profitable unto (also the other) men."
(Titus 3/8)
We should not "build up" any faith as we wish it, or as it pleases us,
but our task is to build a firm faith, according to the "instruction" of the bible.
It is not enough to Jesus if we only believe "in" him - but then behave passively,
but he requires that we live a living faith - a faith,
which consists of deeds and works - to honour him - for his sake,
exactly, as it is written in the bible (the holy scripture).
Jesus says:
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said,
out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
(John 7/38)
So do not somehow "believe" in Jesus, but as
scripture says - as explained to us in the bible.
Any discussion about the "right" or "wrong" Christian
faith is superfluous by the following bible quotations:
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith,
and have not works? can faith save him?"
(James 2/14)
An understandable "translation":
What is the benefit of your faith "in" God and "in" Jesus Christ,
if you do not do what they expect from you ?
Will you be blessed in paradise on the last day, alone through this "faith"?
"Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:
shew me thy faith without thy works,
and I will shew thee my faith by (through) my works."
(James 2/18)
Here is a comprehensible "translation":
You can meet someone who is interested in your faith.
He asks you how you can describe your faith.
What can you tell him, if the only thing you do is
praying, singing the praises, and going to church ?
The other person might begin to report of his many good works,
which he does for God and for Jesus.
And how would you compare with your "faith"
"in" God and "in" Jesus Christ without works ?
Prove your faith by works and deeds to the Lord.
But by deeds and works, you will not get in the kingdom of God.
The forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ is a very important prerequisite
for your salvation - but without deeds and works, you won´t get either to paradise.
It depends on the interaction - on the unity:
Jesus' death on the cross and your deeds lead you to the goal.
Please read the already mentioned cleartext point 001,
how you will be saved on the last day.
"... Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you:
so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:"
(Jeremiah 11/4)
This statement from God is clear !
God does not say, "It is enough, if you believe in" the "loving God," then you will be well. "
No, but he demands, "Obey and do !"
In the letter to the Galatians, Paul writes on the subject of faith:
"... I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
(Galatians 2/20)
But faith does not mean: dreaming.
Many people believe in "God" and "Jesus" - and they dream of living in paradise one day.
However, "they do not really tear themselves up" to reach the kingdom of God,
but they "stream along" in the sluggish mass.
They pray, they sing songs for the Lord - and dream of paradise.
All things which don´t demand money or an effort.
But the words of the Lord, however, they don´t put into practice -
and are therefore not obedient to him.
But precisely this is the proof of a true friendship to Jesus Christ.
He says:
"Ye are (only) my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
(If you put it into practice, what I tell you and ask you.)
(John 15/14)
By believing his words and putting them into practice, you become his friend.
Only with the "put into action" you fulfil all the conditions for a real friendship to the Lord.
Jesus died vicariously for his friends on the cross, for the forgiveness of their sins.
He says:
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
(John 15/13)
Strive with all your heart to be his friend.
You can do this by obeying him - thus, translating his word into action.
Many "Christians," say "Yes, I do that." - but they are just dreaming.
Do you also belong to these dreamers ?
Jesus gave us Christians the task, to help the needy people
intensively through personal renunciation.
Are you doing that ?
And he instructed us to spread his word.
Again the question: Are you doing that ?
It is even an order - namely, the great commission.
(For this purpose please read the cleartext point 030.)
You never reach any goal by dreaming.
Often it is an arduous and stony way.
You reach your goal only through hard work.
This is also the case with paradise.
You only get in, if you do something.
The preachers of the half-truths claim(see cleartext point 106),
that you enter into God's kingdom without your own intervention
(through the death on the cross of Jesus)
But that is only half the truth.
The full and pure truth can be found in this cleartext information.
Therefore, "battle" your way through, point by point,
for they are the words of God and Jesus Christ.
They do not lie to you !
However, you must not be startled when they "talk some sense" into you,
with some hard-hitting bible quotations.
They want to make you think.
You are to change your life so that they can use you for their eternal kingdom.
You must not only "believe" - but also understand.
But what can you do to reach God's kingdom ?
The answer is: to put God's word into action - to act for God and Jesus.
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
(James 1/22)
To God and Jesus Christ, our deeds are very, very important.
Please read this also in the cleartext points 010 and 016.
In cleartext point 041, you will learn how to properly serve and honour God,
and how it is possible for us to prove our love to him.
"... shew ye to them ... the proof of your love ..."
(2 Corinthians 8/24)
"... let us not love in word ... but in deed and in truth ..."
(1 John 3/18)
At this point, I would like to recommend you the cleartext point 177. In concerns
the important topic of efficiency, which Jesus Christ expects from us
when we put his word into action.
Whoever does not become active for God and Jesus ( not implementing their word into action),
can find out in the bible what kind of help, he (or she) can expect from God in this life,
and what comes at him (or her) on the last day:
"Cursed be he (or she) that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them."
(Deuteronomy 27/26)
"For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy ... "
(James 2/13)
"... unmerciful: Who (who behave ruthlessly) knowing the judgment of God,
that they which commit such things are worthy of death
(They will not get eternal life in God's kingdom) ..."
(Romans 1/31-32)
So God's help will be near zero to this man.
But why then people, which are passive or even evil are still so well ?
First, God does not punish anyone on this earth.
This happens only on the last day, at the last judgment.
Please also read the cleartext point 086.
Its title: If there is a God, why does he allow,
that people in this world must starve and suffer ?
How it will play out on the last day before the last judgment,
You will find out in the cleartext point 118.
The second reason:
Satan is also able to spoil the people with good.
He even has to do this, because otherwise, he could not seduce anyone.
You can find more information about this in the cleartext points 053, in the already mentioned 058, 067 and 101.
Jesus Christ is clear (speaks clear text):
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but (only) he that doeth the will of my Father (transposes the laws of God into action)
which is in heaven."
(Matthew 7/21)
Once upon a time, I was a man who could hardly show works.
Through an intensive bible research, however, I learned what God and Jesus are expecting from us.
Please read the cleartext point 017: "Not to do something, can be a sin too !"
Believe me:
A church or the various religious communities
can and will not wake you up.
Even if it at the first glance, it looks like they exhort you.
If they really would wake you up, you'd probably feel
"attacked", and one day no longer go there.
They know that.
They would, therefore, be missing a "paying member"
and they wouldn´t like it.
So they will not be confronting with the hard-hitting truth there,
but they´ll be "wooing you with lovely words."
John the baptist was not sent to the people to "butter them up",
but to preach the pure truth to men, how they can enter God's kingdom.
There were also many people who believed that the faith "in" God
would open the door of heaven to them.
But John had to open their eyes with clear words,
so that they might wake up and convert from their former life.
He called out to them:
"... O generation of vipers, who hath warned you (who has promised you)
to flee from the wrath to come (God's judgment)?
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance (Not just verbally - but with the deed!
Not only to regret - but also change - to reverse from the past, sinful way!) ...
therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down,
and cast into the fire."
(Matthew 3/7-10 and Luke 3/7-9)
Let me be blunt: What is the use of lovely words of the lie preachers,
when you are sent to eternal damnation on the last day by Jesus Christ ?
Would not you have preferred the harsh words of John the baptist ?
With his hard-hitting statements, you could have really converted.
That's why I offer you the hard and uncomfortable truth in this cleartext info,
so you know that it is really impossible,
to get eternal life in God's kingdom through the half-truths of the lie preachers.
Jesus Christ spoke clearly when he preached to the people:
"And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings,
the people were astonished at his doctrine:
For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
(Matthew 7/28-29)
Jesus Christ too told his audience with very uncomfortable words,
how they have to change their lives if they want to reach his realm.
And he also requires this from the preachers of his word.
But as just explained, they can not and do not want to.
Please also read the cleartext points 105 to 107.
You can only find out what they really want from you, through the hard and uncomfortable
statements of God and Jesus Christ.
That's why I've been gathering all the important bible quotations in these cleartext points,
in order to make it easier for you to understand the words of God and Jesus Christ -
and find the way to eternal life in God's kingdom.
In order to bring you closer to God's laws, I have produced
a summary of these laws in the cleartext point 129.
In cleartext point 038 you will learn how to approach God,
and how you can please him. Please read it there.
So that you get honest help, I have written "clear text" here.
"Unspoilt" and "cruel" I am telling you the truth.
This is necessary, so you can see what God and Jesus Christ expect from you.
If you do not get this realisation, then you hope in vain,
that Jesus will accept you in his eternal kingdom on judgement day.
Only if you shape your life in a way that God and Jesus will be pleased with you,
then they will accept you on the last day.
Otherwise, you will be rejected - and you will have to be in damnation for eternity.
This is not a threat from me, but God and Jesus are saying this clearly.
Whether you believe it - or not - it is your decision.
What the lie preachers tell you with their half-truths about God's compassion and mercy,
are lies. If you "fight" bravely through all the cleartext points,
then you will recognise it clearly - and will be frightened by their well-camouflaged lies.
In this cleartext info, you will learn the pure truth -
As God and Jesus had it written down in the bible.
And this truth, which you can read in the cleartext points, is God's word.
Believe all warnings, bits of advice, reminders and threats, that God and Jesus Christ give you
in the bible (even though they are so uncomfortable).
"... he that believeth not God (what he tells us in the bible) hath made him a liar ..."
(1 John 5/10)
"... Believe in the LORD your God ... (many do believe - but :)
believe his prophets (few do believe the words they have written down),
so (then) shall ye prosper."(get eternal life in God´s kingdom)
(2 Chronicles 20/20)
"... and a great number (of people) believed, and turned unto the Lord."
(Acts 11/21)
The most important statement of this sentence is "... turned to the Lord."
To repent is to turn from the sinful way,
and then turn to God's laws, and put them into practice.
Turning or converting also means:
Taking in the words of God and Jesus Christ and believing in these words.
Thus believing the promises of God and Jesus, in order to get courage and strength
(please read the cleartext point 052),
But also to believing the threats of God and Jesus to learn God fear.
( please read about God fear in the cleartext point 025.)
Many "believers" believe "in" God, but they do not believe God's words.
And these words are delivered to us by the prophets, which God has sent.
We can read their words (which are God's words) in the bible.
But who does ?
And who believes ?
And who obeys ?
"Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD;
and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.(nor heart)"
(2 Chronicles 24/19)
"And they conspired against him (against the prophet sent by God), and stoned him (to death) ..."
(2 Chronicles 24/21)
Very few people really convert to God and Jesus Christ
from their past life.
"The remnant shall return ... unto the mighty God."
(Isaiah 10/21)
God fear is part of true faith.
Please read this in the cleartext point 025.
"... and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses."
(Exodus 14/31)
They, therefore, did not only believe "in" God, but they also believed his words !
"And he (Abram) believed in the LORD ..."
(Genesis 15/6)
That Abraham (Abram) not only believed "in" God but believed in his words,
is so important that Paul recalled this once again:
"Even as Abraham believed God ... (Genesis 15/6) ..."
(Galatians 3/6)
James also emphasises the importance of believing God's words.
Again, Abraham is cited as an example:
"... Abraham believed God ..."
(James 2/23)
To a living and genuine faith also belongs, however,
that the words of the Lord are obeyed - put into practice.
Abraham did so.
He obeyed the Lord - and showed him his obedience by deeds and works.
"Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"
(James 2/22)
Important note: If you read this quote in the bible, you'll find the following words in the sentence before:
"... when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar ..." (James 2/21).
It must be said: Abraham did not sacrifice his son Isaac !
(for further information see Genesis 22/11-12.)
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
(James 2/26)
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
(James 2/17)
"... and he (Abraham) was called the Friend of God."
(James 2/23)
Be thou also a friend of God, by believing his words, and following them !
In many places in the bible, God and Jesus Christ show us,
that there are very few people who build a genuine faith in themselves.
Most "believers" believe "in" God and "in" Jesus,
but they do not believe their words.
But why not ?
After all, the words of God and also
the words of Jesus Christ are the pure truth.
"... God, that cannot lie ..."
(Titus 1/2)
"... it was impossible for God to lie ..."
(Hebrews 6/18)
"Thy word is true from the beginning ..."
(Psalm 119/160)
"For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth (guaranteed)."
(Psalm 33/4)
"Thy testimonies are very sure ... for ever."
(Psalm 93/5)
Jesus Christ personally said in a prayer to God:
"... thy word is truth."
(John 17/17)
In the bible, we are told of many people,
who believed the words of God and Jesus Christ,
and completely depended on what they promised them.
The firm faith gives power and strength.
"(Abraham) Who against hope believed in hope ..."
(Romans 4/18)
Abraham, almost a hundred years old, had no children yet.
But he did not doubt it when God announced him,
that his offspring would be very numerous.
"And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead,
when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith,
giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised,
he was able also to perform."
(Romans 4/19-21)
Once again briefly summarised:
"And being not weak in faith ...
He staggered not ... but was strong in faith ... "
(Romans 4/19-20)
"Through (firm) faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed,
and was delivered of a child when she was past age,
because she judged him (God) faithful who had promised (her)."
(Hebrews 11/11)
God kept his promise:
"For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age,
at the set time (within a year) of which God had spoken to him."
(Genesis 21/2)
People sometimes quickly promise something,
what they can´t keep.
This is different with God:
"And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."
(Romans 4/21)
"... before him whom he believed (his words), even God."
(Romans 4/17)
"When therefore he (Jesus) was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered
that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture,
and the word which Jesus had said."
(John 2/22)
"... remember how he (Jesus) spake unto you ..."
(Luke 24/6)
"Then believed they his words ..."
(Psalm 106/12)
"... for I have believed thy commandments."
(Psalm 119/66)
"... I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me."
(Acts 27/25)
"And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him ..."
(John 4/50)
This is the great difference between the real Christians and the "name Christians".
Some believe his words, and others believe only in him.
To "name Christians", Jesus says:
"And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?"
(John 8/46)
Jesus Christ says:
"... O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets (old testament) have spoken:"
(Luke 24/25)
"And ye have not his word (God's Word) abiding in you:
for whom he (God) hath sent, him (Jesus Christ) ye believe not."
(John 5/38)
"... even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient ..."
(1 Peter 2/8)
In Moses´ books are reports of people who believed "in" God,
but did not believe his word.
"... they believed not his word:
But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.
Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:"
(Psalm 106/24-26)
King Agrippa was informed by Paul (the former enemy of Jesus' followers),
what had brought him to faith in Jesus Christ.
Then he said to Paul:
"Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."
(Acts 26/28)
There was not much missing - just a small step, which he was not ready to go.
A "but" kept him from the true faith - consequently, he remained an unbeliever,
for he could not believe the words of Jesus to one hundred per cent
and did not become active for the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Please click on "but - people", in the alphabetical order terms, read the
explanations - and then check exactly whether you are possibly such one.)
The unbelievers are:
"... them that obey not the gospel (the good news) of God?"
(1 Peter 4/17)
It is known, that the unbelievers may not enter the kingdom of God.
God does not want them (which is understandable).
But for God also those people are unbelievers,
who indeed "believe" in "him" and "in" Jesus Christ,
but do not believe their words (their warnings and threatening announcements).
They will be judged on the last day (after the resurrection)
and their way then leads to eternal damnation !
"That they all might be damned who believed not the truth ..."
(2 Thessalonians 2/12)
What is the truth which they don´t believe ?
"Thy word is true from the beginning ..."
(Psalm 119/160)
He who does not believe God's Word will be judged !
Always remember the warning from the bible:
"He that believeth not God hath made him a liar ..."
(1 John 5/10)
So if you do not believe one hundred percent,
what is explained to you in the bible (and threatened), then you should
salute the Lord as a liar in your next prayer.
Do you dare ?
Certainly not.
But why not ?
Perhaps because your education does not allow it?
But if you don´t call God a liar,
then you must believe his words one hundred percent.
There is no other option !
Either you despise God - or you love him.
But then you must show him your love through works and deeds.
Do not be "lukewarm" - even if you lose all your friends.
Can they clear the way to God's kingdom for you after your death ?
No !
Only Jesus Christ can do this !
And you do not obey him ?
Your worldly friends are more important to you ?
Then Jesus Christ will reject you !
Believe me, he predicted it !
If you have read all the cleartext points,
then you will have understood it (with God's help).
An important statement, what faith also means:
"... for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name (in the name of Jesus Christ) ..."
(Romans 1/5)
Faith means, above all things, to obey God and Jesus Christ !
"By faith Abraham, ... obeyed ..."
(Hebrews 11/8)
Please read also the cleartext point 071. Its title:
Are we close to God and Jesus ? Do we obey them ?
To put into practice what they say to us in their word (the bible) - that is obedience !
Not only to "believe in" God and "in" Jesus Christ,
but to be obedient to them - that is true faith !
As a true believer, as a true Christian, you have the task,
to sacrifice your life out of love for your fellow human beings,
just as Jesus Christ has sacrificed his life (out of love) for you:
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he (Jesus Christ) laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (for our fellow men)."
(1 John 3/16)
This doesn´t mean, that we should God do a favour with suicide,
just like fanatical "faith warriors".
No way !
For whether murder or suicide - God forbids both.
But we should renounce our pleasant life,
to help the poor and needy of this world.
For them, we should sacrifice our "life" - renounce our pleasant life,
to share and to give.
Jesus Christ says analogously:
Whoever loves this life will not get eternal life.
Literally, his statement is written in John 12/25:
"He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life
in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."
Whoever hates this life will do everything,
To get eternal life in God's kingdom,
In which there is no need, in which no tears flow
and in which there will be no pain and no suffering.
Accordingly, tribulation (sadness, dejection) serves the cause,
that we become pensive - and thereby change our lives,
to get the salvation on the last day.
Thus, tribulation becomes at the same time also comforting.
If we were super happy, we would have no cause,
to change our lives so that we may please God.
"And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation ..."
(2 Corinthians 1/6)
But whoever loves life here on this earth, and then hears (or reads),
that God and Jesus Christ make some demands
(for example, a personal waiver), will not be enthusiastic
to change the present life and do without some pleasant things.
Once people hear that something is exhausting, most of them turn away.
The same applies to the words of God and Jesus Christ.
When people hear (or read), that they should change and give up
pleasant things, they turn away.
"For some are already turned aside after Satan."
(1 Timothy 5/15)
"Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray ..."
(2 Peter 2/15)
Do not make this mistake !
You would regret it bitterly on the last day !
Strengthen your faith !
"He staggered not at the promise of God (what God had assured him)
through unbelief; but was strong in faith,
giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that,
what he had promised, he was able also to perform (he is capable)."
(Romans 4/20-21)
Important, in order to build a strong faith, is thus: not to doubt !
And just as important is patience !
Your desire should be to learn patience.
Please read the above-mentioned cleartext point 063.
"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
(who has real faith becomes a patient man.)
But let patience have her perfect work
(be patient until your last breath),
that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing (so there is no fault in you)."
(James 1/3-4)
Through the learning of patience, you will clearly and distinctly say, "No!" to several temptations.
You know then, that it would be planned in the short term if one pursues the transitory fun today,
but will cry crocodile tears on the last day because he belongs to the losers.
When you want to talk about God and Jesus with others (with strangers)
and about faith, then you will (unfortunately) recognise,
that many people regard their faith as their "private affair".
You will hear from them: "What I believe is my privacy."
But is it really their "privacy" ?
What does Jesus say ?
His answer is:
"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men,
him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men,
him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
(Matthew 10:/32-33)
"Also I (Jesus) say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men,
him shall the Son of man (Jesus) also confess before the angels of God:
But he that denieth me before men
shall be denied before the angels of God."
(Luke 12/8-9)
Those who do not profess Jesus with full enthusiasm before men,
have a very deep inner problem - a problem with God and Jesus -
a problem with faith.
If at a time, when our country has freedom of religion
(may this remain), the "Christians" do not confess to their Lord,
then it is not their master, but only a "figure" they have heard "something" about through education.
But they know nothing of God and Jesus.
"I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear ..."
(Job 42/5)
Surely you know the children's game "Chinese whispers":
A child whispers a very specific word into another child's ear.
This child whispers the word to the next and this to the next one.
But with almost every whisper the word is changed because either
someone is indistinct, or someone has misunderstood something.
So, in the end, a completely different word comes out,
as the one said at the beginning.
And that is exactly the case when people listen to hearsay
in relation to God's word - if they do not read for themselves,
what the Lord has to tell us.
"... for some (really only some?) have not the knowledge of God ..."
(1 Corinthians 15/34)
Otherwise, they would freely and openly (and with enthusiasm) confess to their Lord.
Please also read the cleartext point 027 on this topic.
Its theme: courage for fearless confession.
Jesus Christ said:
"... for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."
(Of what the heart is full of, the man speaks.)
(Matthew 12/34 and Luke 6/45)
So if someone is not enthusiastic about or talking about Jesus,
then his heart is not full of him -
then "Jesus plays only a secondary role"
in the life of this man.
Talk to him (or her) about his (her) children,
or about his (her) car or the last vacation.
You will be amazed at how much they have to report to you with enthusiasm.
Suddenly, this is no longer a "private affair".
But God, Jesus and their faith, are hidden deep within,
because they do not believe one hundred percent - they doubt.
In them is the fear of making oneself ridiculous.
They are ashamed of God and Jesus - but they pray.
Is not that very, very sad ?
Whoever has a firm faith, does not have to hide from difficult questions,
and does not need to run away when it gets "tight".
"... he that believeth shall not make haste."
(Isaiah 28/16)
There should be no discussion about the faith,
for it is written,
"... but not to doubtful disputations."
(Romans 14/1)
The bible says:
"... but every fool will be meddling."
(Proverbs 20/3)
(More information on the issue you find in cleartext point 082 - and about foolish
behaviour, ie about fools, you can read a good deal in cleartext point 076.)
"A fool's lips enter into contention (quarrel) ..."
(Proverbs 18/6)
But with some reasonable arguments, you can make a few
unbelievers or doubters consider.
In order to make this easier, I have written the cleartext point 168.
Please read the arguments there - they can help you.
In cleartext point 130, you can read some information, which deals with differences
and commonalities between the bible and science.
Who, for example, doubts that God created heaven and earth,
is not faithful, but disbelieving.
It is only by faith that it is possible for us to recognise this.
"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God,
so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
(made out of nothing)
(Hebrews 11/3)
.
Often you hear the question:
"What church or religious community do you belong to?"
If someone asks me this, I answer:
"Your question is not formulated correctly.
You should have asked me:
How firm and how intense is your union with the Lord ? "
This - and really only this, is the decisive thing !
What is the use of a membership in a church or religious community,
if the behaviour corresponds to that of a heathen ?
Albert Schweizer formulated it aptly:
"One doesn´t become a Christian just because he goes to church.
After all, one doesn´t become a car just because he goes to a garage."
A sentence (not from the bible) has "burned" into my memory:
Do not say in prayer to God: "Father" -
if you live the rest of the day as a foster child,
without taking the words of your "father" to heart.
"They profess that they know God (they say, they believe" in "God);
but in works they deny him,
being abominable, and disobedient,
and unto every good work reprobate."
(Titus 1/16)
The Lord Jesus finds disappointed:
"This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me."
(Mark 7/6 and Matthew 15/8 and similarly also with Isaiah 29/13)
He asks:
"And why call ye me (hypocritically), Lord, Lord, and (then) (you) do not the things which I say?"
(Luke 6/46)
(In cleartext point 129, mentioned above, you will learn everything Jesus said we should do.)
Jesus Christ warns us:
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but (only) he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (transposes the laws of God into action)."
(Matthew 7/21)
The laws of God addressed by Jesus are, at the same time, the words of Jesus, according to which we
should live. In the above-mentioned cleartext point 129, you will find them as a summary.
With the implementation of God's word into action, many "Christians" are having a hard time.
Question: Do you, for example, give the Lord his tithe,
or do you prefer to finance your holiday and leisure time with it ?
Please read the important information in cleartext point 137 on the topic:
"We live no longer under the law, but under grace."
You can find information about God's tithes in the cleartext point 094.
As you've already learned from this cleartext point,
God and Jesus Christ want to see works and deeds.
Therefore my call:
Be (or get) active for God and Jesus -
Be (or become) a perpetrator of the word !
Otherwise, your faith is a dead faith.
And something dead is totally worthless and useless.
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
(James 1/22)
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
(James 2/26)
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
(James 2/17)
Please also read the cleartext point 144.
In it, you will learn in some good examples how to do good.
Surely you know the saying: "Faith can move mountains."
It is derived from the following sentences Jesus Christ spoke:
"... for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,
(then) ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place;
and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
(Matthew 17/20)
"Verily I say unto you, If ye have (a real, living) faith, and doubt not,
ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree,
but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed,
and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done."
(Matthew 21/21)
God can even fulfil things, which are unimaginable for us.
"For with God nothing shall be impossible."
(Luke 1/37)
"... all things are possible to him that believeth."
(Mark 9/23)
Jesus Christ says:
"... Be not afraid, only believe."
(Mark 5/36)
Jesus spoke to a woman who asked for help for her sick daughter:
"... O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt."
(Matthew 15/28)
Another woman, who herself was seriously ill, completely trusted in Jesus Christ.
Then Jesus said to her,
"... Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.
And the woman was made whole from that hour."
(Matthew 9/22)
A firm belief is very important!
"... thy faith hath made thee whole."
(Luke 17/19)
"... thy faith hath saved thee."
(Luke 18/42 and Luke 7/50 and Luke 8/48 and Mark 10/52)
(What you have just read as one biblical quotation, is said by Jesus in various places in the
bible. Therefore please read all events individually.)
The firm faith gives power and strength.
Yes, faith can move mountains (and also oceans)
"By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land:
which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned."
(Hebrews 11/29)
"By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days."
(Hebrews 11/30)
"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak,
and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises,
stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire,
escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong,
waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens."
(Hebrews 11/32-34)
It is important that we not only believe in "God" and "in" Jesus Christ,
but believe their words and do not doubt !
Equally important is that we are expressing our faith through deeds and works -
good deeds for the benefit of our fellow human beings,
even if they live on other continents,
or have a different skin colour.
Show your faith by deeds !
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
(James 1/22)
True faith is not only a "believing it is true", but is wholehearted faith.
Only when the urge to become active for God and Jesus is developing in your heart,
thus to put all their laws into practice, then you have a real faith.
The faith "in" Jesus Christ does not lead to the fact that God's law is no longer valid.
Although it is proclaimed by the preachers of the half-truths (see cleartext point 106),
it is a lie. God's laws remain valid even after Jesus' birth and crucifixion.
It is written in the New Testament:
"Do we then make void the law through faith?
God forbid (No way !):
yea, we establish the law."
(Romans 3/31)
"... Shall we continue in sin,
that grace may abound?
God forbid ..."
(No way !)
(Romans 6/1-2)
"What then? shall we sin,
because we are not under the law,
but under grace (through the forgiveness of sins)?
God forbid."
(No way !)
(Romans 6/15)
"What shall we say then?
Is the law sin? (Is compliance with the law wrong?)
God forbid. (No way !)
Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law:
for I had not known lust, except the law had said,
(Exodus 20/17) Thou shalt not covet."
(Romans 7/7)
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
(Romans 7/12)
If someone has a different opinion about faith than you do
(or has no faith whatsoever), then do not dispute,
but try to explain with objective arguments,
why you have such faith, and why it benefits to believe that way.
But do not impose your faith on every human being.
Jesus Christ says that people should listen voluntarily -
otherwise, move on ...
"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words (does not want to hear),
when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet."
(Matthew 10/14)
"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you,
when ye depart thence, shake off the dust ..."
(Mark 6/11)
Even God, the Lord, does not want his word to be "whipped" into people.
He spoke to the prophet Ezekiel:
"But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them,
Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear;
and he that forbeareth, let him forbear ... "
(Ezekiel 3/27)
"For they are impudent children (the people) and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them;
and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.
And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear ..."
(Ezekiel 2/4-5)
"And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear,
or whether they will forbear ..."
(Ezekiel 2/7)
"... and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;
whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear."
(Ezekiel 3/11)
A secular saying says:
Every man is the artisan of his own fortune.
Consequently, every human being can make the free decision:
either to keep wholeheartedly the word out of love for the Lord,
or not to obey him and to look forward to the "reward" instead:
the eternal damnation far away from God.
Nobody is compelled in this or that direction.
"... I have set before you life (eternal life with God)
and death (the eternal damnation with Satan),
blessing (in paradise)
and cursing (in hell):
therefore choose life ..."
(Deuteronomy 30/19)
"... Thus saith the LORD;
Behold, I set before you the way of life (the eternal life in God's kingdom),
and the way of death (the eternal damnation)."
(Jeremiah 21/8)
"... Thus saith the LORD God of Israel;
Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,"
(Jeremiah 11/3)
(Please also read the already mentioned cleartext point 071 on the subject: Obey God.)
Choose yourself !
"Behold, I set before (to your choice) you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing,
if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:
And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God,
but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day ... "
(Deuteronomy 11/26-28)
Curse or blessing.
It's your decision.
(In cleartext point 163 you find arguments for and against faith.)
In the bible is written a sentence, which would actually be the ideal case -
but unfortunately, it is not so.
"And the people believed ..."
(Exodus 4/31)
If nowadays the people do not believe the word of the Lord -
then do not do likewise, but believe !
Many people are building a belief, which is so completely according to their "taste".
To them, it is not important, what God and Jesus Christ have to say in the bible,
but they believe what is comfortable and pleasant.
But this faith will not lead them into God's kingdom on the last day.
Do not let the preachers of the half-truths (see cleartext point 106)
persuade you to a faith built on passivity.
Passivity is disobedience to God and Jesus, for they demand deeds and works of us.
A faith based on passivity does not bring you into God's kingdom either.
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
(James 1/22)
Your faith should be built on obedience to God and Jesus.
Then - and only then will you enter into God's kingdom.
"He that believeth on the Son (Jesus Christ) hath everlasting life ..."
(John 3/36)
This sounds good - but now (in the same bible quote) the important warning:
"... and he that believeth not the Son (Jesus Christ) shall not see (eternal) life;
but the wrath of God abideth on him."
(John 3/36)
Please also read absolutely the already mentioned cleartext point 071.
Its title: Are we close to God and Jesus ? Do we obey them ?
I would like to give you the following food for thought:
Why should a man who does his duty on the "side of the strong" (the government),
change voluntarily to the "weak" (the persecuted Christians)?
Saul did this. Although he was enthusiastically pursuing the Christians of the time
and thereby had the support of the state, he converted to Jesus Christ.
He changed sides and was henceforth called Paul.
This is only done by someone, who is fully convinced that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead -
someone who believes in the resurrection of Jesus - believes in Jesus.
And another question:
About Jesus Christ is reported to have been very wise during his life on this earth
and that he possessed supernatural abilities.
Why should such a clever and capable man be voluntarily nailed to the cross ?
What would be the advantage for him ?
And yet he did.
If he wanted to die as a martyr (someone who suffered torture and death for his conviction),
then, however, the question arises: How would he have benefited ?
All followers (his disciples) were dispersed in all directions of heaven after his arrest.
"... they all forsook him, and fled."
(Mark 14/49-50)
"Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled."
(Matthew 26/56)
And when they met, they closed the doors out of fear.
"... being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples
were assembled for fear of the Jews (who had crucified Jesus) ..."
(John 20/19)
It was only after Jesus' resurrection that the "bunch of cowards" became the Christians,
who were also prepared to accept persecution, torture, and death.
Without Jesus' resurrection, Christianity would never have arisen.
Around 200 million Christians are being persecuted worldwide in our "modern times" !
They often even face the death penalty.
Faith is therefore much more than a "believing to be true".
Faith changes people to the positive.
"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son
of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:
for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward (the eternal life with God)."
(Hebrews 11/24-26)
Let yourself also be changed by faith -
namely, to a perpetrator of God's Word.
Now the following question: Where are no believers ?
The answer: In heaven.
Huh, I do not understand.
Well, quite simply, in heaven we need no more faith, for there we become "seeing".
What we now believe, we will be able to see in heaven - a faith is no longer necessary there.
If you "cling" to the following saying, you will get to know life
on this earth from a very different perspective:
True faith - and the ability,
to be satisfied with little,
are a great wealth.
How you can learn satisfaction, you will find out in cleartext point 091.
Now, as promised, the "mysterious number" in readable size:
The total height of the stack would be over 112 million kilometres !!!
Recommendation on the topic:
Doubts about the faith.
At this point, I would like to recommend you a few cleartext points,
which deal with the issue of doubt.
If you are plagued by doubts, or if you know a doubter,
then the following cleartext points can be of great help.
It is possible to directly click all the following cleartext points.
You can always return to this summary (here),
if you click in the alphabetical order terms:
Doubts about the faith ?
Now the recommended cleartext points:
Here to the cleartext point 012. Its title:
What does faith mean ?
(Note: This is the cleartext point that you are currently on.)
Here to the cleartext point 062. Its title:
The mission is: to persevere and not to doubt ! - Doubts are even deadly !
Here to the cleartext point 096. Its title:
Real conversion is possible !
The example from Saul to Paul shows this.
Here to the cleartext point 108. Its title:
Why are God and Jesus Christ blasphemed and laughed about ?
Here to the cleartext point 123. Its title:
Was Jesus Christ only a prophet - or is he the Son of God ?
Here to the cleartext point 130. Its title:
Differences and similarities between the bible and science.
Here to the cleartext point 155. Its title:
"I reject a God who sends people to hell."
Here to the cleartext point 157. Its title:
What is truth ? - Which faith is the right one?
Sick and tired of piety and religion ?
Here to the cleartext point 163. Its title:
Man and woman - How can Christians and non-Christians live together in a family ?
Arguments for and against faith.
Here to the cleartext point 166. Its title:
Have you doubts about Jesus' resurrection or understandable reservations against Christianity ?
Here to the cleartext point 168. Its title:
What speaks against God and Jesus ?
Using arguments to create thoughtfulness - and give honest answers.
Here to the cleartext point 175. Its title:
The unbelievers and doubters think or say:
"God is a bloodthirsty monster, for he had his son nailed to the cross."
