How can we ensure our faith is genuine like the Ethiopian eunuch's? A Snapshot of Acts 8:37 “Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The eunuch replied, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” Core Marks of the Eunuch’s Genuine Faith • wholehearted belief—no half-measures • clear confession of Jesus’ identity (Son of God, not merely teacher) • immediate obedience (he requested baptism at once, v. 36) • public identification with Christ despite social position and distance from Jerusalem How We Can Mirror That Authentic Faith 1. Believe with the heart, not just the head – Romans 10:10: “For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.” 2. Confess Jesus openly – Matthew 10:32: “Everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven.” 3. Act on what we profess – James 2:17: “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” 4. Submit to Scripture’s authority – 2 Timothy 3:16-17: all Scripture equips us for every good work, so we measure every belief and practice by it. 5. Welcome guidance from faithful teachers, as the eunuch welcomed Philip – Ephesians 4:11-12: pastors and teachers equip the saints for service. 6. Pursue immediate obedience in areas Scripture makes clear—baptism, fellowship, generosity, purity, witness. Guardrails Against Counterfeit Faith • Examine yourself regularly—2 Corinthians 13:5 • Refuse to separate belief and behavior—Titus 1:16 warns of those who “claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.” • Avoid relying on heritage, ritual, or emotion; rely on Christ alone—John 14:6 • Cling to grace, not works, yet let grace produce works—Ephesians 2:8-10 Daily Practices That Keep Faith Vibrant - Open the Word daily, asking, “What does this reveal about Christ, and how will I obey?” - Speak the gospel to yourself: Christ died, rose, reigns, and is coming again. - Gather with other believers for encouragement and accountability—Hebrews 10:24-25. - Pray for a teachable spirit like the eunuch’s. - Share your faith stories; testimony reinforces belief. - Serve in tangible ways; love worked out keeps faith lively. Verses to Anchor a Genuine Faith |
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