Testing Faith

Ernie shares a heartfelt message emphasizing the importance of faith in the Christian life. He begins by expressing gratitude for fellowship and highlights the joy of witnessing spiritual growth among the younger generation, seeing them mature in faith and character. Ernie then focuses on the biblical concept of faith, drawing from the Epistle of James, where faith is linked to testing and endurance. He explains that faith is both a noun—what God reveals to us—and a response—our trust and obedience to that revelation. Ernie emphasizes that true faith is rooted in God's divine truth, centered on the person of Jesus Christ, and is a response to God's revelation through the Holy Spirit. He discusses different types of faith—natural, supernatural, psychological, and spiritual—and underscores that genuine, living faith is divine and initiated by God. Ernie also highlights that faith is active, involving trust, rest, obedience, and abiding in Christ, referencing scriptures like John 15 and Hebrews 12. He stresses that trials and testing are God's way of deepening our knowledge of Him, refining our faith, and producing perseverance. Ultimately, Ernie encourages believers to respond to God's love with simple, trusting obedience, knowing that faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation for victorious Christian living.

Outline of Main Points

• Gratitude for fellowship and spiritual growth among believers

• Focus on the biblical understanding of faith, especially in James

• Faith as both a revelation from God and a response of trust and obedience

• Different types of faith: natural, supernatural, psychological, spiritual

• Genuine faith is divine, initiated by God, and centered on Jesus Christ

• Faith involves active trust, abiding, resting, and obedience in Christ

• Trials and tests are God's method to deepen our knowledge and strengthen our faith

• Perseverance under trial leads to blessing and spiritual maturity

• Encouragement to respond simply and trustingly to God's love and revelation