Today's Passage - Joshua 2:21-24

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Joshua 2:21-24   "Agreed," she repled. "Let it be as you say."So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window. When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. They said to Joshua, "The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us."   Not only Rahab was a woman of faith, she was also a woman of action. When the spies asked her to tie the scarlet cord in her window, she did it immediately. Rahab was highly praised in the Book of James because of her submissive act. James 2:25 says that she is considered righteous for her action. The whole book of James says that true faith will lead to action. When you have action, this will prove that you have faith. If one person says that he has faith but doesn't act on it, this proves that his faith is dead. Not only Rahab had faith, she had real action.   What kind of faith do you possess? I have seen a few types of faith among Christians. The first type of faith is an insincere faith that says we do what we do because the Lord asks us to. Just like tithing, many feel that duty is fulfilled as long as we give 10%, neglecting the awesome promise that is associated in the command of tithing. What a pity.   The second type of faith is a regretful faith. Just like the parable where a man who had two sons and asked them to work in his vineyard. The older son first refused to do but later changed his mind and went. Many times we know the commands and the will of God but we don't want to obey; after that we felt guilty and hence obey, but there is no joy in doing it as we are forced by the guiltiness.   The third type of faith is an empty faith, just like the younger son who promised to go but never go. This type of people is easily moved and always says things like: "I believe! I am willing! I devote! I repent!" But soon after, he forgets his promise to the Lord.   The last type of faith is a true faith, where one would receive the word he heard and expect the promise to come true by faith. They joyfully wait upon him and live the life of faith, and therefore receive the effect of their faith. May the Lord strengthen our hearts to rely on Him alone, for the Lord says that those who trust in Him are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever!   Pray with Pastor Tong     Dear Lord, may You help us, so that we will turn from our unbelief, come before you joyfully, and declare Your promise on us. May You strengthen our hearts so that we have receive the reward of our faith. I thank you and I pray all these in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!