Tag: hope

Kingdom Discipleship, The Six Solas

Sola Fide – Part 3: Counterfeit Faith in Every Age

Rooted & Raised

“This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.”
— Matthew 15:8 (NASB1995)

Not All Faith Is Saving Faith

The early Church didn’t just defend the truth—they discerned it. Not everyone who claimed faith was walking in it. Even in the days of the apostles, false converts, deceivers, and shallow followers abounded.

Jesus warned that not all who say, “Lord, Lord” will enter the Kingdom (Matt. 7:21). True faith bears fruit. Counterfeit faith is dead, self-centered, and unfaithful when tested.

The Ante-Nicene believers understood that Sola Fide didn’t mean empty belief, but living allegiance to Christ.

What Counterfeit Faith Looks Like

  1. Faith Without Works
    • Intellectual belief with no life change (James 2:17)
    • Doctrinal correctness without obedience
    • Faith that claims Christ but ignores His commands
  2. Faith for Comfort, Not Conviction
    • Turning to God only when life is hard
    • Using grace as an excuse for sin
    • Following Christ only when it’s convenient
  3. Faith That Flees Pressure
    • Denies Christ when culture disapproves
    • Avoids hard truths to keep peace
    • Prefers acceptance over obedience

“The faith that saves is the faith that endures. Do not be deceived—mere words will not stand before God.”
— Clement of Rome, First Epistle, c. AD 96

The Early Church Tested Faith by Fruit

The early believers didn’t judge faith by eloquence or association. They looked for:

  • Obedience to Christ’s teachings
  • Purity in life and worship
  • Love for enemies and fellow believers
  • Endurance under trials

“Let us not be deceived by those who say they believe and yet do not obey. The tree is known by its fruit.”
— The Didache, c. AD 70–120

They rejected the idea that belief without loyalty was saving faith. To them, faith without action was false testimony.

Why Counterfeits Multiply

Wherever the Gospel is preached, counterfeits arise:

  • Satan mimics truth to confuse and corrupt
  • People prefer a version of faith that requires no change
  • Churches are tempted to grow numbers, not disciples

But truth stands firm. The early Church refused to dilute the Gospel. They called for real repentance, genuine trust, and total surrender.

A Call to Examine Our Faith

Paul urged believers to test themselves to see if they were in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). This wasn’t to create fear, but to ensure authenticity.

Do we trust Christ enough to obey Him when no one is watching? Do we hold fast to Jesus even when it costs us? Is our faith bearing fruit that reflects the heart of our King?

Kingdom Discipleship Reflection

  • Is my faith merely belief—or has it transformed my life?
  • Do I follow Christ when it’s hard—or only when it’s easy?
  • Is the Holy Spirit producing fruit in me—or have I settled for appearance over substance?

This week, reflect on James 2 and Matthew 7:13–27. Ask the Spirit to show you:

“Where has my faith become empty or shallow?”
Then invite Him to renew and refine your faith in truth.

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves…”
— 2 Corinthians 13:5

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Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 36

Rooted & Raised

Fruit That Lasts

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22–23 (NASB 1995)

You don’t have to strive to produce fruit in your own strength. The Holy Spirit does that work in you.

The fruit of the Spirit is not just a checklist for “good Christian behavior.” It is the evidence of abiding.
When we stay rooted in Christ and walk by the Spirit, He transforms us—producing a life of love, joy, peace, and more.

This fruit doesn’t wilt under pressure. It isn’t seasonal. It grows even in trials.

Reflection:
 Which fruit is the Spirit cultivating in you right now? Which one do you need to yield to Him more?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, grow Your fruit in me. Help me abide in You so my life reflects the heart of Christ. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 36

Rooted & Raised

God Grows Good Fruit in You!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22–23 (NASB 1995)

Have you ever seen a tree grow apples or oranges? It takes time and care!

God’s Spirit helps your heart grow fruit too—not fruit you eat, but things like kindness, patience, joy, and love.

You don’t have to try really hard—just stay close to Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will help you grow!

Try This:
 Draw a fruit tree and label it with the fruit of the Spirit you want to grow!

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, please help me grow good things in my heart so I can love others like Jesus. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 36

Rooted & Raised

What You Grow Depends on Where You’re Rooted

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22–23 (NASB 1995)

This world rewards hype, hustle, and appearances. But the Holy Spirit grows something deeper in you—lasting fruit that isn’t fake or performative.

You can’t fake peace in the middle of chaos or joy during hardship unless it’s real—and that comes from the Spirit.

Fruit is the overflow of who you’re walking with. What’s growing in your life right now?

Challenge:
 Pick one fruit and ask the Spirit to grow it in you this week—then look for ways He answers.Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, help me grow into the person You want me to be. Make my life full of real fruit that points to Jesus. Amen.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 35

Rooted & Raised

Step by Step in the Spirit

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (NASB 1995)

Walking by the Spirit is not a one-time event—it’s a daily surrender. One step at a time, one choice at a time, the Spirit leads us away from the desires of the flesh and into the freedom of obedience.

We don’t overcome sin by sheer willpower. We overcome by walking with the Spirit—trusting His voice, leaning on His strength, and submitting our will to His.

The women of the early Church weren’t perfect, but they lived intentionally, resisting cultural compromise because they walked in the Spirit.

Reflection:
 Am I walking with the Spirit today—or trying to do things on my own?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, guide my steps today. Help me walk close beside You and say no to the things that pull me away from Christ. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 35

Rooted & Raised

Walk with God Every Day

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (NASB 1995)

Do you know what it means to walk with someone? It means staying close, listening, and going the same direction.

The Bible says we should walk with the Holy Spirit every day! When we do, we say “yes” to good things and “no” to bad things.

Try This:
 Go on a walk with someone and talk about what it means to walk with Jesus.Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, help me walk with You. I want to stay close and follow Your way. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 35

Rooted & Raised

Don’t Just Try Harder—Walk Closer

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (NASB 1995)

Struggling with temptation? Feel like you’re always messing up?
Galatians 5:16 isn’t about trying harder. It’s about walking closer. When you walk by the Spirit, He changes your desires—your mind, your will, your direction.

It’s not about performance. It’s about relationship.
The closer you walk with the Spirit, the less you want what your flesh craves.

Challenge:
 Before reacting today, pause and ask: “Holy Spirit, what’s the next right step?”Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, keep me close. Change what I want so I can follow You with a whole heart. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 35

Rooted & Raised

One Step at a Time, Together

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (NASB 1995)

Walking by the Spirit isn’t just for Sundays—it’s for daily life. In your family, this looks like kindness instead of snapping, patience instead of anger, and choosing peace instead of blame.

As mothers and children walk together, you can also learn to walk with God—side by side with the Holy Spirit guiding every step.

Family Talk:

  • What’s one area we need the Spirit’s help to walk in today?
  • How can we remind each other gently to follow Him?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, help us walk with You today as a family. Lead our words, actions, and attitudes so we reflect Jesus together. Amen.

Kingdom Discipleship, The Six Solas

Sola Fide – Part 2: Ante-Nicene Faith Under Pressure

Rooted & Raised

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
— Revelation 2:10 (NASB1995)

Faith That Withstands Fire

The faith of the early Church was not hypothetical. It was tested—by prisons, swords, beasts, and fire.

They believed in Christ not just with their lips, but with their lives. Their faith was covenantal loyalty, not mere confession. When threatened with death, they stood firm. When offered freedom in exchange for denial, they clung to Jesus.

This was saving faith under pressure—faith that did not break when the cost was high.

“They may kill the body, but they cannot touch the soul. Christ holds me, and I will not deny Him.”
— The Martyrdom of Polycarp, c. AD 155

What True Faith Looks Like

Modern definitions of faith can be shallow:

  • “Just believe in Jesus.”
  • “Say a prayer and you’re saved.”
  • “God knows your heart.”

But the early Church knew that saving faith endures, obeys, and remains loyal, especially when tested.

The writer of Hebrews defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). That kind of faith can’t be casual.

It holds fast:

  • When mocked by friends
  • When shunned by family
  • When beaten by authorities
  • When asked to choose between Christ and survival

Faith Under Roman Persecution

In the first three centuries, confessing Christ could mean death. Yet thousands stood firm. They were:

  • Young women like Perpetua, who turned away from her noble status to die with fellow believers
  • Servants like Felicitas, who gave birth in prison and was then martyred
  • Pastors like Ignatius of Antioch, who wrote letters of encouragement as he journeyed to the lions

“Let me be food for the beasts, that I may be found a true disciple of Christ.”
— Ignatius, Epistle to the Romans, c. AD 107

This was not faith for comfort. It was faith for eternity.

They Believed—and Obeyed

Their faith led them to:

  • Forgive their persecutors
  • Refuse to recant
  • Sing hymns in chains
  • Love one another in their suffering

They didn’t trust Jesus because life was easy. They trusted Him because He was worthy—even when life was hard.

“The Spirit gives us faith, not to escape death, but to overcome it.”
— Tertullian, Apology, c. AD 197

Faith Today: Tested in New Ways

While most of us are not threatened with martyrdom, we are still tested:

  • Will we stand when the culture mocks righteousness?
  • Will we stay loyal when following Christ costs us influence?
  • Will we remain faithful when our prayers are unanswered or pain persists?

Faith under pressure today may not involve a sword—but it still demands trust, allegiance, and endurance.

Kingdom Discipleship Reflection

  • Would my faith remain if the cost increased?
  • Have I believed for blessing—or believed for Christ alone?
  • What pressures today are calling me to compromise my faith?

This week, read Revelation 2–3, and Hebrews 10:32–39. Reflect on how the Spirit is calling you to endure, remain loyal, and hold fast.

“But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.”
— Hebrews 10:39

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Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 34

Rooted & Raised

Nothing Can Stop God’s Love

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38–39 (NASB 1995)

Have you ever worried that something could make Jesus stop loving you? The Bible says nothing can do that—not even scary things, mistakes, or faraway places.

The Holy Spirit helps you remember: God’s love is forever and always close.

Try This:
 Hold your arms wide and say, “God’s love is this big—and it never lets go!”

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, help me remember that Jesus always loves me. Nothing can ever take His love away. Amen.