An Article of Faith

[This is a continuation and not a repeat of last week’s Article of Faith – Ed.]
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5-7) clearly reveals the essential elements for personal revival. If you will live in light of these truths, you can experience daily, continuous revival. To fail to heed Christ’s words will lead to fruitlessness and despair.
Carefully read each Scripture and search your heart in light of Christ’s words that they might bring you to a greater repentance and a hunger to be conformed to the image of Christ. As you proceed, circle the areas of greatest need and seek God for cleansing through confession and repentance for revival.
Matthew 5:13 (NASB) – “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.” Does my life create a hunger and a thirst for God in the lives of others? Am I being used of God to preserve and maintain the truth?
Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB) – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Does my life illuminate the truth about God and man before others? Do people see my good works (the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22-23) and glorify God?
Matthew 5:17-19 (NASB) – “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Are there any commandments, even the smallest ones, which I do not regard as binding—in principle—on my life? Am I teaching others to do the same either by expression or example?
Matthew 5:20 (NASB) – “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Is my righteousness merely external, like that of the Pharisees, instead of coming from my heart? (Taken and adapted from: OneCry: A Nationwide Call for Spiritual Awakening. Visit www.onecry.com.)
“If My people,” declares the LORD, “who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV.)

Jessie J. Charpentier Sr. is pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church in St. Martinville.