(Heb 11:6 KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

(Mark 9:23 KJV) Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

As Christians, we are often confronted with many types of apparent problems.

We are ridiculed because we hold "strange" moral principles; we are challenged to produce a miracle so an immoral reporter can be satisfied; we are mocked because we worship with feelings and emotions; Norman Lear, and his "People for the American Way" organization, deride our moral conscience; we are satirized in Jay Leno type comedy ----- publicized with error and exaggeration ---- criticized by anybody and everybody; and in general ....... Christians are made out to be ignorant and unsophisticated buffoons, who just don’t know any better.

In a patronizing way, our unsaved family and friends, and the world, pat us on the head and hypocritically feign concern for our supposed reduced mental state.

We are invited by liberals and other political "free-thinkers" to excuse ourselves from any involvement in the political process. We are sarcastically referred to as the "Christian far right," or the "far right radicals," or " the moral do-gooders," or a host of other belittling and misleading names.

And, it does seem, that we have a right to become angry and vengeful toward those who treat us in such despicable ways; toward those who don’t respect our religious principles; and especially, toward those who would mock our sincerity and our worship styles.

But, I submit to you, that the real problem with which we have to deal, the real thief of our victory, the real spoiler of our joy is:

In consideration of this fact, I have not titled this message, "Is There a Christian in the House" but, rather, "Is There a Believer in the House."

Let’s consider some of the benefits afforded the believer.

1. Answered prayer.

2. Faith to move mountains (spiritual)

3. Peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

4. Hope, and the expectation of heaven.

5. Communion with Jesus by the spirit.

6. Fellowship with the saints of God on this earth.

7. Victory over the devil, sin and the world.

Then why don’t we who truly are believers live in this power and victory? Why do too many of us suffer depression, defeat, and a loss of joy and deliverance?

May I suggest some reasons for this deadly discrepancy?

I. An unproductive prayer life will become a curse to your faith.

1. Prayer is an absolutely essential part of the believer’s life..

a. We spend more time trying to find out why a prayer didn’t get answered than we do praying. This is a tragic error. The devil wants us to analyze our prayer life to death ..... Jesus wants us to prayer.

2. Two important scripture selections.

(Mat 6:8 KJV) be not ye therefore like unto them: for your father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

(Mat 6:9 KJV) after this manner therefore pray ye: our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

(James 4:3 KJV) ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

II. Intellectual limitation often causes spiritual paralysis.

1. Believers are often judged by their education - or lack thereof. Such judgment becomes a stinging rebuke in one’s ear and heart. It often causes the believers confidence to be effectively damaged.

a. God never said we are blessed because of man’s wisdom, but, rather, that we are blessed by seeking His kingdom and His righteousness. He is the giver of true wisdom, and His wisdom makes foolish the wisdom of the world.

b. Knowledge is learned facts.

c. Wisdom is divine revelation.

(1 Cor 3:19 KJV) for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with god. For it is written, he taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

(1 Cor 3:20 KJV) and again, the lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

(James 1:5 KJV) if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of god, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

(James 3:17 KJV) but the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

  2. I don’t mean to suggest that we ought to be ignorant or shun education. But, we must not judge our place (or anyone else’s) with God according to our grade level. Are we doing that ?

a. It is now a prevailing practice to select a pastor according to his educational level. In most cases, the pastoral selection committee will not even consider someone who does not meet certain educational criteria.

b. Sunday school leaders in many churches must have educational degrees.

c. The Church of God now has a credential for Music Directors and Christian Education Directors.

  3. I fear we have innocently and ignorantly fallen prey to the "more educated, more spiritual" leadership philosophy. Our educated leaders, in order to spotlight their achievements now seek to make it mandatory for others to follow their example in order to be accepted as qualified spiritual saints. Following this path has caused us to establish a caste system in the church, with each level measured by educational achievements. The effects of this scheme is devastating to the Christian who has devoted his life to God, who faithfully attends church, and who wants to work for the Lord. He watches his opportunity for ministry given to the "learned one" who may or may not have equal desire, dedication, and commitment.

4. The Bible states that the Holy Ghost uses whomsoever He chooses in spiritual ministry. (1 Cor 12:11 KJV) but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1. God does not keep score between dueling Christians!! He does not judge you by what someone else can do. He wants you to do and be all you can in Him.

b. The true hierarchy of the church resides in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We all live by the same rules, laws, and spiritual principles. None of us are greater that another

2. It’s all right, and even commendable, to respect and listen to those who are good leaders. But remember this ..... Good leaders can make bad judgments, incorrect decisions, and fleshly prophecies.

a. Keep everything in proper perspective. Be helped, but not hindered, by others who may be a blessing to your life.

b. Remember, the Lord is the head of the church. You must live in His power and grace.

IV. Spiritual laziness breeds contempt and causes division among brothers and sisters in the church.

1. Many times, we Christians unwittingly establish a sort of "Christian pecking order" according to what we observe in the Sunday morning service.

a. Those who are spiritually lazy ( no prayer life, no faith, no practice) resent those who are spiritually active ( overzealous, conceited, know-it-alls).

b. Those who are spiritually active resent those who are spiritually lazy ( uncommitted, unresponsive, backslidden).

2. The division caused by these attitudes sets us up for spiritually bankruptcy regardless of what side we are on. The devil wins because none of us can truly share in the presence of God when we are responding to the flesh in such self-serving ways.

a. We must love one another fervently with a pure heart.

(1 Pet 1:22 KJV) seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

b. We must practice forgiveness and edify (build up) one another.

(1 TH. 5:11 KJV) wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Is there a believer in the house?

One who ….

loves and worships the Lord.

prays with faith.

lives in the power of the Word.

is unaffected by the world’s opinion.

prays for, and builds up his Christian brothers and sisters.

is willing to be used, for anything, at anytime, to the glory of God.