DEMONSTRATE YOUR FAITH

         By A. W. Tozer

        It is the spirit that quickeneth. . . the words that I speak
         unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. -- John 6:63

             We know of many who have been deceived into
         believing  that  the  learning  and  the  memorizing  of
         Christian doctrine is all-sufficient.  They actually think
         that somehow they are better off for having learned the
         doctrines of religion.

             God actually asks of us what He asked of Noah long
         ago! "Demonstrate your faith in God in your everyday
         life!"

             It  is  evident  that  God  did  not  say  to  Noah,  "I  am
         depending on you to hold the proper orthodox doctrines.
         Everything will be just fine if you stand up for the right
         doctrines."

             I have read a statement by Martin Lloyd-Jones, the
         English preacher and writer, in which he said: "It is
         perilously close to being sinful for any person to learn
         doctrine for doctrine's sake."

             I agree with his conclusion that doctrine is always best
         when it is incarnated --- when it is seen fleshed out in the
         lives  of  godly  men  and  women.  Our  God  Himself
         appeared at His very best when He came into our world
         and lived in our flesh!
           *********************************************************
         Yours in Christ,
         Paul N. F.