THE REWARD OF FAITH

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."     James 1.12

The race to find a sunny place in this world is cruel and unfair.
The same is true with regards to our eternal salvation.
Because of the constant sacrifices, few reach the finish line.
The crown of life is not for everyone. If it were, there would be no point for its existence.
It is only for winners. It is for those who withstand the ups and downs of life in order to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ.

TRIBULATIONS

"...strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”    Acts 14.22

Without tribulations, there is no perseverance.
Without perseverance, there are no experiences.
Without experiences, there is no hope.
A mature faith is only possible after you have lived through tribulations.
Also, the greater the tribulations, the closer you are to the Author of faith.

THE AUTHORITY OF FAITH

"Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction."     2 Corinthians 13.10

While doubts give evil the authority to spread terror and destruction, supernatural faith has the authority of God to save those who believe. 
The servants of evil spread doubt and death.
The servants of God sow faith and life.

THE INVITATION

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."     Matthew 11.28

The Lord Jesus would not have made such an invitation if he was not interested in meeting the needs of the afflicted.

However, you must understand that He will not take any initiatives unless His invitation is accepted.

Those who are interested must seek Him, take a step in His direction and put all their existent faith in Him.

That's it.

SUPERNATURAL FAITH

"Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”    Mark 9.23

Even unbelievers know that all things are possible to him who believes.
But only a few know that there is an exception to this rule: eternal salvation.
It is impossible for someone to be saved because of their merits. Otherwise, the Son of God would not have come down to earth.

BAD MARRIAGE

"For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!"   Psalm 117.2

Is it possible for Someone who is perfectly faithful to put up with infidelity?
Is it possible to marry faithful and unfaithful?
Is it possible for the faithful Eternal God to keep an alliance with someone who is unfaithful?
Tithes do not represent a monetary value or material possessions. They represent the character of a true servant of God.

RETURN TO ME

"...return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty. But you ask, ‘How are we to return?"        Malachi 3.7

In order to have the Lord return to you, you must return to Him. How do you return to Him?
Through prayer? Attending church services? Reading the Bible? 
This can be compared to a relationship of two people who are dating.
A phone call, a date or an email is enough to satisfy either person in the relationship.    
They have no serious commitment or obligation to one another.
Tithes and offerings are the beginning of a committed relationship with God because they represent fidelity and love.