Dwight L. Moody, the great Chicago evangelist of the latter 1800s, described people’s efforts to earn their salvation like a child on a rocking horse: “beautiful active motion, but there is no progress”.

In our basement, we have a treadmill that allows Anita and I to get exercise when the weather is inclement. All winter long we can take walks in the warmth of our own home. Our treadmill measures how far we’ve gone, how fast we’re going, and how many miles we’ve traveled. But a treadmill is like the rocking horse: beautiful active motion, but there is no progress.

Have you ever felt like you were on a spiritual treadmill, going around and around but getting no place? There can be no progress on a treadmill. Only when the breath of life from the Holy Spirit comes upon us can we move forward. I recognize my need every day.

How about you? Are you making progress or are you on the treadmill?

Tags: Holy Spirit, treadmill, works

The Apostle Paul said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). But what does it mean to “believe”?

Suppose you got really sick and go to see the doctor. After a thorough examination, he says you’ve contracted a fatal disease, but medical science has discovered a cure. You may be convinced that he is the best physician available, that his diagnosis is accurate, and that the medication he prescribes is your only hope. But you do not take it. Does your “belief” save you? No.

You must take the medicine. If you just lie there believing and refuse to take the remedy, you will die! So it is with God’s offer of salvation. Let’s get up and be healed! “Faith without works in dead” (James 2:20).

Tags: faith, works