Authenticity

Do you know the difference between the designer brand from the “imitation”? If it’s a scent, typically you can smell it if you have bought the real thing before. If it’s a purse or even some sort of clothing, you will notice the material is not the same. If you are looking for something authentic, it’s going to cost you more. That’s why you probably wouldn’t find that name brand in the dollar store because it’s more expensive! Why? Because the quality of the product is better. You have to make a sacrifice to get it because it’s the real thing. It’s not fake and it’s certainly isn’t a copy. The original was properly planned. It was the FRUIT OF HARD LABOR. The fake one was just simply a copy; imitation. Sooner or later you will see it was not built to last. It won’t withstand.

The same is true for us believers.

See, the bible says the true Christian is the one who has accepted Jesus Christ in their hearts (Romans 10:9-10). But there is a MARK that distinguishes us as real Christians (followers of Jesus) and that is the SEAL of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13-14 says “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” That Spirit that lives in you as a believer GIVES TESTIMONY of who you really are! 

Job knew all about being REFINED by the fire. His faith was put to the test. He said (Job 23:10) "But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."

The Holy Spirit ministered to my heart with this verse during study time & I felt him ask me the question

"Why do you think God considered Job?"... I knew he feared the Lord and the Bible says he was perfect in his ways, but I knew there was more... so, He answered me & said

"Because when he was tested, he still faithful". Job remained faithful to God. The trial came to make him better (Not bitter) and even more equipped to be used by God. Just like the ore has to pass through the refiner's fire before it can because its true self GOLD so God many times has to test us to reveal who we really are. As the gold is heated, the impurities start floating to the top & can be skimmed off. 

Same way our trials refine us and strengthen our faith in God.

David said "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word!" (Psalms 119:67). That fire is there as a blessing. To reveal who you really are and give Glory to who you have believed!

James advises us to not just hear the word of God and simply just know about Him. Instead let’s really do what God says and be EVIDENCE of His glory here on Earth.

For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.

You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads;

We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. (Psalms 66:10-12)

See, many people professed they had the TRUTH but denied Him with their actions. They knew so much about Him yet didn't do what He said. Jesus is more concern about our walk than our talk, to do right than just say the right things. That is why the Bible says, "By their fruits you will know them". (Matthew 7:20)

Those spiritual fruits show you have been with Christ.

People saw the difference in the disciples of Jesus because their life gave EVIDENCE (fruits) that they truly walked with Jesus. Signs and wonders literally followed them wherever they went to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Did you know that Christian comes from a word that means "small Christ"?

Every time someone sees a Christian, they must see CHRIST!

That is the mark of an authentic Christian.

Not only do we preach the word of God, but every day of our lives we strive to live it. That is what makes

That is what makes you part of the real and not the fake.

The question is: are you living the word of God or are you just pretending?

The only way to prove if you are the real thing is through fire.

You will be tested.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been [grieved by various trials, that the GENUINESS of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is TESTED by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7-10)