Yesterday we likened our faith to a fire. If one wants a fire to perpetuate, he must tend to it diligently. Likewise, if one wants to build a strong and lasting faith--a perpetuated faith--there are things one needs do. In our time together yesterday, we considered two important truths. If one is going to perpetuate his faith, he must: (1) let God say something to him everyday through His word, and (2) say something to God everyday through prayer. Let us now consider the remaining two points.

Point Three - Say Something for God Everyday
We say something for God everyday through our righteous conduct and speech. When our conduct and speech is righteous, we give cause for others to glorify God. Jesus knew this, and this is why He instructed His disciples to "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). In his letter to Titus, the apostle Paul exhorted righteous conduct and speech so that those who opposed the gospel would have no reason to speak evil of the Lord's preacher. Paul wrote, "in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you" (Titus 2:7,8). Friends, it is important that we keep ourselves "unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). If there is no difference between us and the world, then our influence for God and Christ has been lost.

Point Four - Do Something for God Everyday
We do something for God everyday through our good works and deeds. Friends, it is not enough to simply live as a good example for the Lord, we must also work for Him. In the book of James, the inspired writer asks "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:14-17). Pay particular attention to verse 17 - "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." A strong, perpetuated faith must be coupled with good works for the Lord.

We will be blessed for our good works. Remember the admonition and encouragement Paul gave to the Galatians - "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:9, 10).

Dear listeners, life on this earth is a grindstone, but whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends upon your faith in the Master. Are you perpetuating your faith or are you approaching burnout? In this sinful world, we should all strive to feed the fire of our faith so that it might perpetuate and shine the Christian light against the encroaching darkness.