Faith breaks down all barriers. Why? Because as the Bible states, faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he or she that comes to God, must first believe that He is. And, we must believe that God is the rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him!
If we use Abraham in the Old Testament as an example, we know that Abraham was known as the father of the faithful. It was stated that Abraham believed God, and that His belief was counted to him as righteousness. Indeed, faith itself is a gift from God. It is in this context that God has given to every one a measure of faith.
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Faith is not something that one can conjure up. If faith were, then faith would be of works. However, God has repeatedly stated that faith is not of works. God gives faith as a gift. So if faith arises within us as a result of hearing the written Word of God , then why pray tell, are our churches empty? Could it perhaps be a consequence of churches ceasing to preach the Word? The law of faith?
And, sadly, perhaps, adopting instead reason as an adequate substitute for the gospel of Jesus? Conversely, could the lack of Christians be the result of the seed of God’s Word falling on deaf ears or on stony hearted ground? Certainly, we have a dilemma emerging in our world whereby scores of people have not had the opportunity to hear about Jesus.
Unaware that the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ brings life.
So what are we to do? Well, we can discard immediately that dumb matter created intelligent life. The fool has said in his heart that there is no God. Look around - touch and see that God's handiwork is everywhere. Look at the flowers in the fields, the fruits on the trees or the harvest in the fields. Listen to the voices of nature that emerge and flourish in spring.
Even look at yourself and how wonderfully we are made. Reacquaint and refresh ourselves in the gospel of Jesus. Speak to others about the goodness of a God who loved us so much that He would die on Calvary.
Indeed, Jesus' words and deeds cry out for us to believe. Only believe. Have faith in our Saviour. Follow Jesus -- as did the disciples -- so that He can similarly make you fishers of men. And let Him who paid the price on the cross for our transgressions arise in your heart!
Then you will hear Jesus whisper. "Look to me all you people for I AM the Lord your God and beside Me there is no Saviour."
Stand in the offering plate.
Faith is not something that one can conjure up. If faith were, then faith would be of works. However, God has repeatedly stated that faith is not of works. God gives faith as a gift. So if faith arises within us as a result of hearing the written Word of God , then why pray tell, are our churches empty? Could it perhaps be a consequence of churches ceasing to preach the Word? The law of faith?
And, sadly, perhaps, adopting instead reason as an adequate substitute for the gospel of Jesus? Conversely, could the lack of Christians be the result of the seed of God’s Word falling on deaf ears or on stony hearted ground? Certainly, we have a dilemma emerging in our world whereby scores of people have not had the opportunity to hear about Jesus.
Unaware that the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ brings life.
So what are we to do? Well, we can discard immediately that dumb matter created intelligent life. The fool has said in his heart that there is no God. Look around - touch and see that God's handiwork is everywhere. Look at the flowers in the fields, the fruits on the trees or the harvest in the fields. Listen to the voices of nature that emerge and flourish in spring.
Even look at yourself and how wonderfully we are made. Reacquaint and refresh ourselves in the gospel of Jesus. Speak to others about the goodness of a God who loved us so much that He would die on Calvary.
Indeed, Jesus' words and deeds cry out for us to believe. Only believe. Have faith in our Saviour. Follow Jesus -- as did the disciples -- so that He can similarly make you fishers of men. And let Him who paid the price on the cross for our transgressions arise in your heart!
Then you will hear Jesus whisper. "Look to me all you people for I AM the Lord your God and beside Me there is no Saviour."
Stand in the offering plate.
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