Today's theme of Faith is captured by the Epistle Lesson. Faith is the foundation of Judeo-Christian Theology. We 'believe' in a God who no one has seen and for whose existence no empirical proof exists. We 'trust' that He means us well and will guide and protect us. We 'hope' that our faith and trust are not in vain, that our lives have meaning, that our spiritual beings will live on in eternity.
But what is 'Faith'?
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists.
Hebrews 11 supplies us with a history of faith at work in the lives of Old Testament Patriarchs. Here as elsewhere the point is made that we are in but not of this world. Through faith we are members of the Kingdom of God which exists outside the bounds of time and space.
Genesis 15 introduces us specifically to the part faith in God's promises had in the life of Abraham. Faith is re-enforced through prayer and the assurance it brings strengthens believers to do God's work on earth.
Psalm 33 re-enforces the theme that faith is a gift from God
Psa 33:18 But the LORD watches over all who honor him and trust his kindness.
Psa 33:19 He protects them from death and starvation.
Psa 33:20 We depend on you, LORD, to help and protect us.
Psa 33:21 You make our hearts glad because we trust you, the only God.
Psa 33:22 Be kind and bless us! We depend on you.
The Disciples in Luke had a personal relationship with God in the person of Jesus Christ. Christianity is based on the belief that their experience was real.
Luk 12:32 My little group of disciples, don't be afraid! Your Father wants to give you the kingdom.
Faith then is a gift from God. It is freely given and ours to accept. The ability to accept it is also a gift from God. Faith is the key to the Kingdom of God and membership there gives us a home in which to store spiritual capital. Our joy in the grace that has been given us supplies us with the energy to accomplish Christ's work on earth. It is our trust in this spiritual Kingdom of God the enables us to be in but not of this world and ready when the Son of Man will come however that be accomplished.
But what is 'Faith'?
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists.
Hebrews 11 supplies us with a history of faith at work in the lives of Old Testament Patriarchs. Here as elsewhere the point is made that we are in but not of this world. Through faith we are members of the Kingdom of God which exists outside the bounds of time and space.
Genesis 15 introduces us specifically to the part faith in God's promises had in the life of Abraham. Faith is re-enforced through prayer and the assurance it brings strengthens believers to do God's work on earth.
Psalm 33 re-enforces the theme that faith is a gift from God
Psa 33:18 But the LORD watches over all who honor him and trust his kindness.
Psa 33:19 He protects them from death and starvation.
Psa 33:20 We depend on you, LORD, to help and protect us.
Psa 33:21 You make our hearts glad because we trust you, the only God.
Psa 33:22 Be kind and bless us! We depend on you.
The Disciples in Luke had a personal relationship with God in the person of Jesus Christ. Christianity is based on the belief that their experience was real.
Luk 12:32 My little group of disciples, don't be afraid! Your Father wants to give you the kingdom.
Faith then is a gift from God. It is freely given and ours to accept. The ability to accept it is also a gift from God. Faith is the key to the Kingdom of God and membership there gives us a home in which to store spiritual capital. Our joy in the grace that has been given us supplies us with the energy to accomplish Christ's work on earth. It is our trust in this spiritual Kingdom of God the enables us to be in but not of this world and ready when the Son of Man will come however that be accomplished.
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