LEARNING DAILY

 

1 Corinthians 13:13, There are three things that will endure – faith, hope and love – and the greatest of these is love. (NLT)

 

We have already defined faith by examining Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It is the means by which Believers come to God and trust Him for the salvation Jesus Christ offers. Faith is how we believe in a virgin birth, angels appearing to shepherds to announce the birth of the Messiah so long sought, and magi traveled by following a star. Hebrews 11:6 tells us to please God we must walk in faith and He will reward us when we do. This faith being talked about comes from nothing any of us can do; it simply cannot be earned – it is the gift of God according to Ephesians 2:8-9.

 

Faith is at the center of the Christian life. After we accept Christ as our Savior (by faith), we continue to follow His teachings as we walk on the narrow way by faith. Galatians 2:19 tells us, “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave His life for me.” Romans 1:17b encourages by telling us, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17 calls the one who follows the gospel of Christ righteous and lives “from faith to faith” meaning we must continually mature in Christ.  This results in a rich and full spiritual life. Living by faith means we place our confidence fully in Jesus Christ – in who He is and what He has done.

 

For me, as a Christian, my faith begins with knowing the Scriptures are inspired by God, written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit. There are many examples of faith in the Christmas story as mentioned. Mentally acknowledging this is not enough; knowledge does not mean that we trust what the Bible tells us. Just agreeing with what is written about these events and acknowledging the events of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection does not mean we are saved. Knowing facts about something is not enough to cause us to act; claiming that something is does not mean it is. I believe this is what James 2:14-26 is telling us.  True faith, saving faith in Jesus Christ will cause us to make new and different choices that causes a person to begin to do good works.  These good works show Believers love others, obey the Father, and others see them as different from the world.

 

Bob Sawvelle wrote the following in an article, “A faith that endures is a faith that sees the finish line, the completion of the promise. It is a faith that hopes amid the uncertainty and sees as reality the finish line. Enduring faith runs with patience through the challenges of life.” Go back and read Hebrews 11, the chapter about those in the Hall of Fame of Faith.  It is encouraging and builds my faith.  I believe 2021 has been a challenge!  What does 2022 have in store for us? I believe our faith may be challenged. Be encouraged to walk on the narrow way to eternal life through by keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.