Tag Archives: Faith

Daring to Believe – Faith in Who God Is & What He Can Do

19 Tuesday May 2015

Posted by in Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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ID-100289390There has always been the element of “believing when you see it” or seeing the physical evidence of a matter before it can be believed.  Especially concerning God and His existence, many who are considered Atheists choose to look at God as one who does not exist because there isn’t any proof to show that He does. However, choosing to believe or not to believe is a decision that one makes.  Whether or not you or I believe in God, does not negate His existence.  The key is taking the leap of faith to believe in what we cannot see. Some call it “blind faith” however, as it relates to God it truly takes humility to admit that we as humans are not supreme in our being.  The truth is, it takes a willingness to be accountable to someone higher than yourself which in this case is God.

In John 20:29, we see an exchange of words between Jesus and one of His Disciples by the name of Thomas.  The scripture reads in the NIV version:

“Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  In John 20, the passage records the resurrection of Jesus. Mary Magdalane finds that the tomb of Jesus is empty and alerts two of the Lord’s Disciples.  Peter and another Disciple discover that the tomb is empty, and they returned to where they were before.  Then in verses 11 through 17 Mary converses with two angels, and Jesus at the tomb.  Jesus gives her a command in verse 17 to tell the Disciples of His resurrection.

It is important to note that this chapter gives us an insight into who “Doubting Thomas” is.  Thomas was one of the Disciples, and he was known for his skepticism in Christ’s resurrection. Jesus first appears to the Disciples in verses 19 through 23, however Thomas does not see Jesus until later.  In verses 24 through 29, we see an exchange between the Disciples, Jesus and Thomas:

(NIV) “Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

In the above scripture, Thomas immediately shows his disbelief but he also shows that he must see the proof of Christ’s resurrection in order to believe. We live in a society that operates in the same way.  There must be emphatic proof that God exists or that Jesus was indeed the Son of God.  Thomas doubted that Jesus rose from the dead, because for one he was prideful in his own thinking and certainty that the man standing before him was not Jesus the Christ.  Secondly, Thomas needed physical proof in order to believe that Jesus was indeed resurrected.

There are many in our world today, who are skeptical of God’s existence and the whole idea of Christianity.  Some of it is because of how there have been poor examples of those who profess Christ.  In turn, there are those who see hypocritical behavior and they shrink back in distaste for what is supposed to be an authentic message and lifestyle.  However, much of the disbelief comes from pride and not having actual proof from the human and worldly standpoint.

In order for one to understand who God is, they must first surrender their life in every area which means having the humility to admit that we as humans are not supreme in our being.  It takes relinquishing one’s stance to finally see the glory of God through new eyes.  This means, confessing your pride and your sins before Jesus Christ.  It also means accepting Christ as your savior, which involves living in a submitted fashion before a Holy God.

Secondly, it involves a choice to believe even in the unseen.  Jesus said to the Disciples in the latter part of verse 29, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This means, that a person who chooses to believe and has not even seen the individual or entity in question is blessed.  The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:7 that we are to walk by faith and not by sight.

When you walk by faith, you are leaning unto God and trusting in Him for who He is and what He can do. By believing in God, you are taking yourself out of the equation and allowing God to show you the path to a better life.  There are scriptures that are full of miracles that were received based on one’s obedience and belief in what God could do. Even in our world today, there are miracles that occur as a result of what God has done.

However, it takes true humility to surrender to what we cannot see.  Only those who choose to live in spiritual blindness, will fail to see the wondrous works that God is able to do.  It is the boldness in a person that challenges the doctrine of a world that refuses to acknowledge who God is because of a “lack of physical proof”.  However, if one desires proof they can be pointed to plant life, the ocean, the sun – these are things that man could not and did not create. Even our very lives are a testament to the creator.

The great thing about God is that despite humanity’s insistence in disbelief, He gives us a chance to believe. Jesus Christ was offered as a sacrifice for you and I.  Knowing God through Christ, is the best decision you could ever make. While you are alive, you have an opportunity to believe, but the choice is yours.  Those who have already made that choice, we are secured eternally. You too can have eternal security, by relinquishing your pride and believing. One can only know who God is through an authentic relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.  The best proof is the proof that you will receive when you see that God is indeed as real as others say He is, but you must see it for yourself.

Knowing Your Identity in Christ

15 Friday May 2015

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ID-10043406In the age of technology, media, and the changing social climate, there are many voices that are speaking to us.  If you were to turn on your television, you would find that the media wields a certain amount of influence over how many act and think.  Reality shows portray images of lascivious and sinful behavior which is now embraced by mainstream culture.  Even local and international news networks have become the breeding ground for promoting lifestyles that were once thought to be off-limits or unconscionable. In many respects, the internet has caused a widespread feeding frenzy, based on the content that is produced to all viewers.  As a result, many suffer from having an “identity crisis”.  

This means that many who are subject to what society has promoted, begin to form their minds and lives around what is being given as truth. However, Romans 12:2 says,

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 

The thing about an identity is, it is based on who a person is, because of programming that takes place in the mind.  Your identity is like a fingerprint because it distinguishes who you are. Much of why we see confusion within the younger generations today, is because they don’t know who they are. There are many who are attempting to figure out who they are, because their identity is not in Christ, but rather it is in the lies that satan has fed them. How do you find your identity?

In order to know who you are meant to be, you must consult the creator.  God has given us an opportunity to know Him through Jesus Christ.  He has also given us an identity which is wrapped in who He has created us to be.  Going back to Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul admonishes Christians not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  This can only be done by accepting Christ and allowing God to transform your mind.

Since the mind is a powerful tool, it can be shaped in such a way that one begins to act and live out of what is received. The reason why the Apostle Paul said that we should be transformed by the renewing of our mind, is because he understood that our mind must be programmed in the things of God instead of the things of the world.  In doing so, we will find our identity in Christ.

Even before you and I were born, God has given us an identity in Him. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” What is our identity as it relates to God?  As Genesis 1:27 says, God created man in His own image.  You and I were created in the image of God. However, because of sin which entered into the world through Adam & Eve, the image became shattered.  This meant that an identity crisis occurred, because of the separation that sin caused.

Thus, you now have men and women who are attempting to find out who they are. They do it through changing their appearance, their gender, their actions, which are all an attempt to gain their identity. While humanity is still created to be in God’s image, it is sinfulness that distorts that image which means a distorted or confused identity.  What is your identity in Christ, and how do you find it?

1 Peter 2:9 says “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” The true identity if we were ever to discover it in Christ, is that we are a chosen people.  God created each human to be set apart for His use and to be a royal priesthood as the Apostle Peter says in this scripture. Your identity is forever changed when you accept Jesus Christ as your savior.

This means that you are no longer bound by sin, nor is your identity hinged upon what the world says.  You are secured in knowing who you are through Christ Jesus.  Another translation of 1 Peter 2:9 uses the words, “a peculiar people” which means that in Christ, we are different.  God created you to be in His image, which means that you are meant to be separated from what the world has established.

When the media and those who have embraced the various lies, say that you should follow the crowd by accepting what is promoted, know that you are being given a false identity.  The standard that God has given to every human being is one of holiness, and being called out of darkness into His light.  The identity that we can find in Christ is one that leads to knowing who we are, and what our purpose is.  Only in God’s presence and in a relationship with Him can we find out what we were born to do.

In addition to knowing what our identity is in Christ, we must then realize how we can find that identity.  To find it, you must seek after the creator.  God already knows who you are – but through prayer, worship and reading God’s word, you will come to realize the identity that God has given you through Jesus Christ.

Think of it in the sense of a relationship with a human being.  The more you spend time with a person or group of people, you begin to identify with certain characteristics.  It is the same with God – you will begin to show the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23) which are based on godly characteristics that come from spending time with God.  As a result, the fruit that you bear become the identifiable traits that come from who you are in Christ.

The reverse is also true as it relates to embracing the things of this world. Many who seek after worldly and sinful pleasures bear the fruit of wickedness which results from identifying with what satan has proposed.  The key, however, is to recognize that only God can give you your true identity – the world presents a false identity which leads to confusion.

God desires that every human being know Him through Jesus Christ, but He also desires that we know who we are in Him.  If you are attempting to find out who you are, by trying endless ways to fit into this world’s structure then you will find a lack of peace. Jesus Christ was offered as a sacrifice for you and your sins, which means that He holds the key to your identity.  Without Christ, you will always search for who you are meant to be, but you won’t find it in what this world has to offer.  Giving your life and heart to Jesus is the only way to life, because in Christ you can and will know your identity.

Finding Safety in the Fortress

13 Wednesday May 2015

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ID-10056328In a time of peril and unrest, there are many who are seeking shelter and safety. Every day, there are countless tragedies which are displayed on the morning or evening news. Millions are seeking refuge in various forms as a way to cope and shield themselves from what occurs daily.  While others are panicked, as they attempt to ascertain why our world is as dangerous as it appears to be. The fact is, we are living in a world that isn’t always conducive for our daily living.  One might read these words and feel as if there isn’t any hope.  However, there is hope, and that hope comes in the form of a loving God who sent His son Jesus to die for the sins of the world.

In Psalm 18:2, the song writer David proclaims God’s greatness regarding the security that God and God alone can give. He says, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  David understood what we must understand and that is, that God is the one and only one who can provide safety in a time of chaos.  The key term that David uses is, “fortress”. What is a fortress?

According to Dictionary.com, a fortress is defined as the following:

1. A large fortified place; a fort or group of forts, often including a town;citadel.

2. Any place of exceptional security; stronghold.

The characteristics of a fortress involve that of extreme security which means that it is difficult or near impossible for outside forces to enter.  A fortress especially for military purposes, is a building or complex that contains external and internal defenses.  If an enemy attempts to gain entry or attack a heavily fortified fortress, then the enemy will find themselves denied of access. David uses the term fortress because he is describing the attribute of God which is that of guaranteed protection.  A fortress is synonymous to a stronghold in which those who are in need of protection can run into it, and are hidden from the outside.

That is what God is and can be for you and I.  In the midst of a chaotic world, when violence in addition to unfortunate tragedies persist, you and I have a fortress in God. In Proverbs 18:10, it says, “The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”  This is another declaration of how strong and mighty God is to those who trust in Him.  However, in that verse, there is a key word that should not be missed.  The word that the writer uses is “godly”.  King Solomon who wrote the book of Proverbs, uses the word “godly” to denote the fact that only those who are following God in obedience will benefit from safety.

The distinguishing difference between those who are in Christ and those who are living by their sinful nature is that those who are in sin, do not have a covering.  The word “covering” means that there is a level of protection that is either present or it has been lifted.  Those who are in rebellion against God, are living in an uncovered state.  This means, that whatever occurs will usually happen because they were left open to what our enemy satan has designed.

Have you ever noticed how there are so many celebrities that are seemingly suffering from various addictions (i.e. drugs, sexual) in addition to their lives seeming as if they are out of control?  Much of this is because their lives are uncovered from the protection that God provides. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death, death both in the spiritual and physical sense.

In Isaiah 59:2 it says,

“But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” It is important to note that the prophet Isaiah, was speaking to those in the nation of Judah in this scripture.  Isaiah was tasked with speaking to the people of Judah about their sin and un-repentance. However, in verse 9, Isaiah says that the sins of those in Judah have caused a separation from God.  However, in the latter part of that verse it says that the sins committed have caused God’s face to be hidden in addition to God no longer listening to the words of those who are in need.

The point to be made is that in order for you and I to benefit from God’s safety, we must live Holy lives that are pleasing unto God.  If you desire to be protected from life’s circumstances, then the best place to be found is in a posture of worship and obedience unto God  As a disclaimer, it is important to note that even if you have committed your life to God, you will face challenges.  It is because we are in a sinful world, that no one is immune to difficulty that may happen.  However, the best thing about living for God, is that you have someone who can stand for you when everything around you may be crashing down.

If you have noticed, the intensity of tragic events is increasing worldwide. Even in America, we are seeing various instances of challenges both financially and otherwise that seemingly no one can explain.  As the prophet Isaiah mentioned to the nation of Judah, there are consequences for sinfulness.  Any nation that decides to balk against God’s decrees will face hardship and eventually destruction.  The reason is because God removes His covering when humanity is in an un-reprentant state.  Many Americans and even those living in other countries are experiencing hardship in part because of the corruption and sinfulness that resides within their land.

However, the good news is that you and I can find safety in the one and true God who is Jehova.  Attempting to find safety in the world will only lead to more insecurity, and dashed hopes.  Your politicians, your bank account, nor can any other material possession offer you the safety that God offers through Jesus Christ.  God is a fortress in a time of despair, and anyone who trusts in Him by accepting Jesus Christ through the confession of their sins, shall be saved.

God offers the safety that all of humanity is seeking.  You can reside within the impenetrable fortress that God Himself is.  Even if you find yourself in hardship, the fact that you will have a loving and capable God on your side is enough to protect you from utter destruction.  God wants to give you what the world cannot.  Only in Christ will you find complete satisfaction and a life that is shielded from the evil schemes that satan presents. You will find that you will be in a strengthened and fortified position, by relying on the only fortress that cannot be broken, and that is the Lord God.

Stand Firm In The Faith

12 Tuesday May 2015

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Over the last few years, there have been various reports of many Americans and even those worldwide who have left the faith.  A recent report from CNN.com gives actual statistics of those who are “Millennials” who are no longer participating in church activities, nor associating with Christianity.  According to the article which was published today, the percentage of those identifying with Christianity has and continues to drop significantly:

“Released Tuesday, the survey of 35,000 American adults shows the Christian percentage of the population dropping precipitously, to 70.6%. In 2007, the last time Pew conducted a similar survey, 78.4% of American adults called themselves Christian.”

“People who profess no faith affiliation — often called “nones,” as in “none of the above” — now form nearly 23% percent of the country’s adult population, according to the Pew study. That puts the unaffiliated nearly on par with evangelicals (25.4%) and ahead of Catholics (about 21%) and mainline Protestants (14.7%).”

What is even more alarming is that there is a growing trend of those both claiming Christianity, and even those who are not affiliated, that have shown support for “same-sex marriage”.  Recent polls conducted nationwide have shown that many churches are now accepting same-sex weddings, leaving those who do not support it in the minority.  It is quite easy for those who are truly following God in obedience to become discouraged.  Truthfully, in these times it seems that the majority are now living in sin and promoting a Godless society for current and future generations.  While those who are following Christ, seem to be outnumbered. However, the Bible gives each Christian clear instructions on how to live, but also encouragement during difficult times.

In 1 Corinthians 16:13, the Apostle Paul gives a word of encouragement to his fellow brothers in Christ. He says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” Paul’s message to us is also to stand firm in the faith and to be courageous. At the time of Paul’s life, he and other Christians faced perilous situations.  Some were crucified, beheaded, beaten, and utterly expelled from the societies they once lived in. Persecution against Christians has and continues to occur even in our present time. However, the Apostle Paul gives Christians encouragement to stand firm in the faith. What does that mean?

To stand firm is to hold a stance that is unwavering.  It is to be fixed in a position that requires a concerted effort to displace or move one from where they stand.  Even in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Paul writes to fellow Christians, when he says, “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” The Apostle Paul was an individual who not only challenged Christians and non-Christians about sinful behavior, but he was known for encouraging those in Christ.

What we as Christians need to understand is that despite the perilous times and the many who have chosen to reject God, we must stand firm in the faith. To stand firm in the faith, means that we are to hold fast or steady as it concerns the things of God.  In the scripture of 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Paul is giving Christians admonishment not to forget or forsake the things taught to them.  What we are seeing in today’s world, is a rapid abandonment of Godly values.

Those who were perhaps raised in the church, have chosen not to embrace God for themselves.  Instead, many who are in this current generation (Millennials) have essentially dismissed the idea of Christianity or God.  As a result, there has and continues to be a decline in both morality and Godly values.  However, God is still desirous of a generation that will stand up for Him and His words.

Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world, which means that the invitation to receive salvation stands to this day.  While it is quite clear that many have chosen to walk away from God and abandon the precepts that God has put into place, there are still those who God has chosen to be set apart.  The main encouragement we should bear in mind is that we are fighting in a spiritual battle.

In Ephesians 6: 10-18, the Apostle Paul gives an illustration of what fighting in this spiritual battle consists of.  Paul uses the imagery of a Roman solider because, during his time, it was the norm to see soldiers that wore the battle gear as Paul describes.  In that scripture, the Apostle Paul mentions “The Full Armor of God“.  What is the Full Armor of God?  It can be summed up in 6 parts:

1. The belt of truth
2. The breastplate of righteousness
3. The shoes fitted with the gospel of peace
4. The shield of faith
5. The helmet of Salvation
6. The sword of the Spirit (word of God)

While these are metaphorical in their context, each part is used to describe the spiritual application.  The point that Paul is making concerning the Full Armor of God is that we must stand firm in what we believe, and we must do battle in the Spirit.  This means, that we must fight the good fight of faith, in a spiritual sense.  We who are in Christ are called to be separate from the world, and to hold our ground.  Although society continues to evolve, Christians should not change or compromise the truth of God for satan’s lies.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, that Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but His words will not pass away.  The things of this Earth, and the changing patterns of our world are all temporal, but God’s Word will always be true.  Even if various laws are passed to encourage sinful behavior, and many turn away, only the truth of God will remain. Those who indulge and promote sinfulness will at some point pay a heavy price.  However, Jesus Christ died so that we wouldn’t have to pay that price.

Those who are in Christ must take a stand just as those who came before us did.  Jesus Christ bled on the cross for you and I, which means that if we participate in what the world deems to be good, then the cross of Christ becomes meaningless. Even those who are without Christ, you don’t have to perish because of your sin.  You can be redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

All of humanity has an opportunity to receive salvation and redemption – but it is a conscious decision to forsake the things of the world to embrace Christ.  The world is continuing to decay, and perilous times will increase as we live in the last days. The many tragedies that we see daily, will continue to grow worse because of the rampant sinfulness that has stretched worldwide. However, for those of us who are in Christ, we must stand until the very end. The reward for standing firm, is eternal life, God being pleased with you, and the message of Jesus Christ being spread through you in what you say and how you live.