As part of our celebration of the Advent season, we're exploring the four themes of Advent: Hope, Faith, Joy and Peace. Last Monday we looked at Hope. Today we'll see what the Bible has to say about Faith.
Faith
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has been referred to as "The Faith Hall of Fame." Here the writer of Hebrews provides a list of men and women who expressed extraordinary faith in God.
The word "faith" occurs 24 times in this chapter and the expression "by faith" shows up 19 times. Why is faith so important to the Christian? Because without it we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). It is not by our good deeds that we please the Lord. It is by our conviction that God exists, that He will keep His promises and we will receive all we hope for: Christ's imminent return, the resurrection from the dead and eternal life with Him. Regarding Hebrews 11, Pastor Steven Cole writes, "Here is a text that defines true faith, for that is what all men need – faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. And our text also describes how faith works in the difficult times of men’s lives. May God imbed this text in our minds and enable us to live it out in our lives, to His glory and to our eternal good."
How do we come to faith? The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 10:17, "Faith comes through hearing and hearing through the word of God." God calls us and speaks to us through the Bible. It is His love letter to those who seek Him and desire to have a personal and meaningful relationship with Him. He is not a distant God who cannot be reached. It is our sin that separates us from Him. However, God has provided a way to breech that separation through faith in Christ and His redemptive work on the cross. Just as God raised Him from the dead, so God raises us from the death of our sinful life when we put our trust in Christ and gives us new life in Him. It's amazing! Yet it is faith in Jesus Christ that saves us and gives us the abundant life that He promised (John 10:10). It is by grace through faith that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9).
I must tell you that Christmas means so much more when we know Jesus Christ personally. This is not religion! No, it is a relationship. A relationship that is never ending. And it is real. There is so much more I could write about this. I pray that if you do not yet have this relationship with Jesus that you will open your heart to Him now and let Him enter in. It is life changing.
Today's music video Have Faith in God by the Maranatha Praise Band is a gentle, sweet song that encourages us to keep our faith in God and never let go of it. Don't we all need that kind of faith in these trying times?
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
My faith is renewed during Christmas season every year. I guess I feel the loving Caroles we sing help to encourage me. Religion is just a work, but faith is an act.
ReplyDelete"Religion is just a work, but faith is an act." I love this, Lynn. You're spot on! God bless you.
Delete"He is not a distant God who cannot be reached."
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Amen, dear Sandi! xo
DeleteBeautifully written Nancy! So thankful for the gift of faith that the Lord has given us. I pray for greater faith in the Lord! Loved the song you shared :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marilyn. I'm glad you liked the song. Isn't it amazing how God really does give us ALL things? Even our faith is a gift from Him, as you said. Be well, my friend. Hope you're enjoying this beautiful season.
DeleteBeautiful post and beautiful song to go along as I read. Hope your new week is starting out wonderful. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kris. Hope you and Terry are well. xo
DeleteI do love Advent season and focusing on the faith we have in Jesus as Messiah--fulfilling all the prophecies of the Old Testament. Like Abraham...
ReplyDeleteJesus' fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies -- every single on of them -- is so important to know and understand. This should be a faith builder for every Christian, and a motivation for unbelievers to seek Him. Warm hugs.
DeleteYes, Christmas is so much more when you know the baby!
ReplyDeleteYes! We surely do need our faith in these trying times. I have never seen anything like it. May the Lord continually bless you during this Advent season, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheryl. Enjoy Him as we celebrate His birth. xo
DeleteBeautiful post...and a beautiful song. It helps me to remember to continue the faith I have which tends to wane at times. Marilyn
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, I think we all struggle with "waning faith" from time to time. One more reason to keep His word in our hearts. Love to you!
DeleteIt's always good to stop in here to read your posts of encouragement, Nancy. I also enjoyed the cloche scene you created.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellen. I always appreciate your visits. xo
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