Faith

Published 9:26 pm Thursday, December 14, 2023

The author of Hebrews says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). C. S. Lewis suggested that we have to train the habit of faith. He said, “That is why daily prayers and religious readings and church-going are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually reminded of what we believe.” Lewis added, “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”

Hebrews 11:6 warns, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Faith in Christ, I preach, is the absolute only way to Heaven. True faith in Christ is not just intellectual acceptance of Him. It is putting your whole trust in Him and your whole dependence on Him. Real Christians have given Him their very lives, and they live for Him.

A little girl once defined faith as, “Believing what you know ain’t so.” I am afraid that describes a lot of so-called Christians. There are many deacons and even preachers who only believe in Christ superficially. They have never given their heart to the Lord. These all need to repent and call on Christ for salvation. Then they could become effective.

Speaking of church-going, the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Paul also says, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:13-14).

We all have known people who have quit going to church. This is regrettable and inexcusable for all who are physically able to attend church. This is because God tells us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). God is telling us to attend church whenever we are able. So if a “Christian” does not, he is either not a true Christian, or he is a rebellious one.

1 John 2:19 says, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” Friends, be safe and nurture your faith in Christ. Attend church. Worship the Lord. and by all means, repent and call on the name of the Lord. Christ will save you. Do it now, while you have the opportunity. After you die, your opportunity is forever gone. and sadly, you have absolutely no idea when that will be. God bless and save you all. Amen and Amen.