This Thing Called Faith

We now live in a society wherein every one of every creed is declaring they have faith. The problem is that it becomes increasingly difficult to determine wherein the faith of these lies. Some seem to have faith in their jobs. Others have faith in their own abilities while even more have faith in false gods. The idea of faith seems to have ends only in the minds of those declaring they have faith.

Scripture is not so vague when it comes to faith. Jesus is found admonishing Peter in Mark 11:22 with the simple words, “Have faith in God.” This faith that Jesus spoke of was not a mere knowledge that God is able to perform as He said. It is the confidence that God will do just what He says. Having faith in God is o have so much trust in God that there is no consideration of Him going against His Word. The idea of God not performing what was said does not come to mind. Having faith in God is knowing that there is no way that God’s Word will return void. God said it. End of discussion.

Hebrews 10:38 declares, “Now the just shall live by faith.” This text appears to make a division in different people. It specifies the “just” are the ones to live by faith. This brings about the question as to who the just are. Now, the just are those who are righteous. It is those who are in right standing with God. The just are those who seek to please God with their lives. This means that those that love and honor God with their lives are required to have a lifestyle of faith.

The idea of a required lifestyle is noted with the word “shall.” This word “shall” seems to mandate that those who are upright and living a life pleasing to God have a duty to live by faith. It is not optional. There is no suggestion. This thing called faith is not a choice of apathy. Rather, this thing called faith is an absolute must and required of those that are just. It is not apathetic; it is active. Therefore, the mandate for the just to have lifestyles of faith is not shown to be hidden in a closet. It is one that is presented in day-to-day activities.

James 2:17 expounds on the activity of faith. The text reads, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” This means that confidence in God requires action on the part of the just. One cannot have faith and do nothing to show that faith. Faith requires action. This thing called faith means that one acts on God’s Word. If there is no action the matter of faith becomes questionable. Therefore, the just are not merely encouraged, the just are mandated to get up and show some signs of faith. Holding God respectfully to His Word is active faith. This thing called faith is mandated for the just and the just must walk in faith.

Lifting My Voice

There are a number of heinous things taking place in the United States these days. There are continued attacks on Christianity. Masculinity has been attacked. Families continue to be torn apart and yet there seems to be no one crying out for the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the United States Constitution. Well, I am lifting my voice. I am sick and tired of the few elitists who know more than God does. It is time we took a stand not only for the rights as guaranteed by the Constitution but also, and more importantly, the Word of God.

The most egregious affront to freedom is the condoning of the murder of unborn children. Abortion has taken center stage and the road is being filled with people that have a disdain for life. Yes, I am certain this expose will be rebuffed, yet that is not a matter of concern. My concern is for those children that would survive outside the womb but a selfish mother, father, and doctor (or whoever else in some cases) deem that is it not prudent to allow the child to live. Well, this very notion is an affront to the Word of God. It is time someone stood against the likes of New York Governor Cuomo who recently signed such an offense into law. Now, at least one delegate in Virginia seeks to follow suit. Well, I am lifting my voice against even the idea of needless and senseless abortions and infanticide.

Exodus 20:13 uses the simple words, “Thou shall not kill.” This is to say that God strictly condemns the taking of innocent life. There is no more innocent life than an embryo or fetus. The newborn child is also guiltless in that neither the unborn or newborn have had the opportunity to commit any sin or wrong. Yet, there are those that have determined that it is a woman’s right to take the life of the most innocent in our society, What about the rights of the embryo? What about the rights of the fetus? What about the rights of the newborn? God knew them before they were formed in the womb and still, some see them as being insignificant and not worthy of life. Well, I am sick of it. I have had enough. I am lifting my voice against the ruthless murder of those who have no ability to defend themselves.

Do not misunderstand my anger. I realize there are rare circumstances wherein the mother’s life could be in danger because of problems within the pregnancy itself. I am no medical doctor, so I don’t speak on that end. I speak on the end that God is the giver of life and that if He determines it is wrong to kill the innocent then we ought not to kill the innocent. Those who choose to participate and encourage this activity will one day have to stand before God and answer as to why they found reason to kill innocent people. Roe vs Wade was an atrocity. What is going on now is an infringement on the right to life as well as a total disregard for the Word of God. I lift my voice and urge all to return to the Word of God so as to make such infractions of the Word void.