Monday, September 23, 2024

September 23rd - Faith That Pleases God

“…Now apart from faith it is impossible to be well pleasing (to God).” (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith in what?

The writer of Hebrews had just defined faith…

“Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed.” (Hebrews 11:1)

In order for us to "expect" something, promises must have been made, in this case promises from God. Biblical faith is not some blind leap into the dark, it is believing the promises of God. For example, God has promised to resurrect the dead. By faith we assume and expect it to happen even though we have never observed anyone dying and coming back to life. 

"Yet now Christ has been roused from among the dead, the Firstfruit of those who are reposing. For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead. For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be made alive...we all shall be changed, in an instant, in the twinkle of an eye, at the last trump. For He will be trumpeting, and the dead will be roused incorruptible and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal put on immortality. Now, whenever this corruptible should be putting on incorruption and this mortal should be putting on immortality, then shall come to pass the word which is written, Swallowed up was Death by Victory." (1 Corinthians 15:20-54)

Failure to have faith does not prevent the promises from happening nor does it cause the promises to happen. They happen because God made the promises. Again, having faith does not make the promises happen but it is "pleasing" to God when we believe the promises.

Some say there is no God and when we die that is it. That is their faith. They have no hope beyond this world. Nevertheless, if the Bible is true they will be resurrected regardless of what they believe. 

As for me, I have chosen to believe as Paul did...

"...that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man." (Acts 24:14-16)

Choosing to have faith in the promises of God gives me peace and hope for this chaotic world. I agree with Paul when he said…

“If in this life only we have hope…we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)


December 23rd - Merry Christmas Israel!

"For a Boy, He is born to us; a Son, He is given to us, and the Chieftainship shall come to be on His shoulder, and one shall call His ...