The Christian Faith
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1-3 (NIV)
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we gather to explore one of the most profound and foundational aspects of our walk with God: The Christian Faith. Faith is not merely a word we use to describe our belief system; it is the very essence of our relationship with God. It is the heartbeat of our spiritual life, the lens through which we view the world, and the anchor that holds us steady in the storm.
What is Faith?
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith goes beyond intellectual agreement or emotional comfort; it is a deep-seated conviction that transforms our lives. It is confidence and assurance, not in ourselves, but in the living God.
Faith compels us to look beyond the physical, the tangible, and the immediately visible, and to trust in God’s promises. It assures us that what we do not see is more real and more powerful than what we do see. This faith is what the ancients were commended for, as they stood firm in their belief despite not seeing the fulfillment of all God’s promises in their lifetime.
The Object of Our Faith
The Christian faith is not a nebulous or abstract concept; it is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The foundation of our faith rests on the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Through Him, we are reconciled to God, and through Him, we receive the Holy Spirit who empowers and sustains our faith.
When we place our faith in Christ, we are not merely adhering to a set of doctrines or following a moral code; we are entrusting our very lives to Him. We believe that through His sacrifice, we are forgiven, through His resurrection, we have eternal life, and through His Holy Spirit, we are guided and transformed.
Living by Faith
Faith is not just a one-time decision; it is a way of life. It influences our thoughts, our actions, and our relationships. Living by faith means:
- Trusting in God’s Promises: When God calls us to step out in faith, we can trust that He will provide what we need. Just as Abraham trusted God to lead him to a new land, we too must trust God’s direction in our lives, even when the path is uncertain.
- Obeying God’s Word: Faith and obedience go hand in hand. When we truly believe in God’s Word, we will strive to live according to His commands. Our faith is evidenced by our actions. As James 2:26 says, “Faith without deeds is dead.”
- Persevering in Hope: Faith gives us the strength to endure trials and tribulations. It is the assurance that God is with us in every situation, working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). We can face challenges with the hope that comes from knowing that our future is secure in Christ.
- Loving Others: Our faith should reflect the love of Christ. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, to show compassion, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world. True faith is active and visible in the way we love and serve others.
The Reward of Faith
Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” The reward of faith is not just in the blessings we receive in this life, but in the eternal life that awaits us.
Through faith, we are given the most precious gift of all: a relationship with God. We receive His grace, His guidance, and His peace. And while we may not always see the full picture, we can rest assured that God is faithful and His promises are true.
Conclusion
Dear friends, let us hold firmly to our faith, knowing that it is the foundation of our lives. Let us trust in God’s promises, obey His Word, persevere in hope, and love others as Christ has loved us. Let our faith be more than words; let it be the driving force that shapes every aspect of our lives.
May we be inspired by the examples of those who have gone before us, and may our faith be a testament to the living God who calls us, sustains us, and leads us into His eternal glory.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of faith. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and help us to live by it every day. May we trust in Your promises, obey Your Word, persevere in hope, and love others with the love of Christ. Guide us and sustain us, so that our lives may bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings to you all.
