So, if you had to define “faith”, how would you do so? I mean, we often hear of the terms “faith-based programs”. And what does that even mean? Most people in some type of dire position in life at least have a minuscule measure of faith that their situation will improve. So, is that how we should measure it, and then connect people to such programs like a faith cable and all of a sudden a surge of hope will just enter their life and the situation is all fixed?
I immediately apologize for sounding off as arrogant and cynical, but you who are in the nonprofit industry have probably at times had similar thoughts because we use these sort of generalized terms to soften the blow, lessen the tension, and make ourselves feel a bit more comforted.
Again, when I am out on the streets visiting those living next to the Oak tree, I never undermine the situations so many are facing in our community for it’s tragic, but to those working in the social sectors can probably attest we utilize such terms to show a sign of trustworthiness to go alongside character. Which is fine. But maybe, that’s what we should actually call it.
But to those in the Church (the Body of Christ), to you and I, how do we define what faith is. A heavenly word (Eph. 1:3) somehow we’ve brought down to being earthly and reduced its power into somewhat carrying an admission card on to a better life.
In measure, since we didn’t faith ourselves into salvation, undoubtedly it was through information (John 14:6) for which we received faith – through the channel of grace. Because the question that always comes to mind when helping others as to whether faith is inherent or is it a gift placed before us?
Quickly, we would give a Scriptural definition out of Hebrews 11:1 and be pretty accurate. But does that alone get us through our difficulty? What I mean to ask is if faith gets us in the door, what keeps us in, and keeps us going onward?
How we tend to answer that question about the origin of our faith will open many more theological questions which are outside the scope of this short blog for thought.
Now if (as the ‘title’ to this blog reads), the beginning of our faith governs the end then you and I should focus on He Who is at that end of our faith, and does this then mean that our faith has a journey along with a destination?
The God of Glory appeared unto Abram (Acts 7:2), Stephen would declare before being stoned to death is a great illustration of my argument. Stephen, chosen as 1 of the 7 who were full of the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3) did he know what hung in the balance of his decision to follow Christ?
How about yourself, or someone you know who is also in dire straits? Do or did they know when receiving the faith to follow, what lie ahead?
Abram didn’t, although he received the promises. (Gen. 12:2,3) He followed whole-heartedly. Sure he made mistakes along the way, as do you and I but he didn’t waver at what would lie ahead for him to achieve. Yet, he died having not received the promise. Can the same be said for Stephen? Can the same be said for us?
The soul who receives by faith the risen Christ, should he turn back, the scripture says is not fit for the Kingdom. Not losing his or her faith or salvation, just not fit.
So let’s go back up and finish the thought because the one who is in dire need may be a faith follower and didn’t know what situation was ahead for himself, or herself; but they didn’t lose their faith. And so now we now why just hooking someone up to a faith-based sign for an electrical surge is not a fix – it’s fellowship. What made the Church strong (or able to get through) in 1st century was the Greek term for “common” (koinonia) they were a unified church (Acts 2:42-44) that was in the wilderness of this world looking and searching for what God had promised in Christ. And while we may never see many things come to fruition, we also believe. This same belief that acquired the faith to just follow.
Someone who does not have faith, will not get connected to faith because they’re in a faith-based or even Christ- centered program. These are just silly compilations of us just playing church. Should you dare peruse through the remainder of that chapter in Hebrews you will see examples of those sawn in half for their faith, etc. all having died and not receiving the promises – and yet we in the Church age would come on scene for their completion. Me and you when walking by faith (all the way through our difficulty) are fulfilling what they set out for, and those who come after us will do the same in order to bring us to consummation.
So please don’t lose heart, and when seeing a brother or sister in need, help where you can and afford the common faith to build them up with encouragement, and/ or edification. Because this is the walk for which Hebrews 11:2 defines it as. Have the best day ever!
