Christian Living

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The key word in the Christian’s vocabulary, outside of the names of the Triune God, is FAITH. One cannot approach spiritual reality without exercising Faith. One cannot even believe in God, let alone the Scriptures, without Faith. Faith is the foundation on which our beliefs are structured. Faith is the stepping stone to the supernatural. Faith is the antidote to human reasoning. Faith visualizes the impossible. Faith transcends the earthly as it brings us into the presence of God.

Everyone is given a measure of Faith. (Romans 12:3) This degree of Faith brings God into our consciousness. When we believe that God IS, we will begin to cultivate that measure into actions that display a whole new understanding of the spiritual world; we will then see how God interrelates with the natural world. We begin to look at things in a different way. Measured Faith begins the journey of the Believer. This foundational Faith is built upon knowing that God exists and that the Scriptures are His Words inspired by human instrumentality. Scriptural understanding expands our faith; we begin to put our faith into action. Our words display our Faith. From this foundational Faith, we have a responsibility to expand it from belief into work.
The Disciples heard the words of Jesus, but lacked the Faith to understand their responsibilities. Jesus even addressed their lack of Faith on a number of occasions. During the storm on the Sea of Galilee, He asked them where their faith was when they were afraid. (Luke 8:25) Another time, He told them that if they only had Faith as small as a grain of mustard seed, they could cast a mountain into the sea with their words. (Luke 17:6) Peter realized they were lacking in understanding and requested that Jesus would increase their faith. (Luke 17:5) They all had a measure of faith, but that brought them only to believing who Jesus really was. I wonder how many today have just the measure of Faith. They believe in the Triune God and the written Word, but beyond that, their Christian lives are fleshly monuments instead of movements.

Once we receive our measure of Faith, we are called upon to grow that Faith into an action that will exhibit the Kingdom of God. Hearing the Word of God will help the foundational Faith to increase. One can readily see the importance of reading the Word and hearing the Word presented. (Romans 10:17) Once our Faith continues to grow, we find ourselves encompassed with a great cloud of witnesses rooting us on our journey. Just think of those in the Hall of Faith watching our growth. (Hebrews 12:1) The Scripture says that without Faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) This is not measured faith, but the living, growing faith.

Paul, speaking to those of advance spiritual standing, visualized Faith as a Shield that would be used to fend off the enemy’s attacks. No matter how many fiery darts the enemy throws, the Shield of Faith deflects their intentions. (Ephesians 6:16) What kind of faith do we have? A good way to answer this is by seeing how we respond to different situations. If we are prone to roller coaster experiences, we will realize we are only in measured faith. Growing Faith may experience some difficult situations, but through them all we learn to trust Him more.

Have we moved from foundational faith (measured Faith) to a growing and living Faith? If not, what are we waiting for?

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