Weekly Tip #13
An Issue Of Faith
The apostle Paul in the book of Galatians mentions the word “faith” 22 times in 19 verses in the ESV. The emphasis of faith is from the greek word “pistis” with a focus on belief in, and trust in God/Jesus for salvation. Strongs/Vines dictionary defines faith as:
Primarily, “firm persuasion,” a conviction based upon hearing, is used in the NT always of “faith in God or Christ, or things spiritual.” Also, the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things and the provider and giver of eternal salvation through Christ. A strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God.
Check out the Blue Letter Bible for the word “faith” in Galatians: Faith in Galatians
Galatians 2:16 and 3:11 says,
“…yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ… Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
There are many things we can place our faith in. The big question is are we placing our faith in the right things? We are saved by faith in what Christ has done for us. It is not based on works, the law, or any man-made invented set of efforts.
Someone might say, “if you follow this formula you will be…”, “if you live your life this way, then you will find…”, “if you volunteer and give us…”. Anything that takes your focus off Christ we need to be careful with because He wants our focus to be only on Him for salvation, peace, joy, and significance.
Jesus did it all on the cross for us. Our trust needs to be fully in Him for our salvation. Our lives are to be lived under the power of the Holy Spirit, which He left us after He went back to Heaven. Faith is not a feeling but a firm belief in a Savior who is always there for us. We do work hard for Him because of our love for Him and what He has done for us.
Paul makes a powerful statement in Romans 10:9-10 about Salvation and faith:
…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
How about you? Have you placed your full trust in Christ? Do you know of anyone who needs to hear about Christ or is sidetracked in some other belief system? Make your move and tell them about Jesus. Being a witness for Christ is not just done during a school calendar but at all times.
The Cojourner
For some of you in which your spring term is quickly coming to an end, take a look back at the last 3-4 weekly tips so that you will be prepared for your summer and fall term. Also, there may be a couple of spots left for Summer Projects. Finally, Cru staff member Keith Davy wrote an excellent piece on how we can become a Cojourner (the roles we play in relating to others) to help them come into a relationship with Christ. This will be an encouragement to you as you consider how to be effective in telling others the gospel message both at your school or home location, as well as through your summer months.
Talk to you next week,
Ben
Cru Ministry, Orlando
For archives of past weekly tips go to: http://www.benrivera.org/