Faith is more than an abstract concept. It is a faculty of the spirit, greater than intellect or emotion. We may not understand what we are going through and our feelings may not be enjoying an experience. Faith rides out the storms of life and brings us safely to God's rest.
Hebrews 11:1 is the common definition of faith. The KJV and NKJV use the word "substance". Other versions translate the same word "assurance". According to Watchman Nee, the word "substance" is better translated "substantiate". He describes faith as spiritual eyesight. I believe this to be correct.
We need physical eyes to "substantiate" colours, for example. If I tell you that something is red, most of you will know what I mean. A person born blind would have no idea what I'm talking about. Unbelievers have no faith, so the things of God mean nothing to them.
This is why preaching the gospel is so important. God has ordained that faith comes by hearing His word. Unless the gospel is preached, there is no faith and no salvation.
It is not our job to save people. Signs and wonders will get people's attention, but they will not save. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the hearer of sin. It is the the word preached that has the power to save. the parable of the sower has little to say about the sower. It is all about the seed and the response of those who to whom the message is directed.
We should be encouraged by these truths. You may not be the most eloquent, best educated or most learned biblical scholar. You may not be the most confident speaker. God can use you anyway. Don't be afraid. And don't hold yourself responsible if someone rejects you. Most people rejected Jesus.
Recently, we had a garage sale. One of my neighbours came over. We get on fine. After a bit of a chat, he told me that he wanted to behave better because he feared going to hell. He knows I'm a Christian, but I've not given him the gospel before. The door was open now. I told him that his good behaviour was not going to save him and we went from there. At least some of what I said got through. His eyes were a little misty as he saw that Jesus loved him enough to die for him. Time will tell if it was more than an emotional response. My job is to sow the seed. I have followed up. The evidence will be seen one way or another before too long.
God can create opportunities for you too.
Hebrews 11:1 is the common definition of faith. The KJV and NKJV use the word "substance". Other versions translate the same word "assurance". According to Watchman Nee, the word "substance" is better translated "substantiate". He describes faith as spiritual eyesight. I believe this to be correct.
We need physical eyes to "substantiate" colours, for example. If I tell you that something is red, most of you will know what I mean. A person born blind would have no idea what I'm talking about. Unbelievers have no faith, so the things of God mean nothing to them.
This is why preaching the gospel is so important. God has ordained that faith comes by hearing His word. Unless the gospel is preached, there is no faith and no salvation.
It is not our job to save people. Signs and wonders will get people's attention, but they will not save. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the hearer of sin. It is the the word preached that has the power to save. the parable of the sower has little to say about the sower. It is all about the seed and the response of those who to whom the message is directed.
We should be encouraged by these truths. You may not be the most eloquent, best educated or most learned biblical scholar. You may not be the most confident speaker. God can use you anyway. Don't be afraid. And don't hold yourself responsible if someone rejects you. Most people rejected Jesus.
Recently, we had a garage sale. One of my neighbours came over. We get on fine. After a bit of a chat, he told me that he wanted to behave better because he feared going to hell. He knows I'm a Christian, but I've not given him the gospel before. The door was open now. I told him that his good behaviour was not going to save him and we went from there. At least some of what I said got through. His eyes were a little misty as he saw that Jesus loved him enough to die for him. Time will tell if it was more than an emotional response. My job is to sow the seed. I have followed up. The evidence will be seen one way or another before too long.
God can create opportunities for you too.
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