Faith

Faith is key to being a Christian. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that comes to God must believe that he is and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Many in Bible times had great faith and also had many trials; such as 1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. Peter explains that these griefs and trials have a purpose. Verse seven of 1 Peter 1:7 says, That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, thou it be tried with fire.

History of faith in the Bible

The men and women of Hebrews 11:1-40 suffered greatly on occasion. But the reason they are listed there is because of their faith was greater than their trial.

For Noah, it was labor of building the great ark when no one else believed or cared.

Then for Abraham, it was offering Isaac, the son he loved, on the altar of sacrifice.

For Moses, it was choosing to giving up the pleasures of life to suffer with God’s people.

Finally for Rahab, it was choosing to believe in God rather than the lifeless idols she had grown up with.

There were others whose faith cost them their lives, being stoned, sawn in two and killed with the sword. In every case, it was their faith that enabled them to persevere.

Faith Today

For God’s faithful today, the joy of being a Christian cannot be dampened by the trials and tribulations in this life. Christianity has the hope and the promises of God for eternal joy.

Let us not let the trials and troubles drag us down, but look with faith unto Him that has promised to us eternal life, if we remain faithful.

See Also: Saved-Becoming a Christian | Number One Priority | No Substitute for God

In Christian Love,
Bill Arnold, Minister
Ridgeway Church of Christ
Harrison Arkansas

YOU MUST DO THESE THINGS to Become a Christian

Becoming a Christian, Saved, Born Again, In Christ, or becoming a new creature all talk about salvation.

1) You must believe and confess that Jesus is the son of God. John 8:24 Jesus said you must believe that He is the Christ the Son of the living God. Matthew 10:32-33, Acts 8:36-37 further tells us to confess that Jesus is God’s son.

2) Luke 13:3 Jesus said you must repent of your sins.

3) Mark 16:16 Jesus said you must be baptized.

4) Live faithfully unto death. 1 John 1:2

As a new creature, a Christian, we will live faithfully unto death and then arise to live forever with God. This is the God who loves you, who wants you to be his child. You can become the child of a King!

Won’t you heed His word?