Sunday, October 12, 2014
THE REWARD OF STEDFAST FAITH
"For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ." Colossians 1:5
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C. S. Lewis once defined Faith as "Holding on to God in spite of changing moods." We might add "Faith is holding on to God in spite of changing moods, changing times, and changing circumstances."
Humans are emotional beings. Sometimes we feel elated. Sometimes we feel deflated. But Christians hold on to God and His Word with an unshakable confidence. "We know who we have believed, and are persuaded that He is able to keep that which [we] have committed unto Him.." (2 Timothy 1:12). Whether the news is good or bad, whether the we are up or down, we simply refuse to weaken our grip. HOLD ON! That's steadfast faith.
The Apostle Paul warned that in the last days "perilous times would come." He told the Christians in Thessalonica to expect "a great falling away" in the days before Christ returns.
Jesus himself said, "when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8.
In a generation that refuses God's will, mocks God's law, and laughs at God's judgment--nations are demoralized, churches are dispirited, and many believers have been dissuaded. YET WE HOLD ON TO GOD! That's steadfast faith!
Our faith is not dependent upon happenings, we trust in God no matter what our circumstances. The Apostle Paul learned to trust in God on the mountain of plenty or in the valley of need. He testified, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, bot to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthenth me." (Philippians 4:12,13). WE HOLD ON TO GOD! That's steadfast faith.
The rewards of steadfast faith are eternal, but there are many blessings God showers upon down upon His faithful here and now.
STEADFAST FAITH brings peace.
STEADFAST FAITH brings joy.
STEADFAST FAITH brings fulfilment.
STEADFAST FAITH brings us to the gates of glory.
And in whom does our steadfast faith rest? SIMPLY JESUS.
Humans are emotional beings. Sometimes we feel elated. Sometimes we feel deflated. But Christians hold on to God and His Word with an unshakable confidence. "We know who we have believed, and are persuaded that He is able to keep that which [we] have committed unto Him.." (2 Timothy 1:12). Whether the news is good or bad, whether the we are up or down, we simply refuse to weaken our grip. HOLD ON! That's steadfast faith.
The Apostle Paul warned that in the last days "perilous times would come." He told the Christians in Thessalonica to expect "a great falling away" in the days before Christ returns.
Jesus himself said, "when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8.
In a generation that refuses God's will, mocks God's law, and laughs at God's judgment--nations are demoralized, churches are dispirited, and many believers have been dissuaded. YET WE HOLD ON TO GOD! That's steadfast faith!
Our faith is not dependent upon happenings, we trust in God no matter what our circumstances. The Apostle Paul learned to trust in God on the mountain of plenty or in the valley of need. He testified, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, bot to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthenth me." (Philippians 4:12,13). WE HOLD ON TO GOD! That's steadfast faith.
The rewards of steadfast faith are eternal, but there are many blessings God showers upon down upon His faithful here and now.
STEADFAST FAITH brings peace.
STEADFAST FAITH brings joy.
STEADFAST FAITH brings fulfilment.
STEADFAST FAITH brings us to the gates of glory.
And in whom does our steadfast faith rest? SIMPLY JESUS.
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