Simple Questions about Faith

By Dan Richardson

The importance of "faith" needs no further clarification than that stated in Hebrews 11:6: "and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him." We set forth these simple questions on the subject with Bible answers.

WHAT IS FAITH?

Faith basically means "complete trust or confidence" (Oxford University Press Dictionary). Or, per the scripture reference above, it includes believing in the existence of God AND trusting Him as the benevolent Rewarder for those who SEEK Him. It would seem, from the way some speak of faith, that they define it only as affirming the truth of God's existence and/or Jesus' deity, but leave no room to "seek" God by a trusting obedience to His word. The elements of genuine, saving faith are illustrated by this statement of the apostle Paul: "I believe God that it shall be even as it hath been spoken unto me" (Acts 27:25). God spoke to Paul, a passenger on a ship in destination to Rome , revealing how all lives of its passengers would be saved, though a shipwreck would occur. Obviously, it encompassed more than mere belief in God's existence. It meant trusting in God to do all He revealed to Paul, as seen from the warning Paul stated to the Centurion regarding the consequences for all if some of the sailors were allowed to "jump ship" (Acts 27:31). In like manner, saving faith in Christ, contrary to they who define it as "faith only" (without obedience), is Biblically portrayed as implicit trust in Jesus shown in an obedient life (Hebrews 5:8-9; Acts 5:32; 1 Peter 1:22).

HOW DOES FAITH COME?

While there are those who promote the idea of a miraculous inception of faith, the scriptures speak clearly to the contrary: "So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). Faith comes as a result of honest, good hearts hearing the evidence set forth in God's word, reasoning upon it, and making a choice of "obedience of faith" (Rom. 1:5). The gospel of John_ for ⁱtself the purpose of producing faith for those who will accept the evidence presented therein: "Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye may have life in his name" (John 20:30-31). In the inspired examples of conversion in Acts, we learn faith came by hearing God's word, as the Samaritans who "believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 8:12). Other examples include Acts 18:8 and 1 Cor. 15:11.

WHAT DOES FAITH DO?

Let's briefly note four things the Bible says faith does: 1) Faith obeys or works (1 Thess. 1:3; Gal. 5:6; James 2:24; Heb. 11:4, 7-8, 20, 30; 1 Pet). 2) Faith saves (Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Pet. 1:9). 3) Faith protects (1 Pet. 1:5; Eph. 6:16). 4) Faith overcomes (1 John 5:3-4; Gal. 2:20). Do you have faith from hearing God's word? &

Thanksgiving

By Tim Haile

Many people think of turkey and football when they think of “Thanksgiving.” Others have a more historical perspective, and attach more of a national or religious significance to Thanksgiving. To many hunting enthusiasts, Thanksgiving is a day that sandwiches an exceptionally good meal between a couple of rabbit or deer hunts! So, the day means different things to different people, depending upon one’s culture and tradition.

There is, however, a “thanksgiving” that is not tied to a certain day in November, or to any peculiar human traditions. This type of “thanksgiving” is far more serious and important than special meals and social rituals. It is man’s response to the favors, blessings and benefits that are bestowed by God. The Bible believer understands thanksgiving as something that is to be regularly directed to God. Paul said, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Seven other New Testament passages mention “thanksgiving.” We should be thankful for physical blessings (2 Cor. 9:11; 1 Tim. 4:3, 4) and for spiritual blessings (Colossians 2:7; Revelation 7:12). By thanking God, man acknowledges God’s existence and providence. God is also glorified by man’s thanksgiving (2 Cor. 9:13), and man admits his own dependence upon God. Giving thanks to God is an act of faith, for we are instructed to do it (Phil. 4:6). When thinking of “thanksgiving,” let us think of more than just one certain day of the year! Let us think of God. &

The Spiritual Development of John the Baptist

By Bob Myhan

We have very little explicit information about the formative years of John the Baptist. Nearly all of the explicit information we have is contained in one verse.

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel .” (Luke 1:80)

But we can learn much, about how and why he “waxed strong in spirit,” through necessary inference. Let us consider the personal and non-personal factors that contributed to his development, and how this applies to the spiritual development of our children and grandchildren.

Personal Factors

His parents led by example. Both “were righteous before God” (Luke 1:6). Zacharias, his father, was a priest of the division of Abijah (Luke 1:5, 8-9; 1 Chron. 24:1-10, 19). His mother, Elisabeth, was “of the daughters of Aaron” (Luke 1:5).

But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. (Luke 1:7)

Non-Personal Factors

Not only did his parents provide a good example but they also diligently taught him concerning the laws of God. Such was an important part of the Hebrew heritage (Gen. 18:19; 2 Tim. 3:14-17), as well as a parental responsibility (Dt. 4:9-10, 6:6-7; 11:19). The example and instruction of his parents must have been a considerable motivation for him spiritually and morally.

And surely they taught him of his divine mission as the harbinger of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6; Luke 1:11-17, 76-79), and strongly encouraged him to fulfill it.

The example, instruction and encouragement of these parents resulted in the kind of man of whom Jesus could say:

“Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist” (Luke 7:28a).

Now, there was greatness, indeed! But there is greatness that exceeds the greatness of John, for Jesus went on to say,

“He that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28b).

We, too, can help our children and our grandchildren to be great by providing them with (1) a good example, (2) proper instruction and (3) strong encouragement to do God’s will. Only in this way can we “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” &

Where There Are No Elders

By Bob Myhan

1. God has not prescribed any specific arrangement for the oversight of a church without elders. When two or more men are qualified, they should be appointed to it. However, unqualified men should never be appointed (1 Tim. 3:2).

2. Since there is no authority for just one elder (Acts 14:23), no man has the right to assume oversight of a congregation, even if he is qualified to be an elder.

3. A situation where confusion and anarchy exist is displeasing to God (1 Cor. 14:33, 40).

4. Agreements must be reached as to what methods will be used to accomplish the work of the church and who will take the lead in the various acts of collective worship (Amos 3:3).

5. Women are to “keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak” (1 Cor. 14:34). This leaves it up to the men of the congregation to reach the above-mentioned agreements.

6. Where love prevails, there will be few problems in reaching agreements (Eph. 4:1-4; Phil. 2:1-4). &