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 But Do You Trust Him?
by Bill Sherrill
So much is written in the Scriptures concerning faith. It was Abraham's faith that led him to the land of promise and allowed him to be called "the father of the faithful." He, along with many others, is given as an example of faith in the Hebrew letter. It is there that the statement is written, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God ..." (Hebrews 11:6 NRS). The explanation is given, "for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Jesus is quoted again and again as saying "If you have faith ..." or "unless your faith ..." In the most important reference of all, we are told, "He who believes [has faith] and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16 NKJV). What is the source of this faith? The Scriptures claim, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17 NKJV). My concern is whether or not each of us has the faith written about in the Word. I am not thinking of whether or not we believe in God, but rather, whether or not we believe God. There is a significant difference. James writes, "The demons believe — and tremble" (James 2:19 NKJV). In other words, one can believe in the existence of God without giving any respect to what He says. Even those who profess to be Christians can do that as well, can't we?
Perhaps my point will be clearer if I use the phrase "trust completely" for the idea of faith. To "trust completely" is more than mental assent. It is to respond to that assent with actions that show the trust. In a time when one of the greatest maladies seen in individuals is anxiety, it is obvious that many have not laid hold of the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5 through 7) when the Lord said, "Be not anxious about anything." His explanation of God's care for the lilies of the fields and the birds of the air falls on ears deafened by the cares of the world. Or again when he said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." Do you live with the evidences of a life of trust? It is often difficult, but always absolutely necessary. The struggle is real, but the promise is greater. We, like the man who was told his son would be healed if he would only believe, may often cry out "I believe, help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24); but at least we are struggling in the right direction.
Title: "But Do You Trust Him?" Author: Bill Sherrill Publication Date: February 16, 2008 |
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Bill is a long time minister in Nacogdoches, Texas who loves world missions. His passion for ministry has led him all over the world. In addition to his work as a minister, he is also a licensed professional counselor. Bill's family is also involved in ministry and service to the world and community.
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HEARTLIGHT® Magazine is produced by Heartlight, Inc. HEARTLIGHT is a registered service mark of Heartlight, Inc. PO Box 7044, Abilene, TX, USA 79608-7044. Copyright © 1996-2008. Heartlight is supported by Westover Hills Church, Southern Hills Church, and loving Christians from around the world. Scripture quotations are taken from the Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. Used by permission. All rights reserved. |