Faith in Uncertain Times: Three Keys to Perseverance

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The classic hymn begins, “Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand.” It reveals that life comes with prospects of change which even seemingly sure things can be affected. In biblical language, the writer of Ecclesiastes writes, “…time and chance (unpredictable events) happeneth to all (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Though Christ has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, Christians are not exempt from the unpredictable, unfavorable, and unfortunate occurrences of life. How are we then to maintain faith when uncertain times arise? Here are three keys (among others) to perseverance.

1. Draw close to Christ in prayer. Consistency in prayer will keep your relationship with Christ vibrate and lively in spite of negative conditions. It will provide a time of rest and refreshing as you all His presence to supply the needed grace and comfort for perseverance. Prayer will help you to avoid feelings of anger and bitterness with life and towards Christ.

2. Develop patience and hope through the scriptures. The scriptures are an excellent source of encouragement. When you read of how others who served Christ were allowed to suffer, it helps you not to feel as if you are being mistreated by the Savior. Through the scriptures, you can read of how He helped His followers and gave them strength to endure their difficulties. This can provide the necessary foundation for developing patience and hope which is a requirement to perseverance.

3. Share with others whom you trust. Some Christians experience faith “breakdowns” because they feel no one cares, no one understands what they are facing, and no one is there for them. Loneliness and isolation can solidify causing the strength to persevere to be absent. Some try to handle things on their own for various reasons; such as, personal ego, embarrassment, and past hurts. However, if one allows others in the community of faith to help bear their burdens of difficulties through prayer and godly counsel, it will be easier to endure uncertain times through the cumulative support of others.

Difficulties, hardships, sometimes unfair treatment, and uncertain times will come. However, the Christian will be able to come through with faith in tact as he maintains faith in Christ and draw strength and support from the community of faith.

Daily Faith and the Christian: Three Reasons to Stand in Faith

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Everything created has a beginning and an end. We expect things at some point in time to stop. However, as Christians, there is something that we cannot ever stop doing; that is, we cannot stop believing in our God. Foundational to the Christian life is the ability to have faith; that is, believe. Without a belief in the work of God through Jesus Christ, one cannot enter into salvation. Moreover, the obtained salvation cannot be maintained without an ever growing faith, hope, and belief in God.

Our belief in God has to go beyond a general belief in His existence. It has to expand to a solid belief in His power and ability to move on our behalf. Why do Christians stop believing that God is willing to move on their behalf? Even after He has done so many things apparently, it can still be difficult to trust Him. Many are double-minded: they swing between believing and not believing. Yet, it is time now to strengthen our faith in Christ again. We have to have a daily, active faith in our Christian walk.

Christians may not wrestle with belief in His existence, but they do wrestle with belief in His willingness to intervene in their life affairs. In this state, spiritual development is frustrated. This type of erroneous thinking frustrates many. Causes for this thinking vary from individual to individual. Some do not believe because they do not think they deserve anything from God. Others feel that they have done so much wrong that God could not possibly hear their requests. Yet, others feel that if they are not a “called” person then God is not concerned about them. All of these thoughts are inconsistent with sound biblical doctrine. Here are 3 reasons why a Christian must not stop believing in God (through prayers) who will walk with them daily:

1. We are instructed to pray. Jesus taught on numerous occasions concerning prayer. He said that we are to always pray and not faint. The parable He used demonstrated that even though we may have to pray about a situation more than once, it does not mean we will not get our request. We should come to Him in prayer, again, because He said so. He gives an open invitation. Why not receive it?

2. We are instructed to pray in expectation. He told us to ask in faith, believing we will receive from Him. Though there are times when our requests are rejected (for our benefit nonetheless), we can never stop believing that He will give us what we have asked for. He said that everyone that asks will receive. Jesus said that if our earthly fathers knew how to give good things, how much more our heavenly Father. If you are bold enough to make the supplication, He is God enough to perform it.

3. We are instructed to pray so that God would receive glory. When we pray and God answers accordingly, He receives glory. How? We bring glory to His name personally and as tell others of His good works towards us. God receives no glory in unanswered prayers. Trust that He will do it for you. Develop your times of prayer before Christ. Do not doubt His presence and power to perform your requests. If it is not in His will, He will give you peace in the midst of it. Remember, never accept defeat in faith: Don’t Stop Believing.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful.

Morality According to Christ: The Truth About Holiness

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Well, the verdict is in! God is still holy and expects those that draw nigh unto Him by faith in Christ to be holy. I know, I know: individuals throughout the ages have placed different stances on the holiness and what it means to be holy. However, one thing is established, God is holy. Holiness can be defined as morality according to Christ. Both Testaments affirm that God is Holy. Also, both Testaments agree that there is a requirement on those who serve Him to be holy; that is, demonstrated His definition of morality as revealed in the scriptures. In this post, we want to briefly examine three reasons for holiness in the Christian life.  Let’s get to it.

1) God EXPECTS those that come to Him to be holy. Jesus Christ freed men from the law, but not from living morally upright before God. As Peter wrote to the believers, he reminded them of God’s command to His people.

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)

Remember, God sets the parameters of holiness. It is not defined by what we are comfortable with or what we agree with. He identifies Himself as holy. This clearly demonstrates that our actions should reflect who He is.

2) One has to be holy to ESCAPE the coming judgment. Understand, faith in Christ is what saves men from their sin. However, after coming to Him, we still must live a life theat clearly reflects the faith and our relationship with Him.

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness…? 2 Peter 3:11 (KJV)

3) The Christian who is holy serves as an EXAMPLE of the faith. The Christian’s lifestyle of holiness is a visible manifestation of the work of Christ. Paul reveals this in his exhortation to Timothy,

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.1 Tim 4:12 (KJV)

Christ died for man’s forgiveness and freedom from sins. When others see a changed life, they come face-to-face with the power of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Well there you have it! Holiness is not a religion or belief system, it is the defining quality of God that is to be reflected in His people. Until next time, continue in Him whose eyes are upon those who wait for Him.

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