A Sure Foundation - Oct 4

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
(1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

One of many things that concern me is the lack of true faith within the church. It is a sad fact that many Christians (both real and in name only) display a superficial faith, one that will surely fail them at key critical moments in their life.

Eternal Gifts

Understand first that the Christian faith is indeed a supernatural one. What God gives to us, first the gift of life everlasting and then the sanctifying process of godly wisdom, is not of our own doing. We do not deserve it nor can we take credit for it. Our conviction upon reading His word is a blessing God continually gives to those who love Jesus with their whole heart.

Why This Supernatural Conviction Is Key

It is critical for a believer to know his faith is not some confidence game. Faith cannot be based on a preacher's silver tongue or clever arguments that appeal to the flesh. If one man can convince us of one thing, another man can easily undo such convincing shortly thereafter. The mere articulation of various theological arguments is therefore wholly insufficient. Faith is based on God's promises, not the debate results of fallen minds.

What A 'Leap of Faith' Really Means

Where do we stand? By what means do we determine truth or falsehood? Thankfully we are not left to our own faulty devices. It is wholly inaccurate to suggest that we must go to God for the truth. The wonderful and glorious truth is that it is God who brings the truth to us. It is an act of love and grace solely on His part. There's nothing for us to do except make sure we have a pure heart and an open mind willing to receive it. In doing so, He rightfully exercises His sovereign dominion over the church.

He Who Starts a Good Work Will Faithfully Complete It

It is only when we show a complete surrender to Him that we can grow and become Christ-like. As I've said before, you can believe in whatever you want. But if God is not the author (that is, the originator) and finisher of your faith then what's the point? We need not struggle in our Christian walk. It is no burden to Him to assist you. On the contrary, He counts as a pure joy. There's no 'bugging' our Heavenly Father when we request help. Never be afraid to ask. He will always guide you in love towards the truth.

Johnny Cash