Monday, September 01, 2008

Evidences - True Faith in God

A Christian faith exceeds the definition of what faith means in our everyday world. It is a faith which does not operate in the realm of possible, and sadly it is also one of the most greatly misunderstood aspect of our religion. Is the purpose of faith to get something you want? Matthew 17:14-23 tells the story about a man who brings his demon possessed son to the disciples to be healed. However, when Jesus disciples fail to heal the boy, Jesus drives the demon out Himself and tells His disciples that they were unable to do heal the boy because they had "so little faith."

2 Myths about Faith
  1. "It is because I have less faith than I need that I didn't get what I need (true faith vs little faith).
    Faith is never about amount. Many people get incorrectly interpret v20 when Jesus tells His disciples it is was because they had so little faith. The true implication of little faith isn't a quantitative meaning, but rather the complete lack of faith or unbelief. This point is further established in the next sentence where Jesus states "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." During those times, a mustard seed was the smallest seed known. It was barely visible to the human eye, and yet Jesus states that even that minuscule amount is more than ample to accomplish magnificent things. We try to measure our faith but if you carefully study the New Testament, there is not a single verse which explains how one can increase their faith. Even in this story, Jesus never directly answers his disciples. That is because true faith only come through the Word, and you either have it or you don't. Evidence that you have faith is that you are able to receive hard truth.
  2. The greater my faith, the more readily the Lord will Deliver my request (Faith vs Great Faith)
    Those of great faith think and perceive in God's perspective. People think that just because they've done something to express their faith, God is now obligated to answer their prayers. Those of great faith should not make any presumptions about when and hos God should move in their lives. The Lord is in no way shape or form obligated to answer us. Now the good news is, despite this fact, He does!

In the New Testament, Jesus was astonished by those that have faith without demand. Pursue a faith that is biblical. God is not a vending machine where faith is some kind of tool.