Category: Christian Blog

How to Prepare for a Faith Marathon of Life

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)

Our Christian journey here is compared to a race of faith being run by each follower of Jesus Christ. A long distance marathon of faith. We have over the past few weeks discussed the superiority of Christ over all the former priests, His superiority over the angels, and His superiority over the prophets. The writer of Hebrews has been laying forth the case for the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no other way to God; except, through the atoning blood of Christ. Our faith is built upon God’s very Word that He has provided the propitiation for our sin through the death of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ who bore our sins upon the cross.

run-the-race-small-compressor

Throughout chapter 11 of Hebrews the writer has named the faith heroes from the old testament. Of note, any of you who have studied the old testament are very aware of the imperfections of each of these men. Yet, by faith they are listed on this faith Hall of Fame detailed by the writer of Hebrews. Not a one of these men saw the complete fulfillment of God’s promise; yet, everyone had stepped out believing that God was faithful to fulfill that promise. They looked for the coming of the Savior. Down through the corridors of time; they stood as testimony of what was to come. By Faith they believed that God is the Sovereign Creator of the Universe and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. They were mortal men who awaited the fulfillment of God’s Promise of Salvation. Certainly, along that journey there were many miracles performed as refreshing signs of God’s faithfulness; just, as we have along our journeys of faith. Still, those signs and wonders are nothing compared to that which is to come when we stand in His Presence washed by His Blood and clothed in His Righteousness and Glory.

Continue reading “How to Prepare for a Faith Marathon of Life”

How To Overcomes Life’s Trials and Really Know Joy

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen Hebrews 11: 20-21

In Christ, we are given all that we need to live free from anxiety, fear, guilt or shame. Yet, we go about our lives too often as though we are paupers spiritually. Oh, yes; I am well aware of the turmoil that surrounds us in this world. The news broadcasts are filled with the constant flow of anger, hatred, hypocrisy, terror, violence, chaos, and doom. We despair as our civil liberties to pray or to speak the name of Christ are being removed for fear that we might offend another while we are to listen with open ears to other religions in the name of religious freedom. All of this creating greater divide from the core truth of our faith which is proclaiming the name of Christ with love, honor, and kindness. We must remain  fearless and uncompromising in standing firm to the truth that Jesus is the only way; while at the same time doing so with gentle compassion and true humility.  How?8873952_s-compressor

Beyond the turmoil that surrounds us, there are the battles we find ourselves in within our own hearts. We are bombarded by sorrows, pains, and disappointments in this fallen world. We become discouraged with our own attempts at being the Christians we should be. We were not taken out of this world at the point of salvation. We face illness, loss, financial ruin, heartbreak, and pain in our lives—our faith does not separate us from the truth of life within a fallen world. Where do we find the faith to be bold in the middle of so many trials? How can I proclaim that deep within me is a fountain of steadfast joy bubbling up to wash over the darkest sorrows?

Continue reading “How To Overcomes Life’s Trials and Really Know Joy”

In A Despairing World, What Is My Purpose?

Sometimes you were laughed at and beaten, and sometimes you watched and sympathized with others suffering the same things. You suffered with those thrown into jail, and you were actually joyful when all you owned was taken from you, knowing that better things were awaiting you in heaven, things that would be yours forever. Do not let this happy trust in the Lord die away, no matter what happens. Remember your reward! Hebrews 10:33-35 TLB

Can we truly know a steadfast joy that sustains our hearts even when terror strikes around us? Or when we go to the doctor to hear the dreaded word Cancer, where can be find sustaining faith? We see so much sorrow, so many suffering, and so much corruption that our hearts bleed for our nation and our world!  Yet, as followers of Christ we are told that we can hold tight to faith, hope, and joy. In our study on Monday, we began a 3 part series within our larger series through Hebrews.

17002149_s-compressor

There are three key fundamental truths each of us must know in order to have a faith that can stand fearless no matter what happens around us. Even in the center of the storm, we can have a steadfast joy smoldering deep within our heart, spirit and soul. These three key fundamental truths are:

1. Knowing who God is

2. Knowing the purpose for which we were created

3. Knowing the true identity of who we are in Christ

Continue reading “In A Despairing World, What Is My Purpose?”

How to Have Steadfast Faith and Joy No Matter What!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:1,6

How does one have a Faith that is fearless to face all of life’s trials, a hope that sees beyond the storm clouds, and a steadfast, abounding Joy no matter what life brings? Throughout the book of Hebrews, we see these huge warning signs for all those who are “lukewarm” toward Jesus. Warning! Do you really know Him as your Savior and High Priest? Or do you only half-heartedly use His name? Warning! There is no other way to stand before God’s Throne except to have been sprinkled with the blood of Jesus for atonement of your sins. Yet, for those who believe and who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior by asking Him into their heart; the book of Hebrews reveals the magnificence of the Grace we have been given. It gives us also the fundamental keys to unlocking a life of fearless faith, everlasting hope, and steadfast joy that is undaunted by the storms of this life.

5046876_s-compressor

There are three keys to living this Christian life while soaring above all of life’s storms. These are:

Continue reading “How to Have Steadfast Faith and Joy No Matter What!”

Should The World Ever Really Fear God’s Wrath? Absolutely!

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10: 26-31 (NKJV).

As has been the case throughout the book of Hebrews, the writer follows each promise with an earnest plea for the reader to take heed and to listen. He has presented Jesus Christ as Superior to the Prophets, superior to the Angels and as the Great High Priest who can wash away the sins of all who will come to Him for salvation. Now, comes the warning once more, “Oh, do not neglect to come to accept Him as your Savior.” The writer knows, as do I; that some will hear the truth of the gospel and will walk away. Some will say, “there are many ways to God and I am a spiritual person; while in their hearts rejecting the only means of salvation—Jesus Christ.”

slipwithoutgrace-compressor (1)

Anyone who believes that Jesus was merely a prophet or good man “tramples the Son of God underfoot.” There are those who wish to be politically correct by saying, “Well, there are many ways to God—following Christ is only one of many”. The ones who proclaim that are counting the blood of the covenant as though it meant nothing—when for Jesus it was everything. Those who have heard the gospel, have felt the urging of the Holy Spirit and have refused to surrender their heart-have effectually insulted God’s Grace toward them.

Continue reading “Should The World Ever Really Fear God’s Wrath? Absolutely!”