Faith Is A Noun: Part Two!

"And so were the churches established in the faith and increased in number daily." (Acts 16:5).

Hello To All:

Let us begin by asking ourselves this question: Are our churches established in the faith? Let's follow up with a second question: Do our churches even know what "the faith" is? And for a third question, we need to ask:  Are our churches more readily established in the precepts and commandments of men, as opposed to being established "in the faith," that is a gift from our Creator. And to ensure that there is no confusion, let it be stated again, that when I speak of our Creator, I am very specifically speaking of Jesus of Nazareth! This is the same Jesus who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!

These are hard questions! They are not meant to offend; but, if we are offended, then we need to ask why? If our faith is real, then such questions should be welcomed, as an opportunity to testify, regarding this great gift of faith, that Jesus of Nazareth brings to every person who is His disciple! Victorious discipleship, in Jesus Christ, is predicated upon a right understanding of faith!

The apostle Paul had much to say regarding faith. Near the end of his service to Christ, he wrote these words to his son in the faith, young Timothy. We find the following written at 2 Timothy 4:6-8:

6.  "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand."
7.  "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
8.  "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing."

As we read the apostle Paul's inspired testimony, we need to remind ourselves, that he is telling us, that we have the potential to make the same kind of inspired testimony! Please take a careful look at verse 8, where Paul tells us, that the reward that is prepared for him, is also available to "all them that love his appearing." It can be rightly said that we cannot be disciples of Jesus Christ without a deep and abiding love for "his appearing." Paul's inspired testimony should give us insight into our own potential as disciples of Jesus Christ.

In an earlier letter (1 Corinthians 11:1), the apostle Paul gives us additional insight into our potential, as disciples of Jesus Christ. Compelled by the Spirit of God, the apostle gives each disciple of Jesus Christ, this commandment: "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."

Earlier in this letter to the Corinthians, Paul made a similar inspired statement. We find written at 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, the following:

15. "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet ye have not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel."
16. "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."

We are being reminded of the apostle Paul's unique position in the unfolding plan of God's revelation of Himself and His gospel, to the world and to all of its people: both jews and gentiles. The work that Jesus Christ did in and through the apostle Paul, should be understood as an example of the work that He is willing to do in and through all of His disciples!

Thus, when the apostle Paul says: "I have fought a good fight," we need to understand, that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the potential to say: "I have fought a good fight." And when Paul says: "I have finished my course," we need to understand, that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the potential to say: "I have finished my course." And when Paul says: "I have kept the faith," we need to understand, that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the potential to say: "I have kept the faith."

Earlier it was stated that this admonition to follow Paul is an inspired commandment. Within the covenant of grace, we have the potential to be obedient to these inspired commandments. The question must be asked: how will being followers of Paul bring us to the place of "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ?"

As we seek to answer this question, please join with me in giving careful and prayerful consideration to the following truth: Apart from the faith of Jesus Christ - it is not possible to have faith in Jesus Christ!

When next we gather, we shall continue in our examination of this mystery of faith.

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus