A Necessary Faith

August 8, 2021 Background Scripture: Hebrews 11; 13:1 – 19 Lesson Passage: Hebrews 11:1 – 8, 13 – 16 Depending on the situation, some things are necessary, and some things are optional. It is important to understand the situation one finds oneself in and to clearly know what is necessary for that situation. Religion covers a broad spectrum of interests. Much of it has to do with rituals and beliefs that determine how we interact with others. Religious rituals are often well defined and clearly detail what is appropriate and what is necessary to properly conduct or participate in them. Christianity, if only considered as a religion, is very similar to other religions. That is one of the reasons Christian Evangelism can seem so difficult. Any attempt to get someone to become part of a Christian group just for the sake of belonging to the group will often fall on deaf ears. With so many religions to choose from, a person is more likely to not rush into such a decision to choose one or the other. The question is: What difference does it make? With so many religions to choose from, there is really no rush to decide about any of them. For example, let us consider church membership. For one to be a member in “good standing” of a local congregation, there are several observable behaviors often used in the determination. One is expected to be in regular attendance at gatherings at the church, be a financial supporter of that local church, and volunteer to be a part of at least one ministry within that church. Truthfully, if you do two of those three things you are likely to be considered a “member in good standing” with the local church. And by the way, you will be considered a religious person whether you think so or not. The Christian faith demands more than for a person to be religious—or a member of a local church. The Christian faith demands that a person become Christ-like—or like Jesus Christ in character and behavior. Christians should believe what Jesus believed so we can exemplify his character in our behavior. Christians should reflex the character of Jesus Christ in this world. Such behavior shouldn’t be contrived but should be the outflowing of the individual’s inward reconciliation with the person of God. One’s personal relationship with God should be the catalyst for behavior change in the world. When we were young, we tried to do well in school to please those we had a close personal relationship with. Later in life, we attempted to do well in life for the same reason. A close personal relationship with God causes a Christian to want to please God. That brings us to our topic. Our scripture for this lesson informs us that without faith it is impossible to please God. First, one must believe in the existence and spiritual essence of God. Secondly, one can only become a Christian by having faith in the saving power of Jesus Christ. This power was evidenced by Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection from the grave. The word of God assures us that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. This is not about being religious but being saved from eternal damnation. This is not about being in “good standing” with the local church but about being in “right standing” with God. It really doesn’t require any faith to be in “good standing” with the local church. All you need to do is what the local church members expect of you. A personal relationship with God requires much more than that and is always rewarding. Everything God requires is based on faith; nothing less and nothing more. One must have faith in God to be saved from eternal damnation. A saved person is called by God to walk, or live, by faith. Faith for a Christian is not optional; it is necessary. Robert C. Hudson July 19, 2021