The late Robert Jackson used to tell about a country church that couldn’t get along.
Both of the opposing sides lacked the resources to leave and build another building. So each group decided to meet at different times–one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Continue reading
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I read a true story about a Christian who was an uncover cop. He also was involved in working with the teenagers at the church he attended.
When several of them came to be baptized, he was the one baptizing them. When they when to the back to prepare for the baptism, and the cop took off his coat, his service revolver was hooked to his belt. Continue reading
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Several years ago Robert Jeffress was introducing then Texas governor Rick Perry at a Values Voters Summit. His introduction commended the faith of Perry and mentioned Mormonism as a cult.
Jeffress’ remarks produced a firestorm of criticism. He was condemned by multiple media outlets as being bigoted, intolerant, and narrow minded.
However, the ensuing conversation raised some interesting questions. Are all religions equally valid before God? Does it make any difference what you believe as long as you’re honest and sincere? What is the difference between Christianity and Islam or Buddhism?
And more to the issue where most of us live–what about the different “faiths” under the umbrella of “Christianity”? People used to ask, “What Faith are you?” Does God care which Faith you embrace?
As we continue our study of Ephesians 4:4-6, discussing our theme, “Fundamentals of Faith,” note again Paul’s inspired words via the Holy Spirit.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
For the past three columns, we’ve discussed the Truth of one God, one Lord, and one Spirit. The same text tells us “there is one faith.”
Bible Expositor W. E. Vine defines faith as “Primarily a firm persuasion, a conviction based upon hearing. By metonymy, what is believed, the contents of belief, the faith.”
The expression “your faith” is found 35 times in the New Testament speaking of one’s trust, confidence, and conviction. Paul’s preaching was designed to instill confidence in “the power of God,” instead of “the wisdom of men” (1 Cor. 2:5).
However as Vine suggests, the word is used by metonymy. In other words, it substitutes an attribute or uses “a figure of speech that consists of the use of the name of one object or concept for that of another to which it is related.”
Ephesians 4:4 speaks of “the system of faith.” Consider these other Bible passages that use “faith” in the same way.
These and many of passages speak of the “one faith” that is the Gospel of Christ, the Word of God. Sometimes it is called the doctrine of God, of Christ, or the apostles doctrine. It is “the faith” that Jude affirmed was “once delivered to all the saints.” Over 30 times in the New Testament “the faith” is spoken of as the “one faith.” It is the faith Paul asserted he received by revelation of the Holy Sprit. He wrote it down. We can read it. We can understand it. We can believe it. And obey it.
The “one faith” provides our justification when we have faith in it. Paul put it this way Romans 5:1-2 as he used “faith” in both ways.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
The “one faith” declares the grace and mercy of God. It reveals His plan for our salvation. It is how we can be made righteous in His sight. Enjoy peace of mind. And look forward with hope to a future reward.
As already noted, “the one faith,” has been revealed by the apostles. Jude’s expression “once delivered,” means for all time and for all people. There is no continuing revelation. There are no apostles today adding to the faith. No man, church, preacher, pastor, Bible teacher, or blogger has the right to add to or subtract from the “one faith”–”the faith of the gospel” (Rev. 22:18-19).
Just as surely as there is one God, one Lord, and one Spirit, there is one faith. We are called on to preach it. Protect it. Not pervert it. And to practice it.
G. K. Chesterton was right, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried!”
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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“The Bible teachings about the Holy Spirit and his works are among the most neglected phases and aspects of our teaching,” wrote H. Leo Boles in 1942.
I’m not sure we’ve drastically improved in that regard in the past 82 years. More recently gospel preacher Michael Hardin wrote, “The Holy Spirit is a subject about which there is much false teaching and popular misunderstanding.” Continue reading
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They have been called “God’s Platform for Unity.” “The Unifying Facts of the Gospel.” And “Seven Doctrinal Pillars of Unity.”
However you label them, Ephesian 4:4-6 offers seven essential facts that serve a basis for the Christian religion. Continue reading
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When the late Dr. Hugh Moorhead was a philosophy grad student at the University of Chicago, he began asking some of the great thinkers of the 20th century “What is the meaning or purpose of life?”
Over the years he sent letters to over 250 renowned scientists, philosophers, authors, and intellectuals. Later, while chairman of the philosophy department at Northeastern Illinois University, Moorhead published the responses and his conclusions. Continue reading
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It was little Emma’s first day at Kindergarten. Upon returning home her Mom asked, “How did you like school?”
“I hated it!” Emma exclaimed.
“Why?” Asked her Mom. “What happened?” Continue reading
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“Growth is a fundamental aspect of life. We begin to grow and develop physically, mentally, and emotionally from the moment we are born,” wrote author, speaker, and host of the podcast Passion Struck, John R. Miles. “As we progress through life, we seek new experiences and challenges that help us grow and develop as individuals.”
In addition to the areas Miles mentioned, God also wants us to grow spiritually. This is necessary to becoming a well rounded person, to achieve your purpose in life, and to reach your full potential.
The Bible says that “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Lk. 2:52). Continue reading
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The late Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was one of the best players in professional basketball. His workout regimen was legendary and his dedication to the fundamentals of the sport was uncompromising.
The story is told that Nike sent Alan Stein, Jr to witness one of Bryant’s workouts. When he arrived at 4:00 am, Kobe was already dripping with sweat with a warmup before the workout. For the next 45 minutes Stein watch Bryant work on basic basketball drills. Continue reading
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“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man would stake his life on it a thousand times,” wrote Martin Luther in 1515.
Our preaching and writing theme this year is “Fundamentals of Faith.” Last week we discussed the importance of returning to the fundamentals, Back to Basics. Today, consider how faith is the foundation of everything pertaining to the Christian religion. Continue reading
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