It is appropriate that this blog begins with Faith as this is the purpose and desire, that is, to consider our faith according to the Bible, allowing us to make any needed changes in our walk with the Lord so that our lives reflect Him as He shines through us: "...that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15; NKJV). This change derives itself by the inward changes of our heart shining forth on the outside illuminating Jesus Christ. This change on the inside is a renewed soul in faith; a soul that comes alive with new sensations and emotions for his eyes are opened by the renewing of the Holy Spirit; he is in a new environment for he has entered into a new world. When I speak of sensations and emotions I am not referring to some outward expressions so often found in many churches today that have no basis in Scripture, rather, the basis for their outward display is found too often in group euphoria. It is new life that was formed by the Holy Spirit and we now live on a different level; our food for this life is the Word of God: But Jesus answered Him (the devil; vs.3), saying, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God" (Luke 4:4; NKJV; cf. Deuteronomy 8:3).
Now, if faith is limited to some special exercises, for the Old Life has passed away, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17), the apprehension is now of the things of God which is the foundation of a renewed life, therefore faith comes before repentance. How so, you may ask; repentance is the turning away from the bad by the soul from the sin that is hindering and pressing down an individual and unless this turning away from sin is preceded by the believing or apprehension of the truth, it is not even a rational act. The Scriptures assign much to faith and all the promises of the Bible are addressed to believers. Also, all the conscious exercises by one who lead a spiritual life involve the exercise of faith. Now without faith these exercises would be exercises in futility, unless Grace entered into the mix and takes the most important role in distributing that faith: "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to thing, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3 NKJV).
It is indispensable that a clear, understandable, and correct ideas should be ascertained by all who call themselves Christian. The very nature of subject is clouded by the various meanings that have been attached and attributed to the word "faith," furthermore, there has been associated with this word arbitrary definitions given to the word "faith" by philosophers and theologians; this has some credence as to the many aspects of the word as it is presented in Scripture. Yet, credence alone does not lead us to the truth. There are many serious questions that need to be asked and dealt with enabling the Christian to come to an understanding of Faith. This blog is just the beginning, a jump off point to lead us into a full discussion of faith; therefore the first question that needs to be asked (this will be the subject of the next blog, and others) is:
What is Faith?
Sincerely In Christ
Richard L. Crumb
I look forward to any discussion or added informantion
Thank You!
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