“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for…” (Hebrews 11:1closeHebrews 11:1 By Faith 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (ESV) closeHebrews 11:1closeHebrews 11:1 By Faith 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (ESV) By Faith 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (ESV) )
According to Strong’s dictionary, “faith” in the New Testament comes from a Greek word which means to be convinced, to go along (ie a weak faith), or to rely (an inward faith). The Greek word for “faith” comes from the name of the Greek goddess of persuasion. So, there is some artistic irony in Acts 19:26closeActs 19:26 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. (ESV) closeActs 19:26closeActs 19:26 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. (ESV) 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. (ESV) when the Apostle Paul is accused of persuading many to follow Jesus because the word used for “persuade” is the name for the Greek goddess of persuasion. One of the ironies being that the Christian faith is not one which comes to someone else by the persuasion of men or goddesses, but by the work of the Holy Spirit, through the hearing of the Word (Romans 10:17closeRomans 10:17 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV) closeRomans 10:17closeRomans 10:17 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV) 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV) ). Also, we need to be careful that we don’t slip into the error of Demetrius and give the credit for the conversion of people to a Pastor or even a Church; these are only the instruments of the Holy Spirit; it is by the Spirit that we cry, “Abba, Father”.
What are some of the challenges in explaining to others what faith is when starting a new ministry? _____________________
What are things that we can do to be clear? ____________________
What historical practices of the Church could be helpful? ____________________
This helps us better understand 1 Corinthians 2:4close1 Corinthians 2:4 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (ESV) close1 Corinthians 2:4close1 Corinthians 2:4 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (ESV) 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (ESV) , where the Apostle Paul plainly says, “My message and preaching were not with wise and persuasive words…” Again, the word “persuasive” being the name for the Greek goddess of persuasion; the Apostle Paul wanted to make it crystal clear that the Christian faith and it’s propagation is something entirely different from the religions familiar in that culture.
How do we “connect with this culture” without convoluting Christ? ____________________
How much should we Pray for our Pastor and his sermon preparation? ____________________
“…is…”
Not “was”, not “will be”; no, “faith is being sure…” Faith is a present tense deal. Yesterday’s faith doesn’t help with today’s challenges; we need a present tense faith. This is the kind of faith that God gives us. He gives us faith for the moment. He gives us faith as we are going through the challenge. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Thank you God; you are a clear and present help. Faith is.
“…of what…”
Our faith is not just in thin air. Our faith is in the incarnation of God in human flesh! Our faith is in the Word made flesh, who made His dwelling among us; and His Name is- Jesus. Jesus is God in human history. God is not a wooden idol or a stone carving; God is not a confusing idea composed of thousands of deities; God is not something that is only worshipped and sacrificed to; but never personally experienced. Our faith has been made physically manifest in the Person of Christ; and our hope is certain because of His resurrection from the tomb after dying to pay for our sins.
How does planting new worshipping communities help? ____________________
“…we hope for…”
In the Greek version of the Old Testament (the Septuagint), the word used here for “hope” was often used there for “to flee for refuge”. Hope is where we go, wanting to be safe or maybe even to succeed. Thus the verse, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness…” The Name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are saved. The wise man builds his house on the rock.
How does sharing the Gospel give people hope in their lives today? ____________________
Jim Buckman
