"We Interrupt Our Program"
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In 1938, a popular radio program went viral, convincing listeners that Martians were invading New Jersey. Though the media reported widespread hysteria over Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" dramatization, only a handful of people believed what they heard over the radio. Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt our program to bring you a special bulletin: with all the misinformation out there, be very careful about what you choose to believe!
Over the last month, we've seen four discipleship dimensions: Truth, Heart, Action, and Community. Continuing our Cross Training, keep those dimensions in mind as we apply them to twelve marks of the master, beginning with faith. Faith includes our beliefs, trust, and loyalty. And as we relate to others, our faith leads us to speak, confessing Christ, and sharing the gospel. Let's start this week by taking a closer look at belief.
What You Need to Know
God — the Father and Creator of the universe — loved humanity so much that he sent Jesus — his sinless Son — to die for us. And "... whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). We believe that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead to save us from our sins (Rom. 10:9-10). But "without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Heb. 11:6).
Jesus didn't refuse to give any evidence, but he placed limits on how much he would give (Matt. 12:39). After he rose from the dead, Thomas, one of his disciples, was skeptical. He said, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe" (John 20:25). A week later, Jesus welcomed him to do just that. While Thomas quickly changed his tune, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Our faith in the Lord will take us past what we can prove and require us to decide to trust him (Prov. 3:5).
What You Need to Do
Don't take anyone else's word for it! Your faith needs to be your own (2 Tim. 1:5). Consider nature's complexity and design (Rom. 1:19-20). Listen to what the gospels say about Jesus (John 20:31) — the prophecies he fulfilled, the miracles he performed, and especially the facts surrounding his resurrection (Acts 17:31; 1 Cor. 15:1-11). Know why you believe what you believe through careful study (Acts 17:11), testing everything (1 Thess. 5:21).
And then walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). As believers, we have a different perception of life, the future, and all the realities we can't see (cf. 2 Kings 6:17-20). Let the "secret and hidden wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 2:7) develop in you "the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16). The good news of Christ may seem silly to some (1 Cor. 1:19), but it pleases God "through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe" (1 Cor. 1:21). So, grow in your faith, rooted and grounded in him, and gratefully serve the Lord every day (Col. 2:6-7).
Through the Week
- Read (Mon) — Mark 9:14-29; John 9:35-41; 20:30-31; Psalm 119:65-72; Rom. 4:16-25
- Reflect (Tue) — How does faith change the way I see my life and everything happening around me?
- Request (Wed) — "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24)
- Respond (Thu) — Pray for something big and bold, and believe that God can do it.
- Reach Out (Fri) — What has strengthened your faith?
