Pastoral Missive VII

“Got Faith”

“To Titus, mine own son after the common faith; Grace mercy and peace, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour”

Titus 1:4

Many see the church as a brotherhood of people who have a common faith and mutual concern.  Church is viewed as a place that provides assurance, comfort, and spiritual guidance.  Most see the church as a channel for ministering to the needy, both inside and outside the membership.  Others see church as a force of righteousness, calling attention to a host of social problems and sinful practices.  However, the basic meaning of church that we will use in this communiqué’ is as follows; a fellowship of born again believers of common faith, who worship together, offer praises to God, and seek guidance daily from His holy Word, and from the Holy Spirit.  It is in alignment with our definition of church that we develop a reasonable understanding of the meaning of the common faith.  

Faith is seen in what a believer does, rather than what a believer says.  Many who profess their faith in Sunday service often have trouble living by their profession, on Monday through Saturday.  The reason that some may struggle with living the life of faith daily may be due to the fact that some feel in order to prove one’s faith, there has to occur some unusual, dramatic, or extraordinary event in their life, which displays to everyone around that God is in their life.  This may hold true for some, however, we believe that true faith is exhibited in our attitudes, commitment to spiritual life, and in our actions. 

We don’t subscribe to the teaching that faith is a mysterious spiritual power, which some people have, and others do not.  We believe that anybody can have faith in God, if they are willing to repent, give up worldly values, and make a real commitment to honor God’s ideals.  Real Faith in God does not pray only once for some real need, real faith in God faces the grim realities of life, but still understands that God’s intent is to accomplish His perfect will in every situation that we must confront.  In sum, if you “got faith” you can presently enlarge your perspective of self, and others, and establish your faith as an extension of God’s purpose for your life and environment, as you assiduously and efficaciously meet all of that life presently demands.