hrough Faith

Through faith, we hold onto the righteousness of Christ.  Through
faith we live each day confident of peace with God. Through faith, we
have our being as children of God. And through faith we realize our
hope of heaven in which we experience the pure love of God.

Faith means taking action today based on spiritual knowledge of
tomorrow regarding matters that will only be fully comprehended when
they are yesterday.  Faith is invisible, but you see it through the
actions which it causes.

The patriarchs did many mighty deeds of faith that at the time looked
to be unwise by human wisdom. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his
only son in obedience to God, but God spared him. Moses’ parents
spared his life in defiance of a royal edict.  Moses brought the
people out of Egypt in defiance of Pharaoh and his mighty army.  

Hebrews 11 (ESV) tells us that the saints of old “through faith
conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the
mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the
sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put
foreign armies to flight.”  The saints of the faith endured
incredible hardship, suffering and persecution.  Why?  So that they
could witness to the truth of the Gospel to you and share the joy of
eternal communion with you and the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven.

The writer of Hebrews says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and
sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race
that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of
our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of
God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against
himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”  Onward
through faith, Amen!

Pastor Raymond Van Buskirk, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Baytown, TX
www.rlcbaytown.org