What is faith? Faith is a belief in someone or something. When people believe or have faith, they show it by their actions. They also speak it out. Someone may say, “I believe in you. I have faith in you.”
The faith that I am writing about now is faith in God…faith in Jesus Christ. How do we acquire faith in Jesus and ultimately in God? “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Romans 10:17, NIV) Therefore, I will share more of the word of God with you. May your ears, eyes, and hearts be open to hear, see, and understand what God would have you hear, see, and understand now.
Are you familiar with the true Gospel or the “Good News”? The Apostle Paul talks about the “Good News” in 1 Corinthians 15. Before I go on though, 1 Corinthians is a written letter from Paul and Sosthenes to the members of God’s church in Corinth. Look at Paul’s explanation of the “Good News”. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) That is the “Good News” in a nutshell so to speak. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV) Look also at John 3:17-18. In Isaiah 53, the prophet Isaiah spoke about Jesus…the Son of God. (Isaiah 53) It was God’s plan for His Son, Jesus to be born to the virgin, Mary, and His earthly father, Joseph in the little town of Bethlehem thousands of years ago. (Matthew 1:18-25) It was God’s plan for Jesus to be baptized by John the Baptist. (Matthew 3:13-17) It was part of God’s plan for Jesus to be tempted in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. (Matthew 4:1-11) Look specifically at Matthew 4:1 and 4:11 now. It was part of God’s plan for Jesus to go into ministry after He endured and resisted all of the temptation in the wilderness. God had been preparing His Son, Jesus, for ministry for some time. He knew that Jesus would pass all of His tests. God knew that His Son would learn all of His lessons. The Father knew His Son, and God had faith in Jesus. It was part of God’s plan for Jesus to be arrested. (Matthew 26:47-56) It was part of God’s plan for His Son to be charged with a crime. (Matthew 26:57-68) It was part of God’s plan for Jesus to be sentenced to death. (Matthew 27:1-10) Look specifically at verses 1 through 4 at this time. It was God’s plan for Jesus to suffer under the rule of Pontius Pilate. (Matthew 27:11-26) Look now at verse 26. Then, take another look at Isaiah 53 for a minute and look at verse 10. It was part of God’s plan for His Son to be mocked by soldiers. (Matthew 27:27-31) It was God’s plan for Jesus to be nailed to a cross. (Matthew 27:32-44) It was God’s plan for His Son to die for us…for you and for me. (Matthew 27:45-56) It was God’s plan for Jesus to be buried and placed in a tomb. (Matthew 27:57-61) It was God’s plan for His Son to rise from the dead. (Matthew 28:1-10) Look back at Isaiah 53 a minute…specifically verse 11. God was with Jesus throughout everything. He was with Him every step of the way. He had a purpose and plan for Jesus.
Just like Jesus, we can be assured that God our Father is always with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8) We can also be assured that He has a purpose and plan for us. (Jeremiah 29:11) He works everything out for our good, His purpose, and His glory just like He did for Jesus. (Romans 8:28) We can trust God our Father. Have faith in God! (Mark 11:22-24) When you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you will be saved eternally. (Romans 10:9-11) Now, that is great news!
Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
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