"LIVING
BY FAITH"
as published in Toms River Church of Christ bulletin
Hebrews 10:38 states: "the just shall live by faith."
That faith as described in the book of Hebrews brings our life into submission
to God and continues in active trust till the very end. Chapter 11 presents
the lives of people who lived by faith. There are three aspects of the
life of faith as seen in that chapter:
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There is a variety of details of living by faith. Life
with Christ cannot be standardized. Christians are not obligated to duplicate
each other's actions. Faith in God leads the individual to work for God
in the way God specified. Abraham didn't build an ark. Noah never marched
around the walls of Jericho but both lived by faith. My willingness to'
respond to God's commands as they apply to my life. with my ability in
His service is living by faith.
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The life of faith involves ordinary, daily details. Christian,
family living each day in the community is an example of our faith. How
about Aquilla. and Priscilla? Some people talk of faith as if it's like
taking off on a 747 jet airplane. Living by faith and sharing that faith
every day of our life in ordinary circumstances is required of every Christian.
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Faith means that we are willing to put our lives into God's
hands. Entering God's service with nothing held back. To take away
that participation reduces faith to an academic exercise. If we are moved
to tears but not to action, our faith is mere sentiment. Failure is a result
of disbelief which results in disobedience. Study Jude 5 and Hebrews
3:15-19. The question concerning living by faith was not simply, "Did you
cross the Red Sea?" but "Are you willing to walk daily with God who brought
you across that sea?"
Those of us who are older have a great
resource identified as experience. That experience can be used to lend
someone a word of encouragement. Wisdom and maturity can be shared With
others to benefit from what you have learned through experience.
The Bible contains
sound advice on how to enjoy old age. Notice Paul's instructions to Titus
concerning older men in chapter 2, verses 1-2, "But speak the things which
become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate sound
in faith, in charity, in patience." To be worthy of respect you must show
respect and act in a dignified manner. The admonition to be "sound in faith"
is to have faith in God and Christ and access to eternal life. The role
older women occupy is described in verses 3-5, "The aged women likewise,
that they be in behavior is becometh holiness, not false accusers, not
given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young
women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children to be
discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,
that the word of God be not blasphemed." Older Women are to teach both
by example and by instruction. There's an emphasis in this passage on responsibilities
and relationships in our physical families.
Regardless
of age, take interest in life and share your experience and wisdom with
others. Believe in God's promises and accept the challenge of aging knowing
"that your labor is not in vain in the Lord
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