The Power of Faith
12/3/13
In our first consideration of what we would like to receive from The Lord this Christmas, we were
compelled to note salvation as the number one item on our list. It's not that aren't saved, but
that God has saved us, is saving us, and will save us. Salvation is His to give. The transaction
is activated by an element that we want to give The Lord this Christmas: our faith. Our faith in
Christ involves our personal action of response to His invitation. We must consider Him as our
Papa. And what does Papa consider to be pleasing in this transaction? He makes it clear that
He is hoping and requiring our faith to be kindled. It makes sense that as faith is believing in
what's unseen, when we do believe and respond to this unseen invitation, it is our overcoming
of the world and its processes of death. Everything in the world is temporary and designed to
be passing away. Our faith is what transcends and provides victory over the designs and
processes that exist on planet Earth. It is about being truly alive. Salvation is all about the
victory over the power and effects of sin. Jesus provided the antidote to sin by dying and raising
back to life. He provided the capability for us to have success in discovering and participating in
true life through having faith in Him.
Now, if the issue of salvation and our eternal destiny is settled, then...
Wow. Think of what this means for our offense and defense as we walk this life out with Him
right beside us...
X's: Defense: we can know that our eternity is solid in heaven. We can lose our fears of our
mortal existence. We can fend off Satan's low blows. We can stand strong, connected to our
Vine, and say, 'do your worst, for if I die, I go to heaven'. And further, our Lord is our God and is
leading our life's purpose and identity.
O's: Offense: we can be forever thankful and honoring to The Lord for being the only
possible way that provides us salvation. It is an incredible portrayal of the most amazing love in
existence. We want to worship Him. We want to love Him in return. We want to know Him
more. We want to study His word more. We want His life to flow through us. We want what He
wants. It's the miracle of faith. Walk in its power.
