Biblical Faith

In Hebrews 11:6 it says, “… without faith it is impossible to please God …" Biblical faith is not about our theories, our theology or views on faith. We must also not confuse faith with a belief or a general profession of faith. Biblical faith leads to action. If not, then faith in of itself is dead (see James 2:14).

Deeds

Jesus often spoke about genuine faith. John 7:38, "The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said ..." ... and this is exactly where it stops for many. They believe in God in an undefined way or as prescribed by their denomination, some simply have a gut feeling. But the text continues, "... out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." Genuine faith has an impact – rivers of living water flow. A person cannot survive for long without water – he craves it. In the same way, all people, regardless of culture, religion or skin color, long for the living water of life. Jesus was always impressed by people of faith, e.g. the Roman centurion. He was willing to go home with the centurion and serve the sick servant. What did he say? "It is not necessary for you to trouble yourself. Just say the word, Jesus, and my servant will be healed." And so it happened! Jesus then turned to the crowd following him and said, “Wow, I have not found such faith in all of Israel." He publicly honored that man's faith.

Very simple

Biblical faith is not complicated or exhausting. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened. I will give you rest." (accord. To Matthew 11:28) Jesus alone is able and willing to free you from all false pressure to exercise faith and perform. He wants to refresh you. You can learn from him, the Good Shepherd. You can discover how humble and gentle he is. You can come to rest from the dead works of blind activism. And you can learn how easy it is to believe in him, as the Scriptures say. Jesus liked to use children as an example, "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child ..." (Luke 18:17)

Childlike faith

The faith of children is unspoiled and unfiltered. Children believe in love, and they need it. If this need for love, security, acceptance and protection is destroyed, it causes enormous damage in a person's life. Faith in Jesus, as the Scriptures say, is healthy and brings about health, freedom and security.

Pondering about this thought, this kind of faith came to mind in connection with the story of a missionary family. I don't know if it actually happened, but it gets to the heart of the matter:

 This missionary family lived in Africa and had a young daughter. She told her father that she was praying for a little kitten. The father thought it very sweet, but wanted to spare his daughter of disappointment and carefully explained to her that God might not answer such prayers. Undeterred, the girl continued to pray. The neighbors had a little kitten, and one day it climbed up a tree, didn't dare to come down and meowed heartbreakingly. The owner fetched a long rope and threw it around the branch on which the kitten was sitting. He used the rope to pull the branch down and just as the kitten was within reach, the rope snapped. The kitten flew through the air and landed in front of the praying girl. The father was amazed when his daughter said, "God threw it from heaven at my feet."

What God is really like!

Everyone who hears this story just smiles. But it illustrates a profound spiritual truth: The Holy Spirit has a sense of humor, and He conveys this simple, plain way of believing in Jesus, just as Scripture says.

Be blessed with a joyful and refreshing faith that moves mountains!

Walter Heidenreich