Nothing Compares to You - Jesus!

While clearing out a book shelf today, I ran across a typewritten copy of two "letters to the editor" that I wrote back in the late 1990's for the "faith and values" section of our local newspaper.  It was my little "hobby" to write two letters per month for that weekly page.  You see, writers were only allowed two letters per month in order to give other writers a chance to see their letters in print.  This was prior to my Talk Wisdom blogging days (which began back in 2004).

There was a constant battle between the non-believers and Christians on that page.  Many of the non-believers identified themselves as atheists, agnostics, humanists or just plain ole' die-hard evolutionists.  One individual (whom I will identify with the initials "TS") wrote the following question:

"Does one require faith to recognize truth and facts or can common sense prevail?"

Now, isn't that an interesting way to pose a question?  The guy didn't even try to hide his contempt for people of faith.  The question is worded as though common sense and faith cannot exist together!  I recall being tempted to ask him "where did the ability for common sense come from?"  How about a reply that states "from dust we have come and to dust we shall return?" 

Well, since I was limited to 250 words, I wrote:

Yes, faith is required to understand truth. Whether or not real truth is discovered depends on whom or what we put our faith in.  Faith applied only to common sense, facts, and what can be seen prevails for the humanist because this is what he trusts.  For Christians, faith in God is required because we must believe that He exists in order to discover the revealed truth of his written Word, the Bible, and His redemptive plan (the Gospel) for humanity of his living Word, Jesus Christ (see John 5:24).

Hebrews 11:6 tells us, "and without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."  Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

God will not settle for mere acknowledgment of His existence.  He wants a personal, dynamic relationship with you that will transform your life.  That is why he sent his Son, Jesus Christ.  Those who seek Christ will find that they are rewarded with his intimate presence in their lives.  Those who hear the gospel are responsible for what they have heard (see 2 Corinthians 6:1,2).

This same individual, "T.S.", wrote a second letter asking, "Who are true Christians?"

True Christians are believers who have been spiritually born again (see John 3:3) by the power of God's grace through Christ's redemptive work at the cross of Calvary and his subsequent resurrection from the dead (see John 3:16).  They have accepted Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives by repenting of their sins, asking Christ into their hearts and by faith, receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (see John 14:15-17) who continually strengthens each believer's faith and guides us towards God's will for our lives. 

In John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except by me."  We can either accept or reject Christ (see John 12:48-50).  There is no in-between position to take on this issue.

In Romans 1:16-17, Paul speaks of saving faith and ties it closely to salvation.  Our relationship with God is made right by trusting Christ.  Even though our bodies deteriorate and die, in the promised resurrection, even death will be defeated and Christ's victory will be made complete.  The Book of Revelation unveils Christ's full identity and God's plan for the end of the world, and it focuses on Jesus Christ, his second coming, his victory over evil, and the establishment of his kingdom.  However, the book's main message is the infinite love, power and justice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Humanists desire to "see before they will believe." Christians "believe, and then they will see." I can't even describe all of the times in my life where my belief in the Lord Jesus Christ has enabled me to see so much more than before I was born again!  It is as if God rewards believers with spiritual sight when we trust in Him unconditionally! There is nothing on this earth that compares to the love, hope, mercy and grace afforded to us through the power of believing in Jesus Christ!

Have a blessed Sunday!

~ Christine