Faith in Christ is Vital!

 The renewal of faith in Christ is essential in a culture that is driven by hyper pragmatism and is marketed on the idea of what we lack and do not have. The media industry continually communicates to consumers how we do not measure up. According to this cultural model - we do not have the right status – the right looks – the right clothes – the right stuff – the right house, and most of the time, if we are not careful, we will not feel right about ourselves on the inside. If we are not alert to this media bombardment we can not only subtly begin to agree with its message, but even begin to transfer it to our relationship with God. The fact that we lack at times in our life keeps us dependent on God and this is where a vital faith in Christ is central. The fact that we lack is however, only part of the truth.

Remember, if we are a Christian we do not lack as far as the power of our redemption and spiritual inheritance accomplished in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-7).  The only real lack that is present in our life is due to the fact that we are in process and complete change is ongoing. If we lack or need provisions they are on the way. Our salvation is complete, but our growth in grace is not finished (II Peter 3:18). Scripture provides both of these realities in tension with each other.  It has been referred to by theologians as the already and not yet. Already you are redeemed and adopted, but not yet are you in a state of complete glorification. This is not to suggest that if you trust God for your life that you will be able to also obtain all the things the culture promises you. You will however, instead live in the good of God’s promises. 

Interacting within a culture that is always telling you what you do not have or how you lack takes reminding that your confidence and focus is on the greatness of God. 

 Gerald R. McDermott in an excellent book on how Jonathan Edwards, during the Colonial period of American history interacted with culture, provides some critical points on what it means to live by a vital faith.  In his book, Jonathan Edwards Against the gods, McDermott summarizes 3 aspects in one way or another of what it means to have faith in Christ as it is applied to a cultural context. I am providing a brief account of his general principles. When we struggle in unbelief concerning our life situation it is good to remember the following. 
 

1. "Jesus is the Object of our Faith." We pursue him by faith because he is the object of our longing and desire. Certainty in life can be gained in no other way. True biblical faith has nothing to do with a cold separate aloofness to knowing God.

2. "True Faith Keeps on Seeking, Knocking, and Asking." Our love for God and our cultural context requires this kind of biblical faith. Questions do not put off true biblical faith nor does leaving such things always to I guess we just have to belief satisfy faith. If we stop pursuing, the genuine-ness of our faith can be questioned. This does not mean we do not have to leave things from time to time and trust God, but we never stop seeking understanding.

3. "Faith also has a Situation and Cultural Context." This demands that we hunger after God’s truth in order to understand it for our times. Each generation of believers must apply the Scriptures and the Christian faith within their own time. The truth of Scripture never changes, but the cultural context in which we live does.

 So how do we return to a vital faith if the coals from the embers have grown somewhat cold? 

Turn to the Scripture and be reminded of God’s greatest to us in Christ and the things he has promised – Romans 4:20-23 

Turn to prayer in order to bring your request to God no matter how personal they are. God desires to be strong on behalf of his people. He receives glory by answering prayer – Jude 20

Turn to the Holy Spirit to strengthen your faith. This is one of the things he is committed to doing as a main part of his work – Ephesians 3:17

 The passages provided here are to be read. They underscore each point. They hold encouragement and promise. They will help to renew your faith in Christ. 

 Gary L. Finkbeiner