Keep the Faith in Jesus Christ and His Word

The B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) says this about itself...

• It is divinely inspired: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

                   2 Timothy 3:16

• It is living and powerful: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword... and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
• It illuminates one's path: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105
• It is entirely true: "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."  Psalm 12:6
• It will never pass away: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."  Matthew 24:35
• It equips believers: "That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."  2 Timothy 3:17

 Sometimes Scripture is difficult to understand because it’s talking about complicated things. Often, however, it’s hard to grasp because we simply don’t like what it says. As Mark Twain famously quipped, “It ain’t those parts of the Bible I can’t understand that bother me; it’s the parts I do understand.” Often, it’s not that the Bible is unclear, but that we’re unreceptive. 

Undeniably, faith is the essence of the Christian life. Faith is taught throughout the Bible and is presented as an absolute necessity. In fact, “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). The entire chapter of Hebrews 11 is about faith and those who possessed it. Faith is a gift from God and not something we can get on our own (Ephesians 2:8-9). All Christians have received the gift of faith from God and faith is part of the armor of God. It is the shield with which we protect ourselves from the “flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).
 

The Bible doesn’t teach us to have “childlike” faith, at least not in so many words. Jesus says that we must “become as little children” in order to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 18:2). Meekness is required – see Matthew 5:5. Jesus teaches us to seek to possess a childlike modesty in addition to our faith. A young child is destitute of ambition, pride and haughtiness and is therefore a good example For us. Children are characteristically humble And teachable.  They aren’t prone to pride or hypocrisy. Humility is a virtue rewarded by God; as James says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).  Although faith is not mentioned in Matthew 18:1-5, we know that it isn’t just humility that gets a person into heaven; it is faith in the Son of God. A humble, unpretentious faith could rightly be called a “childlike faith.” When Jesus wanted to bless the children, He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Mark 10:14-15). How does a child receive a gift?  With openness, honesty and unbridled joy. That type of happy authenticity should be a hallmark of our faith as we receive God’s gift in Christ.

Of course, children are easily fooled and led astray. Being somewhat naive, they tend to miss the truth and be drawn to myths and fantasies. But that is not what is meant by having a childlike faith. Jesus promoted a humble, honest faith in God and He used the innocence of a child as an example.  Emulating the faith of children, we should simply take God at His Word. As children trust their earthly fathers, we should trust that our “Father in heaven will give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11).  The Bible says in John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” So, searching for the truth is the way that He recommends that you find Him and life (salvation). Many people have come to the saving knowledge, grace and a relationship with Jesus Christ after falling for and believing the lies of this world through false religions, addictions, propaganda and temptations.  The Truth is found in His Word… the Bible.   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:1-5

Since biblical creation is true, it would be the first step towards finding your Creator and an awakening in your understanding of how much He really loves you.