St. John's Lutheran Church LCMS

FEBRUARY MESSAGE FROM
PASTOR RICK

I recently read a devotion on faith. It revealed a few important points, which in turn created a few questions.

One point is that faith is shy and believes nothing great about itself.  For example, the Centurion in Luke 7, turned to Jesus for the healing of his servant.  The townspeople told Jesus that the Centurion is worthy, for He loved the nation of Israel, and he has built the local Synagogue, or Church. As the Centurion however approached Jesus, he said to Jesus, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Notice the humility of faith.

The words of the Centurion also illustrate another point. This is that faith always trusts and clings to the promises of the Word of God. Faith never argues, debates, or disagrees with the Word of God. But rather, faith confidently hopes in, and follows the Word of God, even if it makes no sense, or seems to be contrary to what is going on in the world around you. Faith always takes hold of God’s Word and clings to it.

There are a few reasons for this. One is that faith is created by God’s Word. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”.  (Romans 10:17)  Another reason is that Christ Himself is the living Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [Christ] (John 1:1) Another reason, is that faith is sustained by continuing to be connected with God’s Word, and by partaking of forgiveness of sins. Once the seeds of faith have been planted in the human heart, they are like the corn and bean seeds planted in this land. In order to grow there must be sunshine and rain. This past summer is a great reminder of this. So also, God’s sunshine comes through hearing of His Word, and being in the Word. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)  His rain comes to us through partaking of His forgiveness of sins. “The blood of the Lamb cleanses us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:17)

All of this brings about a few questions that pop up occasionally about faith. One question revolves around the doubts and fears that exist in a Christian because of the sinful flesh, which abides alongside faith. The question is this: Does faith itself grow and mature, or does it remain the same, while the Christian grows and matures, or, does both faith and the Christian grow and mature?

Another question is, “what provides validation for a Christian?”  Does validation of what is happening come only through God’s Word and faith, or does validation come from God’s Word and faith, along with one’s intellect, emotions of the heart, and experience?

If you see me, let me know what you think.

Have a great February   Pastor Brad Rick