It is almost unfair to classify the Christian experience as faith.   For, while it is true that we begin with the world’s definition of faith, we soon find that definition obliterated.  For we find ourselves living The Faith.

The difference is that we are given the Holy Spirit of Christ.  By this Spirit we receive the things of Christ.  The Faith is a living faith in the living God.  By it we cry Abba Father.  By it we are transformed from children of lies to the children of truth.  And we come to expect answers to our prayers.  The faith of the Christian is not speculation.

You have heard it said, as have I, what fear can befall us if our God is the living God through Jesus the Christ.  And we have heard that said by the testimony of those who live that peace.

By the glory and mystery which is Christ in me, I testify by these words the reality of his presence. 

If he were only the sum of religion, what would be the value of our testimony?   But we live because he lives in us.  Therefore our testimony is true and reliable.  Is this not the promise we are given?

Two thoughts  regarding our dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We who are taught to love the Lord Jesus Christ are not pathetic believers in a non existent cause.  The Lord rewards according to his need and his wisdom.  And no one who puts their faith in Him will ever be put to shame!

AND

In the beginning of the building of the bride, there were those of our brothers and sisters who enticed the Lions to come and rip their flesh. Those Who today are of their same mind will be found doing so even without the Beast.

He was before we were.  He will be long after this place is gone.  We are called to join him in that state of affairs.  Don’t miss the call.  An answering machine won’t work.

You’re taking a nice pleasant walk in the park.  Off to your right lay a pond with geese swimming.  The water is as smooth as a mirror.

The sky above you is that bright blue with tiny puffy clouds floating by.  And the grass and trees are vivid colors!

Something catches your eye to the right.  The water is stirring as if by itself.  The leaves on the trees shake .  The grass begins to shimmer with movement.  The bright blue sky has a haze to it that is not from clouds.  And the tiny puffy clouds are shaking apart.

About the time you think you’re ready to lose it, your body begins to shake in rhythm with all creation.  It is then that you hear it!

Now you wonder why you did not hear it before.  An unmistakable and exceedingly clear voice begins to speak.  “Your presence here is no longer tolerable”.

At the end of those words, and without further warning, something lays hold of you and flings you up into the sky.  With the darkness of the universe pressing close around you, it finally sinks in!  You are an outcast from life!

So it will be, 1000 fold stronger, for those who are not allowed to enter God’s peace.

God alone is truth.  No man can claim a single thread of truth has his own.  If any man doubts this please be patient while I expose the following.

Perhaps one day comes upon me when in the midst of speaking, three perfect truthful sentences errantly escape my lips.  With the same odds it would take for a worm to balance for an hour on the point of a pin, I have spoken something phenomenal.

And we will allow, for the sake of the story, that 1000 people heard me speak those words.  Perhaps, by their testimony, I begin to receive fame and glory.  And I live the rest of my days in splendor and luxury.

But as is with all men, the day comes when I die.  My soul is brought before the Most High God.  He asks if I am the one who errantly spoke beautiful truth.  Bowing down to my face at the sound of his voice I whisper, “yes”.

At that the Lord recounts the splendor and luxury in which I lived as fruit of my mistake.  Uncondemning  and full of truth the Lord shows me my life.  His words roll toward me as a constant thunder of beauty.  And my heart soars,  just to hear him speak.

Then the Lord begins an endless stream of truth.  Thousands upon thousands of words placed end to end.  Not a single syllable finds fault.  And to add glory to glory, as the lord speaks living creatures appear from the truth of His words!

In the end I am shocked to silence.  What truth like this have I ever seen?  What words like these have I ever spoken?

Truth belongs to God!