It is funny how a definition that shocked me into its truth has become my primary defense today. We had an assignment to sort out the needs of a business that was struggling to re-invent itself. We needed to write a short description of the business. My team mate blurted out out "it is a faith-based book distribution venture ...". As a pastor, I felt somewhat shocked and honestly insulted by the way that he had reduced this big and monstrous, ageless outlet of Christian literature with so little verbiage.

But honestly, when you look at it critically, this is what all religious activity is about. It is about reinforcing a belief in God – a faith in God or some other subject of edification. Though, he was crisp, yet he was very correct. However, you need to feel my sentiments also. After all, I spent so many years going through all that tough training to become a preacher, and this business is one that most Christian organizations look up to as the standard and final point of reference. So, it can be difficult not to feel hurt when he just blurt out to words. But it remains the truth – it is all based on faith – a belief in God!

Think about this way, Jabez had faith in God, and believed that God created the heavens and the earth before Jabez demanded of God to re-orient his own personal destiny (1 Chr. 4:9-10). In other words, those eye-rolling words like creationism, Big bang theory, Evolutionary theorems, and similar ones do not carry any meaning beside faith – a belief in a system or deity.

It is funny how little rationalization has to do with faith, but has everything to do with feelings, emotions, arts, science, and technology appreciation. And it is the bane of those systems. You are made to believe that you are conducting mental exercises while you are actually reinforcing a belief. This is what is different about Christianity, it is not about rationalization; but about a belief that safety resides in Jesus Christ only.

There are no legal standpoints to flesh, only spiritual ones:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16)

In other words, faith is the key – you either believe or you don't. There is danger in not believing Jesus, though!

Pastor John

Pastor John blogs on practical life issues at the Jesus Blog, and is the Director of APGO publishers of Christianity 101, Christian Sacraments, Baby Steps in Christ, Islamic Jesus.

Addendum:

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse

21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen (Rom. 1:20-25 – NKJV)