Most people would claim some association with religion, The strength of their commitment will be rated on the scale of faith with which they practice.
To some it's just the hope of "escaping eternal damnation", not really sure but hoping that what they believe and practice will get them a "fire pass." All the while living life like there were no tomorrow or judgement for their actions.
Some have a literal faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, His blood, His death and Resurrection which "promises" eternal life after death in a place prepared for "all who believe" in heaven. Because of this promise many who believe on this scale actually hold precious the practice of worship. Daily thankful for all the blessings God (Our Father) has bestowed on them both seen and unseen.
But what about this third group? Who believe on the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, enter into not only the profession of that work, but also into the worship that it inspires, while praying all the time that He would manifest His promises through them and "Glorify His Name."
Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Faith in what? Faith in Who?
All the above questions can be answered in this one name: Jesus Christ. Why? Because He is the "what", "the Word" (who became flesh), He is the "Who", because He gave us precious promises while He was alive on several occasions: "Ye shall do these things I do and greater", and "these signs shall follow those who believe."
James said that "Faith without works is dead".
Many "believers" look for the church to "manifest" the works of God not realizing that "they" make up the church body that they look to for these things to take place.
Here is a clue to the question "why"? What you don't do in your personal, private walk you cannot add to the manifestation of God in the service. If all in the church do "nothing" in the preaching of the Gospel and performance of the promises, then when all come together the whole body will be weak and unable to encourage the "babes" in Christ as to inspiring growth and maturity.
"According to thy faith" is the defining command here.
Does your faith follow Scripture? Or does it follow "what you believe?" And that of what? Your own carnal practices or thoughts unsupported by the Scriptures. Or there is always the "do as I say not as I do" philosophy.
Most of us readily see where we are at and whether we add to the church. it's gathering together as a service, or it's personal representation of strength and truth in the public eye. Must we be reminded that all the miracles of Jesus and His followers were public or at least before multiple members of His disciples.
Faith is a mustard seed (that can move mountains), to start with, then grows into a tree that "the fowl of the air can rest in." That means that if our faith produces "nothing" it is smaller than a mustard seed and we are at best "worshipers with lips as our hearts are far from Him."
God meant for the church to be a grove of trees that give hope and deliverance to the "lost and dying", as we have claimed it to be for us.
Have a "worshipful" Sunday and enjoy the Word and presence of God.
God bless and keep.
Love
J&E
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