September Message

To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.  Hebrews 11:1

After giving this definition of faith the author of the book of Hebrews goes on to list a whole load of characters from the Old Testament who demonstrated their faith in God by the things that they did. People who took up challenges that they would not have dared to attempt if they did not believe that God was there with them.

These heroes of the Old Testament should inspire and encourage us in our own lives to put our trust in God and allow him to help us every day as he promises to do through the power of the Holy Spirit.

At the beginning of chapter 12 the letter to the Hebrews urges us:

We have this large crowd of witnesses. So … let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.   Hebrews 12: 1-2

Jesus lived on this earth as a man and he knows all our weaknesses. Now he sits at God’s right hand, always willing to hear our prayers and to bring his peace and love into our lives.

The very next book in the Bible after the letter to the Hebrews is the letter of James who reminds us that faith without works is dead:

Show me your faith without deeds,

and I will show you my faith by what I do. James 2: 18b

Let us all try to live out our faith through deeds that pass on God’s love to those we come into contact with day by day.

Brian Turner … Churchwarden St Mary’s Knockin.