By Faith Only!

Pursuing a "fountain of youth" is a timeless tale that plays out in our lives in many ways. For example, you see this everyday in our grocery stores, in the form of "functional foods" such as cereals that promise to lower your cholesterol, milk that improves brain function, or vitamin-enhanced water that boosts your immune system. Attaching scientific and medical claims on food products seems to be more and more appealing to an aging population, often accepting the supposed added benefits with blind faith. - Dr. Jeffrey H. Toney educator and scientist

So how does the Christian look at faith? Every word in the Bible is important. Every word in the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament is a word chosen by God both as to its form and use. Many New Testament passages speak of salvation by faith, and I believe every one of them exactly at they are written. John 3:16

Perhaps a better question to ask, would be: "How are men saved by faith?"

If you turn to Matthew 8:5-13, you will see a great example of faith in action. This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. The servant got a cure of his disease, and the master got the approval of his faith.

According to the scriptures, salvation can be attributed to many things. Such as:

Belief (Acts 16:31)
Confession (1 John 4:2)
God (2 Timothy 1:8-9)
Grace (Ephesians 2:8)
Gospel (Romans 1:1)
Hope (Romans 8:24)
Repentance (Acts 11:18)
The Holy Spirit (Titus 3:)
Blood (Romans 5:9)
Works (James 2:24)
Jesus (Matthew 1:21)
Baptism (1 Peter 3:21)

It's easy to see how this could become a bit overwhelming to some; enough so, that they might even just throw their hands up and walk away. But it really isn't that complicated at all. There is a common theme running through all of this. It all boils down to this, believe, and ye shall receive; only believe.

Let's pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,
From this time forward, I want to change the direction of my life and follow you. Give me a hunger for your Word and a desire to spend time with you every day. I pray that I would love you with all my heart and all my soul and all my strength. Help me to obey you without hesitation and be faithful to you until the day that I die. Help me to love others and to demonstrate my love through concrete actions. Protect me from all evil. Give me wisdom to make right decisions that honor you.

May God bless you,

Myree