Last night at our WakeWell Bible study I asked the group a question: What does your faith rest on?
“A comprehensive demographic study of more than 200 countries finds that there are 2.18 billion Christians of all ages around the world, representing nearly a third of the estimated 2010 global population of 6.9 billion” (Pew Research, 2011). This makes Christianity the largest religion in the world, and one would have to assume that all 2.18 billion will end up in heaven. That is pretty good! Yet Christianity’s founder Jesus Christ, taught in Matthew 7:13-14 that only few would find life through him. Interesting! Do we maybe have some posers among us? Are you one of them? Let’s find out!
In 1 Corinthians 2 we find Paul explaining to the people why he shared the testimony of God without lofty speech or wisdom. Paul says he was weak, in fear and even trembling (verse 3). Can you imagine the great apostle Paul shaking at the knees while he is sharing the gospel in plain words? It wasn’t eloquent or pretty. It wasn’t a 3 point sermon with deep theological wisdom and Hebrew word studies. Paul didn’t want his audience to follow Jesus because he made a compelling speech. In verse 5 Paul lays out his reasoning for why he shared the testimony of God this way, “So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of menbut in the power of God” (ESV).
So I ask again, what does your faith rest on? Does it rest on your association with family or friends? Does your faith rest on the wisdom of others? Your pastor? Your grandmother? Your significant other? Does your faith rest on yourself and your own logic? Does it rest on a spiritual or religious pride?
Take a time out today and ask yourself these questions. Don’t roll over your answers to easily. Be sure that your faith rests on the power of God and nothing else. Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (NIV). 1 Corinithians 1:18 says, “For the mesage of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (NIV). Faith must rest on the power of God and nothing else.