Nov 17.97: Light For The Day - "Why Keep The Faith?"

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world;
and this is the victory that overcomes the world,
our faith." 
-- 1John 5:4 (RSV)

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"Why Keep The Faith?"

Many Christians are on the front lines of some very
important battles. Some are speaking out on social
issues and moral decline. Others are helping to
relieve suffering and battling the effects of poverty.
Still others are trying to make a difference in
government or entertainment.

Sometimes these battles are won but often the other
side gains ground. It can be a discouraging effort.

When we lose a skirmish on the front lines of
today's battles, how does that affect us? We may
feel discouraged, but we need not feel hopeless. 
We know Christ will win ultimately, and we can be
encouraged because there are some things that
cannot be taken away from us.

- Jesus Christ's continued presence with us
(Heb.13:5).

- The Lord's promise of eternal life (Titus 1:2).

- The Holy Spirit's indwelling (1Cor. 6:19).

- Access to our heavenly Father through prayer
(Eph. 2:18).

- Spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ (1Cor. 12).

It hurts to lose a battle in the daily fight for what is
right. But as Paul made clear in 2Timothy 3, 
it should come as no surprise. We are called only
to be faithful. And when we contemplate what Christ
has given us, we'll never have to wonder why we
should keep the faith. 
-- JDB

Day by day perform your mission,
With Christ's help keep at your tasks;
Be encouraged by His presence --
Faithfulness is all He asks. 

-- HGB

Having the Holy Spirit on the inside prepares
you for any battle on the outside.


Source: Our Daily Bread (1994)

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"But you, my friends, keep on building yourself up
on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of
the Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love
of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in
His mercy to give you eternal life.

Show mercy toward those have doubts; save
others by snatching them out of the fire; and to
others show mercy mixed with fear, but hate their
very clothes, stained by their sinful lusts."

-- Jude 1:20-23 (TEV)

** Jesus loves sinners but hates sin. **
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