Faith Needed for Minstry

Ask God to thrust into His harvest many young people ready to proclaim the “Good News.” Pray that they will learn from God’s Word to live in the light of His coming and be ready to stand before the judgment seat of Christ. “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14). Thank God for every pastor and teacher already laboring to perfect the saints, and ask Him to strengthen them to continue their work through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Scriptural faith recognizes the lostness of mankind in sin and wickedness. Only God can redeem such lost men and women through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. “Through faith” a person becomes a child of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). “Without Christ” a person is “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). Faith must be placed in Jesus Christ. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved” (Acts 16:31). The very moment that a person places his trust in the finished work of Christ as the only means of salvation from sin, he is forgiven and can fellowship with God. A person must acknowledge that he is a sinner, repent of sin and rely upon Christ for forgiveness of sins.

That person must receive the Word of God as truth. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). There can be no Biblical faith without genuine salvation. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Faith in God is established upon the infallible, inerrant Word of God. The Father sent His Son to the world and draws a person to the fact of sinfulness. The Holy Spirit is given to assist the person to repent.

Faith then appears when one believes and trusts in God. Jesus Christ is the “foundation” of faith (1 Corinthians 3:11). A person of faith relies upon the promises of God and knows that those promises will be fulfilled. Faith directs the believer’s living and the believer’s giving. The person who seeks God with his whole heart depends on Him to save, to sustain and to supply. “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). The believer’s standing in Christ now gives assurance that one day he will enjoy fellowship with God face to face forever.

Faith will increase when a believer reads and heeds God’s word. What is read must be practiced in all areas of life. “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). To live one’s faith means to practice the beliefs that have been embraced. The Christian faith never endorses principles that will cause harm to oneself or to others. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith in Christ is personal and is shown publicly in active conformity to the will of God. God desires the Christian to serve and live for Him every day of the week.

Faith is expressed when a Christian is controlled by the Holy Spirit. Faith sustains the believer through trials and tribulations, because it brings confidence and conviction. Faith gives power to overcome temptation. When a believer turns to Christ the Savior for strength, faith soars with confidence. Faith identifies the believer with the Savior, Jesus Christ. The Christian can “overcome” the world, the flesh and the devil by “faith” in the Son of God (1 John 5:4).

Faith is essential in order to walk with God. Through Jesus Christ, God the Father seeks to guide the believer to maturity in his Christian character and conduct. Through Him, the believer can be pleasing to God. “Enoch walked with God” (Genesis 5:24). “Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). Pray that the national workers of Slavic Missionary Service will expressed their faith as good examples to the Christian community and to the world. May their walk glorify God, as they serve Him in their various ministries. Beseech God to increase their faith in order that they may expand their outreaches, according to the “gifts” and “talents” that God has given.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

Never wait for the lost soul to approach you and ask about the way to salvation. He or she seldom comes. The method of our Lord Jesus was to seek the lost. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). All around us are opportunities to witness about “new life” in Christ, if the believer will allow the Holy Spirit to assist him in sharing that marvelous message. People should be given a choice. Pray that all of the SMS missionaries will present the Gospel to anyone who is willing to listen to the “Good News.”