Hebrews 4:2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.

Evidently this isn’t the easiest verse in the NT to translate, but the major thrust of it comes through in almost every variation. That is, it takes faith for the Gospel to do us any good. There are many people who were raised in church and so have heard the Gospel many times, but they haven’t applied it to themselves in faith, and so are not saved. That’s why “Christian” nations have so many “false converts:” being able to parrot the facts doesn’t mean you really believe, appropriate, and apply them. We are indeed saved by faith, but that’s not just an intellectual acceptance of information. As James points out, even demons know the facts, but that certainly doesn’t mean they are saved. (James 2:19) The character and quality of faith is demonstrat­ed in how it is lived out. That’s why Jesus said to evaluate people by what their lives produce. (Matthew 7:16-20) That certainly doesn’t mean we’re to run around being judgmental; the Bible prohibits that in several places. However, we are to examine our own lives, and we are to be discerning about others as well. I would say that every real Christian prays (and needs to) the prayer of the father of the epileptic boy: “Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

As a pastor, not only do I deal with my own level of faith, I also have to speak and act appropriately to the various levels of faith in those around me, both in the church and out of it. This is acute when it comes to the decision of whether to baptize someone, and it is heartbreaking when it shows that someone who is actively going through the motions doesn’t really have a foundation of faith. I need to pray for faith, for myself and for those to whom I minister, and I need to speak faith-building truth to them. I don’t have to make up “faith stories;” there’s plenty of truth available, both in the Bible and in contemporary experience. As someone with Teacher gifting, I tend to feel, on the emotional level, that simply communicating the facts should be enough to change people’s hearts. However, long years of experience have taught me the painful truth that it doesn’t work that way, just as this verse from Hebrews says. I need to work toward helping people apply the truth of the Gospel so that it becomes part of them, the foundation of who they are. Only then will they reap the full benefits that God intends for them.

Well, Father, once again I’ve made it clear that I don’t have the wisdom and strength for the task at hand. Thank You that You do have that wisdom and strength, and You will apply it through me as I yield myself to You. Help me indeed do that, allowing You to impart faith through me, so that many will be brought from darkness to light, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!