When Faith is not challenged, it can often go unnoticed that a strong foundation is non-existent. The danger is that deceptive philosophies begin to be accepted, which imply that there is no absolute Truth, or that it is unknowable. Hebrews 11 tells us that Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do see.
Growing up in the Bible Belt, we were told that "when you accept Christ, you just feel Him wrap his arms around you!" With a tilt of the head, one could raise their hand and ask, "um, what if I did not feel that?"
There are some pseudo Christian groups (i'll refrain from using the term cults) that base their conversion solely on this "warm and fuzzy feeling". Don't get me wrong, I know that God's peace and comfort can be experienced literally and physically, but this is not where we are to remain.
With knowledge comes the reality of our need for a Savior... a fundamental understanding of God, man, sin, and therefore our relation to God. This truth is unwavering. Emotional/Spiritual highs exists, but cannot be our foundation as they are wavering.
We can look to the example of how Jesus Himself ministered using parables, in order that those who accept the teaching might have roots to their Faith, (Matthew 13:18-23).
We can look to the example of Paul in Acts 17:16-34, and his use of reason and truth in his ministry.
We can look to the example of Paul in Acts 17:16-34, and his use of reason and truth in his ministry.
How does this apply to our ministry?
As Christians, we know the way to truth is found in the Bible, God’s special revelation, and also God’s general revelation through history, science, and reason. My Prayer, is that our efforts in ministry are not done in vain by only appealing to an emotional sense, and that we acknowledge the danger that is created by the vulnerability of Faith with no roots.
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