Is Your Faith Your Own?

Guest Post by Phil Robertson

     The old adage “numbers never lie” is really true.  Two plus two will always equal four.  No matter the situation, time, consequence, or feelings of those “doing the math” the numbers always stay the same.  When someone learns the math, they can calculate almost anything.  For example, NASA scientists use the precision of numbers to determine the exact location of stars, planets, and comets shooting through space at 20,000 miles per hour.  It truly is amazing when you think about it.  Using math, scientists have sent spacecrafts through the icy tails of comets and even guided one probe into a head-on collision with a comet.   And due to the precision of numbers, scientists know that Haley’s comet will return to our inner solar system in 2061.      

    Although the numbers never lie, that does not mean mathematical answers are always easy to find. That is why math teachers do more than just demand the correct answer on tests, they require students to “show their work.” 

     Jesus taught absolute truth.  Like the precision of numbers, He claimed He was the only path to salvation.  “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except by Me” (John 14:6).    But, Jesus also demanded believers “show their work.”

     Consider Pilate, the Roman responsible for our Lord’s execution. “Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” (John 18:33-34) 

      It seemed like Pilate had the right answer but Jesus challenged his means of arriving at that conclusion. Jesus wanted Pilate to “show his work” or in this case “show his faith.”  It is as if Jesus is saying to Pilate, “Are you saying I’m the king of the Jews because you searched for the answer yourself and that is what you truly believe or are you just repeating what someone else has said?” 

    When you think about it, it is a good question for all of us.  Do you believe in Jesus because of your own faith?  Or, are you just believing what the preacher said, or what your parents said, or what your friend said? 

    “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his own cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37-38).  Where did you get your answers?  Is your faith your own?  Can you “show your work?”

     Please answer the following questions with Bible verses.  This will hopefully give you a little insight into your our faith.  Remember “faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).  The Word is our only guide to absolute truth (John 1:1).  (Hopefully you will be able to answer these questions with the verses from memory without opening your Bible): 

     1) Why do Christians worship God on Sunday?

     2) Why does the Lord Supper consist of unleavened bread and grape juice?

     3) How do believers worship God collectively?

     4) How is someone saved from sin?

     5) How are disciples added to the Lord’s church? 

     Although numbers enable us to calculate the pathway of a star or comet, I’m sure I could never figure it out.  However, it does not take a rocket scientist to find the pathway to heaven.  Jesus said, “Seek and you will find” (Matthew 7:7).  Just remember, we have to seek on our own and we cannot follow someone else’s path.  We must have our own faith.  

Answers to the questions will follow soon… but for now… please do your own work!  Thanks.    –  Phil Robertson  philrobertson@charter.net