Romans 10:17

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ ~ Romans 10:17

Faith comes through hearing, the Apostle Paul says. Hearing comes in two forms: first there is the hearing one which is searching for answers. This one is thirsty and needing that refreshment of the soul which says, "I need an answer." As Christ is preached to them, their heart is opened, their eyes see clearly, and their mind is illuminated. The message of Christ enters in and transformation takes place. Then, a wonderful new thing begins, and they begin to grow and stretch in the new faith they have received from Christ. These are the people we rejoice with, for they have found what we know to be true - that only Life in its fullest is lived in Christ, that which the soul was thirsty for has quenched its dryness. Then, we have the second listener. They do not come recognizing their thirst, but come to defend it. They search for answers in a world which surrounds them. They search in the science of the day, or the logic of the proposition. When the message of Christ is spoken, they mock it and turn away from it. It is hard to penetrate this person with the message of Christ, but, remember that with Christ, nothing is impossible. If you are spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ, do not give up on this one. Jesus died for all people, including those we find it hard to witness with. Keep praying for them. God can soften the hardest heart. Faith is always found in hearing the Good News, in the message of Jesus' love.
Devotion by Pastor Julia

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