Is belief a matter of signs and miracles?

John taught the Jesus came to speak belief into us through our receiving of His message. Many believe because of good times and good fortune. Others believe because of miracles. Yet other believe because of a condition set.

I contend, as does Dr. Smith in chapel today, that belief is in you because of the Word of God in us! See John 15 for a context where belief is comprised. Is your belief based on signs or upon abiding in Christ's words?

In times of trouble, believe in Him. No matter the times, believe. In good and bad, believe. Our belief is not in me if it is circumstance oriented.

See 1 John for further clarification on belief. See John 3 to see how one man discovers the "new birth" of belief! Later we see this man burying the Man of Christ! He believed! It is a resurrection faith!

The danger of loosing heart!

There is a problem we all encounter. It is complacency. The danger often causes us to risk becoming indifferent and cold-hearted. The things that we once were concerned about become non-essential.

Such indifference causes us to loose heart within as well as disconcerned about those in need around us. Complacency has its effect on our world view as well as what we choose to become involved in.

Every profession has within it the danger of becoming so familier with our duty that we loose the human emotion. Perhaps the routines that occupy our day no longer become interesting. We may even forget why we even do what we do. Police Officers and EMT worker run this risk. Nurses may also run this risk. They become complacent and indifferent.

As Christians, we too run the risk of knowing everything about doctrine and the Bible but loose heart. We become routine-driven! While on the other hand, there are many who suffer pain and heart-ache. We may even believe that someone's pain is their fault! Our heart becomes cold and indifferent.

The point is to know the Truth and have a heart for those in need. I encourage you reach out to the disadvantaged and hurting. You may even discover that the feeling and attitude of complacency will fade as you get engaged in the needs of the lost and hurting.

Don't loose heart! Care for those in need. It may even surprise you to learn that as you care and demonstrate grace, your own spirit will be renewed.