AS OTHERS SEE IT

Serving Faithfully Today - (by John Nosker, The West End Way, 3/28/99)

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things
not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, NASB)

Strong and abiding faith sustains the Christian as he journeys through this
life. Moreover, "Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who
comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who
seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Without proper faith the child of God is adrift upon the sea of life. Such a
one is encompassed by a morass of unbelievers, professed followers of the
Savior who lack sufficient faith to devote their lives to serving Him, other
weak Christians, and confirmed unbelievers. Until sufficient faith is
developed to lead him or her to humble obedience to the terms of the gospel,
such a one walks in rebellion to the will of God.

Before one can serve faithfully, he must become a child of God. He does so,
according to the New Testament, by hearing the plan of salvation found in the
word of God. Thus hearing, he learns that Jesus is the Son of God and is led
to confess him before men (Romans 10:10). From such scriptures as Luke 13:3 -
"except ye repent, ye shall likewise perish" - he learns he must repent of
his past sins. The final culminating step such a one takes to come into a
faithful relationship with God is to be baptized - buried (immersed) in water
(Mark 16:15,16; Romans 6:4-6). As in apostolic times, the steps which make
one a Christian also result in his becoming a member of the Lord's church
(Acts 2:47).

Within that blood-bought institution, he (or she) works out their salvation
"with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). This involves dedication of
oneself to righteous living in the kingdom of Christ, the church. This means
living a life of prayer, daily devotions including study of the Bible;
worshiping publicly on a regular basis, whenever the church meets, and
engaging in Christian good works as one has opportunity. 

(Brother Nosker has been serving faithfully as an Elder for the West End
Congregation in Richmond, Virginia for over 35 years)

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.
For there is no power but of God: the powers that
be are ordained of God." (Romans 13:1)