The Boundaries of Faith – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Whether we care to admit it or not we all believe in something.  Even atheists “believe” that there is no God.  I do not say this in a pejorative manner.  I respect that many people come to this belief through reason.  It is still, however, a belief; an act of faith.

As a Christ follower my beliefs are basic and sometimes confounding.  From God’s perspective the only boundary to faith is fulfillment of that faith.  Humans, however, set boundaries to their faith.  We determine the tests and limits of what we are willing to believe. We demand proof and when that proof is not to our liking we change the rules.

When life tests our faith those boundaries begin to matter.  I have thought through my faith.  I have listened, read, discussed, and sought.  My faith is based on reason but not on conclusive evidence.  The latter would preclude the need for faith.

So what are the limits of faith?  Where are the boundaries of faith?  I must assure that my faith in Christ is reasonably limitless.  I realize that sounds like an oxymoron.  I need to explore the boundaries of my faith.  I need to examine them so that I push them, test them, and expand them.  My faith needs to be both deeper and larger.

For me this is a first step in preparation for Holy Week.  After all, celebrating the resurrection of Christ is a large act of faith.  It is also reasonable.  It a belief I cherish.  It is an event that is the bedrock of many other things I believe.  It is by faith that I approach God and in faith that I follow. 

It makes sense, therefore, to want larger and deeper faith.  I will examine the boundaries that I set for my faith and seek to push them outward.  I will plumb the depth of my faith and seek to increase it.  Please feel free to join in the discussion as we journey. 

By Faith – Michael Card

By faith one was commended

For the sacrifice he made

Another out of holy fear

Built an ark the world to save

Another left his homeland

and as a stranger he'd reside

But none received the promise then

And so, in faith, they died.

Others conquered kingdoms

Quenched the fury of the flames

Some made strong in battle

Some were raised to life again

But many more were martyred

Midst the crowds loud clamoring

By faith they would not bow the knee

Nor kiss the emperor's ring

Faith understands and offers

It assures and calms our fears

It can shut the mouths of lions

And make sense of scars and tears

We persevere in hope

And with conscience clean and clear

We walk this fallen wilderness

With Salvation's Pioneer

Being sure of what we hope for

Seeing what is yet unseen

A universe from nothingness

New life where none had been

The known made from unknowable

And hope for the comfortless

Who hear and hold on firmly to

The faith that they possess

So fix your eyes upon the Champion

As you seek to run the race

Understanding that He cheers you on

As you long for His embrace

So hold on and do not grow weary

Of the faith that you profess

Remembering that you are ringed around

By this cloud of witnesses

Faith understands and offers

It assures and calms our fears

It can shut the mouths of lions

And make sense of scars and tears

We persevere in hope

And with conscience clean and clear

We walk this fallen wilderness

With Salvation's Pioneer     

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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