Onward in the Faith. Why do we call this blog by that name? Every single one of us has a tendency to get “stuck” in our faith. We often start out burning brightly but over time the grind of the mundane slowly takes it toll on us. Each of us needs to be spurred onward in the faith to get out of the slump we find ourselves in. Not only do we need to be pushed out of our apathy but we need to continue to be pushed forward.
“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.“ (Colossians 1:28-29)
The Apostle Paul told the Colossians that his goal was to proclaim Christ by warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, with the purpose of presenting everyone who would listen mature in Christ. First and foremost the pastors of your church have this calling which is why each and every Christian needs to be a member of a local body of believers that holds firm to the teachings of the Word of God.
Yet, in this day and age we acknowledge that as we sojourn in this world many of us look for more encouragement, more teaching, more instruction, and more correction outside of the local church. We read Christian books, listen to Christian radio, listen to sermons of other pastors and read Christian blogs. This is where Onward in the Faith fits in. We do not want to supplant the local church but be a a supporting supplement to the local church.
Hopefully the things we produce mimic what is taught in your local church and is being expressed by your pastors. Hopefully we are simply reinforcing what you are all ready being taught. Hopefully we can drive home the application of the Word of God in your life and help you move onward in the faith toward maturity in Christ.
What is stopping you from moving onward in the faith?
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Lay aside whatever it is that is weighing you down. Flee whatever sin is clinging so closely to you. Put off such things so you can run with endurance. Look to Jesus who is the founder and perfecter of our faith. Jesus has laid down his life for us that we may be complete in Him. If we truly believe this, then let us live our lives as ones who have been bought with a price.
“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20)
We pray that you will join us as we seek to move Onward in the Faith, and along the way we hope that you too will be spurred Onward in the Faith.
Chris Lenoir
