All or Nothing

When a photo of a boy named Hayden standing alone at his school flagpole on “See You At the Pole” day went viral, it caused many Christians to ask themselves, “Would I do what Hayden did?” It also brought encouragement in showing there is a resilient remnant of kids who will hold on to their faith no matter what.

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance. If it’s true, it is of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” C.S. Lewis. True faith is all or nothing. You got to have faith since

“without faith it is impossible to please God.” —Hebrews 11:6

Three Essential Ingredients of True Faith:

 It 
  
    
       
       Reveal Answer

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for.” —Hebrews 11:1

“Being sure” is also translated as “confidence” or “reality” or “assurance” or “substance”. The word communicates firmness. It’s also used of a document showing ownership or establishing proof (title deed, passport, driver’s license).

Our confidence as Christians lies in God’s word. Noah built an ark based solely on God’s word. Christians today make the same wager. Is God’s word true or not? Either Jesus is God in the flesh, or he isn’t!

“If Christ has not been raised from the dead, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are found to be false witnesses about God…If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” —I Corinthians 15:14-15,19
“Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:3

It 
  
    
       
       Reveal Answer

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” —Hebrews 11:1

“Certain” is also translated as having “assurance” or “evidence” or “proof”. The word communicates a conviction that propels one to act. Faith is not a static emotion of complacency but something lively and active.

Intellectually affirming belief in something and willfully acting on that belief are two separate things. It’s not just talking the talk but walking the walk! Talking the talk is important as our words matter (Romans 10:9; Matthew 10:32). But action must follow.

“Faith, by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” —James 2:17

The repentant thief was a first-rate scoundrel who cried out to Jesus on the cross, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus had mercy on him.

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” —Luke 23:42-43

We are saved by faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). But if you are truly saved, good works will follow (Ephesians 2:10).

It 
  
    
       
       Reveal Answer

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” —Hebrews 11:1-2

The Old Testament saints gained God’s approval by leaving a good witness for us. They are declared to be heroes of the faith. The implication is that we are to follow their example.

If you are truly a follower of Christ, you will follow in the footsteps of these heroes of the faith! You will seek to belong to their tribe. You will seek to emulate their example.

God created us as social creatures.

“It is not good for man to be alone.” —Genesis 2:18

This is why Jesus established the church.

“I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” —Matthew 16:18

There is strength in numbers. Jesus used sheep as a metaphor for Christians to drive home the point that we are in danger when alone (Luke 15:1-7).

Emulate the lives of the godly, even though they may let you down. Yet even when they fall short, they can model confession and repentance (Psalm 51; James 5:16).

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses [heroes], let us throw off everything that hinders [be ‘all in’] and the sin that so easily entangles [we all have signature sins that trip us up]. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us [believe, behave, & belong]. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith [our only perfect example].” —Hebrews 12:1-2