(December 12, 2016) Missionary statesman Dr George Forbes reminds us that wherever we live, we must be active Christians…

‘Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see!’

I came across this powerful saying in a great little booklet titled, God’s Little Instruction Book. It tends to stick in one’s mind as it encapsulates a fundamental truth.

We know that God’s word declares that…

• ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God!’
• It is not possible to be a Christian without faith.
• It is equally impossible to live the life of a believer without believing.

If we only look at what can be seen in society both here and overseas we could be overwhelmed, discouraged and depressed. Since 1960, more than 80 wars have been experienced with all their associated pain and suffering.

Nations in many places around the world are in serious trouble, economically, socially and above all, spiritually. The post-Christian ethos of Australian society is symptomatic of the sick world in which we live.

Yet we can rejoice in the Lord and praise the God of our salvation because ‘with God nothing is impossible!’

God’s word says that ‘We walk by faith, not by sight!’
Faith in that word gives us assurance that what we see with our natural eyes is not the ultimate reality. By faith God’s servants around the world ‘see’ barriers yielding, walls crumbling, gates opening and giants tumbling as the arm of the Lord is made bare. God is honoured by active faith, he is glorified by the testimony in the life and confession of believers.

As we consider the complex situations in Israel, China, Russia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam, to name just a few countries, it would be so easy to be confused and confounded, but faith in God’s word recognises his ‘Master Plan!’

Absolutely nothing takes God by surprise. He is in control and what he has said he will do, he will do! The church can rest in the certainty of God’s love for the world, his mercy to sinners and his unchanging purpose for all nations.

But still, faith calls for action

 

The fundamental action on our part is obedience to the word of God – obedience to his command without necessarily seeing all the pieces of the divine plan and purpose.

 

We are commanded to ‘Go and make disciples of all nations’ (Matt. 28:19). We cannot be fruitful in the service of Christ without active faith in his word. We will never impact unreached people groups and evangelise the lost – without a faith that dares and a love that cares!

What are you doing about it, I dare to challenge!

It’s almost Christmas – a time when people are expecting good things and encouragements by way of cards and gifts. The gospel speaks of the greatest gift of all – God’ gift of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

We may not be a missionary overseas but even here at home we can fulfil the great commission in our local suburbs! We can find opportunities to share the good news of the gospel, the real reason for the season.

Let’s be Christians of action – moving in faith and seeing the impossible become possible!

Dr George Forbes is internationally recognised as a missionary statesman with a heart for the lost of the nations. With a wealth of missionary knowledge and a unique ability to communicate the global picture, he is widely known as the ‘story-teller.’ Link: georgeforbes2@gmail.com