“Christian” television shows are revealing some fascinating factors regarding the interests of today’s “believers.” The most popular subjects/topics are those that promote physical health and financial wealth. These are followed by relationships, positive/possibility thinking, and seven steps to success. Every topic, every subject, every emphasis is tied together by a special “kind” of “faith.”

 

Have you noticed? I seem to be finding fault. Actually, I’m simply “sounding off” to focus attention on something that is being neglected in the quest for self-improvement. Two primary foundations of Christianity are being increasingly overlooked: grace and genuine faith.

 

Grace is central to biblical theology. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ --- by grace you have been saved --- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7).

 

Faith is more than believing something in our intellect. Even in the absence of proof, it is sincerely accepting something in our innermost being as being real and genuine. The eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews is famous among many people as the “Hall of Faith.” Usually, it is verse one that is most often quoted … Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. In these days of the ongoing arguments between evolutionists and creationists, I am fond of reading verse three. It tells a lot about my theological stance regarding faith, creation, and the power of the Word of God. It says, By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

To summarize: grace (God’s favor) provided for our immortality in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ; faith is an invisible force that enables us to accept the supernatural power of God’s Word. Money cannot accomplish your redemption. Good physical health is worth a great deal, but it is idolatry to worship the human body. Grace and faith, these two, should be preached more than “Health and Wealth.”