We often hear that “without faith, it’s impossible to please God” but how often do we hear the rest, “because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)? I’m not sure why people are so fond of only quoting the first part of that verse but it’s not uncommon for people to only quote or remember verses in part. I will say that only partially quoting that or any other verse is a hindrance to both the speaker and the listeners. I’d go so far as to say that it could damage someone’s faith. Why? Let’s examine Hebrews 11:6 and see.

“Without faith, it’s impossible to please God,” tells me that if I don’t have faith then I will not be able to please God, right? That’s straightforward. I might then, ask myself, what is faith? Hebrews 11:1 tells us “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (NIV). That’s interesting, isn’t it? Does this mean that I have to be confident in what it is I am hoping for or do I have to be sure that what I am hoping for I will get even though I don’t see it? It can be confusing but God doesn’t sow confusion. It’s in confusion that one’s faith could be damaged because of doubt. There’s a lot to be said about doubt. However, rather than dive into doubt right now let’s examine the rest of Hebrews 11:6.

“Because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” When you believe that God is real and you go to Him asking for something then you must have a relationship with Him. Knowing that He exists is one thing. Imagine that you had a relative that lived next door. You wave when you see them but that’s about all the attention you give to them. They ask how you’re doing and want to be a part of your life. However, you rarely share anything with them and only share basic pleasantries on your way in or out. This goes on for years and years. Do you think that they’ll help you if ask them? They might. Most of us do the same thing with God. If we spend any time with Him it’s when we can fit Him into our schedule.

Is it a lack of faith that makes it impossible to please God or is it that we show a lack of faith by not investing in a relationship with Him? It’s easier to believe that one lacks faith and that’s why one isn’t getting what they ask for from God. Isn’t it? We’re busy people. Who has the time to spend hours in meditation over Scripture?

Some people may find reading the Bible a bit much. Where to start? What to read? Here are some other ways to be able to engage in a relationship with God.

  1. Watch film adaptations of the Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all have word-for-word presentations available. Here are some links below.
    A. Matthew (NIV) (YouTube free video).
    B. Luke (KJV) (YouTube free video)
    C. John (GNB) (YouTube free video)
  2. Watch this NIV film adaptation of Acts. (YouTube free video).
  3. Listen to the Bible. I have been using the YouVersion app for over 10 years.
  4. Use a Bible reading plan. If you download the YouVersion app then you have access to hundreds of Bible plans on all sorts of topics. I have been using the Life Journal daily reading plan for 15 years.
  5. Journal about what you read in the Bible. I have used different methods for journaling over the years. For the most part, I use the S.O.A.P. method. Here’s one link that describes it.
  6. Find a Bible Buddy. Someone you can meet with regularly to study the Bible. Combine this with a Bible plan and journaling.
  7. Host or go to a Bible Study.
  8. Pray and talk to God.
  9. Go to church.

These are just some of the ways that the Lord has enabled me to get to know Him better.

Would you like to be saved from the fear of death? Knowing that when you die you will be in an eternity filled with love, joy, and peace where there is no longer pain and suffering? Would you like to walk free of guilt today? To have your sins forgiven by the grace of God and to know true peace, here and now?

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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