Do the heavenly bodies have any influence over our lives? The millions of people who consult their horoscopes each day would say, "Yes!" In the United States, there are about 1,750 daily newspapers, and 1,220 of them carry astrological data!
Is there any relationship between diet and spiritual living?
Does God speak to us immediately, in our minds, or only through His Word, the Bible? Do the Eastern religions have something to offer the evangelical Christian?
These questions sound very contemporary. Yet they are the very issues Paul dealt with in his writings. We need this important letter today just as they needed it back in a.d. 60 when Paul wrote it.
It is possible to hear and not believe, even though the Word of God has the power to generate faith in those who hear (Rom. 10:17). Millions of people have heard the Good News of salvation and yet not believed. But those who believe in Jesus Christ receive from God the gift of eternal life (John 3:14-18).
We are not saved by faith in faith. There is a cult of "believism" today that promotes faith but has little to do with Jesus Christ. Even some popular songs carry the message of "faith in faith." The modern attitude is, "If you believe, you are safe." But the obvious question is, "Believe in what?" Their answer: "Just believe!"
We have adopted the world view of spirituality when we place the power of our redemption in our faith or any of our actions. It is a pagan view that somehow we can coax or cajole the gods by our offerings and obedience. The eternal God has made it clear. He wants a personal relationship. Our faith is a response to that offering.
We cannot make our selves more spiritual. Only God can do that by transforming us. So put your trust in the one who can deliver the goods: Jesus.
Michael