Faith and Faith

 

 

Of what faith are you

Is a question often asked

And depending on who you are

This is an easy task.

 

I am of the Wesleyan faith

Or I am an Anglican,

I am a Moravian or Catholic

Or even Presbyterian.

 

Faith meaning sect

Is one of the expressions

That quickly come to one’s mind

When asked this question.

 

I am of Apollos

And I am of Paul

Of Cephas and Christ

Or none of the above at all.

 

Like the Pharisees,

That were none of the above,

They were sectarian and apart

And full of self-love.

 

So, faith as in doctrine

Is one definition of faith,

I will hurry on to the next one

I’ve reserved for this space.

 

Faith as in believing

For something to happen,

The faith expressed in a prayer

When something threatens.

 

Mustard seed faith

That will result in a miracle,

The faith that moves mountains

Or whatever the trouble.

 

 

 

So, faith as in a doctrine

And faith as in belief

Hence, the faith and faith title

In this poetic brief.

 

Both are important

One more than the other

And if not properly understood

They can be a bother.

 

Faith in God’s Word

Meaning one’s faith in the faith

Is what we should aspire to

And this by God’s grace.

 

The faith as in the doctrine

Purported by the apostles

Who also walked with Christ

As his first disciples.

 

And afterwards, Paul

And Barnabas and Timothy

And all in the New Testament

That we can see.

 

 

The apostle’s doctrine

Founded on Jesus the Christ

With Jesus the chief cornerstone

Does adequately suffice.

 

There is much dispute

In the church today

And many seek the miraculous

And keep doctrine at bay.

 

Sound doctrine I mean

As lived by the apostles

And this they have exchanged

For charismatic people.

 

Modern day apostles

And future telling prophets

Not necessarily based in the Word

They live to regret.

 

Emphasizing the gifts

While disregarding the Giver

And more or less placing faith

In a charismatic leader.

 

But faith is of no avail

If not placed in the faith

First given to the Bible apostles

That saw Jesus’ face.

 

 

A more-sure word of prophecy

Is how Peter put it,

One’s faith in this faith

Ought to be one’s daily habit.

 

To be like Jesus

This is the the faith to be,

Conformed to the image of Christ:

A reflection for all to see.

 

Stewart Russell © May 6, 2024

 

Contend for the Faith

 

 

Contend for the faith

Be passionate if you must

But do not get caught up

In the unnecessary fuss.

 

Contend earnestly

But do so in love,

Let it be a demonstration

Of the Spirit from above.

 

Be forceful if necessary

But without hostility,

Enlighten the brother

Don’t make an enemy.

 

Display a good attitude

Be not condescending,

Remember it is your faith

That you are defending.

 

Don’t you dare argue

Just for argument sake,

That is definitely nibbling

At the devil’s bait.

 

 

Stand your ground for sure

But stand on the Word,

Search it for yourself

Don’t go on what you heard.

 

If while you are contending

You find out you are wrong,

Be gracious in acceptance

Don’t be wrong and strong.

 

Maintain your integrity,

That you must not lose,

If invited to a brawl

Politely refuse.

 

Try not to be divisive

Though divided you may be,

Disagree agreeably

And do so lovingly.

 

Treat the other as a brother

Unless directed otherwise,

Misguided he might be

But not to be despised.

 

If the roles were changed

As sometime they will be,

You would want for him

To treat you similarly.

Contending for the faith

Is not about you or me,

 It is sharing the love of Jesus

And doing so faithfully.

 

Stewart Russell © February 2020