THE PROPER MIX

READING: HEBREWS 4:1-10

Verse 2: “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.”

The telephone book for my community and the surrounding area lists nearly 150 Christian churches. These churches meet at least once a week, and if they are truly Christian services, those meetings will be times when the word of God is preached. Some churches even have multiple services on our accepted day of worship. Most of these churches also provide Sunday School, Bible classes and other types of Christian education opportunities. Further, the majority of them have meetings during the week when added preaching and teaching take place. To all of that we can add Christian books, radio, television, and numerous other media as well as a multitude and variety of ministries. Such richness in the expression of God’s word is wonderful, but there is at least one caution. I’m referring to the caution stated in the verse above. I pray, in this critical time in the continuity of the Church, that we will not lack faith as we turn to the preaching and hearing of the Gospel. Indeed may our much preaching, teaching and hearing be also mixed with much faith; for only as such will it truely produce godly profit. That’s a thought about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What results if the gospel is heard and not mixed with faith?

2. What type of profit results from hearing the gospel with faith?