Yesterday we talked briefly about using the phrase "the blood of Jesus" or the power of relics. After thinking about it throughout the day, it brought me to the following conclusion. If we say "the blood of Jesus" or use a relic to increase our faith, then that is why the work. It is our faith that brings saves us. We see that using Jesus' name didn't work for those who had no faith. We see in the New Testament where the woman was saved by touching Jesus' garment because of her faith.
The power isn't in the relic or the saying; it's in our faith. However, our faith doesn't turn God into a big Santa Claus where we should be able to get whatever we want. We see this at the close of Hebrews 11 where some great people of faith faced death. All the faithful, save two (my number might be wrong) , throughout history have died. To me the perfect model of faith is exhibited by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
Our faith doesn't always get us what we want. But that is no reason to lose faith. It is a reason to grow stronger, even to the point of death.
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Here is a link that Muddy sent me in an email. It deals with one of my favorite passages of Scripture at the end of Acts.
Watch out for the potholes.
