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The Myth of Resolute Faith

With ample passages throughout the Bible referencing the significance of remaining steadfast in faith, there is no question about the absolute magnitude of this call. Irrefutably, having a solid foundation of faith 100% of the time would be ideal, but that is not reality. Life is full of surprises, and being humans, even the most faithful can fall victim to the emotions that arise from unpleasant and confusing situations; potentially causing our faith to falter temporarily. And that is okay. 

Faith is a Process 

We should always strive to nurture our faith and engage in daily practices that sustain faith and help it grow. However, holding yourself to the high standard of embodying unerring faithfulness is—ironically—a failsafe way to ensure failure in addition to many other unfavorable feelings. Faith, by its very nature, is marked by growth, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Expecting perfection can lead to frustration, guilt, and a sense of inadequacy when we inevitably falter. Instead, we must recognize that faith matures through trials, patience, and grace, allowing room for imperfection while trusting in God’s immovable presence and guidance throughout the process.

Biblical Accounts of Skepticism, Reservation, and Indecision 

The Bible is filled with stories of remarkable individuals whose faith in God shaped their lives and the lives of those around them. Even those closest to God, who witnessed His miracles and received His promises, struggled with doubt, fear, and moments of weakness.

Abraham: Abraham's struggle with faith is evident in two key moments where he doubted God's promises. The first occurs when he and his wife Sarah enter Egypt. Fearing for his life, Abraham asks Sarah to lie and say she is his sister, rather than his wife, to protect him from being killed by the Egyptians (Genesis 12:11-13), demonstrating a lack of trust in God's protection. The second instance is when Abraham agrees to Sarah's plan for him to have a child with her servant, Hagar, because they doubt that God will fulfill His promise of giving them a child in their old age (Genesis 16:1-2). 
Sarah: When she overhears the Lord's promise that she will have a child in her old age, Sarah laughs to herself, reflecting her disbelief given her advanced years and the improbability of bearing a child. When confronted by the Lord about her laughter, Sarah denies it out of fear, but the Lord affirms that nothing is too difficult for Him (Genesis 18:12-15). 
Gideon: When God first calls Gideon to deliver Israel from the Midianites, Gideon questions whether God is truly there. Despite being chosen by God, Gideon is deeply skeptical and asks for multiple signs to confirm God’s presence and promise. He first requests that a fleece be wet with dew while the ground remains dry (Judges 6:36-37), and then reverses the sign the following night, asking for the fleece to be dry while the ground is wet (Judges 6:39-40). Gideon's doubt and needed confirmation are commonly seen within the human experience of needing tangible signs to bolster faith.
Moses: Moses' struggles with faith are evident in several key moments in his journey. When God first calls him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses expresses doubt about his own abilities, questioning, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). His hesitation continues in Exodus 4:10-13, where he protests that he is not eloquent and pleads with God to send someone else. This reluctance exposes a lack of confidence in himself and God's plan. Later, in Numbers 20:10-12, Moses strikes a rock twice to bring forth water for the Israelites instead of speaking to it as God commanded. This act of doubt and frustration led God to tell Moses that because he did not trust Him fully, he would not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. 
David: David's struggles with faith and morality are evident in several pivotal moments in his life. One significant instance is found in 2 Samuel 11:2-4, where David, succumbing to temptation, commits adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. Disregarding God’s commandments, this moment of weakness and self-indulgence subsequently leads to a series of sinful acts, including the eventual murder of Uriah. In Psalm 13:1-2, we find David openly expressing doubt and feelings of distance and abandonment when he cries out to God in despair, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?"
Noah: Noah's struggle with faith is subtly implied after the flood when he plants a vineyard, drinks the wine, and becomes drunk, lying uncovered in his tent (Genesis 9:20-21). While the Bible doesn’t explicitly state that Noah lost faith, his actions can be seen as a moment of weakness or moral lapse following the immense responsibility and stress of building the ark, surviving the flood, and beginning humanity anew. 
Samson: Samson's struggle with faith is most evident in his relationship with Delilah, as described in Judges 16:15-17. Despite being set apart as a Nazirite dedicated to God from birth, Samson allows himself to be worn down by Delilah's persistent questioning about the source of his strength. Prioritizing his relationship over his commitment to God, eventually, Samson reveals the secret of his strength—his uncut hair, a symbol of his covenant with God. 
Elijah: Elijah’s struggle with faith is vividly depicted after his triumph over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Despite this great victory, when Queen Jezebel threatens his life, Elijah becomes overwhelmed with fear and despair. He flees into the wilderness and, in his distress, prays to God to take his life, saying, "I have had enough, Lord" (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah feels alone and defeated, Defeated and convinced that his efforts have been in vain, Elijah questions his purpose; failing to trust in God’s plan. In this moment of deep vulnerability, Elijah questions his purpose and struggles to trust in God's plan. However, reassuringly, God gently responds, providing Elijah with food, rest, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Despite their close relationships with God, these figures struggled with uncertainty, fear, or impatience at various points in their lives; revealing that nobody is immune to lapses of faith. Notably, each of these figures also experienced restoration and continued to play fundamental roles in God's plan. 

The Bottom Line

The good news is that God remains faithful to us, especially during periods when we lack faith. Periods of uncertainty do not disqualify us from God’s love or His plan. Instead, they offer opportunities for us to rely more deeply on Him and experience His grace, rearranging our doubt into strengthened faith over time. Faith is not about perfection, but persistence. 

- Torrance Community Church of Christ

The Dignity of Labor and the Eternal Value of Our Work in Christ

Labor Day is often seen as a long weekend; a well-deserved break from the nine to five. But it's more than that- it’s a time to honor the hard work and dedication that contribute to our communities and livelihoods. Likewise, it is an opportunity to reflect on the underlying meaning of our laborious efforts. The Bible establishes work as more than a necessity or a means to an end, but a sacred calling that carries inherent dignity and eternal value. It reveals that all work is purposeful and eternally significant when done for God’s glory. The Bible’s stance is a powerful reminder of the value of work, easing our stresses while helping us to find joy and fulfillment in every task, big or small, leaving us feeling satisfied by the knowledge that our efforts matter to God and His Kingdom. 

Work in the Good Book

From the very beginning, the Bible verifies work as a holy institution, with God Himself as the ultimate example of a diligent worker. Setting the precedent for the cycle of work and rest, God’s act of creation demonstrates that work was not a consequence of the Fall, but rather it is inherently good and a part of God’s perfect plan for humanity. Throughout Scripture, work is elevated as a form of service and obedience to God. whether it’s Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, Paul crafting tents to support his ministry, or Lydia using her skills in trade to further the early church, we see that our daily work serves a greater purpose. Regardless of its nature- building, teaching, serving, or creating- our labor is an integral part of God’s design, and these stories remind us that work in all forms is a way to mirror God's determination and creativity and fulfill our purpose as His stewards on earth.

The Promise of Labor

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

1 Corinthians 15:58 provides encouragement about the value of work. Concluding a discussion about Christ’s resurrection, Paul shares this message that reassures that every effort done in service to God- spiritual, physical, or emotional- is meaningful and has lasting implications. 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… Colossians 3:23

Again, Colossians 3:23 instructs us to work heartily for the Lord and not for man, affirming that the true measure of our work is not in its societal status and emphasizing that the quality and intention behind our labor are what truly matter.

Embracing this perspective allows us to view our daily endeavors- even the most mundane- as never wasted and inspires us to carry them out diligently. 

Societal Pressures 

Today’s consumer-driven society tends to equate worth with wealth, obscuring the true value of work and undermining its dignity. The modern emphasis on rapid success and high status often leads to the devaluation of jobs that are essential yet less glamorous; eroding a sense of purpose and exacerbating feelings of inadequacy. Despite society distinguishing what constitutes "high" and "low" forms of work, we’ve identified that the Bible upholds the intrinsic value of all labor. 

In the following examples, we will consider the spiritual significance of various forms of labor, regardless of the societal perspective of each:

Household Chores: These daily tasks are opportunities to care for, bless, and provide for the needs of your family.
Grocery Shopping: Adopt shopping with intention, being mindful of healthy options, provides a chance to meet the nutritional needs of self and others while allowing an opportunity to practice gratitude for the resources available.
Office Tasks: Maintaining a positive attitude while committing to your work demonstrates an honorable work ethic and integrity.
Customer Service: Customer service can be trying. However, approaching all situations- difficult and easy ones alike- with kindness and patience allows the freedom to mirror Christ's respect and compassion.
Parenting: Parenting is a form of stewardship, shaping the next generation with love and wisdom, reflecting God’s nurturing and grace.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering demonstrates selflessness and love, aligning with the call to serve.
Janitorial and Repair: Taking pride in a clean and orderly environment contributes to the well-being and functionality of that environment, upholding respect for others and God’s provision.
Gardening and Landscaping: Tending to the land echoes man's first laborious responsibility- God entrusting Adam to care for the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). It is a way to express creativity, take joy in the beauty of creation, and provide a space for others to enjoy. 

Embody the Principle of “Labor in the Lord”

Living out the principle of "labor in the Lord" involves integrating God into every aspect and form of work. This means recognizing work as an extension of worship- a form of ministry that honors Him- transforms our efforts into a meaningful expression of faith. 

The chart below shares examples of how you can align your actions and mindset to create opportunities to witness and honor God throughout daily tasks: 

Wishing You a Restful Labor Day

No matter how humble or grand, it is crucial to remember that every task we undertake holds the potential to honor and glorify God. When we acknowledge and value our work, we are given an opportunity to approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose and joy. This Labor Day weekend, we encourage you to take the time and consider how you can best embrace laboring in the Lord. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Sacred Scams: Part Two

Faith has inspired some of humanity's most meaningful realizations—but as we witnessed last week, it has also given rise to some of the most audacious deceptions. This week we will unravel more stories that have engrossed and misled the masses and get a greater glimpse into the intersection of faith, power, and the imagination. 

Fables and Fakes

The following examples highlight tales of trickery that have managed to dazzle, arouse controversies, and, in some cases, even influence the course of religious thought.

The Letter of Benen 
Written in the 5th century, the Letter of Benen was a letter written by Benen, better known as Saint Benignus, who was the successor of Saint Patrick as the Bishop of Armagh. Within the lines, Benen provided a first-hand dramatized account of Saint Patrick’s missionary work in Ireland, detailing his teachings, miracles, supernatural events, and interactions with the local pagan chieftains.

Adding to its appeal and value, the letter was initially presented as an ancient and newly discovered artifact. Excitement surged with the discovery of the letter, as it appeared to offer fresh insights about Saint Patrick and early Christianity in Ireland. Nevertheless, experts were skeptical of the letter's validity. Examination of the letter exposed blatant linguistic inconsistencies, confirming their suspicions that the letter was a forgery. 

The Gospel of Barnabas

^{"The Gospel of Barnabas - Frontispiece - Facsimile of Pages 1 and 734 of the Vienna Manuscript" is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

The Gospel of Barnabas is a controversial and widely discredited text that has been the subject of much debate and speculation since its discovery. Claiming to be a missing gospel written by Paul’s companion, Barnabas, the written work debuts a version of teachings that glaringly deviates from traditional Christian teachings. 

The gospel appeared to draw heavily on Islamic teachings and themes, claiming that Jesus was not the Son of God, but merely a prophet, and that he foretold the coming of Muhammad-the true Messiah. It further states that Christ taught a strict adherence to the Law of Moses, and rejects the idea of Jesus' crucifixion, stating that Judas Iscariot was crucified in Jesus' place after being miraculously transformed to look like him.

The substantial correlation between the gospel and Islamic beliefs immediately raised questions about the gospel’s authenticity. Speculating that the text was created to either serve as a bridge between Christianity and Islam or assert Islamic superiority, experts got to work. Apart from the clashing message, the use of references to things that had not yet been invented during biblical times and the results of linguistic analysis determining that the text was likely written in Italian or Spanish during the late Middle Ages permitted experts to confidently debunk the text as nothing more than something designed to validate Islamic beliefs.

Even so, it has been used to support arguments that Christian Gospels were corrupted over time, and early Christianity was actually more in line with Islamic teachings. Others have used it to promote interfaith dialogue.

The Monkey Christ

^{"Ecce Homo" by Elías García Martínez is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

In 1930, Spanish artist, Elías García Martínez, adorned the wall of the Sanctuary of Mercy church with a fresco (type of painting) depicting Christ wearing a crown of thorns. Titled Ecce Homo (Behold the Man), the painting was cherished by the local community. 

Unfortunately, time alongside excess moisture in the walls caused the artwork to deteriorate. By 2012, the severity of the damage had become critical. Donors contributed money for the restoration of the mural, including Martínez’s granddaughter. Yet, prior to collecting full funding, the painting had been seemingly defaced. 

The transformation is so drastic that it appears as if someone has intentionally set out to create a parody. The once fine and mournful visage has been replaced by broad, crude strokes. Almost cartoonish in its simplicity, gone are the gentle contours of Christ’s face that once captured the delicate play of light and shadow. Instead, there is a heavy, flat, careless application of a muddled array of gray and brown paint. His delicate mouth was modified to a thick sloping line stretching from cheek to cheek and the once-painted cascade of dark locks now resembles a smudged mass. 

The act, which authorities initially attributed to vandalism, was revealed to be the well-meaning restoration attempt of Cecilia Giménez, an 81-year-old parishioner. Saddened by the art’s continued pathetic state, Giménez took it upon herself to fix it. Defending herself, she rationalized that the clergymen and priest were aware of what she had been doing and that the painting had not been completed.

It didn’t take long for the botched restoration to become a viral sensation. Jokes and memes earned the painting the nickname Ecce Mono (Behold the Monkey). 

Despite the initial shock and embarrassment, as visitors across the flocked to see the painting, the “Monkey Christ” became an economic benefit for the small Spanish town.

The Mar Saba Letter/Secret Gospel of Mark

^{"Letter of Clement to Theodore" is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

In 1958, Columbia University professor Morton Smith announced that during his visit to the library within the Mar Saba monastery (located southeast of Jerusalem) he discovered a letter written in the final pages of a 17th-century book. 

Penned by Clement of Alexandria, an ancient Christian theologian and Greek Philosopher, the contents of the letter address concerns about a provocative written work referred to as the “Secret Gospel of Mark.” Clement explained that this version of Mark was more spiritual and deeper, and intended for advanced Christians. Reportedly used throughout Alexandrian churches, Clement shared direct quotes from the secret gospel to describe additional accounts that offer greater insights into Christ’s teachings and His relationship with His disciples. 

Quickly gaining notoriety, one particular passage became the subject of a heated debate. The passage describes an account where Christ raised a young man from the dead, after which the young man "looked upon him, loved him, and began to beg him that he might be with him." Though widely contested, this, coupled with a separate reference to a "carpenter's son" initiation rite, provoked suggestions that the secret gospel conveys a more intimate relationship between Christ and His disciples. 

Since its reception, experts have remained divided on the letter’s legitimacy. Some believe the letter is a forgery Smith cooked up as some kind of joke, while others accepted the letter as a valuable manuscript that could provide a glimpse into the diversity of Christianity. However, the possibility of an official verdict has come to a standstill. Due to various complications and its subsequent misplacement, the letter never underwent any testing. Later colorized photographs that Smith took of the letter are the only evidence that remains of its existence.

Real or not, the letter has fueled discussions that explore the idea that Christian teachings may have been reserved for a more spiritually mature audience, the existence of beliefs and practices that were later abandoned, and the potential of the deliberate removal and suppression of early Christian texts. 

The Gabriel Stone

^{"Gabriel's Stone" by Talmoryair is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

The Gabriel Stone is a large stone tablet reportedly discovered near the Dead Sea in the early 2000s. Dating back to the late first century BCE or early first century CE, it features an inscription written in Hebrew that appears to recount a vision delivered by the archangel Gabriel. Within its 87 lines of text, it references “the Prince of Princes” and the command to “arise” after “three days.” 

The Gabriel Stone has generated a range of interpretations, particularly regarding its potential implications for early Judaism and Christianity. Particularly, some consider the cryptic references alluding to a figure who is expected to rise from the dead, drawing parallels to the resurrection of Christ as described in the New Testament.

However, the stone’s poor condition has caused the lettering to become fragmented. The incomplete message renders the text to be too ambiguous and speculative, leaving experts to caution against making any definitive assumptions. Still, unable to draw firm conclusions, the stone's precise significance and meaning are still debated today. 

Wrapping Up

Drawing attention to the ever-present tension between truth and belief, the stories we’ve shared over the last two weeks serve as cautionary tales.  Clearly, the allure of the enigmata surrounding religion makes fertile ground for deception. Inasmuch, they remind us to critically approach extraordinary claims, while simultaneously denoting our responsibility to safeguard God’s truth. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ