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putting faith into action
Studying Theology and the Bible should not only improve your ability to read and study the Bible effectively
but should also translate into a passionate desire for putting faith into action. The heart of the Christian Faith is action, encapsulated in
key biblical passages: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength
and love your neighbor as yourself. (abbrev. from Mt 22:34-40; Mk 12:29-31; Lk 10:25-28) He has told you, everyone, what
is good and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such
things there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23) In my view, these passages capture the essence of the Judeo-Christian tradition and reflect
the goal of all of our strivings. Doing these things means getting your head out of the books and truly living and relating to others. So, there
are no book recommendations in this final step, only encouragement. God's grace is sufficient and wonderful. Live, not in fear that you sin or
offend Christian sensibilities, but as someone who knows that God has accomplished your salvation already and will not abandon you. Live in
gratitude, faith, humility, hope, and love, and show God's grace to everyone without qualifications. If you are wondering how you can take action,
you can check out some of the causes that are important to me. I have pages devoted to my causes. I also
encourage you to stay in touch by leaving comments or joining the conversation on
my blog or my wife's blog. Few words encourage me more
than the Aaronic Benediction: May Yahweh bless you and keep you.
May Yahweh turn his face toward you and be gracious to you.
May Yahweh lift up his countenance upon you and grant you peace. (Num 6:24-26)
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