Why do you not believe?

This month we begin a series of articles which cover the topic of faith. The Bible word “pistis” is used as faith, belief, trust, confidence. The basic meaning of this word is literally to be persuaded, to come to fully trust in the thing believed. In secular history the word was used to describe a warranty or a guarantee, to be certain the thing is true or will happen. Biblical usage sees it as a gift from God and not simply human confidence. Faith is trusting in the promises of God persuaded by the revelations from God either through His word or witnessed in His mighty deeds. The apostle John records a conversation about faith with the Pharisees in the eighth chapter of his gospel. Jesus says, (:46) “…If I speak the truth, why do you not believe me?”  Unfortunately the majority of the world’s population falls into this category of non-believers, along with these Pharisees. They did not believe Jesus nor did they recognize who He was. (:25) “Who are you?”  Our hearts desire, the desire of God is for all to come to Him with a heart of repentance, and be saved from the eternal destruction as a result of “apistia”, unbelief.  As Christians engaged in the building of the Kingdom of God, together as one, we view the world of unbelievers as our mission field. Jesus did the same. His conversation in John 8 was clearly an attempt to persuade men to believe He was who He said He was. (:12) ”I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”  To the non-believing, skeptic that statement is difficult to hear, let alone submit to as absolute truth. 
    This series of articles will explore possible reasons why people do not believe and then provide reasonable arguments of persuasion, that is with the intent of leading men to the truth of Jesus, and therefore to the will of God for salvation. We wish to see no man “die in (their) sin..”, entering into eternity lost and outside of the grace of God. All men are created in the image of God and have the right to come to Him for forgiveness, purification, and transformation. It begins with faith. It is the church of Christ who has been commanded to be the example of lovers of Jesus living by faith, showing their faith and growing in faith.  Jesus said to those who were beginning to believe, (:31) “…If you continue in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  Let us be devoted to living by faith, and not merely by word but in deed as well. Grow your faith in Jesus to the point of living IN Him and FOR Him continually. Be ready to answer this question from the Lord with all conviction and steadfastness.   “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” ​