"GOD IS FAITHFUL"

       "God, who has called you into fellowship with his 

                Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is Faithful."

                              1 Corinthians 1:9

       The movie ends and the credits glide by, a long list of all the people and activities involved in making the film. But in the story of our salvation there is only one credits, one name. All our hopes for this life and the next depend upon our Savior alone. He promises us, "I am trustworthy."

       For this reason Paul always thanked God when he thought of the Christians at Corinth. Despite enemies outside and inside, the church would survive because God is faithful. His grace and reliability are sure guarantee that all he has promises us will come to be.

       Remember this simple truth: God is faithful! It comforts us because often we are not faithful to him.  Our best intentions to trust and obey can crumble when we are threatebed, unhappy or under  pressure and temptation. Our love and patience with others may be shallow and weak. Even together as a church, se are sometimes slow to put into practice the very things we have united to say and do. The world we live in also makes it increasingly hard to follow Jesus and keep our consciences clear from sin.

       If our of forgivesness and eternal life depended in any way upon and our faithfulness, there simply would be no hope. But God is faithful! Through baptism and his message he has created new life in our hearts and minds. He called us into fellowship with his Son, making us members of his family, citizen of his kingdom of grace. God cares for us and leads us with his Word and Spirit as our Good Shepherd, our heavenly Father. The fellowship we have with God's Son and with all other believers in him is for our blessing and joy. Together we are ready and waiting for the coming of our Lord.

       Just as the rainbow reminded Noah of God's faithfulness, God's Word will stand forever as proof that we can rely on him as our Savior. Do not take his promises lightly . God is a faithful judge, who will not be mocked by those who turn away. When Christ returns, he will be relentless in his judgment against those who do not among them. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ, who rely upon his work for our salvation. Our Savior is faithful. 

       When you are troubled by your sins and the evil of the world around you, take heart in this great promises: God is faithful!