This Lord's day begins a series of Lord's Days on the sacraments. Why such a lengthy treatment is asked? Historically because of the battle of the catholic church and within the church regarding the presence of the Lord in the elements. We deal with an important question. Where does faith come from? Man or God? The Word works vibrant, living, active Faith!

Faith is worked by a means (preaching) that imparts unto us grace. There was a belief that the sacraments were the very means of grace but NOT SO! We understand that the means God uses through the Gospel that He works faith within us and uses these things to strengthen it! Faith is the LIFE LINE to Christ (the engrafting) and we are talking with active and living faith.

How do we become benefactors of this activity? It is through means. It is bound to the preaching of the Word and the confirmation of our faith in the sacraments. The power of regeneration is first (needing no vehicle) and God then uses the preaching to call to a living and active faith! A few things to note on this topic:

1. When God binds Himself to that Word of God it is our responsibility to be where that Word of God is preached and taught!

2. The salvation of our children does NOT belong to us and our words or persuasion, but through the message of the GOSPEL! They must be brought up in that Word of God that the Holy Spirit may use to work this active and living faith!

This is how the Lord works active and living faith as the Holy Spirit ONLY binds Himself to the WORD! That is why it is important to be under the PURE preaching of that WORD! Then there are the sacraments that are added (but subservient to the Gospel) to sustain and strengthen in that Word and confirming us in our faith! He feeds and nourishes us as He strengthens us by the hand and mouth of faith!

The result and what they accomplish is profound. The Lord works living faith among us and assures us in our faith! His power UNTO salvation! Can a man preach you into heaven? Or even persuade you? NO! It is the MEANS that the Lord uses and privileges us to see His Kingdom and peace upon Zion! God gives us that promise and how we are given children to which the sacraments speak to that very promise! It is the very way and very purpose of God in our weary travel to strengthen and encourage us on our way!