A simple faith

Matters of Faith

By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, Pastor

Parker/Beagle/Fontana United Methodist Churches

Scripture (NRSV): Romans 10: 9-11 “if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” 

I thought it might be important to write a short message about the notion of a simple faith.

Several of my colleagues have suggested that we sometimes complicate Christ’s message of redemption and salvation by cluttering up our faith with burdens and requirements that are questionable and unnecessary.

For example, according to the Romans passage, all that’s required is that we confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead. Jesus further suggests in Matthew, chapter 11, “for my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. He invites those who are burdened with religious legalism and oppressive rules to find rest and hope in him.

Jesus’ message is one of relationship and discipleship that bring peace and comfort to those who are burdened with trying to earn their salvation through good works. His message of faith is simply one of believing in him.

Now I recognize this is a simplistic approach to following Jesus, but the more I get to know Jesus and understand his teachings, the more convinced I am that he wants our faith and our service to be straightforward and enthusiastic.

That said, I will admit that I am usually a “services” and “works” person. I sincerely believe that Christ wants us to do good things for others and to be diligent in our spreading the good news of redemption and salvation. However, I have come to believe that doing good deeds is a natural outcome, or extension, of our loving relationship with our Savior.

We don’t serve others because we have to or expect a reward. We don’t do good works because it’s a requirement of our faith. No, we serve because Jesus first served us and, as his followers, we naturally want to spread the gospel and the hope that we have received from a loving God.

When we are in a loving relationship with someone spending time with them and “doing for them”, is not a chore – it’s a pleasure. And when we do things out of love, it is not burdensome or worrisome. It is a joy! Following Jesus and having a relationship with him is a remarkable and wonderful experience. Again, I believe that the reason Jesus says his yoke is light is because our journey with him is filled to overflowing with spiritual gifts that only God can give. Our cup overflows with love.

My challenge to you is that you explore your relationship with God and do those things that seem to be a burden or a conflict. Trust Jesus and give those burdens and conflicts and clutter to him. Unburden yourself. And begin to appreciate God’s unfailing love and absolute commitment to your salvation through Jesus Christ. Confess your sins. Acknowledged that Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. And accept the great love and joy that God provides.

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If you are seeking a church family to join you in your journey with Jesus, I encourage you to consider attending our church services at the Parker, Beagle, and Fontana United Methodist Churches. Our service times and details are listed below. Please know that when you attend, you will be provided an enthusiastic worship service and the fellowship of fellow believers. 

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We will have Sunday morning services during the month of July at 10 a.m. at the Fontana United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of August at 10 a.m. at the Parker UMC.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of September at 10 a.m. at the Beagle UMC.

We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month.

All are welcome in God’s House.  Come and celebrate the risen Christ.

Dr. Bascom Ratliff  (913-710-5748)

Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana 

United Methodist Churches