[Propertalk] believe?

[Bob Eldan]

In next Sunday's Gospel 5 times one form or another of the Greek word "pistis" is used.  The Greek word is unfortunately translated "belief"  or "believe" in the verb form.   It is an undesirable translation because "belief" in modern usage carries the luggage of cognitive acceptance, intellectual acceptance in our minds.  With that understanding it sounds like Jesus is telling us to just accept what he is saying.  However, the Greek word, which is sometimes translated "have faith," means to be in committed relationship.  It is very similar to the Old Testament concept of covenant with God.  To be in reciprocal kinship is different than simply "believing" God exists or even that Jesus is God.  This is not about creedal statements.  

Bob Eldan

http://preachingtip.com/  

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