Wk 14 Day 2: Our Faith Has a Foundation

Scripture Reading

1 John 5:6–9
6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the[a] Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.

Matthew 3:13–17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Reflection

John wants his readers to know that Christian faith is not built on wishful thinking or a vague spiritual feeling. Their confidence in Jesus has a foundation.

He points to the water, the blood, and the Spirit. Jesus was publicly revealed at His baptism, He truly suffered and died on the cross, and the Holy Spirit continues to testify to the truth of who He is.

John’s original audience was being unsettled by people claiming to possess secret spiritual knowledge. John responds by pointing them back to what God Himself has already revealed.

The same invitation is offered to us. We do not have to chase every new idea, spiritual technique, or religious claim. Our faith rests in Jesus Christ—His life, His death, His resurrection, and the continuing witness of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Questions

• What is my faith actually resting on?

• Am I easily unsettled by new spiritual ideas or persuasive voices?

• How does the historical reality of Jesus strengthen my confidence in Him?

• Where do I need the Holy Spirit to reassure my heart today?

Prayer

Father, thank You that You have not left me to guess about who Jesus is. You have revealed Your Son and given Your Spirit to testify to the truth. When doubt comes, anchor me again in what You have already made known. Give me wisdom to recognize truth and confidence to remain rooted in Jesus. Amen.

Wk 14 Day 1: Faith as Allegiance

Scripture Reading

1 John 5:4–5
4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Galatians 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Reflection

When we hear the word faith, we can sometimes reduce it to believing certain ideas or agreeing with Christian doctrine. But biblical faith is deeper than intellectual agreement. It is allegiance.

To place our faith in Jesus means that we have entrusted ourselves to Him. Our choices, priorities, relationships, and direction begin to reflect the One to whom we belong.

That kind of faith becomes especially important when the road ahead is unclear. Allegiance means continuing to trust God even when we cannot see around the next turn. It means allowing His character and His Word to guide us when our circumstances, emotions, or fears are pulling us in another direction.

John says this kind of faith is how we overcome the world—not by escaping difficulty, but by remaining faithful to Jesus within it.

Reflection Questions

• What does allegiance to Jesus look like in my life right now?

• Is there an area where my choices are being shaped more by the world than by Christ?

• Where is God asking me to trust Him even though I cannot see the outcome?

• What would it look like to choose faithfulness today?

Prayer

Jesus, I give You my allegiance again today. Teach me to trust You when the way forward is unclear and to allow Your truth to shape my decisions. Help me remain faithful when fear, doubt, or pressure tempt me to choose another way. May my life increasingly reflect that I belong to You. Amen.