Chaplain's Corner
Mark Shogren
March 2026
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17
What is faith? According to Webster’s Dictionary, faith is defined as confidence or trust in a person, thing, or concept. “Faith” is translated from the Greek word pistis, which means “belief, trust, or confidence in someone or something. The Word of God defines faith as, Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The type of faith that Paul quoted in Romans requires knowledge and understanding. How can you have faith in something you have never heard or understood? I remember first hearing about God’s grace was through our Chaplain in the military, he gave me my first Bible. I did not grow up in a church going family, the only thing I was ever taught as a child was the Lord’s Prayer. It wasn’t until I started reading the Bible for myself, and asking questions from other believers that I started to understand and gain knowledge, Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Throughout the Word of God, faith in God is a requirement in order to receive salvation, Galatians 2:16 “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
When you actively engage with the teachings of Christ it begins to build and strengthen your faith, Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Faith in Jesus Christ comes from God, you cannot come to Christ unless the Father draws you, John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” When your heart is open to hearing and receiving the Gospel message, the Holy Spirit will illuminate your mind and open the eyes of your heart to the truth of God’s Word, that Jesus Christ is Savior the Son of Almighty God. When you receive the truth (Christ) of the Gospel it is a powerful transformative message that will change your life, 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Unfortunately we live in a world that is filled with many lies and deception; it becomes difficult to discern the truth. However, you can always depend on God’s Word it is immutable, He changes not, 1 Peter 1:25 “But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” The Gospel message is good news that saves people from the wrath (Hell) they deserve. The content of the message is Christ centered, 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve”.
The faith that leads to eternal salvation comes after HEARING; that is after receiving the message regarding Christ, John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
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