When the situation isn't what we expected, Christ encourages is to believe and fear not.
The motivation, means, encouragement and confidence of prayer.
Aaron fashions a golden calf while Moses is on Mount Sinai, and Israel worships it. Mankind still has the tendency to fashion a god in the mind and worship it as we see fit.
Those that believe to the saving of the soul cannot draw back into perdition, because Faith coupled with God's grace keeps them. The writer shows what true Faith looks like in the lives of the OT patriarchs.
True saving faith changes those who receive it: causing them to serve God and persevere to the end.
The inward corruption of mankind is manifested outwardly, and organized religion does nothing to transform it.
Jesus appoints 12 disciples after spending the night in prayer, and begins the sermon on the plain.
Jesus faces off with the religious leaders regarding their interpretation of Moses' Law.
There is no hope for those who reject the only Savior, and resist the Divine Administrator. Judgement and firey indignation are all that can be expected.
The publicans were infamous among the Jews, and the Pharisees and Scribes were incensed that Jesus would associate with them.
The Holy Ghost calls to the heart of the sheep; awaking them from the sleep of death and calling them to faith in Christ.