The doorway to Faith

Faith is the doorway

I’ve always been fascinated with the unknown. I love the movies, stories and the experiences that deal with the mysterious. What is on the other side of the door? Even as a kid I would imagine the woods as an undiscovered land full of mystery. Recently in a historical drive back from California on the Route 66 trail it wasn’t the nostalgic roadside stops, but wondering, “What is behind that mesa?” that got my blood pumping.

I guess that is what is so exciting about this “living by faith” thing. Knowing the Master of the universe who loved me and died for me has this great plan for my life. What can be a bigger thrill that waking up trusting that God has this incredible plan for your day.

For those of you who don’t care about what is “behind the mesa” or must get through your day “ticking off the check list” that is great! Just remind yourself to invite Him in to the planning session for the day. Either way God desires you to be involved in His daily planner. One thing I’m learning through life and especially through this series of sermons on Hebrews 11 is that God doesn’t want our lives to look the same, but He wants us all to live by faith.

Thanks for being an awesome body of Christ to learn, grow and minister with. It was a great night of VBS, everyone looked terrific. I know many kids felt Christ’s love through you, no one can ever take that from them.

God bless and I’ll see many of you tonight,

John

July 13th Sermon Summary
Hebrews 11:4

Abel’s faith was a doorway from religion to righteousness
Abel’s faith was a doorway from continuing status quo to challenging it
Let God’s Word challenge your status quo, remember faith is belieiving God’s word and regulating your life accordingly

Living By Faith

Living by Faith

Yesterday we began to look at one of the New Testament's greatest chapters Hebrews 11. Throughout the letter of Hebrews we have seen the superiority of Jesus to the old Jewish covenant. The author is trying to encourage the readers not to give up or settle for a lesser faith. In chapter 11 he shows how God has always been pleased by those who put their trust in Him.

As we go through this chapter we will see that those who live for God on this earth are radically changed, they are not just "religious" people. Much of our culture has grown calloused to the gospel or have a clouded view of Christianity due to the lack of examples of people living by faith. That is why these messages are important, we are to be those examples. Never underestimate the power of a brief encounter, a kind act, or a helpful hand. Living by faith is seldom the great deed or immeasurable sacrifice, but having a new perspective on life's daily events.

We are seeing God do great things in our body because you are living out your faith. Your families, friends and neighbors are taking notice of how your faith is transforming your life. In doing so they are being presented the power of the gospel. We can go on and on with the facts, philosophies and historicity of the gospel, but no one can argue with a transformed life. As we looked in Hebrews 10, we can take some very practical steps to help us grow in our faith.

(from verses 22-25)

- draw near to God-take some time to be alone with Him

- make Him your anchor-our lives are governed by His truth and will not our emotions

- encourage others-remember God wants to use you to build up others, putting self last is the
cure for selfishness

- don't neglect the body- we have a tremendous church family, be sure to stay connected in worship and in our new Sunday School classes.

The relationships formed will strengthen your faith.

Thanks for being a blessing, John