Faith Is…
Too often, we assume serving means demeaning servitude, debasement, and diminishing ourselves. But that’s not it at all. Jesus calls us to higher aspiration. He invites us to follow his example. He invites us to serve for the well-being of our neighbors rather than for our own self-interest. It’s a high calling. It’s an enormous challenge…
We can’t hide from God. But why would we want to hide from God? God knows us fully and loves us deeply. He invites us to the throne of grace, where we receive mercy and discover grace. Grace: the gift of God that enables the people of God to fulfill the will of God. Listen to other episodes with Pastor Rick Stevens on Faith Is… available on podcast.
Is God fair? Does he act justly? The story of Job teaches us that God can be trusted even when life does not seem fair. Even in the middle of life’s painful episodes, we can trust God. When answers aren’t enough . . . there is Jesus.
In the 1930s, the Nazi regime tried to exterminate the Jewish people. It wasn’t the first attempt. Years before, Haman plotted their destruction in the Persian Kingdom. But God placed a young woman in just the right place at just the right time to deliver God’s people from evil. God has placed us here and now; “for such a time as this.” We will accept the responsibility and follow Ether’s example to deliver people from today’s evil.
What path are you following? Is it paved? Perhaps it’s well worn. In an anxious world, we discover the path of security before God. It’s the path of wisdom. It’s as simple as knowing and doing what God expects. The person who follows this path hears God’s instructions and puts them into practice. This path leads to absolute confidence in the trustworthiness of God.
In a “don’t worry be happy world” Jesus comes to show us the way to life. He invites us to stretch in his direction and follow him. He promises that losing our lives for him and the gospel is the way to real life. So in one sense, we agree with the be happy people…
Today we look at the story of a man who could not speak and a woman who could not keep silent! Both encountered Jesus. Both went away with healing and wholeness! We leave both stories amazed at Jesus and convinced that we can have absolute confidence in the trustworthiness of God! Let Jesus drive the impurities out of your life and give you ears to hear and a voice to proclaim that “He has done everything well.”
This is Instant Sermon week. We take questions and talk through them and outcomes an Instant Sermon. So let’s think about that positive after church feeling, wickedness in our world, the return of Jesus, prayer, and more. We’ll even consider the role of the church as it relates to government.
God is eager to give you a good gift! Are you eager to receive it? Today we trace God’s eagerness and connect it to our willingness. What might be keeping us from receiving the gift God is eager to give? Are you ready to ask for what God is eager to give?
Imagine if God offered to give you anything. How would you respond? God made that offer to King Solomon, “Ask. What should I give you?” God granted Solomon’s request and then some. God helped Solomon become an effective king; a political leader. So let’s also consider what we should expect from our political leaders. It’s exactly what God gave Solomon.
King David lived through grief after grief, and yet God did not abandon him. Consider Absalom, his sinful behavior, and his ultimate rebellion against his father. And then consider David and his love for his son. Sinful and sobering is a story of selfishness and love. And then consider the church. Why are people drifting away from the church, and how should we think about it? How does God challenge us through these challenging times?
When someone is forgiven for their offensive behavior, do they get away with it? When we forgive the people who sinned against us, are we letting them off the hook? King David sinned and hurt many people. God forgave him. Does that mean he got away with it? Do you have enough confidence in God to forgive even when it feels like you’re letting your offender get away with it?
Today, we look at the motto of a fool. The Bible calls a person with this motto a fool. Do not adopt this motto! Do not. You don’t want God calling you a fool! Instead, you want what God offers . . . restoration. The Lord restores. May he restore you today…
We live in a world where people disagree! Have you heard a more obvious statement? Now people are starting to ask the important question. Can we ever be reconciled with each other? God says, “Yes!” Let’s explore His solution this week on FAITH IS…
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