Matthew 21
July Memory Verse: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Read: Matthew 21
What is FAITH and why is it so important? Do I have it? If not, how do I get it?
The dictionary defines faith as, "Complete confidence in a person or thing - a belief that is not based on proof."
The Bible defines it in Hebrews 11:1. "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."
Hebrews 11 then lists for us several real-live examples of faith:
People like Isaac, Joseph, Rahab (the prostitute), Gideon, Samson, David, and Samuel.
Why all these examples and more? Are these "super Christians"? Nope! Just people like you and I - people with struggles, sin, even, at times doubts - but people that believed God. They were people who took God at His word - people of faith.
So what about you? Are you a person of faith? Do you believe God? Do you take Him at His word? Faith enables things to happen through the power of God that the lack of faith inhibits.
That's what Jesus says in our reading today.
In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.
The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
You see - faith - simply believing God can - believing God will - really matters. Hebrews 11:6 says, "And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."
Impossible for me to please God without it... hmmm - sounds pretty important huh? Even more than that, I can't even know God without it.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9 NASB)
Why not make today the day you re-discover faith. You know, the faith you had when you took God at his Word and believed in Him to save you.
Believe God can - believe God will - watch God move.
By: Tim Parsons
Read: Matthew 21
What is FAITH and why is it so important? Do I have it? If not, how do I get it?
The dictionary defines faith as, "Complete confidence in a person or thing - a belief that is not based on proof."
The Bible defines it in Hebrews 11:1. "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."
Hebrews 11 then lists for us several real-live examples of faith:
Abel... Believing God's instructions and obeying
Enoch... Who walked with God and pleased Him
Noah... Whose faith saved humanity from destruction
Abraham... Walked by faith and followed God where He led
Sarah... Who believed God and bore a child in her old age (90) that would be the birth of a nation
Why all these examples and more? Are these "super Christians"? Nope! Just people like you and I - people with struggles, sin, even, at times doubts - but people that believed God. They were people who took God at His word - people of faith.
So what about you? Are you a person of faith? Do you believe God? Do you take Him at His word? Faith enables things to happen through the power of God that the lack of faith inhibits.
That's what Jesus says in our reading today.
In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.
The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
You see - faith - simply believing God can - believing God will - really matters. Hebrews 11:6 says, "And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."
Impossible for me to please God without it... hmmm - sounds pretty important huh? Even more than that, I can't even know God without it.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9 NASB)
Why not make today the day you re-discover faith. You know, the faith you had when you took God at his Word and believed in Him to save you.
Believe God can - believe God will - watch God move.
By: Tim Parsons
8 Comments
What a great Jumpstart to follow yesterday's worship message. All my sin , my problems unfortunately are rooted in unbelief. I'm not good enough to...because I am not believing God already made me to...and put that plan in place. To take that risk would be a waste of time and I will wish I had that time back...because I am not believing that God is actively in control .
These are my struggles. I believe it in my head. I have learned about God since I was a child. But yet, STILL struggle to make my belief active sometimes.
Me too Christy! It's frustrating, but an ever growing journey. Thanks for being on it with us!
Good word today Tim! This fits perfectly with Brice's sermon yesterday, The Power of Unbelief, from Mark 6:1-6. Brice challenged us with this question: Do we believe in God or do we believe God? He recommended three things when we struggle with belief.
1) Ask Jesus for help. (Mark 9:20-24)
2) Trust God's promises (II Corinthians 12:9)
3) Talk to a trusted friend of pastor (Hebrews 10)
Thanks again Tim and Brice! Great way to start the week!
Awesome! Have a great week Mike!
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9 NASB)
It truly is about receiving all that God offers....even the faith to believe.
Such good commentary today, Tim. I love the way that CPC teaching always weaves together.
Thanks Lindsay - you are a gift from God!
This along with yesterday's message is exactly what I needed! Thank you!!!
Thanks for being a faithful reader Reva!