FROM THE HEART OF BILL
For the next few months I want to touch on a few things that really make for an effective CHURCH.
This month I want to talk about the role of FAITH in the Church. 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that we are to walk by faith and not by sight. Hebrews 9:27 says that without FAITH it’s impossible to please Him. In fact, Jesus is drawn toward faith.
Years ago Henry Blackaby wrote a book/curriculum entitled, “Experiencing God.” It was one of the most powerful books I have ever read. One of the many life changing quotes in that book was, “You cannot stay the way you are and go with God.” I believe that applies not only for the individual, but also to the Church.
Too many individuals and churches are playing it safe by operating within its their own means. People say, “God will never ask me to do something I can’t do.” That has not been my experience at all! Over and over again in Scripture you see God asking people to do that which they could NEVER do on their own. The kind of assignments God gives in the Bible are ALWAYS God sized. They are well beyond what people can do so that God can demonstrate His power and grace to His people and a skeptical world.
I’m not saying that we should go out and live reckless lives, but I think too often we play it way too safe. That is walking by sight. Walking by sight is the opposite of walking by faith. God never leads us to do something that He doesn’t also provide us a way to accomplish His will.
Our mission statement is: To Know Christ and to Make Him Known. One of the best ways to make Him known is for the world to see what God can do with a person that walks by faith.
The world needs to see not only the GRACE of God, but also the POWER of God manifested in His church. What would’ve happened if the early church played it safe and chose to simply operate within its own resources? Scary thought. I’m not sure there would be a church today. What make the early church powerful was that it chose to walk by faith and NOT BY SIGHT.
Two questions for this month: (1) What is God calling YOU to do that requires faith? (2) What is God calling US (as a church) to do that requires faith. Remember, without faith it is impossible to please God.
You say, “I don’t think I can do what God is calling me to do.” Perfect! That it means it’s probably a God sized task in which you have to depend on Him. He wants you to depend on Him! I would encourage you to be honest with God with your struggles. Remember the father that struggled with his faith? He said to Jesus, “I believe, but help my unbelief.” You know what? Jesus helped him and I believe He will help us as well IF WE ASK.
See you in church.
Bill