When asked why I believe what I believe I think many times people just expect the common answer. I just have faith. This is the most common answer that religious people use to explain the things that they believe but don’t have an answer for.
People are almost astonished when I say that I believe what I believe more because of the evidence and proof rather then just “blind faith” or “blind belief.”
When I declare that I have faith in Jesus and hold to the doctrines of Christianity because of the evidence and proof of it, some people feel that because I base what I believe on evidence and proof that I have less faith than someone who has faith without knowing the proofs and evidences.
Here’s the thing though, my faith that’s based on proof and evidence is a more biblical faith then the one that’s blind. By the Bible’s definition, faith is not blind, nor is it made up by what you don’t know. Faith, defined in Hebrews 11:1-3, must be made up of two things: substance and evidence. So in actuality, people that hold to Christianity with the loose grip that they call “blind faith” don’t even really poses faith at all. It would be merely a belief with no backing.
Even Peter himself declares in 2 Peter chapter 1 that his faith and testimony are based on the evidences of what he witnessed with Christ and the confirmation of the prophetic words in scripture that were spoken through men that were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Even Peter, one of the pillars of the early church, wasn’t led by a blind faith. His faith was based on substance and evidence just as stated in Hebrews. Show me a man that lives his life of faith in Christ by substance and evidence and I guarantee that this man will have a closer walk with the Lord that exhibits more power, strength, and fruit, than a man that holds to a blind faith that is a result of his laziness or lack of interest in knowing more fully the God that created him.
It is our responsibility to add to our faith just as Peter stated in 2 Peter 1. The evidences and proofs are definitely out there waiting for you to bear witness to them. We cannot live in the excuse that it was easier for Peter to have a faith based on substance and evidence due to the fact that he was an eyewitness of the life of Jesus. The fact that we don’t have Jesus physically among us has no forbearance on our ability to be an eyewitness. Jesus said in Mark 16:17 that signs would follow believers. Psalms 19:1 says: The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
So we should be eyewitnesses both to the tangible workings of God in the lives of people and to the proofs that creation itself screams of our God.
Peter also gives us instruction in 1 Peter 3:15 to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” When Peter speaks of the reason for your hope, I seriously doubt that the reason he is instructing us to give is, “I just have faith.” This brings no understanding or proof to your hope. “Just because,” has never been an acceptable answer. If you ask someone a question and their answer to you is “just because,” what will your initial reaction be? Most would agree that the person that was asked the question has no idea. Is this the message that you convey when you speak of the things of God? Furthermore, Peter doesn’t just say to give a reason, he says to give a defense for your reason. The only way that you can defend anything is if you have evidence and proof. If a lawyer goes into a case without evidence and proof toward the case that they represent, but instead they just stand up and say, “I believe my client,” then no one will believe them because they had no defense to their claim. Likewise, if we stand in front of someone that is asking us for the reason for our hope and faith in Christ, and you can’t present a knowledgeable defense, then as the jury to the case, your listener has no option but to declare that you don’t know what you’re talking about and therefore you can’t possibly be right.
I have a challenge to anyone who hears this message. Prove to me that God exists, that Christ walked the Earth, and most importantly, that Christ is who He claimed to be and did what the Bible said He did. Defend that! If you have trouble with that, I want to encourage you not to be discouraged, but to put away laziness and the feelings of intimidation toward the task of adding to your faith.
You are an eyewitness of Jesus Christ! If you have a hard time excepting this then you are blind and your faith is shallow, just as 2 Peter 1 makes clear. Blind faith is no faith at all. Faith is substance and evidence. If faith does not contain these two things then it is a mere belief that lacks the strength and power of the one true Living God. James 2:17 says, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” By the way, the substance of things hoped for, that Hebrews speaks of are the works or actions of your life that testify to your hope. Faith is based on reality and truth not on mysteries, theories, opinions, ideas, fables, wishful thinking, positive thinking, or on blind belief. To understand that faith is substance and evidence, we now can grasp the reality that faith can grow and should grow. Even Paul backs this up when he says in Romans 1:17 “For in it (the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.” By Paul’s statement we see two things. First, faith is based on revelation. This means it has evidence and can be proven. Secondly, faith grows.
Be diligent to “add to your faith” the things that Peter lists in 2 Peter 1, and you will live in the promise that follows. These promises are that you will be fruitful and you will not fall or stumble. What a powerful promise that we have through Christ Jesus.
I know that we are all thrown under the title of “believers,” but I would rather be know as “faithful” than “a believer.” Being faithful not only speaks of what I believe but why I believe and what I do to back up what I believe. Merely believing doesn’t have the strength of faith. Anyone can believe. James 2:19 says, “Even the demons believe — and tremble!” I don’t just want to be counted among the likes of demons. I want to be counted among the likes of the faithful. Jesus isn’t going to say, “well done good and believing servant.” I’m going to hear Him some day say, “Well done good and FAITHFULL servant.”
Let us all strive to hear those words from our Savior some day by taking to heart and putting to action the words of Peter. Be diligent to ADD to your faith.
Be blessed and strong in the Lord and His promises!
Pastor Eric
Monday, September 13, 2010
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Stable
The Stable
Wow its almost Christmas…that’s the first thought I had come to mind this morning as I awoke from a good nights sleep. However freezing cold in my house, I was warm in my bed. Then the Christmas story began to play out in my thoughts… What Mary was feeling in that cold and lonely time yet somehow knowing she was in the perfect plan for her life. And Joseph, how he may have been thinking here we are in a stable, no heat, no food, no future plans of a job. Yet they were comforted in that lonely stable by knowing that God had a plan. He had given them a promise and they knew HE would fulfill this promise of a savior.
The stable what was it like, my mind began to race…. It probably had a stench… it was nothing more than a “barn” a house for animals. There was probably animal stench everywhere… it was dark…. no light coming in from the outside. It was lonely; Joseph was the only person in the city Mary knew. Yet for some reason the stable kept coming to my mind.
Stable…Stable…Stable… I thought to myself and then it hit me…the “Stable is the place where Jesus was born”. The stable was the first place that welcomed our LORD and SAVIOR into this world… but wait what if we looked at the stable as a symbol… A symbol of the dark and lost, the lonely, the empty.. the one Jesus wants to be born into…born again… reborn.. But this time by the Holy Spirit…what if we looked at the “Stable” as a soul of the lost women on the streets, the soul of the homeless drug abuser, as the drunk sitting on the side of the road, or the child who sees no end to his torment of an abusive parent… What if we see a stable in them?
Then the thought came to me, will I be willing to stop in my business of the Holiday Season and share this Jesus with them, the Jesus that filled the stable with HIS presence that first Christmas day? Will I be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit to stop and pray for the lost and lonely? I don’t know for certain the answer to these questions but my prayer is “Lord help me to be sensitive to the lost souls of this world this Holiday Season”… AMEN
Carma Wirth
Faith Tabernacle
Womens Ministry Director
Wow its almost Christmas…that’s the first thought I had come to mind this morning as I awoke from a good nights sleep. However freezing cold in my house, I was warm in my bed. Then the Christmas story began to play out in my thoughts… What Mary was feeling in that cold and lonely time yet somehow knowing she was in the perfect plan for her life. And Joseph, how he may have been thinking here we are in a stable, no heat, no food, no future plans of a job. Yet they were comforted in that lonely stable by knowing that God had a plan. He had given them a promise and they knew HE would fulfill this promise of a savior.
The stable what was it like, my mind began to race…. It probably had a stench… it was nothing more than a “barn” a house for animals. There was probably animal stench everywhere… it was dark…. no light coming in from the outside. It was lonely; Joseph was the only person in the city Mary knew. Yet for some reason the stable kept coming to my mind.
Stable…Stable…Stable… I thought to myself and then it hit me…the “Stable is the place where Jesus was born”. The stable was the first place that welcomed our LORD and SAVIOR into this world… but wait what if we looked at the stable as a symbol… A symbol of the dark and lost, the lonely, the empty.. the one Jesus wants to be born into…born again… reborn.. But this time by the Holy Spirit…what if we looked at the “Stable” as a soul of the lost women on the streets, the soul of the homeless drug abuser, as the drunk sitting on the side of the road, or the child who sees no end to his torment of an abusive parent… What if we see a stable in them?
Then the thought came to me, will I be willing to stop in my business of the Holiday Season and share this Jesus with them, the Jesus that filled the stable with HIS presence that first Christmas day? Will I be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit to stop and pray for the lost and lonely? I don’t know for certain the answer to these questions but my prayer is “Lord help me to be sensitive to the lost souls of this world this Holiday Season”… AMEN
Carma Wirth
Faith Tabernacle
Womens Ministry Director
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Power of a Moment
Don't ever underestimate the power of one moment. It seems like some of the greatest miracles in life are seen in an inconspicuous moment of time: a brief word of encouragement, a chance opportunity at generosity, a split second decision that can effect the rest of your day or even the rest of your life. All too quickly I find I'm too busy to be "inconvenienced" with a powerful opportunity.
How long does it really take to hold the door open for somebody at the restaurant or compliment somebody on a job well done? It may seem insignificant to you, or it may seem like the biggest put-out you could imagine, but for the ones you touch it could mean the world.
The other day I was driving along and saw somebody in need of help holding a sign at one of our local super-markets. I made eye contact with this individual and then drove away. As soon as I did, I felt a deep urge to turn around and do what I could to help them. (I know: this story seems all too familiar...we've all been there!) When I came back around to talk with them, the conversation very quickly turned to God and how He had been meeting needs in miraculous ways for this individual. I asked if they attended church somewhere and they said, "I don't right now, but I've been thinking about going to that one on the corner. What's it called? Oh, yeah, Faith Tabernacle." I briefly stated I went there as well and asked if I could pray for them. They very graciously accepted.
When I got back into my vehicle, the thought occurred to me: what if I didn't turn around to help? That individual and I looked each other right in the eye before I drove on. They would have recognized me had I took the stage and sat down behind the piano if they visited our church. My hope and desire for my life, the life of my family, and the life of my church family at Faith Tabernacle, is that we would be people who put our religion where our mouth is. That not only would we be Extra Mile Christians inside our walls, but that this community would be impacted by a group of sincere and compassionate Disciples of Christ who are willing to do whatever it takes to change even ONE life for eternity. May God grant to us willing hearts and may we do whatever it takes and pay whatever it costs to be who God is calling us to be.
-P. Jimmy
How long does it really take to hold the door open for somebody at the restaurant or compliment somebody on a job well done? It may seem insignificant to you, or it may seem like the biggest put-out you could imagine, but for the ones you touch it could mean the world.
The other day I was driving along and saw somebody in need of help holding a sign at one of our local super-markets. I made eye contact with this individual and then drove away. As soon as I did, I felt a deep urge to turn around and do what I could to help them. (I know: this story seems all too familiar...we've all been there!) When I came back around to talk with them, the conversation very quickly turned to God and how He had been meeting needs in miraculous ways for this individual. I asked if they attended church somewhere and they said, "I don't right now, but I've been thinking about going to that one on the corner. What's it called? Oh, yeah, Faith Tabernacle." I briefly stated I went there as well and asked if I could pray for them. They very graciously accepted.
When I got back into my vehicle, the thought occurred to me: what if I didn't turn around to help? That individual and I looked each other right in the eye before I drove on. They would have recognized me had I took the stage and sat down behind the piano if they visited our church. My hope and desire for my life, the life of my family, and the life of my church family at Faith Tabernacle, is that we would be people who put our religion where our mouth is. That not only would we be Extra Mile Christians inside our walls, but that this community would be impacted by a group of sincere and compassionate Disciples of Christ who are willing to do whatever it takes to change even ONE life for eternity. May God grant to us willing hearts and may we do whatever it takes and pay whatever it costs to be who God is calling us to be.
-P. Jimmy
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Puzzle #3 ~P. Billy
Hey guys and gals, here's another puzzle to get your mind juices flowing. Try your hardest to solve this without using hints. This one is at medium difficulty, but I've got confidence in you!
Rules: I'll post an image that is a puzzle. The answer to the puzzle will always be one word, and will always have a biblical theme.
The way to solve the puzzle will always be different.
Feel free to post comments about the puzzle - but PLEASE don't give it away.
The point is to stretch your mind a little and come up with the one word solution.
For the first few, I'll post hints and the solution that you can highlight - in case you get frustrated ;)
Puzzle 3:
Hint #1: Get out your New Intnl. Version, if you don't have one - go to biblegateway.com
Hint #2: Count the number of books in the bible. Then chapters, then verses, then words.
Solution: The first number in each row corresponds to a book in the bible, the second is the chapter and verse in that book, the third is the word in that verse. Example: 27 1:7 11 corresponds to Daniel 1:7, the 11th word is "name". Following through the pattern, you should get: "Name of God in". Then you take the last clue (Ruth 1:20) and find the name of God: Almighty!
Rules: I'll post an image that is a puzzle. The answer to the puzzle will always be one word, and will always have a biblical theme.
The way to solve the puzzle will always be different.
Feel free to post comments about the puzzle - but PLEASE don't give it away.
The point is to stretch your mind a little and come up with the one word solution.
For the first few, I'll post hints and the solution that you can highlight - in case you get frustrated ;)
Puzzle 3:
Hint #1: Get out your New Intnl. Version, if you don't have one - go to biblegateway.com
Hint #2: Count the number of books in the bible. Then chapters, then verses, then words.
Solution: The first number in each row corresponds to a book in the bible, the second is the chapter and verse in that book, the third is the word in that verse. Example: 27 1:7 11 corresponds to Daniel 1:7, the 11th word is "name". Following through the pattern, you should get: "Name of God in". Then you take the last clue (Ruth 1:20) and find the name of God: Almighty!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thankfulness
Thankfulness
Its that time of year again…”Thanksgiving”… as I sat pondering writing in this blog, I felt the moving of the Holy Spirit to share about what Thanksgiving is to me.
It’s more than a word, more than a thought, more than a feeling, it’s my very life.
When I think on things my heart can do nothing but give the LORD thanks and praise.
I began to think of Paul and Silas, how it must have been for them in prison. {Acts 16:16-34} The jailer was commanded to keep them secure, so he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. {Acts 16:23-24} But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying, and singing praises unto God and the prisoners heard them. {Act 16:25} (NKJV) As they were singing praises and thanking the Lord, the earth shook and immediately all the doors were opened and all the chains were loosed.{Acts 16:26} Then when the jailer awoke and saw what was happening and thought all the prisoners had escaped, not knowing that they had all just been set free from their bondages he was about to take his own life when Paul began sharing with him what he needed to do to saved and have his chains loosed.
Not only was the jailor and his family saved that day {Acts 16:33-34} NKJV but Paul and Silas were set free too. No more chains to bind them, no more darkness, no more damp smelly dungeon, they were set free. Their chains were broken.
As I continued my thoughts, I remembered that not only were Paul and Silas’ chains loosed that day at midnight, but all the prisoners were, “everyone’s chains were loosed”. {Acts 16:26} NKJV
What if we praised and thanked the Lord when we are in our dark, damp, gloomy dungeons, when life dishes out the hard times, the money is to short, there is sickness in our family, etc. Would the chains in our life be loosed? But what about the others around us who would hear us praising Him and thanking Him, would their chains be loosed? Would they be set free from their dark, damp, and gloomy dungeon? When the people of the lost and hurting world see and hear the praises of His people would they be set free from the chains that bind them? And what if we thanked and praised Him all year long, not just at Thanksgiving?
I don’t know the answer to these questions, but I challenge each one of us this Thanksgiving Holiday, to give our thanks and praise to the Lord and give it loudly so that the entire world may hear and know “How Great is Our God”!
Carma Wirth
Women’s Ministry Director
Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Greetings from the Senior Adult Department
You are never to old to learn new things. Who would have ever thought I would be blogging!!
So here goes.
The Seniors are getting ready for Christmas. You say "so soon?" We have a special missions project that we are involved in for Christmas.
Steve and Julie Kramer from The Netherlands will be with us in December. Steve has a need for a special bicycle. He has cerebral palsy and is difficult to get around. Bicycle is the most popular mode of travel and we are going to help him get a special folding 3 wheel bicycle that he can take with him. Our partner is this project will be Chi Alpha college ministries. I am very excited, because I believe between the two of us we can raise the $1000.00 needed.
We also expect to have a fun time at our annual Christmas party Dec. 5th at noon, we also think that when we get together we should have fun and food, so this will be a potluck. For more information contact Pastor Pat.
I want to take this opportunity to encourage all to enjoy the holiday season, we have the power to be grateful to our Lord or to be grumpy. Let's choose joy, peace, and all the things Jesus gave to us on that Christmas morning!! Phillipians 4:4
You are never to old to learn new things. Who would have ever thought I would be blogging!!
So here goes.
The Seniors are getting ready for Christmas. You say "so soon?" We have a special missions project that we are involved in for Christmas.
Steve and Julie Kramer from The Netherlands will be with us in December. Steve has a need for a special bicycle. He has cerebral palsy and is difficult to get around. Bicycle is the most popular mode of travel and we are going to help him get a special folding 3 wheel bicycle that he can take with him. Our partner is this project will be Chi Alpha college ministries. I am very excited, because I believe between the two of us we can raise the $1000.00 needed.
We also expect to have a fun time at our annual Christmas party Dec. 5th at noon, we also think that when we get together we should have fun and food, so this will be a potluck. For more information contact Pastor Pat.
I want to take this opportunity to encourage all to enjoy the holiday season, we have the power to be grateful to our Lord or to be grumpy. Let's choose joy, peace, and all the things Jesus gave to us on that Christmas morning!! Phillipians 4:4
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Kids Harvest Party
This Friday from 6:30 to 9:00 we are having our Kids Harvest Party, in the gym.
Please invite kids that you know.
Comment on Halloween and Harvest Parties:
The history of Halloween spans many centuries and has Christian and pagan mixes. It used to be known as All Hollows Eve or All Saints Day. It has changed allot over the years. Today, however there are many Christians, including myself, that don't feel it is right to celebrate Halloween. Although some parts may be harmless, the way our culture takes this time to celebrate death and gore is not something I want to partake in. We can't watch a commercial or even some kid shows without seeing zombies and ghosts.
Therefore, my purpose and goal for our Harvest Party is twofold: One is for kids to have a fun and safe alternative that celebrates the blessings of God and not death. The second is to be an outreach. By church kids inviting their friends we can get them into church and be a positive influence. In addition to games and candy we are have the Way Of The Master booth and we will be playing Christian music. We are also not allowing any scary or bloody costumes.
PLEASE pray for the children of our community that they will be safe.
Blessings to you and your family!
Pastor Earl
Please invite kids that you know.
Comment on Halloween and Harvest Parties:
The history of Halloween spans many centuries and has Christian and pagan mixes. It used to be known as All Hollows Eve or All Saints Day. It has changed allot over the years. Today, however there are many Christians, including myself, that don't feel it is right to celebrate Halloween. Although some parts may be harmless, the way our culture takes this time to celebrate death and gore is not something I want to partake in. We can't watch a commercial or even some kid shows without seeing zombies and ghosts.
Therefore, my purpose and goal for our Harvest Party is twofold: One is for kids to have a fun and safe alternative that celebrates the blessings of God and not death. The second is to be an outreach. By church kids inviting their friends we can get them into church and be a positive influence. In addition to games and candy we are have the Way Of The Master booth and we will be playing Christian music. We are also not allowing any scary or bloody costumes.
PLEASE pray for the children of our community that they will be safe.
Blessings to you and your family!
Pastor Earl
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)