We can see that men often substitute words for actions. n I have met many in the church who confess...

We can see that men often substitute We can see that men often substitute words for actions.words for actions.

I have met many in the church who confess I have met many in the church who confess that they believe, but in truth they do not.that they believe, but in truth they do not.


I have met many in the church who confess I have met many in the church who confess that they believe, but in truth they do not.that they believe, but in truth they do not.

It is possible to believe, that is have an It is possible to believe, that is have an intellectual assent.intellectual assent. (Jn 12:42) (Jn 12:42)


(John 12:42 NKJV)(John 12:42 NKJV) “Nevertheless even “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not because of the Pharisees they did not confess confess Him, Him, lest they should be put out of lest they should be put out of the synagogue;”the synagogue;”


This "dead" faith is not a "living faith."This "dead" faith is not a "living faith." (Jas 2:14-18, 26)(Jas 2:14-18, 26)


(James 2:14-18 NKJV)(James 2:14-18 NKJV) “What “What does it does it profit, profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?does not have works? Can faith save him? {15} {15} If a brother or sister is naked and If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,destitute of daily food, {16} {16} and one of you and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what which are needed for the body, what does it does it profit?profit?


{17} {17} Thus also faith by itself, if it does not Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.have works, is dead. {18} {18} But someone will But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”and I will show you my faith by my works.”


(James 2:26 NKJV) (James 2:26 NKJV) “For as the body “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”works is dead also.”


What is a living faith? Some describe it as What is a living faith? Some describe it as trust, a willingness to put one's life at risk trust, a willingness to put one's life at risk by submitting to God.by submitting to God. (Gal 5:6) (Gal 5:6)


(Galatians 5:6 NKJV)(Galatians 5:6 NKJV) “For in Christ Jesus “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through avails anything, but faith working through love.”love.”


In this definition we include repentance and In this definition we include repentance and any other command God places before the any other command God places before the Christian. (Christian. (Jn 8:31-32)Jn 8:31-32)


(John 8:31-32 NKJV)(John 8:31-32 NKJV) “Then Jesus said to “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.in My word, you are My disciples indeed. {32} {32} “And you shall know the truth, and the “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”truth shall make you free.”


We will examine the components of a living We will examine the components of a living faith.faith.


We will examine the components of a living We will examine the components of a living faith.faith.

We must never be satisfied with a faith that We must never be satisfied with a faith that will only confess facts.will only confess facts. (Jas 2:19) (Jas 2:19)


(James 2:19 NKJV)(James 2:19 NKJV) “You believe that “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe; and tremble!”demons believe; and tremble!”


Someone could be a good preacher, teacher, Someone could be a good preacher, teacher, etc., but not have a living faith.etc., but not have a living faith.


Someone could be a good preacher, teacher, Someone could be a good preacher, teacher, etc., but not have a living faith.etc., but not have a living faith.

Our faith must be maintained! When we Our faith must be maintained! When we sin, it is a failure of our faith. sin, it is a failure of our faith. (Heb 3:12-13, (Heb 3:12-13, 19)19)


(Hebrews 3:12-13 NKJV)(Hebrews 3:12-13 NKJV) “Beware, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;living God; {13} {13} but exhort one another but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”of sin.”


(Hebrews 3:19 NKJV) (Hebrews 3:19 NKJV) “So we see that “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”they could not enter in because of unbelief.”


Relying on God has to begin all over again Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done. every day as if nothing had yet been done.

We must be able to see the unseen.We must be able to see the unseen.

Faith is based upon reasonable evidence. Faith is based upon reasonable evidence. (Heb 11:1, 6)(Heb 11:1, 6)


(Hebrews 11:1 NKJV)(Hebrews 11:1 NKJV) “Now faith is the “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”of things not seen.”


(Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)(Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) “But without faith “But without faith it is it is impossible to please impossible to please Him, Him, for he who for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and comes to God must believe that He is, and that that He is a rewarder of those who He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”diligently seek Him.”


In every sermon of the apostles in the book In every sermon of the apostles in the book of Acts they presented a reasoned of Acts they presented a reasoned presentation of evidence. presentation of evidence. (Acts 2:16, 32, 36; 8:30-35)(Acts 2:16, 32, 36; 8:30-35)


(Acts 2:16 NKJV)(Acts 2:16 NKJV) “”But this is what was “”But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:”spoken by the prophet Joel:”


(Acts 2:32 NKJV)(Acts 2:32 NKJV) “”This Jesus God has “”This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.”raised up, of which we are all witnesses.”


(Acts 2:36 NKJV)(Acts 2:36 NKJV) “Therefore let all the “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”Lord and Christ.”


(Acts 8:30-35 NKJV)(Acts 8:30-35 NKJV) “So Philip ran to him, “So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”reading?” {31} {31} And he said, “How can I, unless And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.come up and sit with him. {32} {32} The place in the The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer shearer is is silent, So He opened not His mouth.silent, So He opened not His mouth.


{33} {33} In His humiliation His justice was taken In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.”For His life is taken from the earth.” {34} {34} So So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?”himself or of some other man?” {35} {35} Then Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.”Scripture, preached Jesus to him.”


When you know that Jesus is the Son of When you know that Jesus is the Son of God then that is all the evidence you need. God then that is all the evidence you need. (2 Cor 4:13-14)(2 Cor 4:13-14)


(2 Corinthians 4:13-14 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 4:13-14 NKJV) “And “And since we have the same spirit of faith, since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak,therefore speak, {14} {14} knowing that He who knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present up with Jesus, and will present us us with with you.”you.”


God will not always give you evidence, God will not always give you evidence, however, as to the "why" he commands you however, as to the "why" he commands you to do something!to do something!


God will not always give you evidence, God will not always give you evidence, however, as to the "why" he commands you however, as to the "why" he commands you to do something!to do something!

Our faith also has an object, God. Our faith also has an object, God. (Heb 11:6)(Heb 11:6)


(Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)(Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) “But without faith “But without faith it is it is impossible to please impossible to please Him, Him, for he who for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and comes to God must believe that He is, and that that He is a rewarder of those who He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”diligently seek Him.”


We not only must know that God exist, but We not only must know that God exist, but we must come to "know God." we must come to "know God." (1 Jn 4:6-8; Titus 1:16)(1 Jn 4:6-8; Titus 1:16)


(Titus 1:16 NKJV)(Titus 1:16 NKJV) “They profess to know “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”for every good work.”


(1 John 4:6-8 NKJV)(1 John 4:6-8 NKJV) “We are of God. He “We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.spirit of truth and the spirit of error. {7} {7} Beloved, let us love one another, for love is Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.God and knows God. {8} {8} He who does not He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”love does not know God, for God is love.”


What is your God like? Sometimes I hear of What is your God like? Sometimes I hear of those living in sin who glibly proclaim: those living in sin who glibly proclaim: "My God is not like that." No, their God is "My God is not like that." No, their God is not like that rather their God is a product of not like that rather their God is a product of men. men. (Rom 1:21-22; Gal 4:8)(Rom 1:21-22; Gal 4:8)


(Romans 1:21-22 NKJV)(Romans 1:21-22 NKJV) “because, “because, although they knew God, they did not although they knew God, they did not glorify glorify Him Him as God, nor were thankful, but as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.foolish hearts were darkened. {22} {22} Professing to be wise, they became fools,”Professing to be wise, they became fools,”


(Galatians 4:8 NKJV)(Galatians 4:8 NKJV) “But then, indeed, “But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.”those which by nature are not gods.”


What are the characteristics of God that What are the characteristics of God that make Him trustworthy? make Him trustworthy? (Psa 18:30; 22:4-5; 36:7)(Psa 18:30; 22:4-5; 36:7)


(Psalms 18:30 NKJV)(Psalms 18:30 NKJV) “As for “As for God, His God, His way way is is perfect; The word of the LORD is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He proven; He is is a shield to all who trust in a shield to all who trust in Him.”Him.”


(Psalms 22:4-5 NKJV)(Psalms 22:4-5 NKJV) “Our fathers “Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them.delivered them. {5} {5} They cried to You, and They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.”were not ashamed.”


(Psalms 36:7 NKJV)(Psalms 36:7 NKJV) “How precious “How precious is is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.”shadow of Your wings.”


Why does the Old Testament give us hope? Why does the Old Testament give us hope? (Rom 15:4)(Rom 15:4)


(Romans 15:4 NKJV)(Romans 15:4 NKJV) “For whatever “For whatever things were written before were written for things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”hope.”


It is not our trust that keeps us, but the God It is not our trust that keeps us, but the God in whom we trust who keeps us. in whom we trust who keeps us.

We must be willing to go against our We must be willing to go against our experienceexperience

How far will we trust God?How far will we trust God?


How far will we trust God?How far will we trust God? The Bible is filled with examples where one The Bible is filled with examples where one

plainly knew what God said, but from their plainly knew what God said, but from their experience it made no sense. Still they experience it made no sense. Still they obeyed. Here is trust.obeyed. Here is trust.



plainly knew what God said, but from their plainly knew what God said, but from their experience it made no sense. Still they experience it made no sense. Still they obeyed. Here is trust.obeyed. Here is trust.

Trustfulness is based on confidence in God, Trustfulness is based on confidence in God, whose ways I do not understand. If I did, whose ways I do not understand. If I did, there would be no need for trust. there would be no need for trust.



plainly knew what God said, but from their plainly knew what God said, but from their experience it made no sense. Still they obeyed. experience it made no sense. Still they obeyed. Here is trust.Here is trust.

Trustfulness is based on confidence in God, Trustfulness is based on confidence in God, whose ways I do not understand. If I did, there whose ways I do not understand. If I did, there would be no need for trust. would be no need for trust.

Consider Peter in his fishing. Consider Peter in his fishing. (Lk 5:4-8)(Lk 5:4-8)


(Luke 5:4-8 NKJV)(Luke 5:4-8 NKJV) “When He had “When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”your nets for a catch.” {5} {5} But Simon But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”the net.”


{6} {6} And when they had done this, they caught And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.breaking. {7} {7} So they signaled to So they signaled to their their partners partners in the other boat to come and help them. And in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.they began to sink. {8} {8} When Simon Peter saw When Simon Peter saw it, it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”” Lord!””


How did Joshua take Jericho? How did Joshua take Jericho? (Heb 11:30)(Heb 11:30)


(Hebrews 11:30 NKJV)(Hebrews 11:30 NKJV) “By faith the “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.”encircled for seven days.”


Why do we do this when our experience is Why do we do this when our experience is crying out: "stop!“crying out: "stop!“


Why do we do this when our experience is Why do we do this when our experience is crying out: "stop!“crying out: "stop!“

Why did Abraham believe God would give Why did Abraham believe God would give him a son? him a son? (Rom 4:17-24)(Rom 4:17-24)


(Romans 4:17-24 NKJV)(Romans 4:17-24 NKJV) “(as it is written, “(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed; God, who gives life to the dead believed; God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;though they did;


{18} {18} who, contrary to hope, in hope who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” {19} {19} And not being weak in faith, he did not And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.deadness of Sarah’s womb.


{20} {20} He did not waver at the promise of God He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,faith, giving glory to God, {21} {21} and being and being fully convinced that what He had promised fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.He was also able to perform. {22} {22} And And therefore “it was accounted to him for therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”righteousness.” {23} {23} Now it was not written Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him,for his sake alone that it was imputed to him,


{24} {24} but also for us. It shall be imputed to but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,”our Lord from the dead,”


Do we have this kind of faith?Do we have this kind of faith?


Let GoLet GoAs children bring their broken toysAs children bring their broken toys

With tears for us to mend,With tears for us to mend,I brought my broken dreams to God,I brought my broken dreams to God,

Because He was my friend.Because He was my friend.But then, instead of leaving HimBut then, instead of leaving Him

In peace, to work alone,In peace, to work alone,I hung around and tried to helpI hung around and tried to help

In ways that were my own.In ways that were my own.


Finally I took them back and said,Finally I took them back and said,"Dear God, why are you so slow?“"Dear God, why are you so slow?“

"My child," He said, "what could I do?"My child," He said, "what could I do?You never did let go."You never did let go."

We must be willing to put ourselves at risk.We must be willing to put ourselves at risk.

It is hard to obey when there is a price to It is hard to obey when there is a price to pay and your experience says: “stop!”pay and your experience says: “stop!”


It is hard to obey when there is a price to It is hard to obey when there is a price to pay and your experience says: "stop!“pay and your experience says: "stop!“

This kind of faith was seen in Abraham's This kind of faith was seen in Abraham's giving of Isaac! giving of Isaac! (Heb 11:17-19)(Heb 11:17-19)


(Hebrews 11:17-19 NKJV)(Hebrews 11:17-19 NKJV) “By faith “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten offered up his only begotten son, {18} son, {18} of of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,”called,” {19} {19} concluding that God concluding that God was was able to able to raise raise him him up, even from the dead, from which up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.”he also received him in a figurative sense.”


Some may think: "God will never put me Some may think: "God will never put me through this." You are wrong! through this." You are wrong! (1 Pet 1:5-9)(1 Pet 1:5-9)


(1 Peter 1:5-9 NKJV)(1 Peter 1:5-9 NKJV) “who are kept by “who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.ready to be revealed in the last time. {6} {6} In In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,grieved by various trials,


{7} {7} that the genuineness of your faith, that the genuineness of your faith, being being much more precious than gold that perishes, much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,Jesus Christ, {8} {8} whom having not seen you whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see love. Though now you do not see Him, Him, yet yet believing, you rejoice with joy believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,inexpressible and full of glory,


{9} {9} receiving the end of your faith; the receiving the end of your faith; the salvation of salvation of your your souls.”souls.”


God will often make us face our worst God will often make us face our worst fears! (Ex. Catching wasp nests)fears! (Ex. Catching wasp nests)



What might your faith cost you?What might your faith cost you?



What might your faith cost you?What might your faith cost you? Your family. Your family. (Mt 10:32-37)(Mt 10:32-37)


(Matthew 10:32-37 NKJV)(Matthew 10:32-37 NKJV) “”Therefore “”Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.in heaven. {33} {33} “But whoever denies Me “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.Father who is in heaven. {34} {34} “Do not think “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.come to bring peace but a sword.


{35} {35} “For I have come to ‘set a man against “For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’;a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; {36} {36} “and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of “and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his his own own household.’household.’ {37} {37} “He who loves “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”more than Me is not worthy of Me.”


Your marriage. Your marriage. (Mt 19:9-12)(Mt 19:9-12)


(Matthew 19:9-12 NKJV)(Matthew 19:9-12 NKJV) “”And I say to “”And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”who is divorced commits adultery.” {10} {10} His disciples said to Him, “If such is the His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with case of the man with his his wife, it is better not wife, it is better not to marry.”to marry.”


{11} {11} But He said to them, “All cannot accept this But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only saying, but only those those to whom it has been given:to whom it has been given: {12} {12} “For there are eunuchs who were born thus “For there are eunuchs who were born thus from from their their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept accept it, it, let him accept let him accept it.”it.”


Your job. Your job. (Lk 10:21-27)(Lk 10:21-27)


(Luke 10:21-27 NKJV)(Luke 10:21-27 NKJV) “In that hour Jesus “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from have hidden these things from the the wise and wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.sight.


{22} {22} “All things have been delivered to Me “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and Father is except the Son, and the one the one to to whom the Son wills to reveal whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” {23} Him.” {23} Then He turned to Then He turned to His His disciples and said disciples and said privately, “Blessed privately, “Blessed are are the eyes which see the eyes which see the things you see;the things you see;


{24} {24} “for I tell you that many prophets and “for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen have not seen it, it, and to hear what you hear, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard and have not heard it.” {25} it.” {25} And behold, a And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”eternal life?” {26} {26} He said to him, “What is He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading written in the law? What is your reading of of it?” it?”


{27} {27} So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”neighbor as yourself.’”


Your time.Your time.


Your time.Your time. Your rights.Your rights.


Your time.Your time. Your rights.Your rights. Your life.Your life.


Your time.Your time. Your rights.Your rights. Your life.Your life. Why would we give these things up?Why would we give these things up?


Because we trust God! Because we trust God! (Mk 10:28-31)(Mk 10:28-31)


(Matthew 10:28-31 NKJV)(Matthew 10:28-31 NKJV) “”And do not “”And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.destroy both soul and body in hell. {29} {29} “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.ground apart from your Father’s will.


{30} {30} “But the very hairs of your head are all “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.numbered. {31} {31} “Do not fear therefore; you “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”are of more value than many sparrows.”


All I need to know: "Is this God's will?" All I need to know: "Is this God's will?" Then everything else is OK!Then everything else is OK!



Have you surrendered you will to God?Have you surrendered you will to God?



Have you surrendered you will to God?Have you surrendered you will to God? To let go is not to care for, but to care To let go is not to care for, but to care

about. about.


To let go is not to care for, but to care about. To let go is not to care for, but to care about. To let go is not to fix, but to be supportive. To let go is not to fix, but to be supportive.

To let go is not to judge, but to allow To let go is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being. another to be a human being.

To let go is not to be in the middle, To let go is not to be in the middle, arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others

to affect their own destinies. to affect their own destinies.


To let go is not to deny, but to accept. To let go is not to deny, but to accept. To let go is not to nag, scold, or argue, but To let go is not to nag, scold, or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings instead to search out my own shortcomings

and correct them. and correct them. To let go is not to regret the past, but to To let go is not to regret the past, but to

grow and live for the future. grow and live for the future. To let go is not to cut myself off. It's the To let go is not to cut myself off. It's the

realization that I can't control another. realization that I can't control another.


To let go is not to try to change or blame To let go is not to try to change or blame another. It's to make the most of myself. another. It's to make the most of myself.

To let go is to fear less and to love more. To let go is to fear less and to love more.


This is the essence of why we can forgive This is the essence of why we can forgive another. another. (Mt 18:21-22, 35)(Mt 18:21-22, 35)


Matthew 18:21-22 (NKJV)Matthew 18:21-22 (NKJV) - Then Peter - Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. seven times, but up to seventy times seven.


Matthew 18:35 (NKJV)Matthew 18:35 (NKJV) - “So My - “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”brother his trespasses.”


Angry and cynical people are five times as Angry and cynical people are five times as likely to die before they reach age 50 than likely to die before they reach age 50 than those who are more calm and trusting. those who are more calm and trusting. Angry people are involved in many hassles Angry people are involved in many hassles in their lives. This negative arousal may in their lives. This negative arousal may cause an un-healthy increase in blood cause an un-healthy increase in blood pressure and eventual damage to the heart. pressure and eventual damage to the heart. -- Dr. Redford B. Williams-- Dr. Redford B. Williams

We must be willing to test God.We must be willing to test God.

When I speak of testing I mean a confident When I speak of testing I mean a confident standing on the promises of God.standing on the promises of God.


When I speak of testing I mean a confident When I speak of testing I mean a confident standing on the promises of God.standing on the promises of God.

There is a testing that is sinful. Here one There is a testing that is sinful. Here one tries to make God prove Himself out of tries to make God prove Himself out of unbelief. unbelief. (Mt 4:6-7)(Mt 4:6-7)


(Matthew 4:6-7 NKJV)(Matthew 4:6-7 NKJV) “and said to Him, “and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”your foot against a stone.’” {7} {7} Jesus said to Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’tempt the LORD your God.’


God will not honor one who come to Him God will not honor one who come to Him in unbelief. in unbelief. (Jas 1:6-7)(Jas 1:6-7)


(James 1:6-7 NKJV)(James 1:6-7 NKJV) “But let him ask in “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.by the wind. {7} {7} For let not that man For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;”the Lord;”


God does want us to test Him in faith. God does want us to test Him in faith. (Mal 3:10)(Mal 3:10)


(Malachi 3:10 NKJV)(Malachi 3:10 NKJV) “Bring all the tithes “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out you the windows of heaven And pour out for you for you such such blessing That blessing That there will there will not not be be room room enough enough to receive it.”to receive it.”


How do you view the promises of God? How do you view the promises of God? (2 Pet 1:3-4)(2 Pet 1:3-4)


(2 Peter 1:3-4 NKJV)(2 Peter 1:3-4 NKJV) “as His divine power “as His divine power has given to us all things that has given to us all things that pertain pertain to life to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,who called us by glory and virtue, {4} {4} by by which have been given to us exceedingly great which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption escaped the corruption that is that is in the world in the world through lust.”through lust.”


When our Bible Study becomes boring, we When our Bible Study becomes boring, we have lost our faith!have lost our faith!


When our Bible Study becomes boring, we When our Bible Study becomes boring, we have lost our faith!have lost our faith!

When we really believe we will rejoice at When we really believe we will rejoice at the small cost our faith requires of us. the small cost our faith requires of us. (Mt 13:44-46)(Mt 13:44-46)


(Matthew 13:44-46 NKJV)(Matthew 13:44-46 NKJV) “”Again, the “”Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.has and buys that field. {45} {45} “Again, the “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,seeking beautiful pearls,


{46} {46} “who, when he had found one pearl of “who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”and bought it.”


To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach for another is to risk To reach for another is to risk involvement. involvement.

To expose your feelings is to risk To expose your feelings is to risk exposing your true self. exposing your true self.

To place your ideas, your dreams, before To place your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss. a crowd is to risk their loss.


To love is to risk not being loved in return.To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To live is to risk dying.

To believe is to risk despair. To believe is to risk despair. To try is to risk failure. To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The people who risk nothing, do nothing, The people who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, are nothing. have nothing, are nothing.


They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love,

live. live. Chained by their attitudes they are slaves; Chained by their attitudes they are slaves;

they have forfeited their freedom. they have forfeited their freedom. Only a person who risks is free. Only a person who risks is free.


Conclusion:Conclusion: Have you ever trusted God? Have you ever trusted God?


Conclusion:Conclusion: Have you ever trusted God? Have you ever trusted God? Often we must be sick of this deceitful Often we must be sick of this deceitful

untrustworthy world before we can come to untrustworthy world before we can come to God. Consider the Phillipian jailer. God. Consider the Phillipian jailer. (Acts (Acts 16:26-30)16:26-30)


(Acts 16:26-30 NKJV)(Acts 16:26-30 NKJV) “Suddenly there was “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.were loosed. {27} {27} And the keeper of the And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.himself.


{28} {28} But Paul called with a loud voice, But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”here.” {29} {29} Then he called for a light, ran Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.Silas. {30} {30} And he brought them out and And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”


What did the jailer do? What did the jailer do? (Acts 16:30-34)(Acts 16:30-34)


(Acts 16:30-34 NKJV)(Acts 16:30-34 NKJV) “And he brought “And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”be saved?” {31} {31} So they said, “Believe on So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”saved, you and your household.” {32} {32} Then Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.to all who were in his house.


{33} {33} And he took them the same hour of the And he took them the same hour of the night and washed night and washed their their stripes. And stripes. And immediately he and all his family were immediately he and all his family were baptized.baptized. {34} {34} Now when he had brought Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.”God with all his household.”


Here we see that the end was rejoicing! He Here we see that the end was rejoicing! He now trusted God.now trusted God.


Here we see that the end was rejoicing! He Here we see that the end was rejoicing! He now trusted God.now trusted God.

Can you see or are you blind?Can you see or are you blind?


In his book The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan In his book The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning tells about an incident which took Manning tells about an incident which took place one day when a two-story house caught place one day when a two-story house caught on fire. The family was making its way out of on fire. The family was making its way out of the house when the smallest boy became the house when the smallest boy became terrified, tore away from his mother, and ran terrified, tore away from his mother, and ran back upstairs. Suddenly, he appeared at a back upstairs. Suddenly, he appeared at a smoke-filled window crying hysterically. smoke-filled window crying hysterically.


Standing outside, his father shouted, Jump, Standing outside, his father shouted, Jump, son, jump! I will catch you." son, jump! I will catch you." The boy cried, "But daddy, I can't see The boy cried, "But daddy, I can't see you.you. "I know, his father called. But I can see "I know, his father called. But I can see you." That's really all that matters in you." That's really all that matters in threatening situations, isn't it? To know threatening situations, isn't it? To know that our heavenly Father can see us.that our heavenly Father can see us.

We can see that men often substitute words for actions. n I have met many in the church who confess...

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Transcript of We can see that men often substitute words for actions. n I have met many in the church who confess...