Sermon Notes 02-08-09

February 8th 2009 “Courage, for Heaven’s Sake” Or “The Faith to Swim Up-Stream”

“Dear brothers, what’s the use of saying that you have faith and are Christians if you aren’t proving it by helping others? Will that kind of faith save anyone? If you have a friend who is in need of food and clothing, and you say to him, “Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat hearty,” and then don’t give him clothes or food, what good does that do? So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. You must also do good to prove that you have it. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good works is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.”James 2:14-17

Faith isn't something I merely 'have'. The guy on the water skis—he had to take an active step of faith when he stepped out on the water with two pieces of wood under him! Faith is active, participatory and engaging—when you say to the boat driver: “Hit It!” You are now “actively—participating and very engaging” in what you are about to become involved in!

FAITH AND COURAGE: A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN!
Faith comes from the hands of the One you are placing your life into!
Think of the Pilot of the aircraft you are about to place your confidence in!
If he staggers into the cockpit, well you might just want to get off that flight.
Faith and Courage—are strongly “Married” together because of the Faith you have in the ONE you are having faith in!

Points to Ponder: 1st Definition of Faith!
Pastor Phil says: "Putting ourselves in a situation where, if God doesn't show up, we are in trouble."
Every one of those who were used by God had to “FIRST” learn this lesson—of placing their selves in a situation that if God didn’t show up they were in trouble! Moses, Gideon, David and all the rest!

Here’s the Question we all have to answer: “DO I BELIEVE GOD WILL SHOW UP?”
Moses marched the Israelites up to the shore of the Red Sea—with Pharaoh coming from behind and Red Sea to their back: BUT HE EXPECTED GOD TO KEEP HIS WORD!
Daniel's friends Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego faced the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace, expecting God to arrive on time.

WHAT JESUS CALLS US TO DO IS ABOUT AS DAUNTING AS WALKING INTO A FURNACE!
Deny yourself.
Take up your cross.
Turn the other cheek when struck.
Walk the extra mile.
Love the unlovely.
Pray for enemies.
Consider others as more important than yourself.
Think of persecution as a blessing.
Repent


DON'T BE UNDONE BY COMPARING YOURSELF TO THE 'BIGGIES' IN THE COURAGE DEPARTMENT! CATEGORY: Winston Churchill, Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, Moses, Gideon. THEY ALL HAD THEIR BOUTS WITH SHAKY KNEES! Moses protested that he would be ineffective since he was a ‘nobody‘and inarticulate when giving speeches. Exodus 3,4 Jeremiah considered himself too young. Judges 6 Gideon needed signs and assurances from God before moving ahead. Judges 6 Abraham said, "Come on God, give me something as a signal that you'll do as you say!" Gen. 15

Points to Ponder:
2nd First Step: BELIEVE!
Thomas said: John 20:25 ““Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” Jesus said: John 20:29 “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”A multitude of miracles performed by Jesus did not result in believing disciples.

Points to Ponder: 3rd Take Action!
When belief leads to action, God will respond to your faith.
Sometimes quickly—Peter said: “Lord, save me!”
Sometimes longer—the Nation of Israel did not come back into its homeland until 1948—over 2,500 years before God answered their prayer!

A woman reaches out to him in a crowd, believing. He heals her. Mark 5:24-31 tells of a women who thought, ‘If I just touch His clothing I will be healed.’ Jesus said: v 34 “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” A blind man calls out for help, believing. Jesus cures him. Luke 18:35-43 “35As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. 42Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.” God does the same today! WHAT IS AT STAKE?
George Elliot wrote: It is never too late to be what you might have been.

Here is my chance to conquer my love affair with all that would neutralize me, shackle me and keep me on the bench: Pride, Arrogance, Meanness, Blindness, Dishonesty, Laziness and Distraction.

Finally, I can be free to be spontaneous, free to dance and invite others onto the dance floor.
I'll just have to put myself in places where, if God doesn't show up, I'll be in trouble.

TAKE HOME with You:
I will not wait for a miracle before I have faith.
I will not be intimidated by the Giants of faith, they, too, had their shaking knees.
I am priceless to God, precious and worth dying for.
I will let God's Will and My Will work in sync. Wow, I fully expect anything (I mean anything) to happen!

Charles Bondeanii the Tightrope Walker who walked across Niagara Falls! CommitmentLord, I don't want to just slip through life in my comfort zone. Call me out of my boat to walk on water, or to confront my failures, or to try something new for you or whatever is worthy of your beckoning.

“Dear brothers, what’s the use of saying that you have faith and are Christians if you aren’t proving it by helping others? Will that kind of faith save anyone? If you have a friend who is in need of food and clothing, and you say to him, “Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat hearty,” and then don’t give him clothes or food, what good does that do? So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. You must also do good to prove that you have it. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good works is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.”James 2:14-17
Go and Experience the WOW of Faith plus Courage