The Life of Faith

Luke 7:17–23 NKJV

17 And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region. 18 Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. 19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 20 When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ” 21 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Matthew 11:2–15 NKJV

2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” 7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Reality and not Sensationalism

Have you ever asked yourself or said to yourself,

I never thought it would be like this!

I never thought it would turn out like this!

Is this really it?

Is this really my life?

To counter facing that ordinary reality of life

So often we seek signs and sensationalism.

We are excited and drawn to such things and messages.

We can be no better than some of those who followed Jesus during his days on earth

Jesus says, take up your cross and follow me, in the most ordinary ways and days of life.

We want sensationalism, Christ says deal with your anger, deal with your critical spirit, deal with the way you look at a person as my child, not as an object of lust, be a person of your word, say it, do it, no excuses, serve the old, serve the widow, help the homeless, the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned.

Nothing sensational it that, yet James says

James 1:26–27 NKJV

26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

I wish more of you would come along on Monday night.

We are looking at the main and plain of James.

It is not sensationalism, it is not setting future dates, it is good old fashioned religion for here and now!

That was my introduction.

It has been on my heart, along with some other things as we face returning to church and all needing to up our commitment to our local church.

Our local church will reflect yours and my level of commitment.

It is as simple as that.

It is the same principle in any business.

If attending your job is an option extra for you in life I suggest it won’t be your job for very long

But if you put your heart and soul into your job, typically you can flourish.

It is exactly the same principle for Church.

If church is an option extra for you and your family, the church will reflect that.

I am often amzed how many folks are off doing this or that for the Lord, or even attending this or that event, and there local church is suffering and struggling.

Most times the answer is right under our nose and we fail to see it.

It will not flourish.

Gary and Andrea said it last week

Go to your bathroom

… the Mirror.

Michael Jackson made it damous with his song, the man in the mirror

If you want the local church to flourish, look in the mirror

I pray for wisdom to say such things to encourage.

That was my introduction.

The life of Faith, starting with John the Baptist.

Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him?

Can you venture heroically on Jesus Christ’s statements when the facts of your common-sense life shout ‘It’s a lie’?

What has you in prison this day?

What has you asking, are you the one or should we expect another to deliver me from this?

My Utmost for His Highest August 29th—Sublime Intimacy

Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict.