Community of Faith: Small Faith

January 14, 2007

Opening Text: Acts 1:15, 2:14, 2:41

Community of Faith:  Small Faith (Gideon)

Hebrews 11:32, Judges 6-8

Proposition:  Our faith is demonstrated in trusting God in the small moments:  ours and His.

Introduction:  Cal Ripken, elected to the Hall of Fame on Tuesday.  In a radio interview on Mike and Mike Wednesday morning, Cal talked about what the day was like.  He mentioned that by the time he showered the hot water was gone, it reminded him of those days in the minors when the dream of the majors leagues is not guaranteed and late showers also were cold.  As we study through four of the Judges that are mentioned in this Hall of Faith, we will see that perhaps major faith is seen in the minor moments of life.

  I.  Moments when our faith is shaky

A..  Introduction to Gideon

7 Years of Oppression, where are the miracles?

Underground, hiding in a thresher

B.  Fleece

God if you do that, then it’s a sign (Note that is what normally happens)

Let’s try one more

C.  Getting Trapped in idolatry

 II.  The Story of Faith

A.  Message of God

Valiant Warrior

Deliverer

B.  Work of God

Through his people (outnumbered 4 to 1)

Faithful - Those who responded to the call

Available - Those who wanted to be there

Teachable - Those who were able to learn

1.  They were more alert

2.  These are the ones who could to take fast hold (drafted)

Often the least likely (I Corinthians 1:27-28)

C.  Small to please God

- Like a Mustard seed (Matthew 13:31)

- Childlike (Mt 18:3-4)