Faith That Works.

Happy Memorial Day weekend!  Pastor Nathan’s message today was entitled, “Faith That Works.”  He began by asking us this question, “Do you trust God for everything, or do you trust God for very little?”  It is an important question because it is vital that we have faith that works for us, both in our personal lives and in the Kingdom of God.

Starting in James 1:19-25 (NLT), Pastor Nathan encouraged us to learn to trust God in everything, starting with salvation.  Then after we are born again, one of the most critical things we can do is renew our minds to the Word of God, for we must begin to think as God thinks.  God desires to do big things through Open Door Church, but He works through people.  He works through us!  When blind Bartimeus came to Jesus, you would think it would be obvious what he wanted from Jesus, but Jesus asked him the question, “What do you want me to do for you?”  It is important that we open our mouths and speak forth what we desire.  James 1:22 states, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”  We must obey God’s Word.  If not, we are deceiving ourselves.  Religion is hearing the Word but not acting upon it.  We can become delusional – thinking we have something when we do not. (Mark 4:16, Jer. 15:16)

Is WHAT you believe important?  In John 5:39-40 we see that the religious leaders could not see Jesus as the eternal life giver.  In Acts 9 we met a man named Saul.  He had a zeal for God, but it could not bring righteousness.  Like Saul, if what you believe isn’t working for you, it is time to change, and nothing changes until we believe God.  None of us want to be self-deceived, so it is important to evaluate what we believe.  Are you bored with church or reading your Bible?  Do you act upon the Word after you hear it?  Many argue over Bible doctrines, but believing God is the key to the best life.  God alone knows the desires of our heart, and He will take care of us.  Faith is learning to obey the Word of God, for the Word produces when we mix it with faith. (James 1:22)  Every miracle is different.  While the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of his garment (Mark 5:27-28), blind Bartimeus had to shout (Mark 10:47).  If we seek God, he will give us creative ways to apply the Word.  Being a doer of the Word will prove that God’s Word works, and God will also give us creative ways to step out in faith.

What about you? Are you willing to step out in faith?  Are you willing to believe God for everything?  We encourage you to step out in faith and put your life into the hands of Jesus Christ, the author of our faith.