A faith that is evident
Mercedes López-Miranda
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: The speaker talks about a faith that becomes evident in our lives, one that permeates all our decisions and circumstances. He describes faith as a spiritual posture that shapes our lives and decisions. He suggests three phases of faith - discern, determine, and define - and gives an example of a young girl being asked out by a popular boy to illustrate these phases. He then turns to the story of Raab in the Book of Joshua, where Raab discerns God at work, determines to save the spies, and defines her faith in God. The speaker encourages us to examine ourselves, discriminate between good and bad, and take action based on our faith in God.
The story of Rahab in the book of Joshua teaches us about living faith. Rahab discerned God's move and determined a course of action to make a pact with the spies, which helped her save her family. She also redefined herself as a loyal follower of God. Her faith found favor with the Lord, and she is mentioned in the Book of Hebrews and James, as well as in the genealogy of Jesus. Rahab's story shows how God can work in anyone's life, regardless of their past. When we come to the Lord, we come with baggage, but our faith in Him covers it all.
When we come to the Lord, we bring our baggage and past sins, but God's love and faithfulness can cover them all. The story of Rahab and the scarlet cord is a symbol of salvation and faith. The scarlet cord also represents Jesus' blood shed on the cross for our sins. As children of God, obedience and pleasing God should be our passion. We should aim to bring delight to God's heart and glorify Him in all we do. Let us pray for discernment and determination to live as defined people who please God.
The story of Rahab in the book of Joshua teaches us about living faith. Rahab discerned God's move and determined a course of action to make a pact with the spies, which helped her save her family. She also redefined herself as a loyal follower of God. Her faith found favor with the Lord, and she is mentioned in the Book of Hebrews and James, as well as in the genealogy of Jesus. Rahab's story shows how God can work in anyone's life, regardless of their past. When we come to the Lord, we come with baggage, but our faith in Him covers it all.
When we come to the Lord, we bring our baggage and past sins, but God's love and faithfulness can cover them all. The story of Rahab and the scarlet cord is a symbol of salvation and faith. The scarlet cord also represents Jesus' blood shed on the cross for our sins. As children of God, obedience and pleasing God should be our passion. We should aim to bring delight to God's heart and glorify Him in all we do. Let us pray for discernment and determination to live as defined people who please God.
This morning I want to talk to you about a faith that becomes evident. If I were to ask you, what is faith? I know that the first thing that comes to mind is Hebrews 11:1 which says: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." That is faith.
But my experience tells me that what many of us do is push the faith button one moment and turn the faith button off at another moment. Many of us are not continually living on the platform of faith. At one moment we have it, at another we don't. And God doesn't want us to do that, He wants us to continually live in faith. In fact, I see faith as a spiritual posture that has to permeate our entire being, has to permeate all our decisions and has to be present in the midst of all circumstances or situations in life. It is not at one time yes and at another no, but always.
But my experience tells me that what many of us do is push the faith button one moment and turn the faith button off at another moment. Many of us are not continually living on the platform of faith. At one moment we have it, at another we don't. And God doesn't want us to do that, He wants us to continually live in faith. In fact, I see faith as a spiritual posture that has to permeate our entire being, has to permeate all our decisions and has to be present in the midst of all circumstances or situations in life. It is not at one time yes and at another no, but always.
