August 30, 2010
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The Influence of Faith
I Kings 18:37-39
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In contemporary Christian culture, faith is often considered a possession that affects just its "owner." Because of our love for independence and self-sufficiency, we have, in
many ways, lost the sense of community and outreach that the church is meant to embody. We live like little islands in our own "personal relationship with Christ." But in reality, God wants our faith to
influence others, both within and outside the church.
Elijah's faith influenced the entire nation of Israel. By believing and delivering God's message, he was an example to them in word and deed. When he asked the Lord to reveal
Himself as almighty God, fire fell from heaven, and the people believed.
His motive in the showdown at Mount Carmel was to draw the people back to the Lord. We usually think of "sharing our faith" with those who don't know Christ, but our confidence
in God can also encourage weak or wayward believers. Likewise, those strong in faith can strengthen us when we are struggling with doubt.
The church is described as a body whose parts are all interconnected (I Corinthians 12:12). God never intended that we be autonomous, living in our own personal faith. We are not like a bag of marbles; rather, we're to be like a bunch of grapes whose
juices blend in times of pressure.
Guard against living an isolated Christian life. Share your confidence in God's faithfulness. Your testimony could help others' faith to grow. If you're troubled by doubt or
fear, let go of any pride or shame, and seek help from a strong believer. Mutual blessing awaits when we reach out to one another.
I Kings 18:37-39 - Hear me, O Lord, hear
me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again. Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones
and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!”
Think about it…
- What does this passage reveal to me about God?
- What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
- Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
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If you have any questions about the Bible, this devotional, would like to talk about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or any other need, please
feel free to contact me at any time.
Pastor Ben Robinson
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Church At The Park
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On September 5th, we will be moving our services from our normal time and place to 10:30 AM at the Midway Community Park
pavilion. Following the service, the day will be filled with food, fun, and games. We are having a carry-in dinner. Plan on being there as we worship God, and we hope that you
will stay and enjoy the day with friends and family. All are welcome. For directions, click here. If you have any questions,
please contact Pastor Ben.
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