FBC E-Blast - September 14, 2015
FBC E-Blast
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September 14, 2015
The Influence of Faith - I Kings 18
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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.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
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Sermon
Series
We allow certain habits to help us deal with life, but sometimes the bad habits can become part of our identity. It's time to separate ourselves from these 'necessary' habits and recognize them for what they really are: sins. This four-week series covers lying, gossip, lust, and anger and teaches us how to replace these sin-nature habits with obedience and grace.
Last Week:
God has called us to live a life of a higher standard. How do we get hooked by lust? Through a progression of exposure, injury, and then confusion. How can we heal that lustful injury? By protecting our lives, and by pursuing God in all things.
Sunday's message is available for
streaming or for download on our sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will conclude our series Necessary Sins by looking into the sin of anger from Ephesians 4.
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Upcoming Events
September 15 - Flu Shots from 9-11 AM at the Midway Community Center
September 20 - Christmas Cantata Meeting following the Worship Service
September 27 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering
October 4 - Carry In Fellowship Dinner following the Worship service
November 20-22 - Missions Conference more details to come
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