Stay on Faith Street

August 14, 2016 Hebrews 11 Year C Stay on Faith St. Steve Harvey gives a wonderful sermon, you can find it on Youtube – it is called How to stay on faith street. We don’t have screen where everyone can watch but I am going to let you listen to part of the sermon. Apparently when he gave this sermon, he was a new Christian, just learning what faith was. But he makes a good point that I want us to think about this morning. How to stay on faith street, when it is so much easier to take doubter drive and miss all of God’s blessings. This morning I want to continue talking about Hebrews chapter 11 – where we are thinking about what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ. And we are reminded that having faith in Jesus Christ is not for the faint hearted. Having faith in Jesus Christ is not about being positive all of the time, and believing in the impossible. As a matter of fact, having faith in Jesus Christ, is intended for the ordinary person, living an ordinary life. Having faith in God is intended for the person who may have a bill due and have no idea of how its going to get paid. Or the person who has been praying for a miracle for a change, and it has been months and nothing changed. For the person who has been going to the doctor, hoping for a solution and they have not found one yet. Faith in Jesus Christ is intended for the person who is up to the neck in the water, and yet they still need to move forward in order to get through the situation. All of the book of Hebrews reminds us that it is only through faith that those who have gone before us were able to get through difficult situations. Not everyone makes it through bad situations, only those who have faith that they can make it survive. Only those who have faith in God that they can make it survive. The secret to success? A relationship with God. A relationship that helps us to believe that the power of life lies in the power of God. Everyone Has Some Kind of 'Faith' John Lennox, a professor of mathematics at Oxford University, argues that everyone has "faith" in something—even atheists. Lennox notes that the word faith isn't just a religious word. It comes from the Latin word fides, which means "trust" or "reliance. Lennox writes, "The irony is that atheism is a 'faith position,' and science itself cannot do without faith." Lennox backs up his case by quoting the famous 20th century scientist Albert Einstein who once said, "I cannot imagine a scientist without that profoundfaith [that the universe is comprehensible to our reason]." The contemporary atheist Richard Dawkins once wrote, "An atheist … is someone who believesthere is nothing beyond the natural, physical world, no supernatural creative intelligence lurking behind the observable universe …" Notice that the atheist believes there is nothing beyond the natural world because he or she can't actually prove it. The physicist Paul Davies, who is not a Christian, says, "Even the most atheistic scientist accepts as an act offaith the existence of law-like order in nature that is at least in part comprehensible to us." The physicist John Polkinghorne agrees, arguing that the entire study of physics depends on "its faith in the mathematical intelligibility of the universe." Adapted from John Lennox, Gunning for God (Lion UK, 2011), pp. 37-48 The book of Hebrews reminds us that in order to make it through, it is not just faith, but faith in God that makes a difference. You see, when God challenges us to have faith, God is not asking us to do something that God would not do himself. God is always going to go with you to give you the strength to get by. There is something about having faith in God that makes all of the difference in life. When we have faith in God, we have a goal, we are not just idling going through life, our goal is to be obedient, so that we can enjoy the joys of eternal life. We have inspiration at our finger tips, because we can read the bible. We have a handicap – because we know that we are always sinners. We have the means to get through – that means to get through life is a steadfast endurance, we have an example in the life of Jesus Christ, and we have a presence the fact that we know that God is with us each step of the way. SERMON ILLUSTRATION Trusting God When Miracles Don't Come In Holding On to Hope, Nancy Guthrie writes: We had Hope for 199 days. We loved her. We enjoyed her richly and shared her with everyone we could. We held her during seizures. Then we let her go. The day after we buried Hope, my husband said to me, "You know, I think we expected our faith to make this hurt less, but it doesn't." Our faith gave us an incredible amount of strength and encouragement while we had Hope, and we were comforted by the knowledge that she is in heaven. Our faith keeps us from being swallowed by despair. But I don't think it makes our loss hurt any less. Early on in my journey, I said to God, "Okay, if I have to go through this, then give me everything. Teach me everything you want to teach me through this. Don't let this incredible pain be wasted in my life!" God…allows good and bad into our lives and we can trust him with both.…Trusting God when the miracle does not come, when the urgent prayer gets no answer, when there is only darkness—this is the kind of faith God values most of all…. I believe that the purpose of Hope's short life, and my life, was and is to glorify God. Nancy Guthrie, Holding On to Hope (Tyndale, 2002); submitted by Gary Smith, Ft. Myers, Florida Knowing God is the source of our strength. Jesse Jackson said that growing up as a fatherless child in difficult surroundings in a little home in South Carolina he had one asset. He went to Sunday School. And there he heard his teacher tell about the great heroes of the Bible. He knew in his little heart that if God could use them in great ways, God could use Jesse, too. That was the greatest influence, he says, in the kind of man he grew up to be. Knowing God is also the source of our happiness and piece of mind. SERMON ILLUSTRATION "Love's Unfolding Dream": Faith Versus Cynicism The movie Love's Unfolding Dream is based upon a series of books by Janet Oke. In this scene Belinda (Scout Taylor-Compton), an aspiring doctor in the little Western town of Anderson's Corner, is caring for Ms. Stanfordsmythe, a wealthy stroke victim from Boston, Massachusetts. Belinda is unaware that Ms. Stanfordsmythe lost both of her children to death, and Ms. Standfordsmythe is unaware that Belinda lost her mother and father when she was just nine years old. The conversation that ensues shows the stark difference between Belinda's resilient faith and Ms. Stanfordsmythe's cynical doubt. "How ya' doing today, Ms. Stanfordsmythe?" Belinda asks. "How do you think I'm feeling—being forced to endure these primitive conditions?" she replies. "You know, we're not all uncivilized here," says Belinda. "Really? Did I somehow miss seeing the opera house or a good library or even a hat shop with the latest from Europe? No? I thought not!" "Anderson Corner has other things to offer," replies Belinda. "Such as?" "Good people, and a church that welcomes everybody—including strangers. We take care of each other in difficult times," says Belinda. "You've never even been outside this small town, have you?" asks Ms. Stanfordsmythe. "Actually, I was born in New York," replies Belinda. "I didn't come here till I was 14. So I do know a few things about the world outside. But I much prefer Anderson Corner." "You actually like it here!" "Compared to New York, it's heaven on earth!" says Belinda. "I'm gonna miss it terribly when I leave to study to be a doctor." "Well, there's a surprising ambition for a farm girl," says Ms. Stanfordsmythe. "I believe it's what God called me to do," says Belinda. "God? Ha! Don't put your trust in God, young woman. He is unconcerned with your ambitions!" "You don't mean that," Belinda insists. "The only thing you have to rely on in this world is yourself!" Ms. Stanfordsmythe insists. "It must be awful lonely believing in nothing but myself," Belinda replies. "When you've had a little experience with the harsh realities of life, you'll abandon that naive faith!" Ms. Stanfordsmythe fires back. "I've had a great deal experience of harsh reality. Without my faith, I expect I'd be much like you." Ms. Stanfordsmythe looks puzzled: "How's that?" "Very unhappy," Belinda replies. Elapsed time: DVD, scene 6; 00:26:08–00:27:46 Rated PG SERMON ILLUSTRATION Cynicism: Frostbite of the Soul In his book Please Don't Squeeze the Christian, Scott Sernau reflects on the danger of cynicism—especially in the life of believers who claim a "living hope." He writes: Cynicism kills in the manner of frostbite: the only symptom is a deadening numbness. And even Christians are often tinged with this frostbite. Callousness and doubt numb us to life and joy. We find ourselves leaving the triumphant lyrics of the old hymns on the church doorstep, because they appear hopelessly out of step with the world waiting outside. Our problem is not that we've been taught to question our faith, but rather that we've been taught to reject any answers. Doubt can be a state of mind—or it can be a way of life. Scott Sernau, Please Don't Squeeze the Christian (InterVarsity Press, 1987), p. 109; submitted by David Tinberg, Berwyn, Illinois Collected Sermons by King Duncan Where are you in this Biblical drama today? Is your faith winning or whining? Is there someone you need to forgive today? What is the source or your power that enables you to be faithful for the full journey? If you were to give yourself to Christ in a deeper and fuller way, would it diminish you or elevate you? Our lesson for today is that it is so important for us to be able to stay on faith street. And not to be tempted to take the doubter drive. To keep focused and to make sure that we trust God. God can make a difference. Our lesson in Hebrews 11 is about the power of faith. And it gives story after story in the bible of how faith made a difference in people’s lives. The first story that Hebrews mentions is the story of moses and the exodus. By faith they crossed the red sea as if they were on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried it they were drowned. This story was originally told in Exodus 14- we know the story of when moses went to Pharoah and said, let my people go. And as they went they went into the red sea. The Hebrews loved to tell stories, stories were their life. And how told the story was just as important as the story itself. In the Exodus 14 telling of the story, verses 21-29 frame a summarial story within the story, with verses 21 and 29 the bookends. Here is the ending of verse 21: “and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” Here is the ending of verse 29: “But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” Did you hear the difference? Let me read the bookends again. Here is the ending of verse 21: “and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” Here is the ending of verse 29: “But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” Now if we are just casually listening, those two sentences may sound the same. But they are vastly different. In the first sentence, the people walked in dry ground it says through the water. In other words for the people to get to dry ground they first had to walk through some water. As matter of fact, as they were walking, the probably got their feet wet as they walked through the sea. As they kept walking, the water went up to their ankles and the water kept rising. They probably kept walking until the water was up to the necks, and they did not know what they were going to do, and then all of a sudden the water started to part, and it started to recede on either side and there was a pathway to walk through. As a matter of fact, the second sentence says that the Hebrews walks on dry ground. You see God wanted everyone to be saved. But in order for that to happen, it took a group of faithful leaders who were willing to get wet, to the faith work. And then there were others who walked through on totally dry ground. In life, someone always has to go first, and then others will surely follow. Lee Eclov, Lake Forest, Illinois; source: Michael Hirsley, "Some Summit Meeting: 54 Conquer Everest," Chicago Tribune (5-17-02) Where are you in this story? Are you a leader or a follower? It doesn’t make a difference, because God is with both sets of people. But the author of the book of Hebrews reminds us of all of those who went before, to remind us that if they can do it then so can we. God is still in the faith business, and God needs us to have faith for our time. It was so important for me to go to Peoria to see Tracy become bishop. Tracy was in seminary with me – what 26 years ago. She said that she would be bishop back then. I would not have missed the moment that dream came into fruition for the world. Because if it is possible for her, what does God have in store for me. Watching her become a young African American women bishop means that anything is possible. On the night that Hillary Clinton was nominated for president, the glass ceiling was broken for girls all over the nation. Before that night, they could be anything they wanted except president. Today they can truly be anything – because they have seen it done before. If my great grandmother can do it, if my grandmother can do it, if my mother can do it, then so can I. If moses can do it, if Rahab can do it, if Gideon, if Jephthah can do it, if Samuel can do it, if David can do it, then so can I. I can stay on faith street. And light the way of faith for others. Let us pray….. Childrens Sermon Object: A big red "S" to hang on your chest (A cape would be nice, too.) Boys and girls, What is it that makes a hero? If I put this "S" on my chest and put a cape over my shoulders like Superman (woman), would that make me a hero? No, it's not what people wear that makes them heroes, is it? It is not even how big they are or how strong. A person is a hero when he or she is brave and good. A hero helps other people. A hero stands for the things that are right, even when other people are doing wrong. You know what? God wants every one of us to be heroes. And we can be. There were many heroes in the Bible. They usually were not great big or real strong. They didn't have super powers. They didn't wear an "S" on their chest or a cape. They only had one thing that made them heroes. They believed that God was with them, so they had the power to be brave and good. They could help other people and stand for the things that are right. You and I can be like that. All we have to do is believe that God is with us, too. God is still in the business of creating heroes today. Additional illustrations…….. SERMON ILLUSTRATION God Brings Out Our Best We are all asked to do more than we can do. Every hero and heroine of the Bible does more than he would have thought it possible to do, from Gideon to Esther to Mary. Jacob, one of my favorite characters, certainly wasn't qualified. He was a liar and a cheat; and yet he was given the extraordinary vision of angels and archangels ascending and descending a ladder which reached from earth to heaven. Madeleine L'Engle in Walking on Water. Christianity Today, Vol. 37, no. 8. The truth is mightier than eloquence, the Spirit greater than genius, faith more than education. Martin Luther, "Martin Luther--The Early Years," Christian History, no. 34. SERMON ILLUSTRATION Signs Follow Decisions In my experience, signs follow decisions. The way you overcome spiritual inertia and produce spiritual momentum is by making tough decisions. And the tougher the decision, the more potential momentum it will produce. The primary reason most of us don't see God moving is simply because we aren't moving. If you want to see God move, you need to make a move! I learned this lesson in dramatic fashion during the first year at National Community Church. We had been praying for a drummer to join our worship team for months, but I felt like I needed to put some feet on my faith, so I went out and bought a four-hundred-dollar drum set. It was a Field of Dreams moment: if you buy it, they will come. I bought the drum set on a Thursday. Our first drummer showed up the next Sunday. And he was good. He was actually part of the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Rock and roll. I cannot promise that signs will follow your faith in three minutes or three hours or three days. But when you take a step of faith, signs will follow. God will sanctify your expectations, and you will begin to live your life with holy anticipation. You won't be able to wait to see what God is going to do next. Mark Batterson, Wild Goose Chase (Multnomah, 2008), pp. 32-33 [ read less ] [ read less ] ERMON ILLUSTRATION SERMON ILLUSTRATION Keeping Discouragement at Bay A man stopped to watch a Little League baseball game. He asked one of the youngsters what the score was. "We're losing 18-0," was the answer. "Well," said the man. "I must say you don't look discouraged." "Discouraged?" the boy said, puzzled. "Why should we be discouraged? We haven't come to bat yet." Stan Toler, God Has Never Failed Me, but He's Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times (Honor Books, 1995) SERMON ILLUSTRATION Leaders and Followers at Mount Everest The summit of Mount Everest in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal towers 29,035 feet above sea level. On May 29, 1953, two men were the first to reach its summit. Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary became famous for their accomplishment. By 1970, 24 climbers had reached the top. Since then, another 800 climbers have successfully made it to the summit more than 1,460 times. A record was set on May 16, 2002, when 54 people conquered Everest on the same day, with many more waiting below at base camps. One of them was Tashi Wangchuik Tenzing, 37, the grandson of Edmund Hillary's Sherpa guide in 1953. Hillary's own son, Peter, was with one of the teams waiting to ascend. [ read less ] Save "Leaders and Followers at Mount Everest" Related Topics: