Faith: It's a Big Deal

The Bible has a lot to say about faith. It's kind of a big deal. But, maybe you're like me and wonder from time to time what exactly faith means. Is it a noun, verb or adjective? Is faith catchy like the flu and can I spread it to others? I've often wondered if God can give me faith or if it's something I can produce on my own. There have been times during my own faith-journey when I've learned to relinquish my own rebellious attitude and I choose to surrender to faith itself because it feels like faith is a complex combination of it all.

The writer of Hebrews defines faith this way: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1 NIV) During my lifetime, I have learned to question myself when it comes to my emotions, feelings and previously held convictions because they often get me into trouble and get in the way of making good decisions. I have been 'sure and certain' of a lot of things in my life only to get burned in the end. Maybe faith is not contingent on my past experiences but focuses solely on my future. Could I have faith in God that allows me to be open to future positive outcomes and is not tied to negative events or activities of my past?

This weekend we will hear the final message of our generosity series 24/7/365. We will celebrate our faith as we make commitments to God about our financial giving. Each of us will have an opportunity to fill out a card with an amount on it that represents what we will give in the future to Wheatland and the vast mission and ministries we lead.

I pray you will discover the great faith stories written down for us to explore in Hebrews 11. The people mentioned in this chapter of the Bible are considered biblical heavyweights with good reason. They were commended for their faith. They believed that God would prepare and deliver a better future for them. None of them received what had been promised. You and I can receive what was promised to them through our faith in Jesus Christ. What better future can any of us dream or imagine that God hasn't already placed in the hearts of those who believe? Come and see what The Lord has done and what he will do by faith. Magnificent. Beautiful. Faithful. God.

I Found Something More Valuable

Zacchaeus is a popular guy in Christian Children's literature. Songs are written about him. His image appears in coloring books, on flannel boards during Sunday school lessons, and he's been portrayed by bathrobe wearing-dishtowel covered dads. Zacchaeus climbed the Sycamore tree to see Jesus. Many went to great lengths to see Jesus during his ministry. But Zacchaeus was blessed to receive Jesus into his own home and finds something far more valuable than power, authority or possessions at dinner.

Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector. Not only did he make money legitimately by collecting taxes for the Imperial Roman government, but he most likely made money from other tax collectors who worked for him in the region of Jericho. He lived in an extravagant home, ate lavish food and dressed in fine clothing. Everyone knew their tax money went into Zacchaeus' pockets and there was nothing they could do about it. Sometimes we can identify with the people of Jericho. Maybe we're stuck in a situation that seems hopeless. That is until Jesus comes to town.

Jesus had a reputation for hanging around tax-collectors. He even included Levi as one of the 12 disciples. Once again, Jesus relaxes among the wrong people and the crowd outside grumbled about it. Zacchaeus was a public official who had a change of heart. In Judaism, repentance involved restoration and making amends. Zacchaeus was a lavish guy. He was determined to make a public declaration of his inward transformation. Zacchaeus diminished his own cash reserves by half and promise to give back four times the amount he extorted.

Jesus responded to Zacchaeus' extravagant repentance by including him with the true family of Abraham. We can only imagine how this enraged the religious officials who believed they were the rightful descendents of Abraham. Zacchaeus doesn't follow Jesus. He stays in Jericho to live out a new life and re-establish himself as part of the renewed and restored People of God. Zacchaeus did nothing to deserve the lavish gift Jesus offered him. He simply accepted it and decided to live differently from then on.

I found a video from the Skit Guys that may help describe what happened in Zacchaeus' life. My prayer is that you can experience the same thing in your life. Watch here.

 "Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'"Luke 19:9-10 NIV

-Pastor Jen

Photo Credit: Rick Camacho via Compfight cc

What's Your Generosity Story?

Generosity. Wikipedia defines it as the habit of giving without expecting anything in return. It can involve offering time, assets or talents to aid someone in need. Often equated with charity as a virtue, generosity is widely accepted in society as a desirable trait. Generosity for the Christ-follower is a way of life. It is directly related to our maturity and timing in faith.

Every moment of every day God gives us the privilege of partnering with him to accomplish Kingdom-sized goals. We bring honor and glory to God when we act according to his direction and work toward realizing the kingdom of God here on earth as it is in heaven. Wheatland does amazing work in our communities and across the globe. We believe to our core that by being a connected, devoted, generous follower of Jesus Christ, we can love God, love others and change the world. This commitment to world changing requires our efforts 24/7/365.

"24/7/365" is the title of our next series which focuses on our generous response to what God is doing in our lives. The series will focus on four different types of givers: a widow who captured Jesus' attention by giving from her poverty, Zacchaeus who was so utterly transformed by Jesus he put all his cards on the table and went "all in," Abraham who set up the tithe as a blessing not a duty and the ultimate giver who gives by faith.

Each week we will examine the biblical story and discover which type of giver describes us as individual givers. We will also share personal stories about times when generosity effected us. Celebration Sunday is the final Sunday and our opportunity to make a pledge to God and confirm our participation in the church that is active 24/7/365. The church is eternal. It's is God's big idea to bring hope to a lost and broken world. It will be an awesome time of learning, challenge and commitment.

"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd." Hebrews 11:1-2 (The Message)

-Pastor Jen

Photo Credit: micah.e via Compfight cc