Faith--Noun Or Verb

"....Faith is...."  (Hebrews 11)

I will be participating in a Bible study tonight with the Church here.  They have been studying in the Book of Hebrews.

I have noticed for years now that the 11th chapter reveals faith as primarily a verb, not a noun.  Noun faith is static faith.  Verb faith is action, do-something faith.  If my faith is a noun, then I will be a noun, a description, an identification, but a stagnant, confessing and declaring non threat to the Kingdom of Darkness.  If, on the other hand, my faith is Hebrews 11 faith, then I will be a doer, not a talker.  "By faith, Abraham...went out, not knowing where he went," but he still, "....went out...."  Okay, that's enough conviction for me today.

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Your revelation which is Your Word, not mine.  Amen. 

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

The "Mother Lode" Victory

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit." (Philippians 2:3, NIV)

The meeting this past Sunday here, in what is called "The Mother Lode" (referring to the large Gold discovery of over a century and a half ago) area of California, was a great time.  The only way I can describe the atmosphere is, "electric."  Perhaps it had something to do with the Brethren dwelling, "together in unity."  When will the Global Church ever learn and put this into its daily life style?!?

The time difference and the schedule will probably affect just how much I send to you, but I can tell you that I am having a great time with Dennis, His family and the Church here.  Also, I can tell you as an "outdoor," ex Scout, lover of the forest, this is a great place to be.  I saw a t-shirt I almost bought, which had the inscription: "I'd rather be lost in the forest than be found in the city."  Guilty.

I personally cannot remember the last time I had such "freedom" sharing, "the words of God," the unsearchable riches of His Kingdom.  "Like-minded," is a Biblical principle of such importance for ministry/service of any kind, repeat, any kind.  If you and I have to constantly battle with disagreement, disunity, infighting, we will never be as effective as we can be as a local congregation, mission, or any other expression of service in the Church of Jesus Christ. 

I encourage all of us to regularly pray for Church gatherings of any kind, "outreaches" of any kind, "mission work," etc., etc., that we make an absolute priority of, "Do[ing] nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit."  Humanism worships diversity.  Followers of Jesus should "worship," rather, strive for, and sacrifice one's self-gratifying agenda to, the greater purpose of Jesus Christ for/in His Church, and for/in His Kingdom, "the Kingdom of God/Heaven," which is further stated in the Epistle to the Philippians:  "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ..., that you stand firm in one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you....Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind....In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others."

Father, in Jesus' Name, let me have no other, "interests."  Amen.
*******************
Two updates on the situation in Germany at:    jhs58.blogspot.com

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2