When Faith isn't Making Sense - Part 1

Revelation 2:8-11 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’”

This last week, Pastor Kyle continued in our Sunday sermon series on the seven churches of Revelation. He stated that in this post-Christian era, from a secular, macro-evolution explained earthly perspective, not too much is awe-inspiring and people are not seeing relevance in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, therefore faith in God and heaven are not making sense and people are not receptive to the truth-claims of the Bible. But, the truth is that our Creator God offers us all forgiveness, hope, love, salvation, and purpose in His gracious provision. Our Maker and Heavenly Father can turn our lives around when thing are just not adding up in our mind.

Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Kyle gave us four choices to make when faith is not making sense. (1) We can choose to focus on what we have or on what we don’t have. A person can seem to have everything that their heart desires on this side of eternity, while truly being “dirt poor” spiritually inside. Like the church in Smyrna, we need to choose God’s power in our lives, over man’s riches every time. If you say, “I want both.”, you’ve chosen the latter. Focus on the power of God that can and does miracles in our lives. The Holy Spirit within the Believer is a blessing that is guiding them and shining through them

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

(2) We can choose peace or fear. Be faithful unto death and trust Jesus Christ; do not fear. Know that no matter what comes against us (every and all reasons to be afraid), we can choose the peace of Christ. If we go down, we know that we go up; that is the eternal perspective based upon God’s everlasting love. Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Let's continue Pastor Kyle's message on choices in the next post.
In Christ, Brian