Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last Sunday, we talked about water walking faith. We saw in the story of Jesus (and Peter) walking on the water that faith motivates us to do what Jesus says, even if it leads to greater problems; faith is challenged by our fears; faith encourages us to call out to Jesus; and faith is built on facts and worship.
So how do we grow in faith? How can we improve the level of trust that we have in Jesus?
1. First, since faith is built on facts, get to know Jesus. You won’t trust someone you don’t know. So get to know Jesus through reading the Bible.
2. Second, trust is built when we take a risk. If we have ever had to rebuild trust with a friend or family member, it takes us willing to put ourself out there again and trust the other person. I’ve heard it called being willing to stick out your neck. Trust is strengthened when the other person comes through, is reliable, does more good than we expected. So, put your trust in Jesus. Rely on him to help you with something in your life and see him come through for you. He is reliable. He is able and willing to do more good than you expect!
3. Third, since faith and trust require us to act, take trusting actions. If you have ever used a drive-thru at a fast-food place, you took a trusting action. You gave them money before they gave you their food. Sometimes, you even paid at the first window before picking up the food at the second window. You trusted the restaurant to give you what you ordered, even paying for it before it was in your hands. That is an example of a trusting action. So too, we need to take trusting actions in following Jesus. We can do that initially through prayer. Then we need to move forward and take action so that our trust is exercised.
4. Fourth, faith is like a muscle – if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Faith in Jesus isn’t just a one-time, “I’ve trusted Jesus for saving me from hell, but now I want nothing to do with him.” Faith in Jesus is a regular, consistent trust in him with every area of your life so that your faith continues to grow. How have you used your faith in Jesus this week?
Also, as promised from two weeks ago, we are going to take the next couple of weeks to review CBCGL’s Mission, CPC’s Vision, and the Measures for CPC. Last week, it was CBCGL’s Mission and the first measures for CPC (in relation to God). This week, it is CPC’s Vision and the second measures for CPC (in relation to Family Members).
What is CPC’s Vision? (It’s what we as a congregation are aiming for in the next 3 years)
“Equipping the Next Generation to Advance God’s Kingdom”
What are CPC’s Measures (a way to tell if we are successful in our vision):
In relation to Family Members
Who am I allowing to know me openly and honestly?
How am I living a hospitable life at home and at church?
How are my words and actions pointing my family members to Christ?
Please continue to pray for the nations of Iran and Israel/Gaza and Ukraine/Russia and Sudan. May God grant peace and bring an end to the wars.
Further announcements can be found in the weekly spotlight. And other church wide announcements can be found in our weekly bulletin.
For Prayer:
1. From Bishop J.C. Ryle – “To be prayerless is to be Christless, Godless, and in the high road to destruction…It will always be found that when prayers are few, grace, strength, peace, and hope are small.” Please join our Wednesday night prayer meeting (7:45 – 9:00 pm) even if you can’t participate the whole time.
https://zoom.us/j/758587937?pwd=aS9sZUdxcm1janNNM2I2aXJ6Smx2QT09
Meeting ID: 758 587 937
Password: 030086
Join by phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
2. We’d be glad to pray for you. If you need prayer, you can submit your prayer request via the following link: https://www.cbcgl.org/pray/
In Christ, your servant, SDG,
Pastor Nathan Willems
Associate Pastor of CrossPoint Community – A Ministry of CBCGL