Practical Points from Philippians in 11 Key Verses
As we close out our series, Pastor Dwight reviews some practical points from Philippians that Paul provides that can help us in our faith. These practical points are drawn from 11 key verses that should be pondered, prayed on, and shared with others. As you listen to this sermon make sure to have a notebook and a pen or pencil to write down the passages being quoted. Use your list of passages as a guide to begin memorizing scripture.
Notes: Sermon available for online listening until May 10th, 2020. To view more sermons, visit our Sermon Archive.
Bulletin Message
Having Faith, Trust, and Belief
Having faith, trust and belief are closely related Biblical words. The Hebrew writer penned the following, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1). We have a faith, and a trust, and a belief in God whom we have never seen, but made Himself known through His Son and His Spirit and revealed Himself through His word.
The faith, trust, and belief we have in anything is based upon what we have experienced, been taught, and have concluded from being taught and experienced. For example, we know that water flows downhill unless some other influencing factor is introduced – such as a high wind, or a pump. We know this by observing liquid that flows from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. Additionally, we know that rain water falls to the earth, flows from the mountains into creeks which flow into lakes, then into rivers and eventually to the ocean. Likewise, we know that there is a rain cycle that lifts water from the ocean through evaporation to form clouds which drifts over land and the clouds release the evaporated water in the form of rain and snow. Then the process continues over and over.
Our Faith in God
Our trust and belief that this cycle will continue is based upon years and years of experience and observation. Of course there are things that can affect the weather cycle such as pollution, volcanic eruptions, and what is called, “acts of God.” There is a story in 1 Kings 17 where Elijah prayed for the rain to cease for a period of time and God granted his request. Later Elijah would pray that the Lord allow the rain to resume so that all would know that He (Jehovah) was God over Israel.
My point is that we are always looking at some scientific reason to explain everything from the weather to UFO’s. Maybe we need to just allow God to be God and accept what is as being from Him. Keep looking for God in all things. Remember that the rainbow is God’s sign to us that the world will never be destroyed by water again. Remember that He gave us authority over all creation to subdue it. Ultimately we are stewards of what God has created. Let us keep our faith, trust and belief in the Lord.
My point is that we are always looking at some scientific reason to explain everything from the weather to UFO’s. Maybe we need to just allow God to be God and accept what is as being from Him. Keep looking for God in all things. Remember that the rainbow is God’s sign to us that the world will never be destroyed by water again. Remember that He gave us authority over all creation to subdue it. Ultimately we are stewards of what God has created. Let us keep our faith, trust and belief in the Lord.
Pastor Dwight <><