Leap of-faith group

THE LEAP OF FAITH.

ISN'T GOD ASKING A BIT MUCH OF

US?

--Hebrews 11:1

Teaching about Money and PossessionsMatthew 6:19-33 –The New Living Translation19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.22 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

Matthew 6:19-3324 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Matthew 6:19-33

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

Matthew 6:19-33

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

TAKE HOME

• When having faith is a struggle, I’ll remember that it’s a struggle for others too!

• God doesn't expect me to close my eyes and jump into the dark. He is willing to earn my trust and let me start by taking baby steps.

• Others have worked their way through the faith 'maze' to victory and joy. Maybe it is time for me to give God a chance to prove that I can trust him.

Lord, please forgive Lord, please forgive me for any hesitation me for any hesitation about putting all of about putting all of my trust in you. If my trust in you. If you are really God I you are really God I know my questions know my questions and doubts will lead and doubts will lead to a wonderful walk to a wonderful walk with you.with you.

Lord, please forgive Lord, please forgive me for any hesitation me for any hesitation about putting all of about putting all of my trust in you. If my trust in you. If you are really God I you are really God I know my questions know my questions and doubts will lead and doubts will lead to a wonderful walk to a wonderful walk with you.with you.

Commitment:

ANNOUNCEMENTSANNOUNCEMENTSANNOUNCEMENTSANNOUNCEMENTS

Worship in SongWorship in SongWorship in SongWorship in Song

WE ALL HAVE FAITHWE ALL HAVE FAITH

• Street Signs• People• Laws of Nature

GOD KNOWS THAT FAITH ISN'T EASYGOD KNOWS THAT FAITH ISN'T EASY

• His journal (The Bible) tells story after story of great people who struggled to develop faith in Him.

• Adam, Abraham, Moses, David (read some of his 'valley' experiences) and lots of others.

• Walking through the Red Sea or Walking on Water, we aren't accustomed to taking those wild steps every day.

WE TRUST OUR EXPERIENCE, OBSERVATIONS AND HISTORYWE TRUST OUR EXPERIENCE, OBSERVATIONS AND HISTORY

• When God calls us to believe that which conflicts with all of that, no wonder it is hard to step out of the boat!

GOD GIVES US A RECORD OF 'KEPT PROMISES' SUBSTANTIATED CLAIMSGOD GIVES US A RECORD OF 'KEPT PROMISES' SUBSTANTIATED CLAIMS

• Archeology is our best friend

• Eye witnesses wrote about their experiences with Jesus, including his resurrection!

• The testimony of countless Christians is hard to dismiss.

GOD INVITES US TO TEST HIM.GOD INVITES US TO TEST HIM.

• "Try Me!" Malachi 3:10

• Isaiah 40:30,31

GOD INVITES US TO TEST HIM.GOD INVITES US TO TEST HIM.

• "Try Me!" Malachi 3:10

• Isaiah 40:30,31

IF GOD IS THE CREATOR.IF GOD IS THE CREATOR.

• It stands to reason he is a contemplator.

• If he has made us to seek him, he surely must make himself accessible.

• And his message is clear. He loves us and wants us to trust him to care for us.

THE CROSS IS GOD'S FINEST EXPRESSION OF LOVE AND CARE.

THE CROSS IS GOD'S FINEST EXPRESSION OF LOVE AND CARE.

TRUSTING GOD ENOUGH TO SEEK HIM IS THE FIRST STEP TO VICTORY AND ETERNAL JOY.

THE QUESTION OF THE DAY. WILL I TRUST GOD ENOUGH TO GIVE HIM A TRY?

• Maybe hearing the Water Lady's story would be helpful.

• Or how about John's testimony.

COMMUNION!“Seek the Kingdom of God

above all else”

Confession:I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus is my Lord Jesus is my Lord and Savoir.and Savoir.

Worship in SongWorship in SongWorship in SongWorship in Song

Worship in SongWorship in SongWorship in SongWorship in Song

PRAYER & PRAISE

Worship in SongWorship in SongWorship in SongWorship in Song

Your Offering:Your Offering:

““Seek the Kingdom of God Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live above all else, and live righteously, and he will give righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”you everything you need.”--Jesus--Jesus

Your Offering:Your Offering:

““Seek the Kingdom of God Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live above all else, and live righteously, and he will give righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”you everything you need.”--Jesus--Jesus

Worship in SongWorship in SongWorship in SongWorship in Song

TAKE HOME

• When having faith is a struggle, I’ll remember that it’s a struggle for others too!

• God doesn't expect me to close my eyes and jump into the dark. He is willing to earn my trust and let me start by taking baby steps.

• Others have worked their way through the faith 'maze' to victory and joy. Maybe it is time for me to give God a chance to prove that I can trust him.

Lord, please forgive Lord, please forgive me for any hesitation me for any hesitation about putting all of about putting all of my trust in you. If my trust in you. If you are really God I you are really God I know my questions know my questions and doubts will lead and doubts will lead to a wonderful walk to a wonderful walk with you.with you.

Lord, please forgive Lord, please forgive me for any hesitation me for any hesitation about putting all of about putting all of my trust in you. If my trust in you. If you are really God I you are really God I know my questions know my questions and doubts will lead and doubts will lead to a wonderful walk to a wonderful walk with you.with you.

Commitment:

Go and help others know Jesus.