David: A Faith That Meets Adversity Head-on

Is any story in Scripture more well-known than the story of David and Goliath? Are we not seeing, for the past week, a contemporary version of "David" overcoming the regional "giant" Iran?  The David and Goliath story represents the potential for a "lesser power" to overcome "the strength of a greater power." Goliath was a giant a word from Greek Gigas (usually in plural, Gigantes), one of a race of divine but savage and monstrous beings; e.g the Titans. 

Rahab: A Faith Not Held Back by Fear

How frequently do humans allow themselves to be influenced by the opinions of others?  How often do we learn that "it is correct to follow the crowd and incorrect to follow a single standard?"  

The object of today's study is that faith acts when others are paralyzed by fear.  We are still looking at the events surrounding Joshua as we look at Joshua 2:1-4a, then 8-14; and finally 6:22-25.  

In Joshua 2 we are introduced to Rahab, an apparent sex worker, prostitute or inn-keeper, depending upon the theory that you wish to adhere to.  Let's just say that this independent minded woman kept a lodging at which men, especially strangers to the city, could visit and lodge without fear from the other males staying in the house. 

We are introduced to a woman who, in the face of a powerful majority, sticks to her faith.  She exemplifies for us that concept that One plus God is a majority”, illustrating for us that we need not fear that which strikes fear in others if we are obediently following God’s guidance with trust.  

Joshua: Faith Founded Upon God’s Word

Let’s set the foundation for this study.  Faith is grounded in obedience to God’s Word. What does it mean to be "grounded" in something?  According to Merriam-Webster, to be grounded in something means to be based firmly on that thing, or to have a solid foundation in it. It implies a strong understanding of the basics, a practical or theoretical basis, and a connection to reality.  Being grounded in reality means being aware of the present moment, having a strong sense of self, and knowing the difference between what is real and not real.  A grounded person is considered mentally and emotionally stable, sensible, and realistic. 

Have you ever been able to read a set of instructions for a complex board game and be able to perfectly, or even adequately, adhere to the rules without constant refreshers of rule reading?  For example how many are well-grounded enough to play a game of Monopoly without getting into conflict?  

Noah: A Faith that Pleases God

When we get on a plane we trust a pilot that we don't know.  When we get on a bus we trust a driver that we don't know.  When we get on boat we trust a captain that we don't know.  Why is it that when we are called by God be, or do something, people don't have the trust, the faith, that it takes to follow through? Why is trusting God so hard?

This upcoming series looks at risk takers who took a risk and trusted God. We begin with a look at Noah in Genesis 6:5-9, and 17-22; then 8:20-22.  Genesis is a book of beginnings, such as the creation of the earth, animal and plant life, and the human beings in the image of the Creator God. We see the beginning of such institutions as marriage, family, community, and nations. But we also see the beginning of sin, crime, conflict, and death.  While the story of Noah reminds us how rampant sin is, how serious God takes sin, and of the Lord’s mercy and grace to people of faith. Noah models for us a faith that pleases God.