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Faith in Action

2/26/2018

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"The only thing that matters is, 'Is my name written in the Lamb's book of life?' " said Pastor Josh in the Sunday sermon.  If you are one of the listeners of his radio program on Sunday mornings, you will have heard this statement before.  Today, however, our beloved pastor drove it home with much, much more emphasis.
     The opening text was from Hebrews 11:30-31.  Chapter 11 lists the heroes of faith in the Bible.  They are Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sara, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab.  From verses 32 to the end of the chapter others are mentioned.  But, Rahab is given a place of prominence in this chapter.  She's listed right along with Noah, Abraham and Moses.
     Pastor Josh moves on to Joshua 6:17.  This verse spells out why Rahab is the only one to live, she and all who are with her in her house.  It is because she hid the messengers.  She believed the God of the Israelites.  She believed that God was bringing judgment to the people of Jericho.  She believed that it was coming and she took action on this belief.  She demonstrated that she had the kind of faith that moved her to action.
     If we want our names in the Lamb's book of life, we need to have the kind of faith that moves us to action.  If faith doesn't move to action, it's not faith.  Joshua was told in Joshua 6 to walk around Jericho once each day for six days.  He, the priests with the ark and trumpets, and the army marched around the city only once each day for six days.  Then, on the seventh day, the same group marched around the city seven times.  On the seventh time around, the army gave a loud shout and the walls of Jericho fell.  The Lord's judgment had come and the city was theirs.  The only one saved was Rahab and her household.  Her faith moved to action.  The army led by Joshua was moved to action--God's action.  And the city of Jericho fell that day and all that were in it.  Not even the king was saved, only Rahab.
     Judgment came to Jericho.  One day it will come for us.  Like Pastor Josh keeps saying, "We need more of God in our lives.  We live in a culture that tries to stomp it out.  The least likely person was saved--Rahab--because of her faith and obedience."
     "Make the preparation.  Be ready for eternity.  There's one way out of hell, if your name is in the Lamb's book of life.  Don't live in the shadow of the steeple of a church and be lost without God." Pastor Josh reiterated.  Matthew 7:21 states it plainly enough.  "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but, he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
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The Battle is the Lord's

2/5/2018

 
 "...for the battle is the Lord's..." (I Samuel 17:47)  David said it just before he went out to slay Goliath.  
     "He will keep the feet of the saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail." (I Samuel 2:9)  The next verse goes on to spell out what will happen to the adversaries of the Lord.  The text of the sermon came from Joshua 3.  The Israelites are preparing to cross the Jordan river and Jericho is just beyond.  Joshua has told them that the living God is with them.  He then goes on to list all of the peoples which will be driven out of Canaan. (Joshua 2:10)
     David had faith, strong faith.  He remembers as a young boy tending his father's sheep, the encounter he had with a bear.  A young boy, maybe twelve years old, and a bear--who will win that battle?  Most would go with the bear.  But this is one after God's own heart.  He protects the young David, not once but again when a lion threatens David.  David has come to know his saviour well.  And his faith has grown because of it.  By the time he challenges the champion of the Philistines, he has the faith it takes to say the words uttered at the beginning of this article.
     Joshua has this same faith.  He's walked across when the Red Sea was parted; he's seen the Egyptian army perish; and, he's seen the Lord prevail when he fought Amalek.  Those today aren't eye witnesses like these two men were.  But, those who believe the Bible can still bear witness to the testimonies that are contained in the inerrant word of God.  "So then faith cometh by hearing (or reading), and hearing (or reading) by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) 
      It's the same today as it was then.  The battle is still the Lord's.  Faith is required of believers now just as it was then.  All of us on this earth have our own battles to fight, our own struggles to overcome.  
     There's a little magazine on the market call Simple Grace.  In it are testimonies of people who have had difficulties to overcome.  One just recently was about a young woman who was badly burned.  There was much for her to overcome.  She had lost her looks, home, husband, and the ability to care for her daughter.  God stuck with her and slowly, slowly, she began having small victories.  One day she heard God whisper to her, "You're going to be okay."
     God's whisper is more precious that all that the world possesses.  The God of the universe whispers to His own.  How magnificent is that?

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    Linda Johnson

    Linda Johnson moved to Douglas County with her husband Tom 12 years ago after retiring from teaching. Following Tom's death in 2016, Linda began facilitating a grief support group called GriefShare through Sweden Church.​ She serves as the Sunday School teacher for our High School class. Her "Layman's Pen" articles are also published in the local paper, The Douglas County Herald. 

    Andrea Strong

    Andrea is Pastor Joshua Strong's wife. She also serves Sweden Church as Church Secretary, website administrator, and Sunday School teacher to the Intermediate Class.

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