Super-size my faith

So, the study and discussion on "The Giant Side of Faith" has triggered some good questions and thoughts in worship and in our home study groups. Last night I get thinking about the phrase "Increase my faith." I wondered, "If a mustard seed faith can accomplish great things, then what can a "Giant Faith" produce? A couple of verses came to mind.

Luke 17:5-6 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.

Mark 9:23-24: And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”

Also, in our discussion group, we looked at several biblical characters who had giant faith. Elijah, Noah, Abraham, Ruth, Jeremiah. Not all of them received the promise of their faith, although they received spiritual benefit from their trust in God. Which leads me to ask "How do we know our faith is Giant?" And, "How do we know our faith is effective?" I'm still working on these questions.

A great comment about Goliath, David's giant foe, was made: Goliath had a Giant Faith as well, but he was destroyed because he trusted in himself.

Our faith is only as good as the person or thing that we trust in.

Which leads me to the ultimate question: If God is great, mighty, huge (insert your own enormous adjective hear), then how can we develop and grow a faith worthy of our God? The first thing (and only thing) I know to do right now is to pray the scripture: Father, increase my faith! Help my lack of faith!

The Giant Side of Faith: Abraham

We are participating in an associational event this September 21-24--a revival entitled "The Giant Side of Faith." Please be in prayer for DL Lowrie as he leads our services on September 21.

As I contemplate the upcoming service, the goal is revival by emphasizing faith.

So I pose the question, "What does faith look like?" Seems simple enough. How do you draw that picture?

Well, for Abram/Abraham, it seems to look something like this.

1. A blur: When God spoke, Abram moved. Gen. 12:4: Abram went as the Lord said. Lot went with him. Abram not only moved, he lead Lot to moves as well. Faith is motion, in a specific direction, that influences others to follow.

2. a legal document: Put your name on the dotted line, and then follow the agreement. This is faith. Put yourself on the line, then follow through. Gen. 15:5: the covenant set up between God and Abram required both parties to fulfill the agreement. God, however, designed the covenant to be his full responsibility. All Abram must do accept the terms. God will keep the agreement, even if Abram cannot.

3. Open-heart surgery/valve replacement surgery: Yes, it is invasive. But when you have a heart problem, you better do something about it, removing what is bad and replacing it with what is good. This is circumcision. Initially commanded by God as sign of his people (Gen. 17:10. perhaps as a hygienic benefit to them, as well as a symbol of their procreation belonging to God--as a people), it became a symbol in the NT for a heart that is being repaired from the cancers of sin to follow the Spirit in following God. Romans 2:29: But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

4. A Rumbling stomach. Whether from hunger or worry, the moving stomach screams for attention. Gen. 22 reminds us that God provides our needs (a sacrifice for Abraham) and delivers us from our greatest fears (Abraham losing Isaac). Yet, we are also reminded that God ultimately requires a faith that is willing to give up every other meal and hunger for him above all.