One of my favorite holidays in this very busy holiday season is Thanksgiving.  There are so many reasons to enjoy this day. From the meals and the desserts to the time spent with family, this has always been a day that I look forward to.  Perhaps the thing that makes this holiday standout though is the fact that it is entirely focused on being thankful.  This is a time that has been set aside, not for the purpose of receiving, but for the purpose of saying “Thank You” to those that have given.

At our church we have established a “tradition” of coming together as a church family so that we can fellowship and express our thanks to the Lord for all that He has done throughout the year.  We enjoy a great meal together followed by a time of testimony that is always an encouragement.  What a blessing it is to hear the testimonies of so many in our church that have had a difficult year and through it all give praise to God. I am grateful for a church family that takes times every year to stop and give thanks to the giver of every good gift.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and
cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no
variableness, neither shadow of turning.   – James 1:17

 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus concerning you. -I Thessalonians 5:18

The holidays are a wonderful time of year.  With opportunities to give thanks and celebrate the birth of our Savior, a chance to start fresh in a new year and special family time, there is so much to like.  As with anything else though, there are also a few things that this season brings that, personally, I do not look forward to.

At the top of the, “Things I do not look forward to” list would have to be family picture time.  Typically this comes only once per year, for which I am grateful, and precedes the sending of the Christmas Cards.  I do understand that this is one of those things in life that you must do, but that does not make it any more enjoyable.  This year family picture day came last Monday.  I would have written about it sooner, but it has taken me this long to recover.  As seen in the picture above, when you are a family of six it is not easy getting everyone to smile and look at the camera at the same time not to mention the difficulty of keeping hair in place and clothes looking good.  Were it not for large amounts of hair spray and a heavy dose of bribing, the smaller children with candy and the larger with money, we may have never pulled it off.  Thankfully though, when all was said and done, our Christmas picture will show a happy, smiling, well put together family.  We fell apart on the way back to the car but as far as anyone who only sees us once a year in the annual Christmas photo is concerned, we don’t have a care in the world.

I really am thankful for my family and appreciate the results of a well done Christmas card.  It is fun to look back at previous years and see how the kids have grown. As I was reflecting on all of this I could not help but see a spiritual application.  It is amazing how much effort is put into presenting a picture that depicts our family at its very best.  When we choose a picture to mail to our friends and family it will definitely not be the one above. It will be the one that captures us at our best.

It is amazing how often we do this in our lives.  We all have struggles and difficulties.  We all have times of discouragement and trial and yet we live and act as though it is always “Picture time.”  We work to present an image of ourselves to others that does not accurately reflect what is going on inside.  While I do not think that we need to walk around telling everyone about every trial that we have, it is good to know that we have a Heavenly Father that promises to never leave us or forsake us.  A God that knows every trial that we face and every situation that we are dealing with and wants us to cast our cares upon Him.  I am thankful that He can see past the picture that we present and meet our deepest need.

Remember, God knows you and loves you and wants to have a relationship with you.  He is not interested in the “perfect” you but in the real one.  The one behind the picture.  What a blessing it is to know that we are accepted. Funny faces, dirty clothes, out of place hair and all.

Fortunately, the Bible not only tells us that faith is essential, it gives us a clear definition of what God pleasing faith really is.

Over the course of this three message series we will use the following definition as our working definition of faith:

“Biblical faith is seeing the invisible by taking God at His Word.”

I. Faith is substance 11:1-2

“Substance of things hoped for”

The substance of faith is the way that we live in light of that thing which is hoped for.  For the believer, we have a confident assurance, a biblical hope, that we will one day stand complete in heaven with God and that the ultimate victory is His.  This hope causes our lives to live for Him, victoriously regardless of the situation that our physical eyes may perceive.  We see the invisible and live according to it.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Hope is something that is certain but not yet realized.

“Faith is seeing the invisible, not the non-existent” –AW Tozer

2Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

II. Faith is evidence 11:1,3

“Evidence of things not seen”

“Faith does not believe in spite of the evidence, it believes because of the evidence.”

Our faith is not based on a mystical belief or unrealistic fantasy, it is based upon the words of a God that has reveled Himself through creation and given direction through His Word.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

We understand that creation demands a creator.  We have confidence in this creator and His words!

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Faith is seeing the invisible, but it is seeing by taking God at His word because of the evidence that He has provided to us.  We will continue to look at this definition, but what a blessing to understand that our faith is not foolish or unfounded but is founded on the evidence of God and His Word.

To hear the rest of this message please visit: www.bayareabaptist.org

Faith is not one of those things that some have and some do not. It is something that can be developed as we follow the Bible plan for growing in this area.

What is the work that leads to a productive faith life?

I. The faith life requires diligence and focus

1. Diligence

Anything of value requires hard work.  We understand this in every area of life but somehow think that our Christian life is different.

To be  a person of faith and therefore a person that pleases God requires faith.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

You cannot hear the Word of God without diligence.  We think that simply knowing people of faith or being in a place where faith is talked about is good enough.  We must hear the Word of God if we are going to grow in our ability to trust God for who He is.

2Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Proverbs 2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

2. Focus-Everything in life must fall under your pursuit of God

Ecclesiastes 12:13  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

We dabble.  We play at Christianity and we play at having a life of faith.  We exercise only small amounts of faith and call that good.  We often use the excuse that there are just so many other things to be involved in that we cannot be entirely focused on our faith life. While faith and Christianity are intended to be practical, we must understand that when our relationship with God is right, and our lives are being lived by faith, having entire confidence and hope in Him, than every other area in our lives will be right as well.

-Family will be right

-Work/Other relationships will be right

-Finances will be right

Because a good Christian follows the Word of God and is a good spouse, parent, financial manager and employee.

II. Ultimate victory is the pursuit of God

It is the pursuit of God supremely that brings ultimate victory and success in our lives.

Success for a Christian is not in the final destination at which our life on this earth arrives, it is in living the journey of life investing in God’s work and His daily plan for our lives.

We will not be perfect.  We will not be without sin.  Life will not be without it’s ups and downs, it’s mountains and valleys, but the pursuit of God guarantees the victory.

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Habakkuk 3:17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

The life of faith is a life that we must live if we are going to please God.  The question really is this: Are we willing to do the hard work of growing in faith so that we can be what He wants us to be?

To hear the rest of this message please visit:  www.bayareabaptist.org

I. Faith is the Victory-Faith is the reward.

1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

The ultimate reward or blessing for a believer is a home in heaven with God for all of eternity.  That should be the thing that motivates us and keeps us moving forward.  Our final destination.

But in terms of the destinations of our lives while we are here on earth, practically speaking, God’s blessing is not a particular outcome but understanding that I am doing what He wants me to do right now.

The blessing in the faith life is faith; actual confidence in God that results in:

-Peace

-Joy

-Contentment

When we find our contentment, peace, and happiness in knowing how it will all work out or what the conclusion will be, we are not living by faith and are therefore not pleasing God.

The greatest blessing that we can ever enjoy, this side of Heave, is the blessing of confidence in who God is and the path that He has set.

Having confidence in God and His plan removes:

-Anxiety

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

-Restlessness

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

-Confusion

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

*Faith does not remove the problem, but it does keep our focus on Him in the problem

Fear is the element that says, “I have to know before I can act.”

Peace is knowing that what I am doing right now is what God wants me to do right now and when He wants me to do something else;

1. He will tell me

2. I will do it.

II. Think steps not conclusions

Stop saying, “I need to know,” and start praying, “Lord, show me what is next.”

We get so wrapped up in the, “Need to know.” If we need to know then we are asking God to remove the need for faith.

“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”

Understanding the end from the beginning would cause us to put our confidence in an outcome that we can understand instead of on God.

Do what you know to do and allow Him to override your plan.

The only thing that we are responsible for is responding to the clear direction of God, what we know for sure.

1. Surrender to His will

2. Take the next step

Conclusion-

If only that which is done by faith can please God, than the things that we are involved in over the course of our lives that do not require faith do not please Him.  The faith life is one that will certainly have it’s challenges, but it is in this life that we are able to experience the greatest reward that we can experience this side of heaven: The peace, joy and contentment that comes from a confidence in God and who He is!

To hear the rest of this message please go to www.bayareabaptist.org.

This week we began a new series of messages dealing with the topic of faith and asked the question, “Why is faith important.”  We looked for our answer in Hebrews 11:6 and concluded that faith is important because, “Only that which is done by faith can please God.”

But Why?

I. Without faith it is impossible to please Him

“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”

Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Faith allows us to do more than we could ever do based on our own limitations.

“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”

Why? Because:

1. Faith Saves

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

2. Faith Focuses

2Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

2Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Faith causes us to look not at our situation or circumstance, not at the roadblocks, obstacles or excuses, but at a God that loves us, that has never failed to keep His word, and that has something bigger than we can possibly do on our own in store for us if we will put our confidence in Him instead of in us.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Prayer is our expression of dependence on God.

II. He that cometh to God must believe that He is

When we do something by faith, we understand that we will be able to do more than we could ever do on our own.

“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”

But the reason that only that which is done by faith can please God, is because faith is based on who He is.

Faith is all about Him.

Faith is not blind.  Faith is not silly or stupid.  I may be in a situation that I have never been in before.  I may feel as though God wants me to do something that I have never done before.

But based on the evidence of who God is, I can sit down.  I can put my faith in Him and go forward to whatever it is that He has placed in front of me.

It is all about Him.

And only that which is done by faith can please Him.

That He is what?  He is the:

1. Creator-He has a plan for our lives.  Something that He wants to accomplish

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

2. Sustainer-He is powerful and capable. It is His desire and job to do the thing. We are responsible for our part, and then He can begin to work.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

1John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

3. Completer-It should be all about Him. He will do what He says He will do!

1Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”

Conclusion

Why is faith important?  Why is this perhaps the most important series of messages that I have ever preached?

“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”

-In your life

-In your marriage

-In your family

-In our church

“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”

“What are you attempting right now that only God can accomplish?”

Remember, “Only that which is done by faith can please God.”

Are you living a life that pleases Him?

To hear the rest of this message visit bayareabaptist.org

Even though we like to live our lives for the big unforgettable moments most of our life consists of the seemingly less important, routine things that we deal with every day.  Of all the things that fill our calendars, most will be forgotten shortly after completion.

The key to a successful life though, is not doing the extraordinary well, it is in mastering those mundane moments that make up the bulk of our lives.  The sad truth is that most men know what to do when the pressure is on, but few know what to do when it is not.  Real victory in life comes from doing the mundane well.

In a society that is always looking for the next big thing, how do we do the mundane well?

Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

I. Realize that it all matters

You are valuable and your life matters not because of some internal worth that you may or may not have, but because God loves you and wanted to have a relationship with you so badly that He sent His son to pay for your sin.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

If God loved you enough to purchase you with the blood of His son, than it is essential that we understand how important the life that He provides really is.  He did not save us to live a meaningless, empty life.  He saved us so that we could accomplish, by His power, the job that He has set before us.

II. Stop waiting for something big

Many of us have a tendency to miss what is going on in our lives now because we are constantly waiting for that one big thing to happen that is going to change our lives.

Stop waiting for that big thing that may or may not happen and may or may not be God’s will for your life. Commit yourself to being exactly what God wants you to be today.

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

III. Be committed to excellence

Be committed to living an excellent life, valuing each moment as a gift from God and leave the future up to Him.

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Let us focus on being faithful in what we may consider small, insignificant and mundane, and allow God to choose the path that He wants us to take.

To hear the audio for this sermon please visit www.bayareabaptist.org.

How are you using your influence in the lives of the children that God has placed in your life?  When we decide that we are going to influence another generation to live for God, we are making an impact on a world that we may not even be alive to see.

In the midst of one of the great stories of the Bible, the story of David and Goliath, we have an example of some things that we need to teach the children in our lives so that they can be used in a great way for the Lord.  I am glad that Jesse taught his son these truths and pray that we would learn from his example.

What lessons did he teach young David?

I. To have faith in God-I Samuel 17:34-37, 45-46

1.  Faith saves:

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Romans 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2.  Faith supplies-We must teach our children that they can depend on God to supply their needs.  We will not succeed according to our fortune, friends, fame, feelings, etc.  But according to our faith.

Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Psalm 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

II. To fight for the truth-I Samuel 17:33-36

Jude 1:3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

The fights of life must be met head on.  There is no safe area when fighting the Giants that we must face!

Do our kids know what it is that we value highly enough to fight for?

-Our Savior (Our relationship to Him)

-Our Families (Their spiritual condition, etc.)

III. To finish the race -I Samuel 17:49-51

2Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Let’s determine to use our influence to teach the necessary lessons of faith, fighting and finishing to the children that will one day change the world for the glory of God.

If you would like to hear the audio of this message please visit the media page of Bay Area Baptist Church.

It is my firm belief that when God places a vision or direction into the heart of a person a family or a church, that he accompanies that vision with the necessary resources to accomplish it.  The problem with many is that although there may be a vision, the resources are not invested as God intends and are therefore wasted on things that will have little if any eternal value.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

How we use our God given resources, our treasure, is a good indication of where our heart truly is.  How do we invest the resources of time, opportunity, ability and finances in a way that supports a vision received from God and keeps our heart in His work?

I. Recognize the purpose

Everything that we do should be for the Glory of God:

1Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

II. Understand the priorities

1. God’s Glory

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

2. Accomplishing God’s purpose in your life

a. Those things given for everyone to do

b. Those things specific to you and your particular gifting

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

3. Being a blessing to others

Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

*As he accomplished His purpose given to Him by God, the promise was that he would be a blessing.

4. Personal enjoyment

1Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

This is a list of priorities, but if we are doing these things the way that we should, we will accomplish all of them and they will work together for His Glory.

III. Avoid the pitfalls

Proverbs 13:7  There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

1. Getting the priorities out of order

2. Self-centerdness (Drives misplaced prioraties)

3. Good intentions-Pull from others

Will you live to invest the resources that God has given in the vision that He has provided?  Where is your heart?

To hear the rest of this message please visit: http://bayareabaptist.org

The Apostle Paul explains that He lived for one thing in Philippians 3:13;

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,”

How do we determine our “One Thing” and live in light of our particular gifting?

I. Understand that everything is for the glory of God

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Mt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Our purpose in a big sense, the purpose of every purpose on this earth whether they know it or not is to give honor and glory to our creator.

II. Live in light of your unique purpose

You are unique!!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us….

God has made each of us different so that collectively we can accomplish the task of glorifying Him.

But how do I determine that “One thing?”

1. Do the things that the Word of God outlines as common to us all; a relationship with Christ, sharing the gospel, serving through the local church.

Genesis 24:27  I being in the way, the LORD led me..

2. Live to fulfill the big purpose of glorifying God.

3. Understand, accept and appreciate your particular equipping.

4. Follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

5. Embrace the opportunities that the Lord provides.

6. Don’t discount your abilities or covet that of someone else.

Make a commitment as we start a new year to let the Lord show you how he wants to use you to glorify Him. Get in the way and do the things that you know you should so that He can lead you in the path that is specific to your life.

Hear this message at http://bayareabaptist.org/a_media.html