Sincere Faith

They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. (1 Timothy 3:9 TNIV)

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.  (Luke 17:5-6 NIV)

I've been teaching through a series of sermons that are very near and dear to my heart over the past few weeks.  In them, I've shared things that drive my decisions, my relationships, and my faith.  I began with a week reminding us all that God is God.  He is the only one who holds that position in (or out) of the universe, so He is the only one who holds that position in my life.

Holding on to God, and the truth He has revealed to us over several millennia of revelation, fundamentally changes the way we see and act and live.  Suddenly, finding our next meal becomes an act of faith as we trust in His promises for provision - even in dire economic times.  Forgiveness becomes an act of faith knowing that God is the Ultimate Judge and the only one who can fairly dole out the punishment necessary for that wrong that was committed against me.  Unconditional love becomes an act of faith, knowing that He first loved us even when were unlovable - living lives as His enemies, ignoring Him, and even fighting to keep Him away.  Everything in life begins to take on an aspect of faith.

A sincere faith recognizes that God is always true to His promises.  A sincere faith recognizes that "God's got this" and that we only have a part to play in the overall plan.  A sincere faith doesn't waver on His Word being given to us throughout the ages and that He is still living and active in our lives today.  A sincere faith takes the next step in life knowing that God will be there each step of the way - and considers that to be good.

Before you begin cleaning out the garbage left behind in your heart;

even before you start fighting the battles in your own mind; 

you need to know that you are not in the battle alone.

You need to trust that you aren't the only one working to haul the garbage out.

You need to know God is with you, ready to help.

You need to have a sincere faith.