Faith: The Engine of Freedom (A Black History Month Sermon)

This is the manuscript of the sermon at Christ Church Los Angeles, Sunday February 23, 2025.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.(Galatians 5:1 NIV)

As we come to the end of Black History Month let’s talk about a powerful engine, an engine that drives us, that propels us forward, that liberates us from the shackles of doubt and despair. That engine is our faith. Not blind faith, not passive acceptance, but a vibrant, active faith that fuels our journey towards true freedom.

We live in a world that often tries to define freedom in purely material terms. Our world often equates freedom with material things: the freedom to buy, travel, and have our needs met. But real freedom, the kind that touches our souls, goes far beyond that. It's about being true to ourselves, pursuing our purpose, giving, and receiving love, and connecting with God.

James 1:19-27 NIV [19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. [21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. [26] Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. [27] Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Lift Every Voice and Sing  

For our special music today I selected “Lift Every Voice and Sing", a powerful and historically significant song often referred to as the "Black National Anthem." 

At the Women of Praise fellowship a couple of weeks ago Kimberly Miller told us that the origin of the song is a poem which was written by James Weldon Johnson who was a NAACP leader and educator.   He wrote the poem in "Lift Every Voice and Sing" to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's birthday. 

The music for the song was composed  by his brother John Rosamond Johnson.The song was first performed in public by a choir of 500 schoolchildren at the Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida, where James Weldon Johnson was the principal.

The song was adopted by the NAACP as the "Negro National Anthem" in 1919 (later referred to as the "Black National Anthem").

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" became a powerful anthem during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and continues to be an important part of African American history and culture, sung at events, celebrations, and commemorations. It serves as a reminder of the past, a symbol of hope for the future, and a call for unity. It is a testament to the enduring power of music and poetry to capture the spirit of a people and their struggles, hopes, and dreams.

Introduction

Black History Month is not just about looking back at the past. It's also a time to reflect on the present and the ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality. It's an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of African Americans and to amplify their voices and experiences.

This is not just a history for the African American community; it is an American history, a human history, a story of resilience, struggle, triumph, and the enduring power of faith.  Faith that liberates us from the shackles of doubt and despair.   

We live in a world that often tries to define freedom in purely material terms. Our world often equates freedom with material things: the freedom to buy, travel, and have our needs met. But real freedom goes far beyond that. It's pursuing our God  given and God directed  purpose.  It’s about giving and receiving love, about being true to ourselves, and connecting with God.

Our text for today is

Galatians 5:1 NIV It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

The kind of freedom I’m talking about was bought by the blood of Jesus.  It is a freedom powered by faith.

Now our faith is not just believing in something, but believing so deeply in the love of God and His promises that it shapes our actions, our choices, and our very being.

Just think of a powerful engine. It doesn't run on its own. It needs fuel, it needs a spark, it needs constant maintenance. Faith is the fuel that powers our spirit. It's the spark that ignites our courage. It keeps us moving forward, even when the road is rough and the journey seems impossible. Our faith is a living, breathing thing.

When we have faith, we are free from the oppression of fear. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of what others might think. 

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV] For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

Here’s what it says in

Isaiah 41:10 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Faith in God’s love and His promises says  to us, "You are capable. You are loved. You are not alone." Faith in God’s love and His promises  gives us the strength to step outside our comfort zones, to take risks, to pursue our dreams, even when the odds seem stacked against us.

Faith in God’s love and His promises is a powerful force that breaks the chains of doubt. Doubt can cripple us, holding us captive in negativity and self-defeating patterns. 

Faith in God's unwavering love and promises transforms our lives by revealing our tremendous value in His sight. 

Genesis 1:27 NIV So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Matthew 6:26 NIV Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 

This emphasizes God's love for us compared to His other creations. Faith in God’s love and His promises give us unshakeable confidence that comes from trusting in God's power and presence in our lives. Faith in God's unwavering love and promises enables us to rise above adversity. 

This is the confidence that Paul talked about in his letter to the Philippians church, which was written while he was in prison by the way

Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

That’s the confidence we can have when we have faith in God, when we believe in God’s promises and tust in His love for His children.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 

Faith in God’s love and His promises empowers us to believe in ourselves, to believe in our potential, to believe in the possibility of a brighter future.

I know that life will inevitably throw challenges our way. We will face setbacks, we will experience loss, we will encounter moments of darkness. But faith in God and His love and promises is the light that guides us through these dark times. 

Psalms 27:1 NIV The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Even in the midst of suffering, hope remains. Even when we feel broken, we are not beyond repair. 

Romans 8:29-39 NIV [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.  [31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God had a plan from the very beginning of time. He knew who would believe in Jesus and decided beforehand that they would become like Jesus. This means they would share in Jesus' glory and become part of God's family.

God showed the ultimate proof of His love by sacrificing His own Son, Jesus, for us. If He did that, surely He will give us everything else we need.

So if God is on our side, who can possibly defeat us? Nothing can separate us from Christ's love. Not hardship, suffering, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, or even death itself. Even though we might face difficult times, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. 

We can be absolutely convinced that nothing—not life or death, angels or demons, the present or the future, any spiritual power, no height or depth, or anything else in all creation—can ever separate us from God's love that we have through Jesus.

God's love is unwavering and His plan for us is secure. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are forgiven, protected, and eternally loved. Nothing can change that.

Our faith however, is not a passive thing. It's not something we simply have. It's something we cultivate. It's something we nurture. It's something we put into action. 

Just like an engine needs regular maintenance, our faith needs constant care. We nurture our faith through prayer, reading and studying the Word of God the Bible, through fellowship with other believers, and through acts of service.

Just like an engine is meant to move us forward, faith moves us forward toward a life of purpose and meaning. It inspires us to make a difference in the world, to contribute to something larger than ourselves, to leave the world a better place than we found it.

Let’s embrace the power of faith. Let’s ignite the engine of freedom within us. Let’s break free from the shackles of fear, doubt, and despair. Let’s move out with courage, with hope, and with unwavering belief in God and His power. Let’s live lives of true and lasting freedom fueled by our faith in God’s love and His promises. 

As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

You can't have a relationship with someone you don't believe exists. Simply going through the motions of religion or performing good deeds isn't enough. God wants genuine faith, a heartfelt belief and trust in Him. 

God isn't distant or uncaring. He's actively involved and responsive to those who truly seek Him.  His reward isn't necessarily material wealth or worldly success, but rather peace, purpose, guidance, a deeper relationship with Him, and ultimately, eternal life. Now that’s true freedom.

Prayer

God, we thank you for the reminder of your unwavering love and the power of faith. As we come to the end  of Black History Month, we recognize the strength and resilience of those who have faced adversity, and we acknowledge the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. We ask that you ignite within each of us a vibrant faith, a faith that fuels our actions, choices, and very being. Help us to cultivate this faith through prayer, study of your Word, and fellowship with one another. Free us from the shackles of fear, doubt, and despair, and empower us to live lives of true and lasting freedom, fueled by our belief in your promises. May we be a light in the world, contributing to something larger than ourselves, and leaving the world a better place. We thank you for your love, your grace, and your presence in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Faith through Life's Storms

This is the manuscript of the sermon at Christ Church Los Angeles, Sunday February 16, 2025.

Some of us carry burdens heavy as stones, others feel the winds of change whipping around us, and still others weather storms we thought would surely break us. Life, as we all know, isn't a calm, predictable sea. It's often a tempest, a series of waves crashing against the fragile boat of our hopes and dreams. We face trials – illness, loss, disappointment, fear – and sometimes, it feels like we're being tossed about with no land in sight. But even in the midst of the fiercest storm, there's an anchor that can hold us steady, a light that can guide us through the darkness. That anchor, that light, is faith. Today, we'll explore what it means to have faith through life's storms, how it can sustain us when the waves threaten to overwhelm us, and how it can ultimately lead us to a place of peace and strength.

Matthew 8:14-27 NIV [14] When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. [15] He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. [16] When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. [17] This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”  [18] When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. [19] Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” [20] Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” [21] Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” [22] But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”  [23] Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. [24] Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. [25] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” [26] He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. [27] The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” 

Sermon

Let's be real today, some of us are carrying some heavy stuff – like, seriously heavy. Some of us  might feel like life's throwing some curveballs, and some of us have been through storms that felt like they'd knock us flat. Life isn't exactly smooth sailing, right?. 

We all go through tough times – sickness, losing people we love, disappointments, fear – and sometimes it feels like we're just getting tossed around out there with no end in sight. But even when the storm's at its worst, there's something or better yet someone, that can keep us grounded, something or better yet someone, that can show us the way through the dark. That something is faith and that someone is God, His love, His word and His promises. So today, we're going to talk about what it means to have faith in God, when life gets stormy, how it can give us hope when we feel like we're drowning, and how it can bring us to a place of peace and strength.

Text

Matthew 8:26 NIV [26] He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

In the passage that James read we see the disciples in a dire situation, facing a powerful storm. Their fear and desperation are evident, yet Jesus remains calm and unshaken. This story is a powerful reminder that even in the most tumultuous times, our faith in God can bring us peace and assurance.

Luke and Mark also write about this event which shows how important it is in demonstrating the power of Jesus.  In Luke it is at 8:22-25 and in Mark it is at Mark 4:35-41.

We all face tough times. Today, I want to share how strengthening our faith can help us weather those storms. It's about finding an anchor in the midst of disappointment, worry, anxiety, and fear – an anchor that keeps us grounded. These trials, these storms, are not meant to destroy us, but to refine us, to build our resilience.

Let’s look at what happened before the storm:

Matthew 8:1-3 NIV [1] When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. [2] A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” [3] Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 

Here Jesus heals a man with leprosy, demonstrating his compassion and power over sickness and disease. Highlighting Jesus's ability to restore and cleanse.

Matthew 8:5-13 NIV [5] When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. [6] “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” [7] Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” [8] The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. [9] For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” [10] When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. [11] I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. [12] But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [13] Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment. 

Here Jesus heals the servant of a Roman centurion who demonstrates great faith in Jesus's ability to heal from a distance. This emphasizes the power of faith and the reach of Jesus’ authority beyond that of Jews only. 

Then Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law from a fever, showing his care for his followers.

Matthew 8:14-15 NIV [14] When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. [15] He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.

Then Matthew writes.

Matthew 8:16-17 NIV [16] When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. [17] This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” 

Next Jesus talks about the cost of following Him

Matthew 8:18-22 NIV [18] When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. [19] Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” [20] Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” [21] Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” [22] But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” 

Just before they set out to cross the Sea of Galilee Jesus discusses the challenges of following him. He tells a scribe that following him may mean having no place to lay his head, and he tells another potential follower that discipleship must take priority even over family obligations. 

So, we see that the storm on the Sea of Galilee follows a series of events where Jesus demonstrates his authority over disease, distance, and even the expectations of those who want to follow him. Then He and His disciples get into a boat to go over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

Now, The Sea of Galilee is known for sudden and violent storms. It is located in a depression, surrounded by hills. This makes it susceptible to strong winds that can suddenly whip down from the hillsides, creating turbulent conditions on the water.

The sea is also below sea level, which can lead to warm air rising and meeting cooler air descending from the hills. This clash of air masses can create unstable atmospheric conditions and trigger storms.

These factors combine to make the Sea of Galilee a place where storms can come up quickly and unexpectedly, posing a challenge to those who sail and travel on it. One of those storms pops up in the scripture we read this morning. 

The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, were terrified. So this must have been an especially violent storm.  While this storm was raging and the boat was being tossed around, where was Jesus? He was Asleep! 

Mark 4:38 NIV says that Jesus was asleep in the stern sleeping on a cushion.  I wondered why Mark was so specific about Jesus sleeping in the stern of the ship here’s what I learned.

In ancient seafaring, the stern was where the rudder was located, it was the place from which the ship was steered. It was the area of the ship associated with control and navigation. So, the fact that Jesus was asleep in the stern, seemingly unconcerned while the storm raged, emphasizes his ultimate control even in the middle of  chaos. It suggests that even when things seem out of control, he is still in charge.

The disciples panicked and woke Him up saying  “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

Jesus, who is always calm even in the middle of chaos, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was completely calm. 

Then he turned to his disciples, who I am sure were still shaking, with fear, and asked a simple yet profound question: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 

Let’s read the text again

Matthew 8:26 NIV [26] He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Remember now this was after seeing all the things that happened before the storm. 

This isn’t just about Jesus calming a literal storm. We can look at it as a metaphor for the storms we face in our lives. It reminds us that even when we feel like we’re drowning, even when we feel like God is absent or asleep at the wheel, He is there. He is always there. 

As Psalm 23:4 reminds us, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff,2 they comfort me."

The disciples' fear wasn't just about the storm; it was about their faith. They had seen Jesus perform miracles, we just talked about some of them, they had heard his teachings, yet in the face of the storm, their faith faltered. They forgot who was in the boat with them. They forgot the promise found in Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."3

How often does our own faith take a hit and we weaken? We face a challenge, a hardship, and we forget all the times God has been there for us before. We forget the promises He has made. We let fear take over, and our faith weakens in the storm.

So how do we strengthen our faith in the midst of a storm?

• Talk to God. Share your fears, your doubts, your anger. He can handle it. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
  
  

• We strengthen our faith with Scripture: Immerse yourself in God's word. Romans 15:4 tells us, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."
  
  

When we immerse ourselves in scripture we can find comfort and strength in the stories of those who have faced trials and tribulations and found God’s grace to be sufficient. 

Here are a few examples:

• Joseph read his story in Genesis 37-50. Joseph faced betrayal by his brothers, false accusations, and imprisonment. Yet, through it all, God's presence was with him. Joseph's story shows how God can work even through difficult circumstances to bring about good. Joseph rose to a position of power and was able to save his family and the surrounding nations from famine. 

• David (Various Psalms and 1 & 2 Samuel): David's life was filled with trials, from fleeing from King Saul to facing personal failures. The Psalms, many of which are attributed to David, are filled with cries for help, expressions of trust in God, and celebrations of God's deliverance. David's life shows us that even when we make mistakes, God's grace can still be with us.

• Job (Book of Job): Job's story is a profound exploration of suffering and faith. He lost everything he had, yet he maintained his faith in God. 

While we might not understand why suffering happens, Job's story reminds us that God is sovereign and that even in the midst of immense pain, we can choose to trust in Him. 

• Paul The Apostle Paul's life was marked by persecution, imprisonment, and physical suffering. Yet, he constantly spoke of the sufficiency of God's grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul describes a "thorn in the flesh" and how God's response was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul's experience teaches us that God's grace empowers us to endure and even thrive in the midst of our weaknesses. Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength," is another powerful statement of reliance on God's grace.

• We strengthen our faith by leaning on your brothers and sisters in Christ. Sharing our burdens, supporting each other, and praying for one another. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

• Even in the midst of the storm, try to find things to be grateful for. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Focusing on the good can shift our perspective and remind us of God's blessings.

The storms of life will come. We cannot avoid them. But we can choose how we face them. We can choose fear and despair, or we can choose faith. 

• Faith that God is with us, even in the midst of the storm. 

• Faith that He will see us through. 

• Faith that even when the waves crash around us, we will not be overwhelmed. As Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to9 his purpose."

As we navigate the storms of life, let us remember that our faith in God is our anchor. As it says in

Psalms 46:1 NIV God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

We can hold steadfast to our faith, trusting that God will see us through every storm.  Learn to trust in the power of Jesus, to recognize His presence in our lives, and to nurture our faith so that it becomes strong enough to weather any storm.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we acknowledging Your power and presence in our lives. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and help us to trust in You through all of life's storms. Grant us peace, courage, and wisdom to navigate the challenges we face. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Power of Unwavering Faith

At Christ Church 2025 is a year of renewed Faith. This is the sermon preached at Christ Church Sunday January 26, 2025.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

The world around us often whispers doubts. We face trials that test our resolve, hardships that make us question, and moments of despair that seem to eclipse all hope. But it's precisely in these moments that the strength of unwavering faith becomes our anchor, our lifeline to the God for which nothing is impossible.

Unwavering faith is not a passive acceptance of doctrine; it's not a quiet, internal assent to a set of theological principles. It's not something we can simply possess and tuck away, like a treasured keepsake. True, unwavering faith is inherently active; it's a dynamic, living force that compels us to action. It demands more than mere intellectual agreement; it requires us to embody our beliefs, to translate our faith into tangible acts of love, compassion, and justice. It's not enough to simply say we believe; we must live as though we do believe.

Scripture

Romans 4:16-25 NIV [16] Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. [17] As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. [18] Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” [19] Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. [20] Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, [21] being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. [22] This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” [23] The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, [24] but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. [25] He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Sermon

Today we will explore a power that transcends the physical, a force that can reshape our reality.  Today we will explore the power of unwavering faith. Unwavering faith is not a naive hope, but a deep-seated trust in the promises of God, it’s a conviction that even when surrounded by darkness, and uncertainty His light will ultimately prevail.

Our text is a scripture that we are familiar with. It is Hebrews 11:1 NIV [1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 

What does this verse really mean?

What does Confidence in what we hope for mean? It speaks to the forward-looking nature of faith. It's not just about believing in something that already exists, but also about trusting in the promises of God for the future, even when those promises are not yet realized.

What does Assurance about what we do not see mean? This emphasizes the unseen dimension of faith. It acknowledges that we cannot always see the workings of God, but we can still have a firm conviction in His presence and power.

The world around us often whispers doubts. We face trials that test our determination, hardships that make us question, and moments of despair that seem to eliminate all hope. But it's precisely in these moments that the strength of unwavering faith becomes our anchor, our lifeline to the God for which nothing is impossible.

Think of Abraham, a man called by God to leave familiar surroundings.  

Genesis 12:1-5 NIV [1] The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. [2] “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” [4] So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. [5] He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

Abraham, whose name was Abram at the time that God told him to leave his familiar surroundings, plus his wife Sarah, whose name was Sari until God changed it,  was barren, yet he believed God's promise that all peoples on earth would be blessed through him. Genesis 15:6 tells us, "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness." 

Genesis 15:1-6 NIV [1] After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” [2] But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” [3] And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” [4] Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” [5] He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” [6] Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Abraham’s belief wasn't just intellectual agreement that God existed. No Abraham’s belief was a deep, active trust in God's character and His promises, even when those promises seemed impossible. Remember he was old and Sarah was barren; which meant that for whatever reason she was unable to conceive and bear children. 

Abram put his whole being into relying on God. And God credited it to him as righteousness". In other words, God saw Abram's faith and that faith made him right in God's eyes.  God reckoned or imputed righteousness to Abram.  God declared Abram righteous, not because of his own perfect actions (which no human can achieve), but because of his faith.  It's about having a relationship of harmony and acceptance with God. It's about living in a way that pleases God and aligns with his perfect standards.

1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  (It’s written at Leviticus 19:2)

Faith is the key to that right relationship with God. It's not about perfect works or following all the rules (though those things are important aspects of a life of faith). It's about trusting in God and what he has said.

Abraham's faith wasn't simply a matter of reciting creeds or paying lip service to God. It wasn't a fleeting feeling or a convenient belief held only when times were good. No, Abraham's faith was something far more profound, something that permeated the very core of his being. It was a deep, unwavering conviction, a rock-solid assurance that God's promises were true, even when every ounce of logic and every visible circumstance screamed otherwise. 

Because of this unwavering faith, this steadfast reliance on God’s promise, Abraham's life became a testament, an everlasting example of the transformative power of belief. 

Abraham didn't just become a father, he became the father of nations, a patriarch whose descendants are as countless as the stars in the sky, an example of the truth that with God, nothing is impossible. 

Abraham's legacy isn't just about his descendants; it's about the enduring power of unwavering faith, a power that is available to each and every one of us, if we dare to believe and trust.

Luke 17:6 NIV  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.

Now let’s consider the plight of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt. For generations, they suffered under the yoke of oppression, their cries for freedom seemingly lost in the desert wind. 

Exodus 1:8-14 NIV [8] Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. [9] “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. [10] Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.” [11] So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. [12] But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites [13] and worked them ruthlessly. [14] They made their lives bitter with harsh labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly.

But Moses, empowered by faith, stood before Pharaoh and demanded their release.  To read the backstory to find out how we got to the point of Moses demand read Exodus chapters 2 through 4.

When you read those chapters you’ll see that Moses made all kinds of excuses as to why he wasn’t the right person, but he finally gave in and went to Pharaoh and demanded that Pharaoh release the Isrealites. 

Exodus 5:1 NIV [1] Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.’ ”

The writer of the book of Hebrews says that Moses made this demand by faith and by faith led the Isralites through the desert all the way to the land God promised to give Abraham’s descendants.

Let’s go to Hebrews 11:24-29 NIV [24] By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. [25] He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. [26] He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. [27] By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. [28] By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. [29] By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

Moses' unwavering faith in God's promise of deliverance led to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, a powerful demonstration that with God, even the impossible becomes possible.

Exodus 14:21-28 NIV[21] Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, [22] and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. [23] The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. [24] During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. [25] He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” [26] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” [27] Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. [28] The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.

Abraham and Moses are just two examples from scripture and as we are seeing in Bible Study there are many many more examples of people with unwavering faith from which we can draw strength. 

When illness strikes, or when financial burdens weigh us down, or when grief threatens to overwhelm us, we can choose to cling to our faith. We can choose to believe that God is with us, even in the storm. 

As our text Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." It's not about having all the answers; it's about trusting the One who does have all the answers.

The path of faith is not a straight, unwavering line; it's often a winding journey, marked by peaks of certainty and valleys of doubt. It's human to wrestle with questions, to struggle with uncertainties, to feel overwhelmed by the complexities of life and the seeming absence of God in the face of suffering. 

We may even find ourselves questioning God's plans, wondering if He truly hears our prayers, or even doubting His very existence. These moments of doubt are not signs of weakness or a lack of faith; they are an intrinsic part of the human experience. 

Tough times and situations are like a furnace  in which our faith is tested, refined, and ultimately strengthened. To deny that we struggle, to pretend that we never experience doubt, is to deny our humanity. It's in these moments of vulnerability, when we feel lost and confused, that we can find comfort and strength in scripture.  

Following the transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' glory on the mountaintop, they descended to find a distraught father pleading for his demon-possessed son's healing. The disciples had tried and failed. For the full account of the transfiguration and the encounter with this distraught father see Mark chapter 9.

This father who was faced with the seemingly hopeless condition of his child, cries out to Jesus, at Mark 9:24 NIV…“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”   

This is one of the most honest and relatable expressions of faith in the entire Bible. It's a cry from the heart, a plea for help in the midst of doubt. The father acknowledges his belief, however fragile, and at the same time, confesses his struggle with unbelief. He recognizes his human frailty, his inability to fully grasp the divine, and humbly asks for divine intervention. 

This very act of asking, this open admission of doubt, is itself an act of faith. It's an acknowledgment that even in our weakness, even in our confusion, we can still turn to God. It's an invitation for God's divine strength to fill the gaps in our understanding, to illuminate the darkness of our doubt, and to bolster our wavering faith. It's a recognition that faith is not about having all the answers; it's about trusting in the One who does have all the answers. And in that trust, even in the middle of doubt, we can find the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Unwavering faith is not a passive acceptance of doctrine; it's not a quiet, internal assent to a set of theological principles. It's not something we can simply possess and tuck away, like a treasured keepsake. True, unwavering faith is active; it's dynamic, it forces us to action. It demands more than mere intellectual agreement; it requires us to translate our faith into tangible acts of love, compassion, and justice. It's not enough to simply say we believe; we must live like it.   Faith leads to a transformed life. 

• It means living our lives in accordance with God's word, not just reading it, but internalizing it, allowing it to shape our thoughts, words, and deeds. 

• It means extending compassion to those in need, not just feeling sympathy, but actively reaching out to comfort the afflicted, to care for the vulnerable, to be a voice for the voiceless. 

• It means standing for justice, even when it's unpopular, even when it's difficult, even when it means challenging the status quo. 

• It means choosing love, not just the easy, comfortable kind of love, but the radical, transformative love that embraces our enemies, forgives those who have wronged us, and seeks the best for all, even those we disagree with. 

Two weeks ago our text was 

James 2:14-17 NIV [14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

A faith that does not manifest itself in action is not true faith; it is merely an empty shell, with no life and power. True faith is a verb, not just a noun; it is a call to action, calling us  to live out our beliefs in the world, making a tangible difference in the lives of others and reflecting the love of God in everything we do.

Let’s work to cultivate this unwavering faith in our daily lives. Let it be our foundation and our guide through life. May it guide and sustain us through all of life's challenges. 

Let's fix our eyes not on the storms around us, but on the one who calms the storm. Let’s trust in the promises of God, because He is faithful and true. 

Hebrews 10:23 NIV [23] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Prayer

Lord, we have heard today about the power of unwavering faith. It's not just a feeling, but a way of life. Empower us to live out our faith, to act on what we believe, even when it's difficult. Help us to be bold in our trust, knowing that you are with us always. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.