Message Notes                                                                                       April 24, 2005
Fools Rush In (FAITH)           

 

1 Corinthians 4:10a We are fools for Christ…

 

Daniel 3:16-18  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Acts 5:27-33 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood.” 29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men! 30The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead–whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”  33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

 

What is it that allows all of these people to be so bold and to see God move in their life? FAITH!

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:6 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.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

 

Some Big Things that can hinder our faith and keep us from being Fools for Christ:

1) Lack of Trust in God
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD , have never forsaken those who seek you.

Question: Do I completely TRUST God?

 

2) Disobedience

John 14:15 If you love me, you will obey what I command.


 

 

Question: Am I completely obeying the Lord?

3) Fear

Question: Does FEAR keep me from doing anything for the Lord?

4) Ignorance
Psalm 119:11-13 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, O LORD ; teach me your decrees. 13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.

Question: Am I reading and applying God’s Word?

 Jesus, I want to be a fool for you. I’m tired of worrying about what everybody else thinks about me. I want to be living my life to please you. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me when I ignored you. In this moment, I turn from living for myself to you. I ask You to forgive me for the wrong things I've done, all of  which have offended you. I want You to show me how to live.  Please take over my life and guide me.  Please, help me to live for you every moment of my life. Amen.