Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Possible Faith vs. Impossible Faith

What is possible faith?  What is impossible faith?

Possible faith - When we trust God to do something that human beings can do, but may not do by their own self-determination and strength.  We're insecure and we're gambling that we can succeed in the trial, so we pray.

Impossible faith - When we trust God to do something only God can do.  It is just like a dead person who comes back to life four days after dying.  The clinically deceased coming back to life four days later is impossible even by today's technological standards.

What are some possible prayer requests God can supply?

Raise money.
Build buildings.
Feed and clothe those in need.

Stuff from the ordinary of life.  The ordinary matters obviously, and we need God's attention there too.  When He takes care of these things for us, we are happy and we get to glorify Him.  Unfortunately, faithless humanitarian organizations can also do these things.  The amount of money the average Christian tithes to their church is just under three percent - which is identical to how much the average American gives to charitable causes.[1]  Possible faith can plant doubt in both saints and the watching world about what really is at work - human will, or God's will?

What are some impossible prayer requests that God must do for us?

Forgive sins.
Raise the dead.
Regenerate the soul of a man into a new creation in Christ.

This creates in me a thirst for the impossible.

Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”  And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee. Mark 1:27-28

We have been hearing lessons learned from the megachurch movement.  New buildings do not equal new disciples of Jesus.  This is why the main thing must be the main thing.  Disciplemaking- meaning making followers of those who are not currently followers - must be the focal point.  At times we all need material goods in order to represent God well and bless others.  But I've noticed how material stuff actually changes the relationship we have with God and with people - it makes God feel used, it makes people feel something short of dignified.  Disciplemaking actually costs very little, if no money at all.

Those who are called to serve Salem must go after the lost.  There is a gate marked "impossible" calling us out of where we often attune our time and energy.

"But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Mark 2:10

Jesus accompanied His movement with impossible requests being fulfilled.  Does He expect the same for us?  Yes!  He expects the impossible, not only the possible, to be done among those who make disciples:

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.  1 Cor. 2:4-5

Demonstration of the impossible.  Something bigger than what humans can possibly do.  This is how Jesus taught God to us.


Lord... if you do not fill my cup it will be empty!



[1]  Cheap Church: Learning the Labrynth of Bi-Vocational Living and Church Leadership by Hugh Halter