“Just the facts, ma’am” attributed to the character Sergeant Joe Friday from the 1950s TV show Dragnet.
Have A Little Faith (Part 3)
Our culture generally prides itself on our track record of thinking and behaving rationally. Our Western culture and mind-set are based on the premise that we CAN deduce the laws of nature, that objective facts exist regardless of whether we believe them or not, and that if we just KNEW more, we could have a better life.
In some minds, therefore, faith is seen as something LESS than rational; it’s a poor second cousin to objective truth.
But we think that’s a mistake because FAITH is the glue that holds our social order together. Just think—we treat simple pieces of paper (or even more ephemeral computer bits) as money. That only works if we have faith that literally everyone shares our belief that these pieces of paper have value outside of themselves. We regularly take medicine for ailments that we cannot see, or to avoid health problems that won’t be evident for years to come. (High cholesterol, anyone?) Why do we do that? It’s because we have faith. We board airplanes, speed through stoplights that are green, and put our hard-won money in banks…all because we have faith. Our faith changes our behavior; it opens up a whole new way of relating to our neighbors. It dramatically improves our lives.
Humans are wired to have faith. The REAL question we each have to answer is “What’s the focus of my faith”? Is it in my own abilities, looks, or intelligence? The government? Science? A political party? What happens if we focus our faith on the Creator of all reality, who loves us, and has a plan for our lives? Would that faith open up a whole new range of possibilities? How would that faith change our behavior?
[Jesus] said to [His disciples], “But who do YOU say that I am?” Matthew 16:15 ESV
This weekend at Trinity Downtown, we’ll be continuing our series “Have a Little Faith” by looking at Jesus’ question. You’ll have a chance to answer that question for yourself. Who do YOU say Jesus is? How will your faith change your behavior? How can it open up a whole new range of possibilities that are only available through the eyes of faith?
You can watch the “live stream” of our Satellite Service at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or our traditional service on Sunday at 8:15 am by clicking here. You may also participate by watching either of these services “on demand” by clicking here. During this worrying time, come be encouraged. Come feel the warmth and joy of His Holy Spirit and hear songs that will bring peace to your heart. Come ready to digest His words of truth and be filled with the surprising love of Jesus so you can share that love and peace with everyone!
You’ll recall that our adult Bible studies and all Sunday School activities will remain online through at least September 6th. Click here to see the details and how you can participate online.
Don’t forget that we now offer TWO weekly opportunities to participate in “drive-up” Communion. On Wednesday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, you can stay safely in your car while participating in an Order of Confession & Absolution, Communion and Prayer hosted by one of our pastors. If you wish to participate in either of these worship opportunities, please reserve your preferred time slot by calling Stefanie at 713.224.0684. She’s available to take your call from 8:30am – 2:30 pm each weekday.
During this time when each of us faces challenges we would not have expected six months ago, God has given us the opportunity to hear His Word and demonstrate His love to our family and neighbors. Instead of worrying, let’s cast our cares and worries on the strong shoulders of Jesus.