Bible Text: Hebrews 11 and James 2 | Preacher: Pastor Steve | Series: Transformed
Faith is our willingness to enter into new territory; Faith is willing to NOT enter new territory!
Faith is about the trust and willingness to listen, understand and follow the WILL of the LORD even in the face of opposition.
Rahab Inducted into the Hall of Faith!
Hebrews 11:30-31 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
Rahab’s words to the spies reflected strong faith
Joshua 2:9,11 know that the Lord has given you the land … The Lord your God is indeed God in heaven above and on earth below.
Faith helps us turn around and do what is right regardless of our past.
Rahab became an ancestor of Jesus.
Rahab was the mother of Boaz.
BIG QUESTION:
Are we willing to have FAITH for what God can do?
We need to learn how to measure a situation or circumstance by what our God can do and not limit God by our fears and insecurities.
BIG QUESTION:
We are willing to have FAITH and be surprised by God?
Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
Faith is the result of an authentic relationship with Jesus that creates in US the possibilities of God using US regardless of our past failures, sins or mistakes.
What is produced in you as you hear about the greatness and awesomeness of our God? FEAR OR FAITH?
James 2:18-26 But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble!
James 2:25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
God sees unlimited potential in all of us. We choose to reach our potential or not.
Rahab’s availability to God saved and changed her life.
Rahab’s faith and obedience to God saved and changed her life!
Rahab left the red rope hanging out the window!
The scarlet cord was a type or foreshadow of the atonement of Jesus. As long as Rahab displayed the cord, she and her family were saved.
Our FAITH AND OBEDIENCE to God will save and
change our lives and the lives of others.
Are we willing to be available? This means giving up our lives to the Lord; making a new commitment to serve God.
Are we ready to take action? Faith without deeds is dead.
Are we ready to have FAITH and be OBEDIENT?
Are we paralyzed by FEAR or released by FAITH?
Rahab was willing to join a new family.
Are we willing to join a new family, the family of God?
Our whole future can be different; the lives of our family can be different…
John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life…
John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.
Do you believe this?
Admit your need for God; life loses hope without God
Believe in Jesus who is the Messiah
Confess our sins, failures and wrongs
Receive God’s Gift of Grace and Forgiveness and Eternal Life