Begetting and Bolstering Faith

Sermon text: Genesis 12:10-20

1 John 4:17-19

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. ¹⁹ We love Him because He first loved us.

The release by Iran of Christian pastor Saeed Abedini highlights the ways in which kings and cultures can continue to threaten Christians.  Fear of the world’s hurt led Abraham away from faith in God.  It can lead us to a variety of poor responses, too.

But at the Word and Table we find a better way.

The Word and Table beget and bolster faith, by God’s design.  You come to faith in response to the Word, the message of Jesus Christ crucified for you.  That is the message of this Table.  The frequency, the physical elements, the receiving from a representative of Christ, the partaking together, all this bolsters our faith, in ways our Creator knows best.

So when fears crowd in, look to the Word and the Table, where you will find Christ.  Through Him we are more than conquerors.  1 John 4:17 is very striking: just as Jesus is, so are we in this world – perfectly free from feeling threatened.  Swords may rattle, lawsuits intimidate, but we are safe, seated around the Table of Jesus Christ.

Receive Him, rest on Him alone today. 

1/17/16