counterfeit spiritualities do not work. but their persistent growth and appeal should teach us two...

“”Counterfeit spiritualities do not work. But their persistent growth and

appeal should teach us two important lessons. First, human beings created

for fellowship with God abhor a spiritual vacuum. And second, only

the real thing will scratch the spiritual itch.”

TERRY C. MAUCKCHRISTIANITY TODAY, 2/3/89

Real Faith …

• …is not problem free

Belief is fine for many until

tragedy strikes.

Philippians 1:27-29

whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28. in no way alarmed by your opponents--which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.

29. For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

Real Faith …

• …is not problem free• …is not instant peace

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with

thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses

all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. PRAY RIGHT

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, …honorable, …just, …pure, …lovely, …commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of

praise, think about these things. THINK RIGHT

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the

God of peace will be with you. ACT RIGHT

(Philippians 4:6-9 ESV)

Real Faith …

• …is not problem free• …is not instant peace• …is not a pollyanna myth

“Allowing” is not the same as

“causing.”

Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all.

12.  Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.

Hebrews 12:11

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Even “sorrowful” things can help us.

Real Faith …

• …is not problem free• …is not instant peace• …is not a pollyanna myth• …is not naïve

Jesus enlightened his

3rd year students…

why??

• John 13:38- Peter would deny him• 14:1, 28- they were troubled, fearful• 14:30- Satan was coming• 15:18- hatred for them was coming• 15:20- persecution was coming• 16:1- times of stumbling were coming• 16:2- they would be outcast• 16:6- they would be sorrowful• 16:16- there was confusion….

John 16:33

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

In accepting that there are bad times there is courage to follow

Jesus through them.

Real Faith …

• …is not problem free• …is not instant peace• …is not a pollyanna myth• …is not naïve• Walks in truth.

Psalms 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;

1) God is with us, and

2) There ARE shadowy valleys

Psalms 40:12

For evils beyond number have surrounded me;

My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see;

They are more numerous than the hairs of my head,

And my heart has failed me.

Trials and sin affect our heart, make it cold.

Psalms 103:13-14

Just as a father has compassion on his children,

So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.For He Himself knows our frame;

He is mindful that we are but dust.