Faith Matters - Introduction - Mis-placed Faith - Part 1
We are going to do a 3-week series on the topic, faith matters. It may not be what you think. This may not be your typical discussion on faith.

"Faith" is primarily a noun, but it is frequently described as a verb in theological and practical contexts, emphasizing active trust rather than just passive belief. As a noun, it refers to belief, trust, or loyalty, while in practice, it is often viewed as a verb representing active trust and action.

Have you ever heard someone ask, what is your faith? I am of the (insert the denomination) faith?

Mis-placed Faith – Faith vs Trust

Faith is the Intellectual belief and conviction in something not yet seen , while trust is the active, application of that faith. Faith believes God can do something / trust is resting in him even when the outcome is delayed. Faith is the foundation, trust is activating an expression of that belief.

Growing up in the church, most of us have been programed into believing into someone else’s idea of what your faith should look like or be like and many never break away from it. People have been forced out of local bodies and denominations due to having a belief contrary to that particular set of statutes and beliefs. The truth is that if you get 5 people from any denomination in a room and find out what they believe, you will probably get some different views. The sad thing is they don’t want to ruffle feathers, so they keep it to themselves in fear of being dis-enfranchised. Why is the church so set in their ways that they don’t encourage folks to explore and search on their own. Serving a set of doctrines and right and wrongs stifles any creativity a person might be led of God to share.
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We often underestimate how similar we are to God. The connection between God and humanity is deeper than many realize, challenging the boundaries we have accepted about ourselves.

God in the Old Testament versus the Father in the New Testament

Last week, we discussed the distinctions between the God portrayed in the Old Testament and the Father revealed in the New Testament. This comparison encourages us to rethink how we view divinity and our relationship with God.

Father has shared his divine nature with us. Are we divine beings?

This perspective suggests that divinity is not something external, but rather an inherent part of our being, bestowed upon us through our connection with God. Our capacity for creativity, compassion, forgiveness, and transformation are expressions of this divine nature. We are encouraged to transcend the limitations imposed by tradition or fear and embrace our potential as beings created in God’s image. Wherever we are right now, there is so much more. Don’t let anything stop us from progressing to the next level of glory which is only found in us.
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The Bible has no authority on its own, it only has the authority we give it. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have great value, it means that it was never meant to replace our own inner guidance system. The higher calling has always been, listen within because the spirit still speaks.

There is a huge difference between reading about the Jewish interpretation of God (the Law God) found in the Old Testament and the loving, compassionate, full of grace Father of the New Testament that Jesus portrays.

Someone might say, before Moses, there was no law per say, however the Pentateuch which is the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy is collectively known in Jewish tradition as the Torah or the law which is known to be written by Moses. So, the Law is throughout the OT and even found in the NT in parts because folks have a difficult time realizing that we have been freed. The early church struggled with what to do with the law and sadly, the church of today still struggles with it.
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The word father in the KJV is not capitalized in the OT. In the NT father is treated more as a relational term (our Father). Father is the same yesterday today and forever. Why is there so much inconsistency between the old and new Testaments regarding God? We are going to dive into this and hopefully at the end, you will get some answers to this conflict.

The writers of the OT try to humanize God with human emotions. God is not human and cannot have lower-level human emotions. His thoughts and ways are much higher than that. Let’s start with how God was described in the OT. He was jealous, angry, regretful, and vengeful. Doesn’t that sound like emotions many of us have experienced in our lives? Or some people you know? God is spirit not human (male nor female), however Jesus descended to earth as a male for a 33 year period.

The OT portrays a transaction not a relationship. If you do this for me, then I’ll do this for you, a Quid pro quo. I’ll try to be a good boy then you won’t be mad at me when I mess up. I had great parents, however when I messed up, I was the recipient of a few licks on my hind parts. My dad was tougher on me than my mom. That was the mindset back then. I would be sent to my room to wait for what was to come, which the waiting was almost worse than the licks. I thank God for the strictness of my parents. Many believe and I was one that if you are good then you will be blessed, but if you are bad, then God would take us to the woodshed.