Our faith is tested all the time. Probably one of the most common tests is painful experiences. When we encounter some discomfort, we recoil. When the pain intensifies, we attempt to respond in a way that’s consistent with what we say we believe. But if the pain persists, questions and doubts begin to arise. It is within this arena that our faith must often battle. But there is another testing ground that is frequently overlooked yet closely related. Just as physical pain removes comfort and ease, so the loss of temporal gain removes pleasure and security, or so we think. When our creaturely comforts are restricted or removed to some degree, our truest affections are revealed—what we love most is apparent. Here is where our faith is tested. When Jesus said in Matthew 10:37, “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” He was exposing disingenuous faith. What do you treasure the most? What excites you the most? Could the answer to these questions possibly explain why Christ and His coming do not dominate our affections? The writer of Hebrews tells us that Christ’s return will exclusively involve the saving of those who are “eagerly waiting for Him” (Heb 9:28). So the question remains for us: Do we eagerly long for the coming of Christ? Perhaps we struggle to answer this question with a resounding, “yes,” because the longing of our hearts is captivated by the things of this temporal world. Let us remember the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4:8, “There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.” Do we love and long for His appearance? These are the questions that we should be asking. These are the questions that test the authenticity of our faith. –Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: 1 John 5:13-21–Praying Confidently
10AM: Pastor Nate–King & Lord–Revelation 19:11-21 (sermon notes)
6PM: Missions Emphasis–Ends of the Earth, 2
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