Engage
(The Church)
(The Church)
I John 2:13-14
The Paradoxes of Faith
A paradox is a statement or situation that seems contradictory or impossible at first, but actually reveals a deeper truth when you think about it. Here is a verse to ponder Hebrews 11:1
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
Reality in Hope
Paradox: Hope is usually uncertain, but faith treats it as already real.
Believers view: Faith transforms “not yet” into “already” in the believer’s heart. Faith treats what is not yet realized (hope) as already real.
Evidence of the Invisible
Paradox: Evidence is normally visible and measurable, yet faith is evidence for what cannot be seen.
Believers view: Faith functions as spiritual eyesight.
Present Assurance vs. Future Fulfillment
Paradox: We have confidence today in what will only be fulfilled tomorrow.
Believers view: Faith bridges the present with God’s promised future.
Knowing Without Seeing
Paradox: Normally, knowledge comes through sight or proof, but faith produces conviction without physical confirmation.
Believers view: Faith rests not on sight but on trust in God’s Word.
Substance of the Intangible
Paradox: Faith gives substance and weight to promises that appear immaterial.
Believers view: Faith makes the unseen as solid as the seen.
Purpose of Church Gathering
Exhorting One Another Daily: Hebrew 3:13-15
13 but [b]exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:
“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.
Exhorting One Another: Hebrew 10:19-25
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness[f] to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Step1: 'Just Keep Swimming' - Play this video
Step2: Engage the Church using FIN
FIN - Faith In ActioN
No one is perfect, a truth we all know well. While it is easy to admit our imperfections, we are called to strive for perfection through the power of the Holy Spirit. This reflects the challenge of walking with God in a well balanced Christian life.
As Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).
So lets encourage everyone in our group/community to examine and answer these 4 Questions themselves within 5 to 8 mins each week.
What did I do well through faith last week?
What should I have done better through faith last week?
What should I start doing through faith this week?
What should I stop doing through faith this week?
Reflecting on “Faith in Action” through these four questions can provide a meaningful opportunity to assess, encourage and grow in faith. Each question invites us to examine our actions, identify areas for improvement, and align our lives more closely with God’s word.
Kindly invite anyone who feels to share their faith. Then, request the elders in the group to gather around that person to support and uplift them in prayer.
1. What Did I Do Well through faith last week?
Reflecting on what we have done well can help us recognize the ways God is working in us and through us. It is an opportunity to celebrate faithful actions and encourage ourselves to continue walking with God.
Matthew 25:23
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
This verse encourages us to acknowledge the areas in which we have been faithful. When we serve God and others diligently, we are following His call to stewardship and love.
2. What Should I Have Done Better through faith last week?
This question helps us recognize where we may have fallen short and invites us to learn and improve. It’s about examining our actions with humility and a desire for growth.
Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
This verse encourages us to ask God to reveal areas in need of improvement. Acknowledging our shortcomings is a humble step toward growing in our faith.
3. What Should I Start Doing through faith this week?
Thinking about what we should start doing allows us to be intentional about putting our faith into practice. This could include adopting new habits that bring us closer to God and serve others.
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James reminds us that faith is active; we’re called not just to hear God’s word but to act on it. This question invites us to begin making changes that align with His teachings.
4. What Should I Stop Doing through faith this week?
This question helps us recognize actions, habits, or attitudes that may be hindering our faith. It is about identifying distractions or behaviors that pull us away from God.
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Here, we’re encouraged to let go of anything that holds us back spiritually. Releasing these hindrances enables us to pursue a more authentic and focused faith journey.