Read: Luke 18:1-8
Everyone in this world has expectations, there must be at least one...
-We have expectations...
-God has expectations too...
-Even the devil has expectations...
Q. What is Jesus' expectation when He returns?
Luke 18:8 says = When He returns, how many He will find on the earth who have faith?
Jesus' expectation on the earth when He returns again, it will be = those who have FAITH!
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Q. Why would He look for those who have faith?
Because as the time goes by - towards the end time, many believers will turn away from God and betray and hate each other, sin will be rampant everywhere and the love of many will grow cold. But, the one who endures to the end will be saved. - (That's in Matthew 24).
Q. And NOT only that - Why do we need to keep our faith? because Heb. 11:6 says = it is impossible to please God without faith (in other words - by faith it is possible to please God).
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Q. Do you have faith?
Q. Do you know what faith is?
Q. Do you have faith in God?
Q. What is faith? > >> Read: Heb. 11:1-2
V.2 = In the old days, the people earned a good reputation because of their faith!
V. 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, 32 = 'It was by faith...'
Q. How about in the current days?
Q. Do people still earn a good reputation because of their faith?
Q. Do people assess/judge others' reputation only on their skill/brain power?
Q. Do people still care enough on their faith? Or only caring on their own life performance before other people?
Q. Where is faith today?
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Faith-oriented people is kinda fading away nowadays.
Compromising in their faith is becoming a common thing - and that's dangerous!
Let's keep our faith strong/firm in the Lord regardless.
Q. Do you know why Jesus said in Luke 18:8, 'When the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?' >>> (Read: Luke 18:1) - Because Jesus wants us NOT to giving up our faith in trusting Him in prayer.
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(The Story of Abraham)
The Devil was called 'the Father of Lies' in John 8:44.
Abraham was called 'the Father of Faith' in Gen. 15:6 & also 'the Friend of God' (James 2:23).
There must be something why he was called with that title in the Bible.
The Story of Abraham is recorded from Genesis Chp. 11-25.
There were so many things he went through in those 14 chapters.
However, in Hebrew Chp. 11, it shows the 3 significant faith stories of Abraham & his wife, Sarah, that we can look at.
Read: Hebrew 11:8-19
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1. Faith when God ask you to go (V. 8)
People need a direction in life (relationship, marriage, business, career, study, future planning, buying or selling, etc).
There are ways that seem good, but end to death.
E.g. Google maps = There is a blue line/the direction & grey line/alternative ways, and also the red line/traffic jam. But somehow, the red line indicator might not accurate than the actual situation. Or it can be the other way around.
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There are so many ways how God works in our lives.
There is a time when we can ask God for signs/direction/confirmation - like Gideon in Judges Chp. 6.
But, there is also a time when God seems silent on us and letting us to decide, however He already established the path of the righteous and God blesses our right decision (Ps. 37:23-24).
>>> What is the objective: Obedience - walk by faith, NOT by sight (2 Cor. 5:7).
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2. Faith when God let you wait (V. 11-12)
In Gen. 12:4, Abraham was 75 years old when he was FIRSTLY promised by God to become a 'Great Nation'.
It took about 25 years for Abraham & Sarah waiting for the Promised Son to be born (Gen. 21:5).
Read: Deut. 7:9; Num. 23:19; Heb. 10:35-36
>>> What is the objective: Endurance/Patience/Self-Control.
(Image from Iphone: Waiting)
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3. Faith when God ask you to give (V. 17-18)
I think this is the hardest faith test that Abraham dealt with.
This is the ultimate faith manifestation from Abraham, that after this test , God swore by His own name that He will bless Abraham (Gen. 22:16-18).
>>> What is the objective: Trust & Sacrifice.
You cannot give what you do NOT have.
When God ask you to give - it means, you have it with you - whatever it is.
Read: 2 Sam. 24:18-25 = David insisted to do the right thing for the Lord.