One Chapel Liberty Hill
Liberty Hill:When God Doesn’t Do It vs. Believing in Who God Is
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One Chapel Liberty Hill
811 TX-332 Loop, Liberty Hill, TX 78642, USA
Thursday 5:00 PM
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https://onechapel.typeform.com/to/bpyO3wq5Christian-ish faith trusts God only when prayers are answered. Real faith trusts God’s character even when we don’t get what we hoped for.
Their faith wasn't conditional. They trusted God not for what He might do, but for who He is.
The Agora
In the Roman Empire, particularly during the reigns of emperors like Nero and Domitian, citizens were required to demonstrate allegiance to the emperor, who was often deified. This was done by burning incense in his honor. Upon doing so, individuals received a mark—often ashes smeared on the hand or forehead—which permitted them to engage in commerce within the marketplace, known as the agora.
In the Roman Empire, particularly during the reigns of emperors like Nero and Domitian, citizens were required to demonstrate allegiance to the emperor, who was often deified. This was done by burning incense in his honor. Upon doing so, individuals received a mark—often ashes smeared on the hand or forehead—which permitted them to engage in commerce within the marketplace, known as the agora.
Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's image, early Christians faced the dilemma of choosing between economic survival and spiritual fidelity. Accepting the "mark" was seen as a betrayal of their faith, leading many to choose persecution over compromise.
Politics Can Become an Idol
Especially American politics.
When loyalty to a political party replaces loyalty to Christ, we've crossed a line.
Imagine This:
Being told you're not a real Christian unless you vote a certain way.
Being pressured to support a specific candidate or platform to “belong.”
That’s not the gospel. That’s idolatry.
Especially American politics.
When loyalty to a political party replaces loyalty to Christ, we've crossed a line.
Imagine This:
Being told you're not a real Christian unless you vote a certain way.
Being pressured to support a specific candidate or platform to “belong.”
That’s not the gospel. That’s idolatry.
What About Church Politics?
Imagine having to bow to internal church politics just to be accepted.
Imagine needing to pay money to have a seat at the table or join the board.
That’s not the church of Jesus. That’s Christian-ish.
When we build systems where people must conform politically, financially, or socially to be “acceptable,”
We’ve recreated Babylon in the name of Christ.
"Even If" Faith Says:
I will not bow to power structures that compete with the lordship of Christ.
Imagine having to bow to internal church politics just to be accepted.
Imagine needing to pay money to have a seat at the table or join the board.
That’s not the church of Jesus. That’s Christian-ish.
When we build systems where people must conform politically, financially, or socially to be “acceptable,”
We’ve recreated Babylon in the name of Christ.
"Even If" Faith Says:
I will not bow to power structures that compete with the lordship of Christ.
Trusting God in Uncertainty
The Need for Cognitive Closure
Concept:Humans have an inherent desire for certainty, often leading to premature conclusions to alleviate discomfort.
Scientific Study:Psychologists Arie Kruglanski and Donna Webster identified that individuals with a high need for cognitive closure tend to make hasty decisions to resolve ambiguity, sometimes at the expense of accuracy.
Spiritual Tie-In:In our faith journey, seeking immediate answers can hinder deeper trust. Embracing uncertainty allows for growth and reliance on God's character rather than our understanding.
Concept:Humans have an inherent desire for certainty, often leading to premature conclusions to alleviate discomfort.
Scientific Study:Psychologists Arie Kruglanski and Donna Webster identified that individuals with a high need for cognitive closure tend to make hasty decisions to resolve ambiguity, sometimes at the expense of accuracy.
Spiritual Tie-In:In our faith journey, seeking immediate answers can hinder deeper trust. Embracing uncertainty allows for growth and reliance on God's character rather than our understanding.
Habakkuk’s Declaration of Faith
Time Period: Late 7th Century B.C., just before Babylon invaded Judah.
Situation: Judah faced moral, spiritual, and political decline.
Habakkuk questioned God's allowance of injustice but ultimately reaffirmed his trust.
Time Period: Late 7th Century B.C., just before Babylon invaded Judah.
Situation: Judah faced moral, spiritual, and political decline.
Habakkuk questioned God's allowance of injustice but ultimately reaffirmed his trust.
Faith is choosing joy and trust in God amidst adversity, not because circumstances improve, but because of who God is.
Signs of Lukewarm Faith
-Craving acceptance, including wanting life to accept our plans.
-Rationalizing sin when we feel disappointed in God.
-Rarely sharing faith because God seems "unfair" or silent.
-Only turning to God when He "comes through" for us.
-Living like the world—growing cynical and bitter when life is hard.
-Craving acceptance, including wanting life to accept our plans.
-Rationalizing sin when we feel disappointed in God.
-Rarely sharing faith because God seems "unfair" or silent.
-Only turning to God when He "comes through" for us.
-Living like the world—growing cynical and bitter when life is hard.
Declare an “Even If” faith this week.
Worship before you see answers.
Write out a list: “Even if _______ happens, I will still trust You.”
Practice gratitude for what God has already done.
Worship before you see answers.
Write out a list: “Even if _______ happens, I will still trust You.”
Practice gratitude for what God has already done.
"Faith doesn't mean trusting God to do what you want. Faith means trusting God no matter what He does."
Jesus exemplified "Even If" faith, submitting to God's will even unto death. As we partake in communion, let's reaffirm our trust in God's plan, regardless of our circumstances.