Walking by Faith, Heaven Bound

B and I returned to Texas after Thanksgiving but did not come straight to Plano. Leaving our children and grands in OKC we headed east then south to the town of Marshall, Texas. Our purpose? To accept an adventure that began months ago at the invitation of Dr. Blair Blackburn, President of East Texas Baptist University. Blair and I became friends when he and his wife, Michelle, joined ParkwayHills Baptist Church a few years back. Soon after God began stirring in Blair's heart to accept a call to leave his beloved Dallas Baptist University and become the President of ETBU. Through this he and I became close as we met together to pray regarding his decision. Now he has invited me to join him as a visiting member of the faculty - and, after our own prayer, we have decided to do so. So beginning in January, and continuing through the spring of 2018 and likely beyond, we will be in Marshall, Texas 4 days each week to do just that.

Now people who know me know I like to talk about the doctrine of faith. I teach and preach about it regularly, and have enjoyed the fruit of this truth all the days of my Christian life. However, contrary to what some might think, the 'faith to walk' is not always easy. I have learned that though the 'faith to believe' comes to us and stays (by the grace of God who gives it, saves us by it, then keeps us) everyday, walking with Him faith does not. On the contrary, the 'walk of faith', or the faith to continue in Christ, is a forever challenge - the means God uses to both push and bless us with, thereby conforming us into His image and leading us in His plans.

So this is the faith that God is stretching me with today. The faith to follow His call toward new adventure. At my age it is tempting to 'park it,' if you know what I mean. To sit back and watch others. But I know that my final destination is not a bench, it is Heaven. And as one who is Heaven bound I serve as His ambassador, a charge that does not sit and is never called to quit.

Perhaps you might consider this walk of faith for yourself. Perhaps it is a walk calling you to cross the street and share the gospel, to reconnect with an old friend, or lead a Bible study, or to volunteer. Whatever it is, trust God's Word for your life in Him. It is a Word filled with promise. A promise that comes to us as we continue walking in the same way of faith with which we first were called and taught. For the faith to believe is just a beginning, opening the door - always - for more.

 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Col. 2: 6

By faith, 

Pastor Sam