Grace Community Church San Antonio - 10/27/2024

What Are You Eating?

In life, we all consume something, whether it's physical food or spiritual sustenance. The biblical narrative presents a choice: do we eat of the forbidden fruit that leads to despair and separation from God or do we partake in the eternal satisfaction found in Christ? The message echoes the cries of Psalm 34:8, inviting us to "taste and see that the Lord is good."

The core issue is sin. From the Garden of Eden's fateful decision by Adam and Eve to rebel against God's command, humanity has pursued satisfaction in temporal pleasures, leading to spiritual death. This spiritual separation manifests as a collective hostility toward God, where people love darkness more than light. The result? A cycle of despair, addiction, and brokenness that permeates society, illustrated by the hollow lives of those we see in the media.

Yet, amidst this deadly diet of sin, the good news of the Gospel emerges. Jesus identifies Himself as the "bread of life." Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, He provides a way for sinners to be reconciled to God. Accepting Christ is likened to eating—the act of consuming the sustenance for our souls. However, this “life-giving feast” requires active participation: we must repent of our sins and trust in Christ alone for salvation.

There is a recurring concern among individuals who feel spiritually stuck—those who yearn to believe but feel as if faith is a gift denied them. While it is true that faith and repentance are gifts from God, it is crucial to recognize that these are not mere passive blessings. The New Testament calls individuals to respond actively to the Gospel. Jesus famously invites all who are burdened to come to Him for rest. The biblical emphasis is on a call to action—come, believe, repent.

Matthew 11 illustrates this invitation of Christ to the weary, revealing the expectation that individuals respond to the divine grace offered to them. The Gospel is accessible; it is not exclusive to the self-righteous or particularly gifted. Therefore, when faced with the struggle of faith, it's vital to realize it is not God's withholding that causes unbelief, but rather the heart’s resistance to surrender to Him.

The stark contrast between dead and living faith becomes evident through the biblical accounts of Abraham and Rahab. James 2 emphasizes that genuine faith is evidenced by works, and it was through the actions of Abraham and Rahab that their faith was validated. Their belief was transformative, guiding their decisions and shaping their actions in accordance with God's will.

In Numbers 13 and 14, we witness a powerful example of faith in action juxtaposed with fear and negativity. The accounts of the Israelite spies highlight the human propensity to focus on obstacles (the giants in the land) rather than on the faithfulness and might of God. Out of twelve spies, ten report despair, while two, Caleb and Joshua, encourage the people to trust in God’s promise despite the challenges ahead. Their faith enables them to see beyond the giants, trusting that with God’s help, victory is possible.

The consequences of the Israelites' faithlessness are dire—they are condemned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. This account serves as a solemn reminder that the lack of faith not only impedes personal growth but can hinder entire communities from experiencing the fullness of God's promises.

Ultimately, the call is clear: do we choose to consume the empty calories of sin and doubt, or do we feast on the richness of Christ? The answer is found in how we respond to God’s invitation. A faith that is alive is one that moves, acts, and trusts, producing a life filled with good works, borne of love and fervent belief.

So, what are you eating? Are you drawn to the empty pursuits of this world, or are you feasting on the eternal grace of Jesus Christ? Each day presents the opportunity to choose wisely, to lay aside the distractions and truly engage with the One who promises to satisfy our every longing and need.

#faith #Gospel #spiritualnourishment