PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS FAITH OR FAITHLESS  Faith is a word that we often hear used but so few of us understand its true meaning. We talk about 'blind faith' in negative terms and one's 'faith' to refer to one's religion or denomination.  That is alright but what is the true meaning of the word faith?!  In reality the word means that faith is things hoped for but yet not seen. When we get into our car we have faith that it will take us where we need to go even though we haven't arrive there yet.  This is a simple explanation.  In the Christian life, we have faith that when we confess our sins, God  forgives them and when we put our trust in His Son that we receive His salvation and presence in our lives. The outcome of our faith can not be seen physically but He has an unseen presence in our lives. This Sunday, I will speak about men and women of faith in Hebrews 11.  Verse 6 of that chapter says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God!" Another reference about faith is found in Job 19:25-27.  It is Job's grand statement of his own faith in God.   "For I know that my Redeemer lives and He shall stand at last on the earth. After my skin has been destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.  I will see Him for myself and my eyes shall behold Him.  How my heart yearns within me!!"  Job was suffering in his body when he spoke this yet he knew for certain that he would see God and his heart longed for the day that he would behold Him.  He had faith of this even though he could not physically see it! Think about your faith this week.  Do you trust Him in faith?  Are you willing to follow Him without ever having seen Him physically?  Look at Hebrews 11 and think "Am I willing to follow my Lord in bad times as well as good time.  Do I know that He has a plan for me and that He is at work in my life to bless, protect, guide me?" See you Sunday! Pastor Jack