Introduction :-  Heb.11:6. “Without faith we cannot please Him-----------“

Briefly refer Pt.1.– Influences of our background, mentor etc.

Our own concept of God is limited to our experience of him.

1. 1.       Phil. 3:10-14. Paul’s concept of God.       v.10.     Note its content!.

v.13b. “But one thing I do”

v.14.   “I press on toward the goal”

Paul writes this under house arrest in Rome – His concept of God is identification with Christ and there is more to grasp and understand – He is still going forward in his desire and thinking. He does not have-

1. a.       Luke.2:7. A Manger mentality.              He does have          b. Rev.1:10-18. He is  looking for Risen,   

Small,  weak, reliant on others.            Glorified! Powerful, Lord! With  Keys of death & hell in His hand!

John.1:1. Do not think that the revelation of Christ began at His physical birth at Bethlehem!

Jeremiah.29:11-14a. v.13-14a.  We can be captive to pre-conceived ideas or perceptions. Faith can and will set us free!  John.8:36.

1. 2.       Illustrate:- Everyone needs their own personal revelation of the Lord. This comes by and thru’ faith!

 Gen.32:30. Jacob sees God “face to face” yet his life is spared.  Why? God revealed His MERCY AND GRACE to a sinner, schemer, man totally reliant upon himself.  His concept has totally changed as his name indicates! Transformation is taking place!

Joshua.5:13-15. Captain of the Lord’s Army appears to him before Jericho.  Ex.17:8-13, Joshua knew how God could bring victory over the Amalekites through the intercession of Moses his mentor, now it is his time to know the Lord fights on our behalf to give us the victory. His concept is more personal.

2.Kings.4:1-7. Widow – Concept of God changed as she experienced miracle of PROVISION. Oil multiplied as she at Elisha’s command continued to find empty vessels.

Lesson:-  Faith brings results!  God looks after His people!     Picture of the church providing we find the vessels God will continue to multiply and increase the Oil of anointing – Evangelism. Concept changes!

1. 3.       Matt.15:21-29 & Mk.7:24-30, verse 29. “For such a reply, you may go the demon has left your daughter”

This woman is a Canaanite – Gentile – Her concept is a willingness to ask for a few crumbs from His table!

What is she saying?        “LORD I DO NOT NEED MUCH –JUST A LTTLE, SUFFICIENT TO HEAL MY DAUGHTER”

Jesus response “WOMAN FOR YOUR ANSWER/REPLY – YOU HAVE GREAT FAITH! REQUEST GRANTED!

        Conclusion:-   Our/Your moment to ask for “Crumbs” Individually and collectively as a church.

                                    Reaching out by faith for a little brought something great  “ Lord I want some crumbs”

Senior Pastor Terry Brinded                                                                                        2011-12-04