How does the Master Craftsman, the Author and Perfector of our faith actually build it?  Much of the time it is through testing it to see if it actually works.  In the life of Joseph we see his faith in what God showed him constantly being tested and strengthened to the point that he is able to look back and see God's hand in all of it.  When we've been thrown into a pit, it may be helping us dig deep enough to support the heights to which God will one day elevate us.  When we travel dark roads, they may be the roads that lead to the glimpses of dreams God gave us of greater things.  When we wonder, "What are you doing, God!?" He may be responding, "Answering your prayers." 

Moses was a one-of-a-kind vessel, crafted by God. Do you know how he died? It certainly was an eventful day! God gave him a real tribute. Like you, God loves to celebrate lives well lived.

Every action, great or small, begins with an idea.  And every idea begins with a thought.  And how we think is shaped by what we value.  Read the verse above, and let’s allow the Master Craftsman to shape us to value what Jesus valued.

God is a master craftsman who carves all the useless parts of our lives away by force. He chips, chisels, and hammers away the parts of our character that hold us back from our full potential. Sunday will explore the legendary life of Abraham as God sculpts him into the father of nations and the defining example of justification by faith. We will explore four moments of Abraham’s life as God transforms blank marble into a masterpiece worthy of study. 

Prison cells are not fun!  They’re dark, confining and fearful.  They are meant to strip inmates of freedom, influence or power.  But ironically, like the kiln of the Master Potter, they can produce such men as Joseph, Mordecai, Daniel and Paul.  In fact, one prison cell produced the “greatest man born of a woman.”  Likewise, your current “prison” can produce greatness.

Why isn't the life of faith always full of victorious triumphs, prosperity, and success?  If we belong to a triumphant, victorious, prosperous God, shouldn't we always experience success?  Since trials are a part of fallen reality, how do we make sense of them in light of our faith?   Furthermore, what role do victories play in our faith?  What do we do when we lose vision to even tell a victory from a loss?  In the final section of the Hall of Faith passage, we will see that God builds faith in us by giving us energy for victories, perseverance for hardship and supplying supernatural vision beyond the disillusionment that often comes with earthly realities.

How involved is the Master Craftsmen in our daily lives? Are we so important and significant to merit God’s full attention? How involved is He in the minutia of our lives? Let’s explore the Scripture is Sunday and understand the character of God in the details of life.

“In a great house are not only vessels of gold and silver, but of wood and clay, some for honor and dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Read that verse again. Paul’s metaphor suggests both “honorable and dishonorable” people exists in His house. And a vessel of honor is, “sanctified and useful for the Master.” I think we all want that. So, what distinguishes an honorable vessel from a dishonorable one? Let’s explore that question together this Sunday.

God is the master craftsman who meticulously forms, carves, chisels, shapes, and reshapes his beloved creation. The process of making a masterpiece is difficult, painful, and necessary. Come Sunday to hear a story of a master potter who refuses to accept undeveloped lumps of clay and uses trials to perfect his masterpiece - you.