The importance of Faith cannot be over emphasized in the life of a Christian. We have learnt that without faith, we can do nothing! Heb.11:6; 2Cor.5:7; Rom. 14:23. Faith has been given different definitions depending on the person defining it, his audience and purpose of the definition. Today, we shall be discussing the mustard seed faith, as mentioned by Jesus in Matt. 17:19-20. The mustard seed is very tiny. Jesus likened the size of faith you need to move a mountain to the tiny mustard seed. It is like a seed of vegetable. This implies that
• You only need a tiny faith to move mountains.
• Nobody can say he/she does not have faith
• People see impossibility instead of possibility
• People tend to believe the lies of the devil
1. THE POWER OF MUSTARD SEED FAITH
Mustard seed faith is little but achieves much (Matt.13:31-32). It is mountain moving faith (Matt.17:14-20). Nothing is impossible to the one that has mustard seed faith (Matt. 17:20). Mk. 4:31; Luk.13:19; 17:6.
2. EVERY BELIEVER HAS MUSTARD SEED FAITH
Every Christian has the capacity to perform miracles! And, the quickest way to find out whether or not we are in the faith - is to see if we are showing the results that the Word of God promises us when we are in faith. If we are not seeing the results (proper fruits) - then it must only be one of two reasons: either we are not acting in accordance with what scriptures say or what we believe is incorrect.
The biggest misconception that most Christians have is that either they do not have any faith - or that they do not have enough faith to get the results that they need. Consequently they are always asking God to give them more faith - or they are engaged in some kind of activity that they believe will increase their faith (prayer, fasting, etc). Both of these ideas are wrong!
The Word of God teaches that faith is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal:5:22) and that upon accepting the Lord Jesus Christ - each one of us is given the measure of faith. (Rom:12:3). Notice that we are not given 'a' measure of faith - but rather 'the' measure of faith.
3. YOU NEED TO EXERCISE YOUR MUSTARD SEED FAITH TO GROW IT
The disciples were also of the opinion that they needed more faith if they were going to do the miracles and complete the task that Jesus had instructed them to do. Yet, when they asked the Lord to increase their faith (Luk:17:5) the Lord neither increased it for them - nor did he tell them how to increase it themselves. Instead - He told them how to use the faith that was present (Matt:17:20). As with Christians today - the problem with the disciples was not that they didn't have enough faith, but rather that they didn't know how to use the faith they had. They believed wrong! Test what you believe with the Word of God, try it and see if it works.
If it doesn't - then we need to change what we think and believe and make sure that any changes that we do make come into agreement with the Word of God.
(2Cor:10:5)
Friday, January 28, 2011
FAITH FOR A NEW BEGINNING (Luk. 17: 1 – 10) Part 3
In the course of this series, we have been called to learn and develop faith because faith is essential and of utmost importance for every aspect of the Christian life. Without faith, we can do nothing! Heb.11:6; 2Cor.5:7; Rom. 14:23. The Bible explains faith in Hebrews 11:1 as follows: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (KJV).
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (NIV, 1984). “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen” (ASV). “To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see”(GNB). Faith is described as "being sure" and "certain". Faith says "I have the thing I hope for now." It says assuredly and certainly I have it now and it exists now.
HOW TO APPLY (USE) FAITH
1) Be sure of your salvation
Admit that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Repent of your sins, that is, turn from your sin. Then, confess and believe in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9, 10. This takes faith. If you are sure that you are born again, then you have faith. If not, there is a problem. Heb. 11:6. Faith is needed for salvation. Eph. 2:8. To apply faith therefore, you must first of all be born again.
2) Allow the Bible to be the ultimate authority in your life.
The Word must be the final authority in your life as it is in Heaven and on the earth. Psalm 119:89; Rom. 3:4.
3) Know that whatever it is that you desire from the Lord must line up with His Word.
Study of the Word of God is very important. For example, if a person is a narcotics dealer, he cannot pray and ask God for more finances. God would never condone the illegal sale of narcotics. Your petition must be what God would want for you or someone else. That means you must know what His Word says about your situation. 1John 5:14-15; Jas. 4:3.
4) Pray believing that you have received the thing that you ask for in faith.
Faith is more than just having the thought or belief of something in your mind. It is an action word. It involves doing something. Mk 11:24; Jas 2:18, says, "But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." (NIV, 1989). For example, a farmer may believe that crops will grow on his land but if he never plants the seeds, he will never have a crop. So, the farmer has faith by planting the seeds in the ground, watering them, weeding the soil and allowing the sun to shine on them. Then a crop will spring up.
Praying in faith is saying what God's Word says about the situation. The seed is the Word of God. Your heart is the ground for planting the seed of the Word. Then keep trusting in the Word of God by confessing (saying or speaking) the Word of God. Keep out doubt and unbelief. Nourish the Word by protecting it in your heart until it comes to pass in your life.
"Believe that you have received it and ye shall have it." Mk. 11:24.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (NIV, 1984). “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen” (ASV). “To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see”(GNB). Faith is described as "being sure" and "certain". Faith says "I have the thing I hope for now." It says assuredly and certainly I have it now and it exists now.
HOW TO APPLY (USE) FAITH
1) Be sure of your salvation
Admit that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Repent of your sins, that is, turn from your sin. Then, confess and believe in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9, 10. This takes faith. If you are sure that you are born again, then you have faith. If not, there is a problem. Heb. 11:6. Faith is needed for salvation. Eph. 2:8. To apply faith therefore, you must first of all be born again.
2) Allow the Bible to be the ultimate authority in your life.
The Word must be the final authority in your life as it is in Heaven and on the earth. Psalm 119:89; Rom. 3:4.
3) Know that whatever it is that you desire from the Lord must line up with His Word.
Study of the Word of God is very important. For example, if a person is a narcotics dealer, he cannot pray and ask God for more finances. God would never condone the illegal sale of narcotics. Your petition must be what God would want for you or someone else. That means you must know what His Word says about your situation. 1John 5:14-15; Jas. 4:3.
4) Pray believing that you have received the thing that you ask for in faith.
Faith is more than just having the thought or belief of something in your mind. It is an action word. It involves doing something. Mk 11:24; Jas 2:18, says, "But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." (NIV, 1989). For example, a farmer may believe that crops will grow on his land but if he never plants the seeds, he will never have a crop. So, the farmer has faith by planting the seeds in the ground, watering them, weeding the soil and allowing the sun to shine on them. Then a crop will spring up.
Praying in faith is saying what God's Word says about the situation. The seed is the Word of God. Your heart is the ground for planting the seed of the Word. Then keep trusting in the Word of God by confessing (saying or speaking) the Word of God. Keep out doubt and unbelief. Nourish the Word by protecting it in your heart until it comes to pass in your life.
"Believe that you have received it and ye shall have it." Mk. 11:24.
FAITH FOR A NEW BEGINNING (Heb. 11: 1 – 19) Part 2
In our last study, it was established that a Christian cannot do without faith. Salvation, sanctification, Holy Ghost Baptism, divine healing, divine health and answers to prayers come by faith. Heb.11:6; Eph. 2:8; Acts 26:18; Gal.3:2; Matt 15:26 – 28; Mark 11:24. As Christians, we live by faith (2Cor.5:7). We also learn what faith is and what it means to have faith. To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see (Heb.11:1, GNB). Even more, everything we do OUTSIDE OF FAITH IS SIN. (Rom. 14:23). Today we want to learn how to have and grow in faith.
1. BASIC FACTS ABOUT FAITH
Faith is always placed in a Person. We are saved by believing in Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9). He is the reality in which we trust.
Faith is based on knowledge. You cannot believe what you do not know (Rom. 10:14). That is why Bible knowledge (doctrine) is important - it tells us about God. We are not saved by the doctrine, we are saved by Christ. But, we believe in Jesus through the doctrine. Matt. 7:28; Rom. 6:17; 2Tim.3:16.
Faith is a confidence or trust that what God has promised is true.
2. HOW CAN WE HAVE FAITH?
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Rom. 10:17. It does not come by Seeing; Praising; Experiencing; Singing; Loving; Serving; Deciding; Feeling; Striving. Through the preaching and reading of the Word of God, we hear the promise and intentions of God, we open our minds and through that the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds and grants us faith (Heb.4:1-2). It is this faith which unites us with Christ and thereby gives to us every gift which God gives to everyone of his children (Rom.8:32; Col.2:9-10).
Since we cannot have faith without the Word of God, we cannot create faith outside the Word of God. When the Word of God (promise of God from Scriptures) enters our heart, it gives light and faith is created.
We grow in faith when we keep hearing the Word of God. Faith is hearing God's Word and repeating it back to Him. Prayer of faith (James 5:15) is prayer that is based on the Word of God. As we confess what Jesus has done for us, we show faith. Rom. 10: 9-10.
1. BASIC FACTS ABOUT FAITH
Faith is always placed in a Person. We are saved by believing in Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9). He is the reality in which we trust.
Faith is based on knowledge. You cannot believe what you do not know (Rom. 10:14). That is why Bible knowledge (doctrine) is important - it tells us about God. We are not saved by the doctrine, we are saved by Christ. But, we believe in Jesus through the doctrine. Matt. 7:28; Rom. 6:17; 2Tim.3:16.
Faith is a confidence or trust that what God has promised is true.
2. HOW CAN WE HAVE FAITH?
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Rom. 10:17. It does not come by Seeing; Praising; Experiencing; Singing; Loving; Serving; Deciding; Feeling; Striving. Through the preaching and reading of the Word of God, we hear the promise and intentions of God, we open our minds and through that the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds and grants us faith (Heb.4:1-2). It is this faith which unites us with Christ and thereby gives to us every gift which God gives to everyone of his children (Rom.8:32; Col.2:9-10).
Since we cannot have faith without the Word of God, we cannot create faith outside the Word of God. When the Word of God (promise of God from Scriptures) enters our heart, it gives light and faith is created.
We grow in faith when we keep hearing the Word of God. Faith is hearing God's Word and repeating it back to Him. Prayer of faith (James 5:15) is prayer that is based on the Word of God. As we confess what Jesus has done for us, we show faith. Rom. 10: 9-10.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Getting the Best in Year 2011
- 1. The year has started again like 2010 did. Many people could not point to any achievement at the end of the year 2010 because they did not set a goal at the beginning and in the course of the year. YOU CAN ONLY ACHIEVE WHAT YOU CONCEIVE AND BELIEVE. Therefore, start by making sure you conceive something now. Believe it and you will achieve it.
- 2. God desires that you get the best Jer. 29:11- GNB (I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for).
- Act fast and act early. Psa. 11:3 (If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?). It is better to start the planning and goal setting early in the year. Psa. 90:14 (O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days). Starting early guarantees a higher probability of achievement because you will have a longer time to implement your plans and enjoy the benefits of your achievement. The one that starts in January has a better chance than the one that starts planning in July.
- Act fast and act early. Psa. 11:3 (If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?). It is better to start the planning and goal setting early in the year. Psa. 90:14 (O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days). Starting early guarantees a higher probability of achievement because you will have a longer time to implement your plans and enjoy the benefits of your achievement. The one that starts in January has a better chance than the one that starts planning in July.
- 3. Psalm 37: 4 – 5 says Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
God plans to give you | How Do I Know? | |
1 | Admission | Isa 26:2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. |
Open doors | Rev. 3: 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: | |
2 | Job/New job/Better Job | 2Th 3:10 ….., that if any would not work, neither should he eat. |
3 | Children | Psa 128:3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Psa 128:6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, |
4 | A godly spouse | Isa 34:16 (GNB) Search in the LORD's book of living creatures and read what it says. Not one of these creatures will be missing, and not one will be without its mate. The LORD has commanded it to be so; he himself will bring them together. |
5 | Long life | Psa 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. |
6 | Profits and gains | Eze 36:30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. |
7 | Enough Food & other Good things | Psa 132:15 I will richly provide Zion with all she needs; I will satisfy her poor with food. |
8 | Guidance | Isa 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isa 58:12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. |
9 | Joy, Peace and Safety | Joh 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Pro 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. |
10 | All good things | Psa 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Psa 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. |
But why do some Christians not enjoy these blessings?
·
- They are not aware Matt. 23:37 (O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!)
- · They are not willing/obedient
What must you do? Act 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
- 1. Know what you want. You must set goals. Discover your purpose. Your goals must conform to God’s plan for your life.
- 2. You must pray.
a. Isa 43:26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.
b. Eze 36:37 Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.
c. Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
d. Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
e. Joh 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
- 3. Observe quiet time. Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Quiet time enables you to be still and listen to the stillness within. Prayer accompanied by meditation will always provide the answer we need for the situations facing us. God is ready to speak with you and tell you how to go about your plans for the year. Listen to HIM.
- 4. You must be willing and obedient
a. Isa 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
b. Isa 1:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
- 5. Form partnership with God
a. Give your life to Christ. Be born again to enjoy the benefits of the Kingdom Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God
b. Appear before God regularly
i. Psa 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
ii. Psa 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
iii. Psa 27:8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
iv. Psa 27:9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Psa. 90:14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days
2. Father, make it easy for me to serve You this year.
3. Father, open my eyes to see and my ears to hear what I should do to prosper this year.
FAITH FOR A NEW BEGINNING (Heb. 11: 1 – 19) Part 1
Faith is an important ingredient in the Christian Faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb.11:6). It is by faith that we are saved (Eph. 2:8). It is by faith that we are sanctified (Acts 26:18). It is by faith we receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Gal.3:2). Divine healing and health comes by faith (Matt 15:26 – 28) and it is by faith we receive answers to our prayers (Mark 11:24). As Christians, we live by faith (2Cor.5:7).
WHAT IS FAITH?
Literally, faith is defined as a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny. Faith is belief with strong conviction; firm belief in something for which there may be no tangible proof; complete trust; opposite of doubt. Biblically, Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb.11:1, KJV). FAITH has also been defined as Forsaking All, I Trust Him (God).
WHAT DOES IS IT MEAN TO HAVE FAITH?
i) To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see (Heb.11:1, GNB).
ii) It means Let God be true and everyman a liar (Rom.3:4)
iii) To have faith means, though the situation is apparently black, but because the Bible says it is white; your confession and assertion is that the situation is white (Heb.11:7)
iv) To have faith is to believe what the Word of God (logos and rhema) says, even when it contradicts the law of nature (Num. 13:17,18,27-33; Heb. 11:8)
v) To have faith is to forge ahead, despite stiff opposition and even in the face of danger (Matt 15:26 – 28).
vi) To have faith is to believe in one’s leader’s vision and do whatever he bids (Acts 6:1-5; cf. 1Cor. 11:1).
vii) To have faith is to choose the spiritual over the material, the eternal over the temporal. Moses chose heavenly riches over the treasures of Egypt (Heb.11: 26)
viii) To have faith means to act your belief – By faith Abel “offered” a sacrifice (Heb.11: 4), Noah “prepared” an ark (v. 7), and Abraham “obeyed” the Lord (v. 8). Faith, divorced from obedience, is dead (Jas. 2:26).
You need faith to please God and obtain from Him that ALL that you require to make 2011 an eventful year in your life, family, career, and all of life’s endeavours.
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