Faith and the Christian

1. Faith

2. Hebrews 11 Verse 1 says Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

8. Like the windy and choppy sea…overwhelmed Peter and he lost his FAITH… In verse 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" This time the cry more from fear for his life as a desperate attempt …like we all do at times. We come to God as a last resort …in desperation… More through desperation rather than of FAITH…

13. We can obtain a good reference to the word FAITH in Matthew Chapter 8

14. Jesus and his disciples were on a boat when a furious storm hit them. Jesus who must have been tried and He was fast asleep. In verse 25 it says… 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Jesus then got up and in verse 26… Matthew 8:26 He replied, " You of little FAITH , why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

18. I like to draw your attention to a very important occurrence…which gives us a further insight…. We see this in Mathew chapter 9 verse 27 That day was particularly hectic day for Jesus. But two blind men kept following Jesus…

20. Jesus is asking us… DO YOU BELIEVE THAT I CAN DO THIS? When we pray and ask God do we believe 100% that he can do it?

21. Matthew 9:29 Then he touched their eyes and said, " According to your faith will it be done to you"; In other words depending on your FAITH it will done to you…(you shall receive…)

22. The insight here is that primarily we must have FAITH for us to receive…Gods blessings FAITH therefore is a very important requirement that we have to develop within us by reading Gods word, abiding by it and experiencing an overwhelming intimate relationship with Jesus. As you learn more from the word you understand the content of his word more and this understanding will help us to develop FAITH in Jesus. Word and FAITH. Like any relationship. A relationship does not work on remote control. We have to WORK AT IT. In other words we have to read the word and to develop our FAITH through this understanding … because it is there IN THE WORD for ALL OF US TO SEE!

24. So we have to first understand that we have to have FAITH …and that FAITH plays an important role…in receiving Gods blessings… FAITH IS A REQUIREMENT! Now…Lets go back to what happened to Peter

28. So you can exponentially develop the level of FAITH by intimately getting to know GOD… believe in his love for you… believe in his awesome power that surpasses all human understanding!

29. FAITH AND DOUBT Peter had FAITH and was able to walk on water…but his FAITH wavered and he nearly drowned… We pray…take our problems to GOD and ask for his help … sometimes just ritualistically sometimes hoping for a miracle LIKE WALKING ON WATER We have to consider if our request is made to GOD in 100% FAITH? … IN ABSOLUTE FAITH THAT IT WILL BE DONE? How many of us can answer YES! BUT we want our request that we made from GOD to be given to us one-hundred percent?

30. I am sure that you will agree that it is not a fair deal…

32. We looked at only a few examples. There are much more references on the need for FAITH found in Gods word. Just in the New Testament there are over 250 references to the word FAITH How many times more has this got to be shown for us to realize that FAITH is an absolute essential in our relationship with God.

37. Jesus also warns us in Matthew 24:10 At that time many will turn away from the FAITH and will betray and hate each other, So we have to be mindful of holding on to our belief

38. Finally on the importance of FAITH

41. We must always remember that our God is a GOD of LOVE . Therefore Hate…Anger… Jealousy … Vengeance … deceitfulness does not please Him and therefore has to be removed from our thoughts…so that our FATHER is heaven will forgive our sins and bless us accordingly by answering our needs. WE CANNOT EXPECT ONE WAY MIRACLES

44. FAITH Reading Gods Word Living a God fearing Christian life Seeking & Developing an intimate relationship with God Getting to know what displeases God Refraining from doing what displeases God Receive Gods blessings Experience Gods Power The Faith cycle

49. Thank you