Having A Powerful Faith Series

Back to the Basics – Powerful Faith

Opener:

Good morning everyone! It is so nice to see every here this morning. We are in a wonderful series titled “Back to the Basics”. During this series we have been covering a number of different topics. Some of the topics that we have already discussed were: The Word of God, hearing God’s voice and knowing God’s will, spiritual warfare.

Then last week, we discussed the two sacraments of the Christian faith. We talked about how sacraments are a visible symbol of the reality to God. These sacraments give us a picture of God grace for our lives. They also reveal in an outward sign that an inward change has taken place.

This morning we are going to be talking about having a powerful faith. The bible teaches us that having a genuine faith is more precious than gold. The faith that God has for us will be tested by fire. Therefore, you can expect times of challenge; you can expect that there will be moments of struggle. Yet, what comes out of this challenge will produce something beautiful in your life. We need to hold on to and work to develop our faith recognizing there is a tremendous benefit in our lives.

It is a powerful faith that brings salvation in our lives. It is a powerful faith that brings answers to our prayers. It is a powerful faith that makes us spiritually effective for the kingdom of God. Faith is a key factor in our spiritual journey, therefore, we need to understand how we can develop a powerful faith and how to release this faith.

I. Developing our faith

A. Growth and Develop

a. Now that we see how important it is to have a powerful faith.

b. Some people may despair thinking that they do not have enough faith or that their faith is not powerful enough.

c. The bible says this in Romans 10:17 - 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

d. This verse lets us know that we can grow and develop our faith into something much more and deeper than what it currently is now.

e. It is our choice on whether we want to be a person of faith or not!

B. First step

a. So the first step to developing our faith is listening to the Word of God. Faith comes by hearing God’s Word.

b. When we are constantly filling our minds and hearts with the Word of God it will produce a powerful faith in our lives.

c. When we do listen to the Word of God, we need to make sure that we do so with an open heart and mind.

d. Let me say this: Whatever we listen to, affects what we believe. If we are listing to the TV more than the Word, then we will begin to believe the lies of the world versus what the Word of God says.

e. The television is filled with programs that are fear based. Fear is the opposite of faith. When we are operating in fear, we are not trusting God and walking by faith.

f. So each day, we need to take time to listen to the Word of God.

C. Obeying God

a. The second step that we can develop our faith is by obeying God. A couple of weeks ago we talked about knowing God’s voice and doing His will.

b. We talked about the more that we obey the voice of God, the more that God will reveal His plan for our lives.

c. As you begin to walk in obedience with God, you will gain a greater strength in your life.

d. Let me say this: It is impossible to have a powerful faith without taking practical steps of obedience.

e. In fact, I would say that our faith is tested by whether we are obedient or not. If one is lacking obedience then they are also lacking faith in the Lord, because these two go hand in hand.

D. Praise and Worship

a. We can develop a powerful faith by taking time out of our day to praise and worship the Lord.

b. Praise drives away darkness in our lives. Look at King Saul as an example. He would have David come and play his harp and sing praises to God and during this time, King Saul would experience peace in his life.

c. So praise brings us into the courtyard of God’s presence while worship takes us deeper, it takes us right into His throne room.

d. When we worship, we are making a declaration of our love for Him.

e. When we worship the Lord, we do not take it lightly rather, we recognize His holiness, we recognize how majestic and powerful that He is.