Keeping The Faith

Intro: they once asked a prisoner of war how they had survived in the worst places imaginable. One said, every day I woke up with the thought, today will be the day that we get rescued. Many said, it was hope that kept them alive. Many said, it was a faith in God that made the difference. In these last days, many will fall away, the love of many will wax cold. Our verse this morning gives a picture of when Jesus returns—the question He asks in Luke 18:8 will he find faith on the earth. Since people will be losing faith, the important question is: how to keep the faith.

Keeping the Faith

Luke 18:8

This is an amazing verse—it seems to say that at the return of Jesus Christ, the biggest crisis in the world will be a faith crisis.

Today, let’ s encourage each other to keep the faith. Let’s lift up those who are discouraged or find those who have given up, and help them to keep the faith.

How can someone keep the faith in a world that is losing it?

Luke 17:5—Lord increase our faith—go to the Lord for a faith increase—never be satisfied with where you are, ask God for more.

Elisha asked for a double portion of the Spirit of God, if we need more faith, we should go to the Lord and asked for more. You have not because we ask not..

Act 6:5—if you want to be full of faith, be full of the Spirit—faith and God’s Spirit go together. One of the gifts of the Spirit is faith, a fruit of the Spirit is faith.

Acts 14:22—continue in the faith, don’t stop growing, never get content or satisfied—always desire more of God.

Romans 10:17—stay in the word—faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God—the only way to keep the faith is to stay in the Word, stand on the promises of God.

2 Corinthians 5:7-we walk by faith and not by sight—stop looking at the circumstances—stop listening to the report of the world. We live by faith—our promises are yes and amen in the Lord.

1Timothy 6:12—fight the good fight of faith—your walk in the Lord is a battle to be won. A fight to be fought, a race that must be run. Don’t give up when you get knocked down, get back up and fight some more.

Hebrews 12:2-looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The other day another prominent minister confessed of falling into sin. Some may have their faith shaken, but look to Jesus, He will never let you down’

Jude 1:3—earnestly contend for the faith—don’t let someone change your faith, don’t follow some new doctrine just because it is the new popular thing—contend for the faith—hold fast, stand strong—

Jude 1:20—building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost—get stronger, pray harder—don’t quit, don’t ever give up…

Close: I have decided to live for Jesus, I’ll build my life on the strength of his word, I am committed to his purpose and calling

I’ve made up my mind, I’m going to serve the Lord…