An Economy of Faith
For the preacher: During August 2008 we had a Faith Conference, in Potchefstroom, South Africa. It was a month before the crash on Wall Street. Fear was starting to take grip of people all over the world. With that backdrop in mind, I develop this message for our conference called An Economy of Faith. Powerpoints are available as well videoclips. The audio is available from www.hispeople.co.za or www.willemnel.com under Faith Conference.
SERMON
Intro
We are either living in an economy of fear or economy of faith
Why an Economy of FAITH?
To UNDERSTAND: Understand - What is the understanding of Economy in Worldly terms
Definitions of economy on the Web:
• the system of production and distribution and consumption
• the efficient use of resources; "economy of effort"
• frugality in the expenditure of money or resources
Word History: Managing an economy has at least an etymological justification. The word economy can be traced back to the Greek word oikonomos, "one who manages a household," derived from oikos, "house," and nemein, "to manage." From oikonomos was derived oikonom , which had not only the sense "management of a household or family" but also senses such as "thrift," "direction," "administration," "arrangement," and "public revenue of a state." The first recorded sense of our word economy, found in a work possibly composed in 1440, is "the management of economic affairs," in this case, of a monastery. Economy is later recorded in other senses shared by oikonomi in Greek, including "thrift" and "administration." What is probably our most frequently used current sense, "the economic system of a country or an area," seems not to have developed until the 19th or 20th century
UNDERSTANDING where does man fit into this all:
WHEN GOD MADE MAN: HE BREATHED LIVE AND SPIRIT IN HIM
He made us First from his KIND: Which is SPIRIT
Then put us all in an earth or dust suit. So that we will fit in.
He made us in his image and he gave us the ability to experience: emotions; have a free will and to use our mind.
He wanted us to operate as SPIRIT BEINGS in an EARTHLY REALM.
HE did want us to OPEARTE as EARTLINGS:
Greetings and salutations – earthlings. Or dust-lings.
NO When he sees us Sees OUR SPIRIT POTENTIAL.
That IS WHY HE SENT HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
John 6:63 (NKJV)
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."
HOW the does HE want us to OPERATE on EARTH:
BY GRACE through FAITH
We were thus SAVED BY UNMERITED FAVOUR
BY FAITH:
What is FAITH?
Before we start the lectures, let’s ask ourselves 4 simple questions:
1. What is faith?
2. Why must I have faith?
3. How do I obtain faith?
4. How do I hold on to faith?
Answers to the questions:
1. Heb.11:1 – Substance of things hoped for – Evidence of things not yet seen.
2. Heb.11:6 – Cannot please God without faith.
3. Rom.10:17 – Hearing the Word of God
4. Rom.10:8 – Near you is the Word.
Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Romans 10:8 (NKJV)
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach):
Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
PROCESS WORD
a word gives faith
faith brings righteousness
righteousness brings a right STANDING BEFORE GOD
STANDING gives you the ability to speak
Faith and Fear cannot live in the same space, therefore you cannot stress or fear, and have faith. Many Christians think that you can do both, but that is why we see Christians living without any effect on the society. God has made us to bring change, to live according to His promises and His spoken Word. He made us to live through FAITH!
Only by believing the FULL gospel, and the Full WORD of GOD, will we have a positive effect on this earth, and live as we have been created by God.
HIS ECONOMY:
HIS OIKONOMOS
Build on Faith and Trust
Build on acquiring WEALTH and riches. WEALTH is transferable. RICHES as temporary.
How good is it when WE ARE ONE in SPIRIT, ONE IN MIND.
When we can agree – we will see the change coming.
NOTHING WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE
The World Economy is BUILD on EMOTIONS, Slavery and FEAR
The HOUSEHOLD has no become FACELESS BUROCRATS in administrations of governments and financial institutions.
To HOLD BACK
BUT GOD’s ECONOMY WAS ALL STARTED BY HIM GIVING:
• Life and ABUNDANCE
• HE GAVE HIS SON
• JESUS GAVE US THE SPIRIT
• HE GAVE LEADERS which he called the FIVE FOLD MINISTRY so the ecclesia may function well
• THE HOLY SPIRIT GAVE GIFTS.
SO the WORD of GOD says
GIVE
"Give to others, and God will give to you ... The measure you use for others is the one God will use for you." Luke 6:38 (GN)
"Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give whatever he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under pressure, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make ALL grace abound to you, so that in ALL things, at ALL times, having ALL that you need, you will abound in EVERY good work." 2 Cor. 9:6-8
• How good it is for brothers the work and dwell together.
• We are in the HOUSEHOLD of GOD
SO WHAT:
Break this spirit of the WORLD
2 Tim2:8-9 (NKJV)
8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
Is GOD’s WORD TRUE?
How do you get SAVED?
Through our works?
Is His saving grace enough to save us from sins?
Can he save a thief?
Can he save a substance abuser?
Word of God is there to get you out of DEBT. GUILT
Gal 6:6-10 (NKJV)
Be Generous and Do Good
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Conclusion
