The Power of Faith

How important is faith? It takes faith to even believe in Christ; it takes faith to believe that what God says is always right and true; and it takes faith to trust and walk in that each and every day. However, if you’re faith doesn’t continue to grow in your relationship with Christ, you won’t have the faith to see God’s Kingdom come not only in your life, but in the lives of those around you.

Whatever faith you have inside of you will determine the outcome of the faith level you’ll have for God at work around you. If you don’t have faith for God to move, there’s a good chance you won’t be looking for anything to take place.

Do you realize that the message of your life; what you spend your time, money and energy on will scream how much faith [belief] you have put in Christ?

When we read all through the Gospels we see how Jesus loved and always responded to anyone that had faith. He loved it. He loved it when those placed their full trust in Him. ( ">Matthew 8:5-13CloseMatthew 8:5-13 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer* came and pleaded with him, "Lord, my young servant* lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain." Jesus said, "I will come and heal him." But the officer said, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, `Go,' and they go, or `Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, `Do this,' they do it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened." And the young servant was healed that same hour. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; Matthew 15:21-28CloseMatthew 15:21-28 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile* woman who lived there came to him, pleading, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely." But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. "Tell her to go away," they said. "She is bothering us with all her begging." Then Jesus said to the woman, "I was sent only to help God's lost sheep—the people of Israel." But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, "Lord, help me!" Jesus responded, "It isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs." She replied, "That's true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters' table." "Dear woman," Jesus said to her, "your faith is great. Your request is granted." And her daughter was instantly healed. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; ">Mark 5:21-24CloseMark 5:21-24 Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. "My little daughter is dying," he said. "Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live." Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; Luke 19:1-10CloseLuke 19:1-10 Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. "Zacchaeus!" he said. "Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today." Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. "He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner," they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, "I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!" Jesus responded, "Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man* came to seek and save those who are lost." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

Also, what’s so amazing is that Jesus said you don’t even need a lot of faith. Jesus in fact said that just a little amount can move mountains. In other words just a little faith can do amazing things in your life and in the lives of those around you.  (Matthew 17:20CloseMatthew 17:20 "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.*" OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; 1 Corinthians 13:2Close1 Corinthians 13:2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

Jesus said our faith could be compared to a mustard seed. What’s interesting is that a mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds. But it also is a seed. A seed is worth more when it continues to grow. You water and feed the seed of your faith by giving it nourishment. We get nourishment by reading Gods Word; worshipping; praying. All those things feed the seed of faith in your life. (Matthew 17:20CloseMatthew 17:20 "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.*" OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

">Hebrews 4:16CloseHebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) speaks that we should have confidence; which actually means faith—to approach God’s throne of grace. Saying you believe is one thing.. Walking that out, day in & day out is another… Lets break it down…what faith is and why faith is so important.

Why Faith is Important

Without faith it’s impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6CloseHebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )

Jesus is the object of our faith, reliance and hope.

• John 14:6CloseJohn 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

Where does our faith come from?

• Romans 10:17CloseRomans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

Q: If the Bible says our faith comes from God; what does that say about us when we place faith in other things?

Faith is a gift, and gifts are imparted.

• ">Ephesians 2:8CloseEphesians 2:8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

Since faith is a gift; just like all the other gifts - that means you cannot earn it. It’s a gift. It’s given to you; all you have to do is ask, and after you ask believe that it’s yours. It’s now time to walk in it.

We can also ask God for more faith.

• Luke 17:5CloseLuke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Show us how to increase our faith." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

Believing what God says to us is true; even if we don’t see it happen right away.

• Look at the lives of those that lived lives marked by faith in Hebrews 11.

The interesting theme in Hebrews 11 is found in the great stories of the amazing people that have gone before us is that these people believed in what God spoke to them, even though some didn’t see things come to pass in their lifetime. I’m sure they were disappointed or confused at times not seeing things come as they had thought; yet they had confidence in their God.

Q: When you don’t see things happen for you when you think they should, what response do you usually have? Do you still continue to go forward or do you start to question God?

Faith is a Verb

Being full of faith is one thing; However, It’s not just about saying you believe—its actually doing something to show how much you believe.

Most people don’t share Christ with others or step out to pray for them because they’re afraid to be embarrassed, afraid to be rejected. However if you want to see God move in the lives of the people around you; taking risks is a part of stepping out.

It’s important to remember; “What if no one shared Christ with you?” 

• Read "> James 1:22CloseJames 1:22 But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; ">2:14; and ">2:21-22; and see how faith and deeds work together.

Faith is spelled R.I.S.K. (John Wimber)

Having a strong faith in what Christ has done for you should be enough to compel you to share God with others. If you don’t share your faith in Christ, something isn’t right.

Think about the things you talk about. You usually talk about things that are most important to you. Who a person is eventually makes its way out of their mouth. You talk about what you truly believe in. If you’re relationship with God is so important to you, and you understand that Christ himself has rescued you from hell, then of course you would want others around you to not only be saved, but to also experience and know Him as well.

Don’t think about the risk so much as the great opportunity you have too be a bridge for others to experience God almighty. Don’t think so much about what could go wrong; instead ask God to fill you with faith to share.

Don’t be one that wishes they had stepped out more.

Theodore Roosevelt 

“It’s not the critic who counts; or the man who points how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena --who at best, knows in the end the triumph of great achievements, and who at the worst, if he fails at least while daring greatly. His place will never be with those cold, timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

Q. How important do you think it is that we share our faith with others.

Jesus said: Matthew 10:32-33CloseMatthew 10:32-33 "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

Application:

• The Apostles said: 1 Peter 3:15Close1 Peter 3:15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

Application:

• Read "> Acts 1:8CloseActs 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) and write how you think this passage talks about how we share our faith.

Application:

Q. In what ways do we share our faith with others?

• The only Bible many people around you will read will be YOUR life.
• Your life story is the most powerful message you carry. What God has and is doing in your life.
• ">Matthew 5:16CloseMatthew 5:16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

Application:

• Serving others: Matthew 25:34-40CloseMatthew 25:34-40 "Then the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' "Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' "And the King will say, `I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,* you were doing it to me!' OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
• Forgiving others: ">Matthew 5:23-24CloseMatthew 5:23-24 "So if you are presenting a sacrifice* at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; Luke 17:3-4CloseLuke 17:3-4 So watch yourselves!  "If another believer* sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
• Loving your enemies: ">Matthew 5:44CloseMatthew 5:44 But I say, love your enemies!* Pray for those who persecute you! OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
• Bearing the fruits of the Spirit: ">Galatians 5:22CloseGalatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

How to Share Your Faith with Others

1. First, explain God’s purpose & peace ( ">Romans 5:1CloseRomans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; ">John 3:16CloseJohn 3:16 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; John 10:10CloseJohn 10:10 The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

2. Most people choose to be separate from God. They don’t have the peace & abundant life God’s planned for them. God created us in His own image to have abundant life, but He also gave us a free will- with freedom of choice. ( ">Romans 3:23CloseRomans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; ">6:23).

3. That means our attempts (good works, religion, philosophy, and morality) to reach God fail (Isaiah 59:2CloseIsaiah 59:2 It's your sins that have cut you off from God.  Because of your sins, he has turned away  and will not listen anymore. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

4. The bridge to God is the cross (1 Tim. 2:5; 1 Peter 3:18Close1 Peter 3:18 Christ suffered* for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.* OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; ">Romans 5:8CloseRomans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

5. Therefore, God has provided the only way. However each person still must make the decision themselves if they desire to receive Christ. Its each persons own individual responsibility as to whether or not the will say yes to Christ.

6. We must trust Christ ourselves as our Lord and Savior and receive Him by personal invitation ( ">Revelation 3:20CloseRevelation 3:20 "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; ">John 1:12CloseJohn 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; Romans 10:9CloseRomans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

7. Remember to talk with the person on a personal level. Again your story and what God has done in your life is very powerful. Also, it’s not about how ‘together’ you are now; it’s about how you know that in spite of your weakness’ you have met the One that can make all things new!

Personal Reflection

When was it that you first found faith in God?

What was your experience like? Was it a physical reaction when you first felt like you experienced or saw God for the first time? What did it feel like to you?

What was it that made you first believe?

Do you feel like your faith is often challenged?

If so, what emotions do you go through? Do you feel guilty for questioning what you believe?

What is the best way you have found to fight unbelief?

When you feel a lot of faith, why is that? Is it something you did, or something you prayed or did you just feel at times that you have a lot of faith for God to show up?

What did that feel like personally to you?

If faith is walked out means risk taking is a normal part of the Christian life do you find that you’re a person that loves to take risks in life? Why or why not?