September 30, 2007

The Shield of Faith

Definition of faith - means to trust in and rely upon Jesus Christ - 2 Peter 1:1-4

a.) it is absolute confidence in God, His promises, His power, and His program for our lives

*** it is a picture of cement being set

b.) it keeps me from being a dart board - "ALL" fiery darts are extinguished

***********One dart is Doubt - means to qyestion - 2 Peter 1:1-4

FAITH STATEMENTS:

(1) FAITH IS IN GOD - Mark 11:22

***faith "IN" God suggests movement

-the believer is moving closer to God to trust and believe in Him

-God is always on the move

***faith in God - is in the present tense

-He is a God of the NOW, the PRESENT.  He is always around...

-We must possess a present FAITH!!!

*A Present Faith:

     1. knows that God is able to do anything - Eph 3:20

     2. realizes that what God was, He is and will be

-GOD HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD-

(2.) FAITH IS DEVELOPED - Romans 12:1-3

-we receive a measure of faith as soon as we are saved and born again

-this faith must be developed through relationship and reading - Romans 10:17

***LEVELS OF FAITH***

Little faith - Matthew 14:22-31 - cannot conquer challenges

Weak faith - Romans 4:19 - it is believing that there are some things that will not work out - unbelief

Strong faith - Romans 4:19-21 - is not looking at the circumstances surrounding us

Great faith - Matthew 15:21-28 - is standing on the word and not taking no for an answer

***Whatever level your faith is at, your faith wil be challenged***

(3.) FAITH IS KNOWING - Hebrews 11:1

- faith is not guessing, taking a chance or going out on a limb; being unsure

-faith is receiving a word from the Lord, acting on it and knowing it is going to happen

a.) Leave the HOW up to God

b.) a delay is not denial

-God operates on timing and not on time

-Divine delay vs devilish disappointment