It is my delight to present the Bible message on this very important Faith Promise Sunday.
Thank you, Pastor, Elders and Church mother, Chuanpit Kowae.
God is a missions God. God’s Church is a missions church. Spirit-filled Christians are missions people.
A church’s health is significantly determined by their devotion to missions.
Healthy congregations are increasing in their global influence for Christ.
I have a very important question for you, following the reading of today’s Bible passage. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
8And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
Here is this very important question. How can anyone give beyond their ability?
It is impossible to do……unless faith in God is in action.
Romyen Church, it is our time to live and give by faith for this new year. We have done so in the past. We will do so today and in the days ahead.
It’s our turn to live by faith.
Consider the word of the Lord through His prophet Daniel.
32 He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. Daniel 11:32
In this generation we will not be seduced but we will stand firm and take action.
Hebrews 11:6 With faith it is possible to please God.
1 Corinthians 13:13 Faith is one of three permanent essentials.
We might divide Biblical revelation regarding faith into two categories: faith that pleases God and faith that doesn’t please God.
There is a faith that pleases God and a faith that doesn’t please God.
Faith that doesn’t please God.
1. Dead faith James 2:26
2. No faith Mark 4:40
3. Little faith Matthew 6:30
4. Faith that drifts 1 Timothy 6:21
5. Weak faith Romans 14:1
6. Lacking faith 1 Thessalonians 3:10
7. Failing faith Luke 22:32
Faith that pleases God.
1. Great faith Matthew 8:10
2. Saving faith Luke 5:20, 7:50
3. Healing faith Luke 8:48
4. Precious faith 2 Peter 1:1
5. Increasing faith Luke 17:5
6. Being full of faith Acts 6:8
7. Footsteps of faith Romans 4:12
8. Walking faith 2 Corinthians 5:7
9. Living faith Hebrews 10:38
10. Word of faith Romans 10:8
11. Family of faith Galatians 6:10
12. Joy in faith Philippians 1:25
13. Established faith Colossians 1:23
14. Firm faith Colossians 2:5
15. Working faith 1 Thessalonians 1:3
16. Patient faith James 1:3
17. Encouraging faith 1 Thessalonians 3:7
18. Growing faith 2 Thessalonians 1:3
19. Sincere faith 2 Timothy 1:5
20. Fighting faith 1 Timothy 6:12
21. Kept faith 2 Timothy 4:7
22. Sound faith Titus 1:13
23. Assuring faith Hebrews 10:22
24. Professed faith Hebrews 10:23
25. Praying faith James 5:15
26. Tried faith 1 Peter 1:7
27. Victorious faith 1 John 5:4
28. Overcoming faith 1 John 5:5
29. Holy faith Jude 20
R. L. Brandt, now with the Lord, is one of the role models of faith who influenced my understanding of faith.
Brother Brandt saw the faith stories of the Bible revealing three general aspects:
- The Word of faith – Faith is not positive thinking. It is hearing the voice of God.
- The Work of faith – Faith always requires action.
- The Wonder of faith – Faith beholds the wonder.
Consider Romans 10:8-10
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, 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. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:8-10
| 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, 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. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:8-10 | Here is the Word of faith. It is in your mouth and in your heart. This is the work of faith. ConfessBelieve that Jesus is LordBelieve in your heart that God raised him from the dead The WOW of faith. You will be saved! |
You will see this pattern over and over again in God’s word. Matthew 14:28-33
| 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” | Peter asks for a word of faith. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 The Word of faith from Jesus to Peter is, “Come.” The Work of faith by Peter is “got out of the boat.” The Wonder of faith – Peter walked on water The Work of faith includes sustaining the word through times of doubt and fear. And turning to God for sustaining grace. The Wonder of faith – Jesus graciously rescues us in our moments of doubt. The Wonder of faith – the wind ceased. The Wonder of faith – those in the boat worshiped him, “truly you are the Son of God.” |
Romyen Church, like the Macedonian churches, we can give beyond our ability.
We can live and give by faith. As we prepare our Faith Promises, listen for the word of faith.