Message of the Week - 14th of May 2017

TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING THE UNLIMITED POWER OF FAITH

(PST. ISAAC .O. FOLAJI - Resident Pastor)

"Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” - Habakkuk 2:4

Scripture asserts, that the Justified (the Upright) shall suffer reproach, struggle and probably die, without his Faith. For Faith is the core of Christianity. In fact, Christianity is called “The Faith”. Do understand that Faith is not a system of belief nor is it a persuasion of the mind, it is rather, a mystery, revealed 1 Timothy 3: 9. Faith is a spiritual weapon required to overcome the calamities, woes and misery assailing the world, thus revealed in Ephesians 6: 16 “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

In the Kingdom, Faith is the ultimate determinant of the placement or dominion one enjoys. For the struggles or conquests suffered or enjoyed by the Believer is a consequence of his/her Faith. Consequently, it is to everyone, according to his/her Faith, Matthew 9:29 affirms. The outcome of a man’s life, is not determined by fate, rather Faith is the determinant of the fate of every man. Hence, it is in the best interest of every Believer, to make a clear distinction between fate and Faith. Whilst fate accepts every circumstance- good or bad, as the will of God. Faith on the other hand, insists on the delivery of the benefits and privileges, divinely provided by Redemption. Faith demands the very best of God’s provisions and never settles for less. It is noteworthy, that God is not moved by anyone’s pathetic plight, He is rather moved, by an absolute Faith in His Word.

Isaiah 53:1 declares “Who hath believed our report and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” This verse of Scripture asserts, that the arm or hand of the LORD is revealed to only those who believe (have Faith) in Him, and it is His hand that delivers every promise of Scripture, affirmed in 1 Kings 8: 15. Thus, every promise of God, is at the mercy of His Hand, to perform or deliver. It suffices therefore to assert that Faith brings forth or compels the hand of God to bear on any circumstance of concern. Do understand that Faith in the Word equates to Faith in God, for God and His Word are one and the same.

Scripture reveals in Hebrews 11: 2, that every good report of life is a product of Faith. So, engage this Kingdom mystery to turn that challenge into a testimony.

FAITH DEFINED

Faith is putting God’s Word to work, as a consequence of absolutely believing Him. Luke 5: 1 - 8, renders an account of Peter’s encounter with Jesus- the living Word. How that Peter, inspired by Faith, put the Word to work, and the result of this Faith action, was a “Net breaking” harvest. For Peter disregarded his earlier failures and instead, engaged his Faith in the living Word-Jesus: He chose not to allow his disappointment and frustration over his several failed attempts to net a catch, obscure his confidence-Faith in the Word; and by his Faith action, his frustration turned for him, a phenomenal testimony. It is thus instructive, to walk by Faith and not by sight, regardless of the daunting challenges before you (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Consider James 2:17-19 “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” These verses of Scripture, highlight the fundamental proof of Faith, for it is not enough to make a claim of Faith; you must prove it, by your works. You must work in the direction of your Faith, by acting on every Word received. It is pointless and of no advantageous spiritual consequence, to make a claim of Faith without acting on the Word, because even the devil believes in the Word, but his recalcitrance to act on the Word, has placed him in rebellion against God. Therefore, it suffices to assert, that Faith without works-Word inaction, is rebellion against God.

Faith is sharing responsibility with God, in light of Scripture, to have your desires delivered: John 5:1-9 tells the story of an infirmed man, who had waited to be helped into the healing pool of Bethesda, for thirty-eight years; this was not a posture of Faith, for Faith does not wait… Faith is now!! Do acknowledge, that God was not more powerful yesterday, neither will He be tomorrow; His power is immutable and infallible, so whatever you need from God, is available now. However, you must fulfill your scriptural responsibility, of acting on the Word, in order to commit the hand of God, to your circumstance. Understand, that divine provisions have been made, to satisfy your every need, however, it takes the inescapable responsibility of “Hearing” and “Doing” the Word, to enforce the delivery of these supernatural provisions. For there is that which a man must do, to commit the delivery of God’s part. Faith asserts, that God’s part is forever settled and assured, hence, it is your part or responsibility, that needs to be satisfied or fulfilled. Thus, Faith is sharing responsibility with God, for the purpose of accessing His supernatural provisions. Bishop Oyedepo posits, that any Faith that seeks to make God absolutely responsible for the events of your life, is an irresponsible Faith. Therefore, do not fold your arms and do nothing, yet expect something… Such a posture is not Faith, it is rather presumptuous and foolish. Receive the Grace to accept and fulfill your Kingdom responsibilities.

UNIQUENESS OF BIBLE FAITH

BIBLE FAITH IS OF THE HEART AND NOT OF THE HEAD: Revealed thus, in Romans 10:10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” This Faith is not external, it is from deep within, firmly rooted on the inside. Mark 11: 23
IT MANIFESTS ITS POWER THROUGH THE TONGUE: Whatever you believe in your heart, must be spoken with your mouth, if you desire a manifestation. Be mindful, that whatever is too big for your mouth to speak, will be too big for your life to accomodate: For if your Faith is not “Bold Speaking”, then it is fake. Bible Faith is rooted in the heart, but is released through the tongue. Faith is likened to the trigger of a loaded gun, the release of the bullets-miracles, signs etc, is absolutely dependent on the pull of the trigger-Faith. You can bring down every Goliath confronting you by your Faith inspired words, so stop considering the size of that challenge. Consider the size and strength of your God and speak. Psalms 91: 7-8. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

REST

In the context of Scripture, Rest means to enjoy, a pressure free, trouble free and evil free realm of living.

DEMANDS FOR ALL-ROUND REST

Fully Return To God: You must return fully to God, because, Rest is with God, affirmed in Matthew 11: 28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Regardless of the magnitude of the challenge confronting you, do not turn away from God, instead, run to Him. Quit sitting on the fence or having one foot in church, and the other in a shrine; be totally committed to God . Job 34: 29, Job 22: 21, 2 Chronicles 15: 3 - 4.

Settle With The Word Of God: Adopt a learning attitude when you come to church, for it is by knowledge and revelation of the Word, Rest is engendered. Matthew 11: 29 declares “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” You must press through the Word, to secure Rest Luke 5: 1, 2 Chronicles 32: 8

Engage The Power Of Faith: All-round Rest, is one great product of Faith. Nonetheless, the measure or depth of your Faith, determines the quality of Rest you enjoy. Aptly described thus, “Little Faith, little Rest … Great Faith, great Rest”. When great Faith is at work, every storm is calmed, revealed in Matthew 8: 25 - 26. Therefore, escalate the measure of your Faith by diligently studying and meditating on the Word Hebrew 4: 3, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Psalms 112: 2, 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

Be Planted In The House Of God And Serve: Serve God with all that is within you and He will give you all-round Rest. Scripture declares in 2 Chronicles 15: 3 & 15 “Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law… for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and the LORD gave them rest round about.” The moment Israel made a vow of servitude and allegiance to God, He terminated their troubles and gave them all-round Rest. Are you serving the interests of God? That issue of long continuance, will bow out and turn for you a testimony, on the platform of a diligent and cheerful service to the Kingdom, affirmed in Matthew 6: 33. It is thus wisdom, to engage maximally, the soul winning mandate for the hour-“OPERATION RUN”, to secure and engender Rest in the endeavours of life Zechariah 7: 13, Daniel 12: 3, Jeremiah 30: 19 - 20

Enter Into Rest By The Communion: The storm destroying and Rest conferring nature of Christ, is in the Communion meal John 6: 57, Hebrews 13: 19 - 20

By The Mystery Of Praise: Praise engenders Rest, because it compels divine presence on the scene of any challenge. You can drain that challenge of its power, by giving high praises to Jehovah 2 Chronicles 20: 12 & 17 & 30