ACTIVE FAITH

Dr. Joseph Hazan

“ I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ it would move and nothing shall be impossible to you. “

(Matt. 17.20)

Having the miracle-producing faith in and of itself is a miracle and a great gift from God.He tremendous power of faith is evident in exercising the faith God gives us. Many times the faith we have is augmented when we see the results of faith in the word of scripture.

In fact, “ faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God”. (Rom. 10. 17).

So, when we hear the word of God preached, we receive greater faith. We have many examples of how faith works:

In Matthew 21.18, when “ Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs on it, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.”

When the disciples asked him how this could happen, he replied:

“ I assure you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May God lift you up and throw you into the sea’ and it will happen. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer.” (Matt. 21.21&22).

So far we have seen that hearing and reading the word will strengthen our faith. Also having total trust and confidence, without doubting and with complete, positive expectation will produce results.

TOTAL CONFIDENCE

James brings out the importance of having solid, unwavering faith, in the context of asking for wisdom:

“ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men generously, without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double- minded man, unstable in all he does.” (Jas.1.5-7).

By asking in total trust and confidence, with solid faith we receive positive results. For two such examples see Mark 5.21-43 where Jairus saw his daughter resurrected and a woman among the crowd with complete faith in Jesus touched his clothes and was healed of her bleeding that had lasted twelve years.

FIRST, FORGIVE

In Mark 11.24, when the event about the fig tree is told, here is what is written:

“ Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it.” Jesus added this immediately:

“ But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too”

( Mark 11.25)

In order to release the power of our faith in Jesus, we must forgive everyone, including people we have never met but harbor ill-feelings

against. Then, when we are totally free from guile and grudge, have forgiven and are ourselves forgiven, we receive answers to our prayer of faith.

NOW FAITH IS

Hebrews 11, which is known as “ the faith chapter”, starts with,” Now faith is”. It is important to understand that Faith is a “NOW” phenomenon. Faith is given to us miraculously, by the grace of God, to apply to our daily situations, any moment, anytime. It is God’s miracle-working power that leads us to believe in Jesus completely without reservation or any shadow of doubt, which attains results and leads us to victory. Faith is based on the fact that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb.13.8)

Jesus Christ does now what he did in the past and will continue to do.

All the miracles he did, (healing the sick, casting out demons, saving the lost, feeding the hungry) he said we would also do. “ Even greater things than these”, because he is now with the Father. (John 14.12).

“You can ask anything in my name and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name and I will do it!” (John 14.13).

OUR MANDATE

We have our lifetime mission defined by Jesus Christ in the Great Commission. (Mark 16.15-18, also in Luke 24.36-49 and John 20. 19-29):

Let’s see Mark 16. 15-18:

“ And he said to them, ‘ Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone everywhere. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe:

They will cast demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes safely and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick and the sick shall be made well.”

FAITH BASED ACTION

It is obvious from the title of the book of Acts, “ The Acts of The Apostles”, that filled with the Holy Spirit and directed to fulfill the Great Commission, the apostles, rolled up their sleeves and went to work. Jesus calls us to faith-based action, reassuring us that he will be with us, protect and prosper us as we go about our Father’s business, as again the in the Great Commission, he clearly says:

“ I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”AMEN!

Please come and visit us at our praise and worship services. The time and location is at this website.

The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and yours always. AMEN!