Embracing Childlike Faith and Divine Authority
Summary
Standing on the brink of the promised land, we are reminded of the power of childlike faith. This faith, pure and untainted by doubt, stirs the heart of God and moves mountains. It is a call to embrace the simplicity and purity of belief, to speak words of faith and not doubt, and to understand the authority we have through the Holy Spirit. The spoken word is powerful, and we must be mindful of what we declare with our mouths. Romans 10:8 reminds us that the word is near us, in our mouths and hearts, and it is the word of faith that we preach. This is not just any word, but the rhema, the authoritative word of God that we are empowered to speak.
We are called to take authority over our circumstances, to speak life into situations of doubt, anxiety, and depression. The story of Joshua and Caleb serves as a powerful reminder that God keeps good records, and faithfulness is rewarded. Despite the murmuring and complaining of the Israelites, it was Joshua and Caleb's unwavering faith that allowed them to enter the promised land. We must learn from their example and speak words of faith over our lives and the lives of others.
The authority of God is within us, and we are called to use it. We must stop speaking about our problems and start speaking to them, declaring God's promises over our lives. This authority is not just for personal gain but for the advancement of God's kingdom. We are to proclaim revival, to declare that those who are lost will return, and to believe that God is bringing people from all walks of life into His church.
Unity and faith go hand in hand. A church that operates in unity will see the power of God move in unprecedented ways. We must bear one another's burdens, speak life into each other, and believe in the potential of every individual. As we prepare for the revival that God has promised, we must be ready to fight the battles that come with it, standing firm in our faith and declaring God's truth over every situation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Childlike Faith: Embrace the simplicity and purity of childlike faith, which stirs the heart of God and moves mountains. This faith is not tainted by doubt but is a powerful force that can change circumstances. [01:21:25]
2. Power of the Spoken Word: Our words hold power, and we must be mindful of what we declare. Speak words of faith, not doubt, and understand the authority we have through the Holy Spirit. [01:22:27]
3. Authority in Christ: We have the authority of God within us to speak life into situations of doubt, anxiety, and depression. Use this authority to declare God's promises over your life and the lives of others. [01:24:28]
4. Unity and Faith: A church that operates in unity will see the power of God move in unprecedented ways. Bear one another's burdens, speak life into each other, and believe in the potential of every individual. [01:52:21]
5. Revival and Proclamation: Proclaim revival and declare that those who are lost will return. Believe that God is bringing people from all walks of life into His church, and be ready to fight the battles that come with it. [01:45:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:20:29] - Childlike Faith
- [01:21:25] - Stirring God with Faith
- [01:22:27] - Power of the Spoken Word
- [01:23:16] - Authority of God in Our Mouths
- [01:24:28] - Speaking to Problems
- [01:25:41] - Proclaiming Revival
- [01:26:33] - Wrestling with Doubt
- [01:28:16] - God Keeps Good Records
- [01:29:37] - Murmuring and Complaining
- [01:30:35] - Declaration of Healing
- [01:32:10] - House of Praise
- [01:33:10] - Love and Acceptance
- [01:34:17] - Transformation and Growth
- [01:36:01] - Faith and Work
- [01:37:43] - Personal Testimony
- [01:39:28] - Enduring Hardness
- [01:40:52] - Physical and Emotional Challenges
- [01:42:34] - Fainting and Faith
- [01:43:55] - Patience and Promise
- [01:45:46] - Proclaiming Authority
- [01:47:12] - Revival and Unity
- [01:48:35] - Leadership and Faith
- [01:50:54] - Love and Restoration
- [01:52:21] - Spirit of Unity
- [01:54:32] - Declaration and Persistence
- [01:55:43] - Backsliders Returning
- [01:57:23] - Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 10:8 - "But what does it say? 'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim."
2. Numbers 14:27-30 - "How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. So tell them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of childlike faith as described in the sermon? How does it relate to the story of Joshua and Caleb? [01:21:25]
2. According to Romans 10:8, where is the word of faith located, and what does this imply about our ability to speak with authority? [01:22:27]
3. How did the Israelites' murmuring and complaining affect their journey to the promised land, according to Numbers 14:27-30? [01:28:16]
4. What role does unity play in the church's ability to experience God's power, as discussed in the sermon? [01:52:21]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of childlike faith challenge the way adults typically approach faith and belief? [01:21:25]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the spoken word can influence our circumstances and spiritual authority? [01:22:27]
3. What lessons can be learned from the story of Joshua and Caleb about faithfulness and reward? [01:28:16]
4. How does the sermon connect the idea of unity with the potential for revival and the advancement of God's kingdom? [01:52:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced childlike faith. How did it impact your relationship with God and your circumstances? [01:21:25]
2. Consider the words you speak daily. Are there areas where you need to be more mindful of speaking faith rather than doubt? How can you start making this change? [01:22:27]
3. Think about a situation in your life where you need to take authority and speak life. What specific promises of God can you declare over this situation? [01:24:28]
4. How can you contribute to the unity of your church community? What practical steps can you take to bear one another's burdens and speak life into others? [01:52:21]
5. Identify someone in your life who is spiritually lost or struggling. How can you proclaim revival and God's promises over their life this week? [01:45:46]
6. Reflect on your response to challenges and battles in your life. How can you stand firm in faith and declare God's truth over these situations? [01:54:32]
7. What specific actions can you take to prepare for the revival that God has promised, both personally and within your church community? [01:45:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Childlike Faith
Childlike faith is a powerful force that can transform our lives and circumstances. It is characterized by simplicity, purity, and a lack of doubt. This kind of faith stirs the heart of God and has the potential to move mountains. By embracing childlike faith, we open ourselves to the miraculous and the divine, trusting fully in God's promises and His ability to fulfill them. This faith is not naive but is rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and His faithfulness. As we cultivate this faith, we are called to speak words of faith and not doubt, recognizing the authority we have through the Holy Spirit. [01:21:25]
Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with doubt? How can you begin to approach these areas with the simplicity and trust of childlike faith today?
Day 2: The Power of the Spoken Word
Our words hold immense power, and we must be mindful of what we declare. The spoken word can shape our reality, influence our emotions, and impact those around us. Romans 10:8 reminds us that the word is near us, in our mouths and hearts, and it is the word of faith that we preach. This is not just any word, but the rhema, the authoritative word of God that we are empowered to speak. By speaking words of faith, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His power into our lives. We are called to speak life into situations of doubt, anxiety, and depression, declaring God's promises over our lives and the lives of others. [01:22:27]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: Think about the words you have spoken over yourself and others this week. Are they words of faith and life, or doubt and negativity? How can you intentionally speak words that align with God's promises today?
Day 3: Exercising Authority in Christ
As believers, we have the authority of God within us to speak life into situations of doubt, anxiety, and depression. This authority is not for personal gain but for the advancement of God's kingdom. We are called to take authority over our circumstances, to stop speaking about our problems and start speaking to them, declaring God's promises over our lives. The story of Joshua and Caleb serves as a powerful reminder that God keeps good records, and faithfulness is rewarded. Despite the murmuring and complaining of the Israelites, it was Joshua and Caleb's unwavering faith that allowed them to enter the promised land. We must learn from their example and speak words of faith over our lives and the lives of others. [01:24:28]
Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: What is one situation in your life where you need to exercise your authority in Christ? How can you begin to speak God's promises over this situation today?
Day 4: Unity and Faith in the Church
Unity and faith go hand in hand, and a church that operates in unity will see the power of God move in unprecedented ways. We are called to bear one another's burdens, speak life into each other, and believe in the potential of every individual. As we prepare for the revival that God has promised, we must be ready to fight the battles that come with it, standing firm in our faith and declaring God's truth over every situation. Unity in the church is essential for the advancement of God's kingdom, and it requires intentional effort and commitment from each member. [01:52:21]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community this week? What practical steps can you take to bear one another's burdens and speak life into those around you?
Day 5: Proclaiming Revival and Restoration
We are called to proclaim revival and declare that those who are lost will return. This involves believing that God is bringing people from all walks of life into His church and being ready to fight the battles that come with it. The authority we have in Christ is not just for personal gain but for the advancement of God's kingdom. We are to proclaim revival, to declare that those who are lost will return, and to believe that God is bringing people from all walks of life into His church. This requires faith, perseverance, and a willingness to stand firm in the face of opposition. [01:45:46]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of spiritual revival or restoration? How can you pray for them and proclaim God's promises over their life today?
Quotes
"You can, he said it, but it bears repeating. You cannot talk faith today and talk doubt tomorrow and expect something to happen. I'm telling you, sister, I saw a hand reaching into your spirit. But it's up to you to walk through the house and say, no more, no more, no more. Not going to talk about depression. Not going to talk about anxiety. I'm going to talk about the presence of God." [01:21:45] (36 seconds)
"Say, well, I've got a nervous problem. Start talking to that nervous problem. I've got anxiety. Start talking to it. Stop talking about it. Quit getting on Facebook and telling your best friend how bad you feel. Start telling them God has touched my heart and I'm taking authority. You can put me out. You can put me out. You're on the street and I can get me a whistle and I can blow and everybody that comes by and they're going to look at me like I'm a nut." [01:24:28] (37 seconds)
"I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Saying to them, as truly as I live, saith the Lord, as you have spoken in my ears, so shall I do to you. Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness, and all that were numbered of you, according to the whole number, from 20 years old, old and upward, which have murmured against me. Doubtless, you shall not go into the land, concerning which I have swore to make you dwell therein. Save Caleb, the son of Jephani, and Joshua, the son of Nun. Out of the whole congregation of Israel, from 20 years old and up, not one got to go in, except two people, Joshua and Caleb. Joshua said, we're more than able, we're more, somebody shout it, we're more than able." [01:28:51] (62 seconds)
"The Bible tells us that he said to the children of Israel, I have heard your murmuring. I've heard your complaining. I'm sick of hearing you complaining. They was delivered from Egypt and bonded, and three days they were complaining. It took God one night to get them out of Egypt, but they never got Egypt out of them. Come on. You've got to take authority and get a doubt out of your heart." [01:29:37] (26 seconds)
"Come on, somebody, you've got to, you've got to fight against doubt. Oh my God, Bishop. I just hit a stump. I'm 75 miles out in the ocean and I hit a stump. Come on. We're going to work on that stump. I don't intimidate easy. I rebuke the spirit of doubt that wants to rise up and honor cry baby. I don't feel sorry for you. You're a soldier. Endure hardness as a good soldier. You're a soldier. Get up and fight." [01:31:04] (30 seconds)
"Instead of going home and talking about how bad you feel and how bad, how depressed you are all the time. Why don't you go home and make a declaration in your home? This is going to be a house of praise. Come on. When's the last time you shouted in your living room? When's the last time you shouted in your kitchen? Come on, somebody. God's hearing what you're saying." [01:32:10] (28 seconds)
"Come on, somebody hear me. God wants to set everybody free. But you're not going to get free if you talk about how bad it is. And I walked up there. I said, God sent you one. What are you going to do with it? He said, I'm going to love them and help them. Come on. Somebody. They're coming in in every situation. You've got drug addicts coming. You've got prostitutes coming. You've got homosexuals and lesbians coming. Come on. But the Word of God, the authority of God is in you. Turn it loose." [01:33:10] (33 seconds)
"You get a spirit of unity working in a church along with faith. See, the reason why some churches, they do have faith, but they don't have unity, and there's always a struggle there, but you get unity operating in that church. and they see a brother or sister, Paul, Paul said, bear up such a one in the spirit of meekness lest you also fall into temptation. Come on, somebody hear me tonight. It all has to do with faith and God's keeping up with what I'm saying. If I run down my brother, I run down my sister, God's keeping record. But if I tell everybody they're going to make it, God sends his angels. He's going to listen to them. They're going to make it." [01:52:21] (41 seconds)
"I've got enough shame on me that I would hang my head in shame if people knew where I come from and what I was involved in. But God, he loved me and that has to do with faith. But folks, I'm here to tell you, you will not have a spirit of faith without a spirit of unity. And there is a unified spirit in this church. But I'm sounding the alarm. Prepare for war because you're not going to have the revival God wants you to have without a fight from the devil. But you're two good soldiers. Endure hardness as a good soldier. Stand up and fight. Declare, declare, declare. Declare, declare. Declare, declare." [01:53:42] (42 seconds)
"Now, we're going to help you. I want you to call some backsliders names out that you know and pray for them right now and tell them by the authority of the word of God, I call those things which be not as though they were, they're here, they're already here. In the spirit, they're coming back." [01:59:22] (18 seconds)