Faith: The Key to God's Miraculous Grace
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound connection between faith and the miraculous works of God. Gathering together as a community of believers brings immense joy and spiritual energy, and it is in this environment that our faith can flourish. We delved into the concept that every good and perfect gift comes from above, and that our faith is the key to accessing God's grace. This grace is not just favor but a divine enabling power that allows us to fulfill God's promises in our lives.
We examined the story of Abraham, who believed God's promise against all odds. Despite his and Sarah's physical impossibilities, Abraham's unwavering faith made him the father of many nations. This teaches us that faith calls things that are not as though they are, and it is this kind of faith that brings the miraculous into our lives. We also heard a powerful testimony about a miraculous healing that validated a pastor's ministry, emphasizing that God still performs miracles today to validate His people and their ministries.
Moreover, we discussed the importance of embracing tribulations, as they produce perseverance, character, and hope. This hope does not disappoint because it is rooted in the love of God poured out into our hearts. We were reminded that faith is not just about believing that God can do anything but believing that He will do it. This active faith connects us to God's miraculous power.
Finally, we were encouraged to recognize and act upon the moments when our faith is activated. Whether through a word from God, a testimony, or a personal experience, these moments are opportunities to leap in faith and witness God's miraculous works. We were urged to stretch our faith, embrace God's promises, and believe that with God, nothing is impossible.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Accesses Grace: Our faith is the key to accessing God's grace, which is not just favor but a divine enabling power. This grace empowers us to fulfill God's promises in our lives, taking us from the lowest points to heavenly places. Without faith, we cannot access this grace, but with it, we stand in hope of God's glory manifesting in our lives. [07:11]
2. Calling Things That Are Not as Though They Are: Abraham's story teaches us that faith involves calling things that are not as though they are. Despite physical impossibilities, Abraham believed God's promise and became the father of many nations. This kind of faith stretches us to believe in the miraculous, even when circumstances seem hopeless. [08:53]
3. Embracing Tribulations: Tribulations produce perseverance, character, and hope. This hope does not disappoint because it is rooted in God's love. Embracing tribulations with faith glorifies God and strengthens our character, making us unstoppable and victorious in our spiritual journey. [27:31]
4. Validation Through Miracles: God validates His people and their ministries through miracles. These miraculous acts are not just for the benefit of the individual but serve as a testimony to others, strengthening their faith and confirming God's presence and power in our lives. [56:47]
5. Active Faith: Faith is not just about believing that God can do anything but believing that He will do it. This active faith connects us to God's miraculous power. Recognizing and acting upon moments when our faith is activated allows us to witness God's miraculous works in our lives. [35:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:02] - Joy in Gathering
[02:37] - Faith Connection
[03:58] - The Power of a Word from God
[05:26] - Faith and Grace
[07:11] - Accessing God's Grace
[08:53] - Calling Things That Are Not
[10:18] - Testimony of Healing
[11:08] - Believing Against Hope
[12:29] - Abraham's Faith
[13:39] - Physical Impossibilities
[15:12] - Glorifying God Through Faith
[18:05] - Nothing is Impossible with God
[19:28] - Simplicity in Faith
[21:05] - Righteousness Through Faith
[22:13] - Justification and Peace
[23:30] - Access by Faith
[25:24] - Standing in Hope
[27:31] - Glory in Tribulations
[30:02] - Producing Character and Hope
[31:48] - Measure of Faith
[32:52] - Activating Faith
[35:26] - Faith Connection
[38:27] - Recognizing God's Work
[40:10] - Believing Through Signs
[41:49] - The Greatest Miracle
[43:11] - God's Greater Power
[44:00] - Validating Ministry
[47:17] - Faith and Prayer
[49:27] - Testimony of Healing
[52:59] - God Validates His People
[55:14] - Miraculous Healing Testimony
[57:55] - Growing Faith
[58:36] - The Centurion's Faith
[01:00:05] - Understanding Submission
[01:02:03] - Faith in Action
[01:06:01] - Be Careful What You Pray For
[01:08:15] - The Hem of His Garment
[01:11:07] - Faith Connection
[01:13:15] - Embracing God's Miracles
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 4:16-21 (NKJV)
> "Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, 'I have made you a father of many nations') in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, 'So shall your descendants be.' And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform."
2. James 1:17 (NKJV)
> "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."
3. Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV)
> "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 4:16-21 say about Abraham's faith and how it relates to God's promises?
2. According to James 1:17, where do every good and perfect gift come from?
3. In Romans 5:1-5, what are the steps that lead from tribulation to hope, and why does hope not disappoint?
4. How did the pastor describe the impact of faith on accessing God's grace? ([07:11])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Abraham's faith in Romans 4:16-21 serve as an example for us today when facing seemingly impossible situations?
2. What does it mean that every good and perfect gift comes from above, and how should this influence our perspective on blessings and challenges? ([01:02])
3. How can the process described in Romans 5:1-5 (tribulation producing perseverance, character, and hope) change the way we view our own trials and difficulties?
4. Why is it important to recognize and act upon moments when our faith is activated, as mentioned in the sermon? ([35:26])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a seemingly impossible situation. How did your faith influence the outcome, and what can you learn from Abraham's example? ([12:29])
2. How can you cultivate a mindset that sees every good and perfect gift as coming from God, especially during challenging times? ([01:02])
3. Think about a recent tribulation you have experienced. How did it produce perseverance, character, and hope in your life? How can you apply this understanding to future challenges? ([27:31])
4. The pastor mentioned that faith is not just about believing that God can do anything but believing that He will do it. How can you develop this kind of active faith in your daily life? ([35:26])
5. Identify a moment when your faith was activated by a word from God, a testimony, or a personal experience. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more attentive to such moments in the future? ([33:21])
6. How can you support others in your community to embrace tribulations and see them as opportunities for growth in faith and character? ([30:02])
7. What steps can you take to ensure that you are recognizing and acting upon the moments when your faith is activated, as encouraged in the sermon? ([35:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Unlocks Divine Power
Faith is the key to accessing God's grace, which is not just favor but a divine enabling power. This grace empowers us to fulfill God's promises in our lives, taking us from the lowest points to heavenly places. Without faith, we cannot access this grace, but with it, we stand in hope of God's glory manifesting in our lives. This divine power is transformative, enabling us to overcome obstacles and achieve what seems impossible. It is through faith that we tap into this reservoir of divine strength and see God's hand at work in our lives. [07:11]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need God's grace. How can you actively exercise your faith to access this divine power today?
Day 2: Speaking Life into Existence
Abraham's story teaches us that faith involves calling things that are not as though they are. Despite physical impossibilities, Abraham believed God's promise and became the father of many nations. This kind of faith stretches us to believe in the miraculous, even when circumstances seem hopeless. By speaking life into situations that appear dead, we align ourselves with God's promises and open the door for the miraculous to occur. This active declaration of faith is a powerful tool in the believer's arsenal. [08:53]
Romans 4:17 (ESV): "As it is written, 'I have made you the father of many nations'—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life that seems hopeless. How can you start speaking God's promises over this situation today?
Day 3: Strength Through Tribulations
Tribulations produce perseverance, character, and hope. This hope does not disappoint because it is rooted in God's love. Embracing tribulations with faith glorifies God and strengthens our character, making us unstoppable and victorious in our spiritual journey. Trials are not meant to break us but to build us up, refining our faith and drawing us closer to God. By viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, we can develop a resilient and hopeful spirit. [27:31]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did it shape your character and faith? How can you embrace future tribulations with a perspective of growth?
Day 4: Miracles as Divine Validation
God validates His people and their ministries through miracles. These miraculous acts are not just for the benefit of the individual but serve as a testimony to others, strengthening their faith and confirming God's presence and power in our lives. Miracles are a divine endorsement, showcasing God's approval and support for His servants. They serve as a powerful witness to the reality of God's kingdom and His active involvement in our world. [56:47]
Acts 14:3 (ESV): "So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands."
Reflection: Think of a miracle you have witnessed or heard about. How did it impact your faith and the faith of those around you? How can you share this testimony to encourage others?
Day 5: Active Faith in Action
Faith is not just about believing that God can do anything but believing that He will do it. This active faith connects us to God's miraculous power. Recognizing and acting upon moments when our faith is activated allows us to witness God's miraculous works in our lives. It is through this active engagement with our faith that we see the tangible results of God's promises. By stepping out in faith, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of God's power and provision. [35:26]
Mark 11:24 (ESV): "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Reflection: Identify a specific area where you need to exercise active faith. What steps can you take today to act on this faith and trust God for the outcome?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Why in the world would someone do that two hours and 34 minutes according to Google driving on Sunday morning? Well, I know why because I've driven a thousand miles to hear one service. I know why. Does anybody here know why? I know you do. I know a bunch of you know what. Amen. Because a church of lives worth the drive because a word from God is priceless because one word from God is priceless because one word from God can change your whole world one word can alter your entire life." [05:26] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "With God, nothing's impossible. With God, nothing is impossible. That's God's own words. Amen. Amen. We work at God by the promises of God. Folks, if God's made us some promises, we need to embrace those promises. He did not waver at the promises of God. Yes, I'm sure when he looked at Sarah and he looked at himself, he shook a little bit, but the promises of God overrode that." [15:12] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's gonna do a miracle. God's gonna do mighty acts. God's gonna do mighty works. By faith I access grace and stand in hope of his glory showing up. Let's give God praise right now. By faith I access grace and stand in hope of his glory showing up. Let's give God praise right now. Hallelujah. Hallelujah." [25:24] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God validates you so he can use you so he can use you and he can use any word he praise God again God we love you God we give glory to you God we give honor to you glory be to God amen Father bore witness with miracles and today God still bears witness with miracles he does it does it right here does it right here." [52:59] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Is anything too difficult for the Lord? No sir, nothing. Amen. Amen. You know, we don't get puffed up because God does this man you couldn't heal a gnat you couldn't raise a fly but God can do anything and so when God does it we glorify Jesus. Amen." [53:39] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There is a measure and a walk in faith that people everyone can attain to but ironically and unfortunately not everyone does and and I want to say this universally it's their own fault because everyone can so I give you hope today that no matter where you're at you can have more amen amen." [02:37] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When your faith overrides the natural impossibilities you glorify God you give glory to God when you stand around you sit around talking about oh me oh my this is bad this is bad this is bad it's just gonna get worse what are we gonna do you're not giving any glory to God but when you're in that same situation and you say but I think my God is well able I think my God can overcome this you're given glory to God." [16:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith grows. Our faith should constantly be growing. Amen. Amen. Because we're constantly seeing more and more. Hearing more and more. Setting through services like this. Getting more and more. Amen. If we got any doubts. Turn them over to God. Do like the father that had the son. That said Lord, I believe help them my unbelief. And Jesus immediately healed his son to help his unbelief. Amen. Rise up and believe God. Amen. Your faith connection." [57:55] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What connects your faith to God. You remember. You remember the centurion and he said can you come can you heal my servant he said yeah I'll come and he says no no I want you to you don't need to come under my roof I'm not worthy that you should come under my roof he said I'm a man under authority he didn't say I'm a man of authority he said I'm a man under authority he said I get submission think about what he just said I'm a man under authority I say to this man go and he goes I say to this one come and he comes you know what he just said he said the authority of Rome is on me I am a centurion I'm a soldier that has a hundred men accountable to me and I tell them do this and they do it and then he says speak the word and my servant will be healed this is a roman soldier and Jesus looks at him and marvels and said I've not seen this kind of faith in Israel it takes this gentile roman soldier to leap in faith like that to say you don't even have to come speak a word and he's healed what connected the soldier's faith his faith connected by an understanding of submission to authority was his faith something will connect your faith to when you feel that know that you move on it with me it's usually inner impressions just it's there and it just happens all the time I can't explain it I can't explain it it's the holy ghost it's the spirit it's god but but that's that's a very very light explanation in reality." [01:00:05] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Somebody give God some glory God you're good God you're some glory God you're good God you're good God you're great God you're a miracle worker hallelujah yeah and he's hallelujah yeah and he's hallelujah yeah and he's and now he goes into looks like a totally and now he goes into looks like a totally and now he goes into looks like a totally different direction but it's not different direction but it's not different direction but it's not and and not only that not only that but and and not only that not only that but and and not only that not only that but we also glory in tribulations oh we also glory in tribulations oh man we also glory in tribulations oh man we just shouted over what God's gonna do we just shouted over what God's gonna do we just shouted over what God's gonna do run yeah but when I say we glory in run yeah but when I say we glory in run yeah but when I say we glory in tribulations why because we know that tribulations why because we know that tribulations why because we know that tribulation produces pressure parents tribulation produces pressure parents tribulation produces pressure parents tribulation will make me unstoppable tribulation unshakable unshakable unshakable unshakable unshakable unmoveable defiant victorious an unmoveable defiant victorious an overcomer what produced what how's that overcomer what produced what how's that be an overcomer pray the Lord take this away from me that new conversation away from me that new conversation away from me that new conversation convert come to me one time young convert convert come to me one time young convert said to me pastor oh my goodness said." [27:31] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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