Faith takes…Love, Strength, and Courage

October 8, 2006 AM
Pastor Ken Entwistle

Sparks Nazarene Church

What can we learn from one of the most widely known and memorized pieces of Scripture?  John 3:16

“Faith can move mountains”

Faith according to Miriam Webster’s dictionary is

                                                              i.      Allegiance to duty or a person

                                                             ii.      Belief and trust in and loyalty to God

                                                            iii.      Firm belief in something there is no proof

                                                            iv.      Complete trust

                                                            v.      Synonym = BELIEF

1.

The Love of God goes beyond all understanding.

God Needed to give his Son.

Our Creator built in us a Free Will.

Jesus had Choices to make. Matthew 4:1-11 NIV

He chose to put his Faith in God

2.

God’s Strength can overcome any obstacle.

God’s strength is endless.  He even has power over Death.

Jesus’ strength to over come his fear was sent from God. Luke 22:43

Could Jesus have fallen short? Yes!

The difference between Jesus’ victory and possible failure is Faith.

3.

Finding the Courage to support our faith is a prayer away.

Jesus did not want to die on the cross. Luke 22:42

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will , but yours be done." NIV

Jesus accepted God’s will for him. Mark 9:31b

The Human Form of God Poured his life out for all his children.

He Walked the walk, and He Talked the talk.

What does all this mean to you and me?

Everything that was available to Jesus here on earth is available to us today!

We are sons and daughters of God!

            Romans 8:13-15 (NIV)

For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.

To be a son or daughter of God we must live by Faith.

Living by faith means we believe in Jesus as our personal Savior.

When we become a son or daughter of God we inherit all that God has. Romans 8:17

We also tap into God’s strength, courage, and love. 2 Timothy 1:7

All this is possible because God first loved us!