Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church

November 8, 2009                                                               Steven J. Mattis, Pastor

Series: Finding Your Place in Ministry

            Pt. V “Faith for Ministry”      Heb. 11:1, 6, Num. 13, 14          

I.  What is faith anyway?

     A.  It takes faith to know God.

     B.  Moving things from the unseen world into the seen world.

     C.  Volitional surrender and obedience in spite of circumstances.

            1.  Faith acknowledges the Lordship of Christ in our circum.

            2.  Faith stands firm on Who it knows on the inside.

            3.  Faith always provides victory in our worst circumstances.

II.  Where does faith come from?

     A.  Faith comes from God. From hearing what God says.  Ro. 10:17

            1.  Each one is given a measure of faith.  Ro. 12:3  Sufficient!

     B.  The object of our faith determines our power and effectiveness.

            1.  If our faith is in God, there will be life, joy, peace, victory.

     C.  If you can find it in God’s word you can have it. It is a benefit.

            1.  Numbers. 23:19

            2.  The bible spells out our rights, privileges,            responsibilities.

III.  Distinguishing between Truth and Facts.  Numbers 13:26-14:10

     A.  Facts are what we know through the senses.  It’s what we see.

     B.  Truth is what we know because God has said -  God’s word.

     C.  Whose report will you believe?  Joshua/Caleb, or those who             only saw the facts, but have no faith.

·         Looking only at the “facts” will always produce failure.

·         Settling what is “true” and obeying God’s word = success.

·         Never confess what you see, rather confess what God says.

·         Remember most of the people say what they see.

·         Faith says and does what God says, rather than what we see.

·         Find people who will stand with you in what God says.

·         God is looking for people who will believe, speak and do his word.