Christian Living: The Basics of Our Christian Faith

Elder Dennis L. Wade

Dennis Wade

Christian Living • Sermon • Submitted a year ago • Presented a year ago

Saving Faith

0 ratings

· 5 views

Notes

Transcript

Regardless of how gifted we are, there has been a foundation laid for the work that we do within the Kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 “9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Lesson 1: Faith

A. What is Faith?

According to the Dictionary of Bible Themes (8020 faith)

Faith is a continuous trust towards God, where we as humans put all of our trust or confidence in God, his word and his promises.

Faith is the means by which God’s grace in Christ, and with him the blessings of salvation, is received. I will share in a few moments the Apostle Paul’s teaching on the doctrine of justification by faith which is essential to the Christian life.

B. Faith is the foundation of salvation.

John 3:14-17, 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Our faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ that when we believe, trust, rely on, put our confidence in, we are not die eternally; we won’t be condemned with the world but eternal life.

God presented a gift of salvation and eternal life to us through His son Jesus.

Hebrews 11:1-3 says, - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

The patriarchs of old, the Elders faced various difficult situations and vs. 39, had a good testimony of faith that God of faith, but did not receive the promise 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

Genesis 15:6 - 6 And he[Abraham] believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

WE wanted a better life, but we had to have faith to believe in the Gospel ( the Good News) that Jesus came to save us redeem us from our sinful lifestyle.

C. How Do We Get Faith?

1. A Measure of Faith

Rom 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Faith is like a muscle, you have to exercise it.

It’s like going to the gym for the first time.

2. Faith comes through hearing God’s word preached

Romans 10:14–17 (NKJV)

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

See also Isa 52:7; 53:1; Jn 1:7; 4:41-42; 17:20; Ac 11:19-21; 1Co 2:4-5

D. Why Do We Need Faith?

1. Faith pleases God and we receive God’s blessings!

Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Lesson 2: The Book of Romans

The Apostle Paul admonished the Philippian Church in Phil 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

As Believers in Jesus Christ we must continue to work on how how we live the Christian life. Reading and gaining an understanding of the book of Romans is a thorough and clearest teaching on the foundational principals of the Christian faith that the Apostle Paul has written.

In the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul’s teaches on the on the doctrine of justification by faith and very foundation truths of Christian Living. There’s not enough time to share a complete line by line teaching on the book of Romans. Hopefully the key points I touch on will stir your spiritual appetite to do further study of the foundational truths Paul writes to the Church of Rome.

1. The first line that Paul writes to the Church of Rome in Romans 1:1 “1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God”

First, in this Christian life we must come to the understanding that we belong to Jesus Christ! We are no longer slaves to Satan. We are no longer slaves to man! We are not slaves to the Law. God has called us and is preparing us to a specific ministry.

The word for servant in the greek is DOULOS which comes the the root word DEO. DEO means TO BIND. So Paul is referring to himself as being a bondman or slave to Jesus Christ - a slave of free choice (I’ll talk about free choice or free will next) yet owned and purchased by Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NKJV)

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

When the Israelites bought Hebrew slaves, they were required to set them free during their seventh year. However , if the slave loved and wanted to stay with their master, then the master would take an awl and pierce their ear lobe pronouncing them bon-slaves forever. ( Exodus 21:2-6 and Deuteronomy 15:12-17).

Piercing has a different meaning in today’s culture.

Paul’s use of the word bondservant was his declaration of Jesus as His absolute Master, and expressing his love, devotion, and His free choice to the one whom he served.

2. Paul proclaimed this servitude before he mentioned his apostleship. WE MUST IDENTIFY OURSELVES AS A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST BEFORE MINISTRY.

3. Finally, we have a new life in Christ and we are now separated from the law to preach gospel of Jesus Christ!

Paul was the first apostle to visit the Church of Rome. He had to settle disputes between the Gentile believers and the Jewish believers. The Jewish believers took the position that the Gentiles who were coverts from pagan worship must convert to Judaism and be circumcised in order to be a believer in Jesus Christ. Paul felt an obligation to instruct them on this matter.

Paul addresses two overall themes in Romans that is crucial to our Christian living:

Plan of Salvation (1:1-11:36)

A. Chapter 1

Romans 1:16 “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

The gospel of Christ is the power of God that leads to salvation

somewhere all of us heard the Good News of Jesus Christ

The gospel is for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also to the Greek

righteousness or right living is revealed from faith to faith

The just shall live by faith!

B. Chapter 2 Righteous Judgement- We are without excuse

Romans 2:1–4 (NKJV)

1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

C. Chapter 3: God’s Faithfulness

Forgiveness of Sin Through Christ

Forgiveness of sin was not through the Law as the Jewish believer mandated that the Gentile believer go through the circumcision ritual they had to to be recognized as holy before God.

Romans 3:21–26,28 (NKJV)

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

We are covered by the blood of Jesus and God has passed over the sins.

Exodus of Egyptian bondage

Our new Christian life and our living is by faith in Jesus Christ

Boasting about the good we’ve done doesn’t work.

We are not saved by the Law.

All the good works we do won’t save us.

or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

D. Chapter 4: We are justified by our faith

1. Romans 4:3 - “3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.””

The Law is important but we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ.

If we desire to live by the Law (Genesis to Deuteronomy) we must follow the entire law; breaking one part of the law one is considered guilty of the entire law.

Circumcision is not justification

Abraham justified before circumcision.

2. Romans 4:19-22 19

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. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.

Abraham was not perfect

He lied - and told a king that Sara was his sister

He had a baby by another woman

E. Chapter 5: We have peace with God through Jesus Christ!

1. Romans 5:1–5 (NKJV)

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 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.

2. Through Adam there was eternal death; through Jesus Christ there is

eternal life!

Romans 5:18 (NKJV)

18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

F. Chapter 6: Freed from Sin ,Slave unto Righteousness

Romans 6:3-4 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life…18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

Chapter 7 - we are freed from the Law

Chapter 8 - We have Sonship through the Spirit

Romans 8:26-27 “26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

G. Chapters 9-11: Israel’s Past Present and Future -

1. Romans 9:31–33 (NKJV)

31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

2. Israel needs the Gospel!

Romans 10:3-4 “3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

Romans 10:6–13 (NKJV)

6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

H. Chapters 12-16: Personal Responsibilities

We are a Living Sacrifice to God!

Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

God wants our availability more than our ability

We are a living sacrifice

This is where we die to self, die to our flesh; die to our desires; die to our will; die to our ambitions; die to our position; laying our gifts and talents on the altar in order to position ourselves to fulfill the purpose of God in our lives.

He requires holiness because He is a holy God

Our sacrifice must be acceptable to God.

Serve God with Spiritual Gifts (vs. 3-8)

Be Christlike (vs. 9-21)

Submitting to Governments - (Chapter 13)

Pray for your governmental officials that you may live peaceful life.

Loving your neighbor

Putting on Christ

How to treat the weaker brother or sister

Romans 14:10-13 “10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”

Bear one Another’s Burdens (Chapter 15)

Avoid Divisive Persons (Chapter 16)

Lesson 3: Free Will

Galatians 5:1-6;13-15 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love… “1The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ga 5:1–6.

What Is Free Will?

Basically, it is the idea or belief that we are in control of our own lives and that we have the free choice to make our own decisions.

Free will theism asserts that God enters into a “give-and-take” relationship with humanity and freely risks his sovereignty by giving humans a substantial measure of freedom.

Yes, we have been given a choice to make our own decisions, but to what extent and at what cost?

We have freedom in Christ because he has set us free , but don’t allow ourselves to get entangled with the burden and slavery of sin.

We are not free to do whatever we want.

Do we live by the Law or do we live under Grace?

Circumcision vs. Uncircumcision

Galatians 5:13-15 - 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”

Let love guide your decisions

Will you actions cause your brother or sister to sin?

“Give up your right to be right”

Galatians 5:16-17 “16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”

Daily Walk in the Spirit

Lesson 4: The Fruit of the Spirit

A. The emphasis of being a Kingdom believer is not on the spiritual gifts - represents what we do; that is our employment within the Body of Christ.

B. The emphasis is on the Fruit of the Spirit, our character development of who we are

C. The Apostle Paul has just drawn a distinction between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit .

1. (Galatians 5:16–18).

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

2. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

a. How we live in the Spirit?

b. We should now live accordingly, in the Spirit (5:25–26)!

Love (God’s character) manifests :

Joy - love’s strength

Peace - love’s security

Goodness - Loves character

Faith - love’s confidence; loyalty

Long suffering - love’s patience

Meekness - love’s humility

Temperance - love’s victory

Gentleness - love’s softness; kindness

Lesson 5: The Importance Christian Community ( The Church)

Romans 13:11

The New King James Version (Chapter 13)

11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

We need to be an active participant of a living and thriving organization - the Church

The Church is the Body of Christ, a living organism, a community of believers of like precious faith filled with the Holy Ghost.

The Church is the representation of the Kingdom of Heaven in the earth.

On the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 after the Holy Spirit baptized the disciples and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak with other tongues and after Peter’s sermon and his exhortation in Acts 2:38-39

Acts 2:38–39 (NKJV)

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:42–47 (NKJV)

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Commonality of each person was that they were believers and filled with the Holy Ghost

Spending time together

Breaking of Bread

Fellowshipping with each other

Praying-

with each other

for one another,

for the local church,

for the Body of Christ

all things were common

sold possessions and goods and divided them among all as anyone had need

demonstration of the love within a Godly Spirt Filled community

Hebrews 10:24-25

“24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Make it a personal commitment not to neglect gathering together at your local church and then other Christian meetings.

We focus on each other to encourage each other.

To stir up the love

To stir up good works

To build each other up (prophesying to each other)

We have the attitude to help each other live this Christian life and wanting each other to succeed and be ready for the return of Jesus.

Lesson 6: Worship as A Lifestyle

Romans 12:1 “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

NLT- And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

We are a living sacrifice

a holy sacrifice

that is acceptable to God

which is our rational service

Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:6-9); Five -fold Ministry Offices (Ephesians 4:7-16); and Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14)

Hebrews 13:15 “15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”

Offer our worship continuously.

Our praise and our worship is a sacrifice.

The fruit of our lips is giving thanks to His name

Malachi 1:11 For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down,My name shall be great among the Gentiles;

During our private time of prayer and worship and even during our corporate gatherings of worship, we need to commit to

Ephesians 5:19 - speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

Colossians 3:16-17 “16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

This where we can practice the presence of Jesus wherever we are - at home, on the job, at school, in the prison, etc.

Worship is more than singing a song; it’s how we live from day to day, moment to moment, in difficult times and situation.

Our worship moves the hand of God!

Our worship releases the anointing of God.

Acts 16:16-34 (NKJV): Paul and Silas Imprisoned

16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.

17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”

18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities… 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

The Philippian Jailer Saved

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”… 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

Lesson 7: Devotional Life

Psalms 5:3 “3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.”

Psalms 55:16-17 “16 As for me, I will call upon God, And the Lord shall save me. 17 Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.”

Psalms 59:16 “16 But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.”

Psalms 63:1 “1 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.”

Psalms 88:13 “13 But to You I have cried out, O Lord, And in the morning my prayer comes before You.”

Psalm 141:2 2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Seek the Lord during the early morning

Spend time in the morning with the Lord before you head off to work,

Spend time in the morning with the Lord you are driving to work or on the bus, or train, or whatever transportation you use, you can listen to and meditate on the Word.

During your lunch hour you can use that time to as a devotional time to the Lord.

When you come home from work, take the time to shed off the things of the world and spend time before the Lord or after you get the children to bed.

There is always time to spend before the Lord.

I encourage to find whatever works for you and be consistent with your devotional time.

The Late Dr. Edwin Louis Cole , the author of Maximized Manhood had a national and international ministry to men. He often encouraged the men and this applies to the women as well to

Spend your mornings reading a chapter in Proverbs to gain wisdom for the day. So, whatever the current day is during the month, find the corresponding chapter and read it.

Then at night read five chapters in Psalms to regain strength, that the world may have drained you of.

Lesson 8: Fasting Life

Isiah 58:6-9 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen:To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free,And that you break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him,And not hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,Your healing shall spring forth speedily,And your righteousness shall go before you;The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

Matthew 17:19-21 “19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.””

Fasting is a discipline that is expected of the Christians to do.

It is a personal commitment performed unto God, not unto men.

Dr. Kingsley Fletcher shares from his book Prayer and Fasting,Purpose, Preparation, Action, Result, Giving ourselves to fasting and prayer brings our spirit, our body, and our emotions and mind all under subjection to the Word of God… We do not fast only to receive an answer to a specific prayer. We fast for the sake of our spiritual position with God.

There are various types of fasting and various lengths of fasting which can be covered in another teaching. If fasting is new to you, choose a day from sunup to sundown ( usually 6am to 6pm) as a start.

The main things about fasting is the

abstention from food for a period of time.

drink plenty of water

repentance of failings and shortcomings

intercession for others

boldly present our own needs before the Lord

it’s coupled with spending that time in prayer

concentrate on the Word

getting our mind on God and sensing His presence

use wisdom when ending the fast

Lesson 9: Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NLT - 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,

“They share freely and give generously to the poor.

Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

Generous giving is above the tithes and offerings the Lord requires for the local church according to Malachi 3:10-11.

God blesses us to meet our needs and to meet the needs of others

When we give generously, we receive generously

Don’t be reluctant to give

Don’t give out of pressure

When we give generously, we come in agreement with the ministry

We come into agreement with the Word that is being preached.

Enquire of God, when you receive is this seed for me personally, or is it seed for sowing into another’s ministry

Lesson 10: Be a Witness

Acts 1:8 “8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

Being filled with the Holy Spirit qualifies and enables you to be a witness.

Start with telling you story in your family, your neighborhood, your city (Jerusalem)

Then go to the region, your state (Judea)

Then go to the nation, (Samaria)

Just we willing and confident to tell your story- What did God do for you

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 declares, 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

You have already been called to ministry.

You don’t have to go to Bible college to become a Bible Scholar to use Greek and Hebrew.

Just, tell your story!

All I know is that I was lost in my sin, came from a broken home, low self esteem, got caught up in an unhealthy habit, wanted to isolate myself from everybody, tried to fit-in to be liked by everyone, but God set me free from my past. I’m not perfect, but God is reeding me and loving me and healing me , and freeing me everyday. I am not what I want to be yet, but thank God I am not what I use to be before I totally surrendered to Him.

Related Media

Related Sermons