As we conclude our series on “By Faith”,  let us discover how faith enables us to overcome the challenges and trials of life. Let’s gather to strengthen our faith and celebrate the victory we have through our belief in Christ.

Mark 11:22-24 - “And Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’”

Jesus teaches us that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains. This means that no problem is too big for God to handle. Faith empowers us to speak directly to our challenges, trusting in God's power to transform our circumstances.

Consider the mountains in your life—relationship struggles, financial difficulties, health issues, or work-related stress. These mountains can feel overwhelming and permanent, but Jesus encourages us to have faith in God. Just as He spoke to the fig tree and it withered, we too can speak to our mountains with confidence in God's power.

How can you apply these steps of faith?

1. Identify Your Mountain: Recognize and be specific in naming the challenges you are facing.

2. Speak to Your Mountain: Use the authority given by Jesus to declare God’s promises over your situation.

3. Believe and Do Not Doubt: Trust that God hears your prayers and is capable of moving mountains.

4. Pray with Expectation: Approach God with the expectation that He will act according to His will.

5. Forgive others: Unforgiveness can hinder your faith. Forgive others as Christ forgave you.

With faith in God, speak to your mountains and believe that they will move. Trust in His power, pray with expectation, and practice forgiveness. No mountain is too big for God. Let Him be your mountain mover today.

What mountains are you facing right now that need to be moved? Take a moment to identify them, speak to them in faith, and trust in God’s power to move them.

Prayer:

Lord, strengthen our faith to move mountains. Help us trust in Your power, speak boldly to our challenges, and forgive others as You have forgiven us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

As we continue our series on “By Faith”,  let us learn how the power of God is at work in the life of a believer, by having a “Mountain Moving Faith”.

Genesis 22:1-2 - "Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, 'Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.' Then He said, 'Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.'"

Abraham, known as the father of faith, faced one of the greatest tests recorded in the Bible. God asked him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, the very child through whom God had promised to fulfill His covenant. This test was not about God's need for a sacrifice but about Abraham's trust and obedience.

In our lives today, we might not face such dramatic tests, but we do encounter challenges that test our faith. These tests come in various forms—financial difficulties, health issues, relationship problems, or personal crises. Like Abraham, we are called to trust God even when His instructions seem difficult or impossible to understand.

Think about a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did you respond? Did you try to handle it on your own, or did you turn to God in faith and obedience? Abraham's story reminds us that faith involves trusting God's promises and His character, even when we can't see the outcome.

In moments of testing, it is crucial to remember that God is faithful. He does not test us to make us fail but to strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Him. As James 1:2-3 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

What does the test of faith demand from us?
1. Trust in God's Preparation: Embrace the process, knowing that God equips us for each test we face.
2. Believe in God's Promises: God's promises in the Bible are true and reliable. Hold on to them during difficult times.
3. Rely on God's Power: Trust that God has the power to handle any situation you face.
4. Depend on God's Provision: Remember that God knows your needs and will provide for them in His perfect timing and way.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant presence and mighty power in our lives. Teach us to trust You more, to fear not, to stand firm in Your promises, and to move forward in faith. Help us to see Your hand at work in every challenge we face, knowing that You are leading us toward Your purposes. Amen.

As we continue our series on “By Faith”,  let us find out and listen as Pastor Joel de Vera will expound on "The Test of Faith"! We'll be exploring Genesis 22, where Abraham's faith is put to the ultimate test. 

Hebrews 11:1-2 - “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony."

It's a misconception that Christians never doubt or worry. Like everyone else, Christians sometimes struggle with faith. Life's hardships, such as natural disasters and personal trials, affect everyone equally, regardless of faith. What sets believers apart is their faith to navigate these challenges, trusting in God's promises through Jesus Christ.

This faith is not just for salvation but for daily living. Hebrews 11, often called the "Faith Chapter," highlights ordinary people who trusted an extraordinary God and lived extraordinary lives. These individuals had a common faith that helped them face immense difficulties.

Hebrews 11:1-2 describes faith as having substance and evidence. Faith is a firm foundation, giving us confidence in God's promises. It's not blind optimism or positive thinking, but a trust in God's revealed Word. True faith is confident obedience to God's Word despite circumstances and consequences.

In today's fast-paced world, we often seek immediate solutions and visible results. However, biblical faith calls us to trust in God's promises, even when we don't see immediate outcomes. This trust requires us to lean on God's Word and His character, believing that He is faithful and will fulfill His promises.

How then do we live out our faith in our daily lives?

1. Stand on God's Promises: Reflect on a promise from the Bible each day. Let these promises be your foundation.

2. Act on Convictions: Trust God's guidance in your decisions, even when the path is unclear.

3. Seek God's Approval: Focus on pleasing God rather than seeking approval from others. God's affirmation is what truly matters.

By living this way, our lives become a testimony of faith, just like the heroes of Hebrews 11. They trusted God wholeheartedly and demonstrated their faith through their actions.

Prayer:

"Lord, help us to have faith like the heroes of Hebrews 11. Remind us of Your love, plan, and promises. Give us the courage to trust You, especially in difficult times, and to live lives that are a testimony of Your faithfulness. Amen."

As we continue our series on “By Faith”,  we're delving deep into the topic "Demonstrated Faith" based on Hebrews 11:1.

Let us study how we can live out a faith that goes beyond belief, touching every aspect of our daily lives.

Romans 10:9-10 - “That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

These verses highlight the power of faith in Jesus. It’s not about doing good deeds or following a list of rules. Salvation comes from believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.

Believing in your heart means genuinely trusting that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, conquering death. This belief justifies us before God, making us righteous in His eyes.

Confessing with your mouth means openly declaring your faith. It’s a public acknowledgment of Jesus as your Lord and Savior. This confession is crucial because it reflects the true condition of your heart.

In our world today, people often look for complex solutions to life’s problems. But the Bible teaches us that the only way to eternal life is faith alone in Jesus Christ.

As we reflect, ask yourself:
* Have you truly believed in your heart that Jesus is Lord?
* Have you openly confessed and proclaimed this belief to others?

If you have not, today is a perfect time to take that step. Romans 10:13 promises, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Prayer:
“Dear Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus is Lord and that He died and rose again for my sins. I confess this with my mouth and ask You to be my Savior. Help me to live for You each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

As we begin a new series on “By Faith”, we're delving deep into the essence of "Saving Faith” based on Romans 10:9-10.

Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us."

In a world filled with uncertainty, this promise can bring us great comfort. It reassures us that no matter the challenges we face, God’s power and ability far exceed our greatest expectations and highest aspirations.

In our daily lives, we often limit ourselves by what we see and understand. We might feel that our problems are too big or our dreams are unattainable. However, Ephesians 3:20 encourages us to bring our requests to God, no matter how big or small, trust that He can do even more than we imagine.

So, how do we tap into this immeasurable power?
1. Pray Boldly: Ask God for what you truly need, believing that He can provide beyond your expectations.
2. Take Action: While trusting in God's power, take practical steps towards your goals. Faith without action is incomplete (James 2:17).
3. Trust God's Timing: Remember that God's power works according to His perfect timing and wisdom. Be patient and trust that He is at work even when you cannot see it.

As we embrace the truth of Ephesians 3:20, remember, God doesn't just meet our expectations; He exceeds them. He doesn't just fulfill our dreams; He goes beyond them.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your immeasurable power that is at work within us. Help us to trust in your ability to do more than we could ever ask or imagine. Give us the courage to step out in faith and fulfill the plans you have for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.