In this thought-provoking sermon, Pastor Paul Bailey examines the importance of hearing and responding to God’s Word, even when the message challenges us. Using biblical examples, he reminds us that faith isn’t about what feels good—it’s about confidently expecting what God has spoken to come to pass.

• Hearing God’s Word
  Faith begins with hearing from God (Romans 10:17). Pastor Bailey explains how faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). However, hope doesn’t always mean expecting something positive—it’s about trusting what God says, no matter how it feels.

• Biblical Examples of Faith

1. Noah (Hebrews 11:7): God warned Noah of a devastating flood. Despite the difficulty, Noah believed, obeyed, and built the ark, demonstrating true faith.
2. Abraham (Hebrews 11:8): Called to leave everything familiar, Abraham obeyed, trusting God’s promise of an unknown inheritance.
3. The Early Church (Acts 11:27-30): Prophets foretold a famine, prompting believers to send relief in faith, showing their trust in God’s guidance.

• The Challenge of God’s Word
  Sometimes God’s message is hard to accept—it may not feel victorious or comfortable. Yet Pastor Bailey encourages believers to find comfort in the fact that God is speaking to them. Faith is about confidently expecting God’s Word to come to pass, even when it requires sacrifice or hardship.

Closing Thought
What God says may not always be easy, but it is still God. Trust in His Word, even when it’s difficult, and know that you’re in good company with heroes of faith who obeyed despite the challenges.