Text: Romans 4:18-21

18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.   19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:  20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief;  but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;  21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 

Friday, 8^th November 2024

THE GIFTS OF POWER Faith

Text: Romans 4:18-21

Memory verse: Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is the exceptional ability to hold fast to the truth of God in Jesus Christ despite pressures, problems, and obstacles to faithfulness. It is more than just belief; faith is a gift that empowers an individual or a group of people to hold fast to its identity in Christ in the face of any challenges. The gift of faith enables believers to rise above pressures and problems that might otherwise cripple them. Faith is characterized by an unshakable trust in God to deliver on His promises, no matter what. The gift of faith inspires those who might be tempted to give up and to hold on.

Those gifted with Faith create a foundation upon which true community can be built and sustained. It is critical for people possessing the gift of Faith to make opportunities to share their beliefs, their learning, and, most importantly, their life experiences. Faith stories have powerful and transforming effects. Faith is usually a prominent gift in witnessing to the congregation where personal stories are often shared in group settings, worship, Sunday school classes, or Bible studies.

The Bible gives us so many examples of individuals with the spiritual gift of faith. In Hebrews 11, the scripture neatly lays out the meaning of faith and example after example of historical figures who practiced that faith in seemingly impossible situations. By faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. By faith, Enoch skipped death. By faith, Noah built a ship. By faith, Abraham said yes to God. By faith, barren Sarah became pregnant.

The gift of faith displays God's power in ways that create joy and encouragement for others. Through faith, Moses charged bravely into many situations that should have led to death. Every time he dared to step forward on nothing but God's promise of protection, miracles ensued. Not only did he eventually lead the entire population of Israel to freedom, but he also showed the power of God to thousands of Egyptians as well.

CGDS HYMN 3; SS&S 203 

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS' NAME!

1. All hail the power of Jesus' name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem,

And crown Him Lord of all.

2. Crown Him, ye martyrs of our God,

Who from His alter call;

Extol the stem of Jesse's rod,

And crown Him Lord of all.

3. Ye seed of Israel's chosen race,

A remnant weak and small,

Hail Him who saves you by His grace,

And crown Him Lord of all.

4. Ye Gentile sinners, ne'er forget

The wormwood and the gall;

Go, spread your trophies at His feet,

And crown Him Lord of all.

5. Let every kindred, every tribe,

On this terrestrial ball,

To Him all majesty ascribe,

And crown Him Lord of all.

6. Oh, that with yonder sacred throng

We at His feet may fall,

Join in the everlasting song,

And crown Him Lord of all.

  Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, give me the supernatural ability to stand by you to the end.

2.  LORD God Almighty, empower me oh Lord never to betray your love and grace for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.