Faith requires us to trust God and believe in things we can’t naturally see!
John 20:29 (NIV)
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Faith requires us to leave some things behind.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
11 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Faith requires us to set our plans aside and align with God’s divine purpose for our lives.
Conclusion/Repentance Call – One of the biggest killers of the Christian soul is offense and bitterness.
There is a story of a man that had a dream. In the dream, he was standing in hell and couldn’t figure out why he was there. He was a faithful pastor, a loving father, and a friend to many. As he stood there awaiting judgement he noticed that the room was full of Christians… full of good people. His time finally came to stand in front of the judge. He said God, why am I here? I healed people in your name, I loved well, I gave my life for your Father. God looked at him and said, “Yes! Your served well, you lead millions to me, your reward would have been great in my kingdom! BUT you refused to forgive just one person, so I couldn’t forgive an of your sin. Your gifts never made it to my altar! You loved well but you didn’t love one. Depart from me!”
Matthew 5:21-26 (NIV)
Murder
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 18:17-18 (NIV)
17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.