In the fifth session on the last day of WAFBEC 2015, Pastor Chris Ugoh took to the stage and taught on the topic Living by Faith –the Believing and Obedience Perspective.
Mark 9:17-23
In verse 23 of the above scripture, Jesus said all things are possible, not some things. It is to him that believes that all things are possible. The father speaking to Jesus said “if you can do anything” Many times we transfer the responsibility of our faith to God. Thinking it is God that will make it work. However the possibility of life are determined by what you believe.
In life, the things that become possible to individuals are a function of their beliefs. Faith is critical in order to reach your destination. To reach your destination i.e. where God is taking you an unshakable faith in the Word is required. God respects, responds to and rewards faith. A good example is the woman with the issue of blood.
Hebrews 11:4,Ephesians 1:13, Titus 1:2
You can only trust God if you hear the Word. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word. To show you believe God in any area of your life is to focus on His Word for that particular situation. You have to develop that unshakable confidence in God and His Word. What God told Noah had never been done before then. It had never even rained on earth before, but his faith was fixed. Ruth also had unshakable faith in God and was rewarded with Boaz. If God has made you a promise, He cannot lie…be rest assured.
God cannot lie, not that He will not lie, so if He makes a promise or gives a word then the power of God’s words makes things possible. In order to advance in faith, means hearing God in that area for which you’re believing Him.
Considering the opinions of others has caused a lot of people to compromise on the Word that God has gave them. Abraham and Mary’s encounters with God and angel Gabriel are great examples of not heeding the opinions of men.
Deut 29:11, Hebrews 11:11, Jeremiah 7:23
Please note that it’s not only God that has plans, society and the devil also have. When people choose to live by faith, it also means making a choice to live solely by God’s plans.
When people chose to live by faith, it means their speech must reflect this lifestyle. Refuse to say what you feel, say it the way the Word has said it. Everything voiced is attracted into the life of the person speaking the words.
Pastor Ugoh urged everyone to remember that faith must work with obedience. Abraham, Noah and Ruth all obeyed and are examples today. He reminded the audience once again that, passive believing never gets the job done.
There are blessings that accompany obedience, and some of them include:
Choosing to live by faith is choosing to overcome. Faith overcomes! Faith gives the ability to become. Sarah received strength to conceive and bring to birth by faith. The core belief of your life shapes you. Obedience is what avenges every disobedience. Give voice to the Word in your life. What you give voice to takes over your life. Abraham not only believed, he also obeyed God. Be willing and obedient!