Faith // Pastor Brad Johnson

California Community Church

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND THE HEART OF GOD Faith “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 FAITH IS NOT HOPING THAT GOD CAN! IT IS KNOWING GOD WILL! And faith is SEEING what the human eye cannot see. 1. Even Small Faith Can Have Huge Impact “Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20 “If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” Mark 9:22-24 2. The Reward of Your Faith is Directly Tied to the Reliability of Where You Place Your Faith “He is the rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is.” Deuteronomy 32:4 3. The BEST Investment of Faith is Being Made Right with God Romans 1:17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." Romans 3:22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. Romans 3:27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. Romans 4:5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. John 20:31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. Ephesians 2:8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. If you can trust Jesus with your eternity, you can surely trust Him with your today and your tomorrow. “God said, Look, I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on, whoever believes need not be shaken.” Isaiah 28:16 4. To Build an Unshakeable Faith, I Must Have My Faith Shaken “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2,3 “Sometimes our only way through is a leap of faith.” “Psalm 78:9-12 “The warriors of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned their backs and fled on the day of battle. 10 They did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by his instructions. 11 They forgot what he had done, the great wonders he had shown them, 12 the miracles he did for their ancestors…” “They did not believe God or trust Him to care for them.” Psalm 78:22 “But in spite of this, the people kept sinning. Despite his wonders, they refused to trust him.” Psalm 78:32 “For it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:6