"Faith 101"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 34 8/25/2007

What is Faith?

It is by faith that you are saved; justified; cleansed!

Faith is how you please God.
The just shall live by faith! Habakkuk. 2:1-5, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:10-11, Hebrews 10;38

Faith brings the Victory! I John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
An important point, though, is that faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed.

FAITH DOES NOT ALWAYS FACE THE FACTS!

According to Webster’s Dictionary faith is "an unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence."

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

NIV Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

RSV, NASB Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Literally the Greek of Hebrews 11:1 says, Now faith is the reality of things being hoped for, the proof of things not being seen.

FAITH MAKES THINGS POSSIBLE NOT EASY!

The importance of faith. Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, by which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. We are in a spiritual conflict.

Matthew 14:28-32 Peter said, Lord, if it is you, call me come to you on the water. Jesus said, Come. And when Peter came out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind blowing, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, and caught him, saying O you of little faith, why did you doubt? And when they got into the ship, the wind ceased.

· Peter did the impossible thing. He walked on the water
· Peter did the conceivable thing. His surroundings got him
· Peter did the natural thing. He got scared
· Peter did the expected thing. He began to sink
· Peter did the right thing. He called on the Lord
· Peter again did the impossible! He walked on the water

YOU NEED FAITH THAT IS BIGGER THAN THE ELEMENTS THAT WOULD DRAG YOU DOWN TO DEFEAT!

John 11:21-44 Martha said Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever you will ask of God, God will give it. Jesus said to her, your brother shall rise again. Martha said, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. LIMITED Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? She said to him, yes, Lord: I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, which should come to the world FUNDEMENTAL Jesus asked where they had laid him? They said, Lord, come and see. The grave was a cave and a stone had been laid across it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. They took away the stone [from the place] where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me...Jesus cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said, Loose him and let him go. UNLIMITED

The hall of faith. Hebrews 11:32-39 And what more can we say? for time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae; David and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who by faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yes, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, sawn in half, tempted, and slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered in deserts, mountains, dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

Come to the Hall of faith often, linger long and strengthen your faith. We are to worship by faith, walk by faith, live by faith, work by faith, govern by faith, follow by faith, fight by faith, conquer by faith, close the mouths of lions by faith, walk through the fire by faith and suffer if need be by faith!

FAITH SINGS IN PRISON Acts 16:25
FAITH GLORIES IN TRIBULATION Romans 5:3
FAITH CHOOSES TO SUFFER Hebrews 11:25

By faith God’s people are patient in their sufferings, conquer in battle, made strong out of weakness and were victorious in defeat. They were more than conquerors.

FAITH IS TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD ASKING NO QUESTIONS Faith is knowing that all things work together for good to them that love God.

FAITH GOES BEYOND REASON, IT BELIEVES WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING WHY!
You cannot be saved without faith.
You cannot live victoriously without faith.
You cannot please God without faith.
You cannot have peace without faith.
You cannot have joy without faith.
You cannot be justified without faith.

Faith that is backed up by prayer and fasting is BIG faith!

Hebrews 12:2 Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…. Faith is the substance (title deed) of things hoped for. Your faith is your title deed to eternal life.

Mark 10:46-52 As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus, he began to cry out, Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me. And many told him to be quiet: but he cried out even louder, son of David, have mercy on me. Jesus stopped and asked for him. They called out to the blind man, saying, Be of good comfort, rise; Jesus is asking for you. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. Jesus asked, What do you want of me? The blind man said, Lord, that I might receive my sight. Jesus replied, Go your way; your faith has made you whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus.

I love the fact that Bartimaeus didn't allow the people to stop him from receiving what he wanted from Jesus. Even though they shouted at him to be quiet. Don’t let anyone stop you from receiving what you want or need from the Lord. Cast aside any doubt or fear that may be keeping you from your blessing and go get it. Jesus is ready and willing to give to people that have this kind of faith.

I just shake my head when I see how the people who tried to shut him up did an about face. Jesus calls for him. And all of a sudden the people who tried to shut him up, said, “Be of good cheer, rise, He is calling you.”

If we’d be as convinced as Bartimaeus was that Jesus was the answer we too would have great joy! When people seek God in that way they will find Him without exception.

Bartimaeus threw aside his garment, got up and went to Jesus. He didn’t let some kind of beggars coat slow down his movement to Jesus.

The beggars coat is made of self-centeredness. Across the shoulders and down the arms there was a hem of pride sown in. One pocket is lined with envy, the other jealousy. They are filled with self-pity. These coats need to be cast off.

How many today permit the smallest thing to hinder them in prayer and in obeying God! Blessed is the man that will not tolerate one thing hindering him from getting to God and getting answers to prayers that are in harmony with the promises and gospel provision.

Perhaps it is time for you to cast off your beggars garment.

"One Happy Dude"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 33 8/11/2007

I am going to show you something incredible, a marvelous glorious mystery…. God desires to over-answer prayer.

We are not just given power to overcome our enemies... but according to Judges 10:9-33 we are given power to subdue the enemy of our soul!

In this account of the Israelites they had asked for one victory in one battle... yet God gave them courage and the direction to completely overthrow the enemy. They subdued them from that time on!

God has so much more for you then victory in one battle... He wants you to subdue your enemy so you’ll have the total victory!

I’ve searched the Word and discovered that God always over answers the prayers of His children!

Not merely a conqueror through Christ.... but according to
Romans 8:37 .. we are more than conquerors through him

Not merely have joy... but according to I Peter 1:8 we can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Not a recipient of mere promises... but according to II Peter 1:4 ... we are given exceeding great and precious promises

Not a recipient of a measure of grace ... but according to
I Timothy 1:14 grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love.

Not serving a limited god .. but according to Ephesians 3:20... He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask

We are not just given a life .... but according to John 10:10 life and that more abundantly.
Get personal for a minute, take a look at your life…

You asked God for a clean heart. He gave you a new one! He gave you a heart that hungers after Him, a heart that thirsts after Jesus! He gave you eyes to see and ears to hear ...

You asked for forgiveness. He not only forgave He wiped out the record! And if that wasn’t enough He put a hatred for sin in you, flooding your soul with hope and confidence in Jesus!

Since I’ve come to JESUS I am One Happy Dude!

David said, Psalms 130:7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy and with him is plenteous redemption

Even when we are wayward at times, Isaiah 55:7 .. return to the LORD and He will have mercy, He will abundantly pardon.

Matthew 7:11 says, If you being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Luke 23:42 The thief on the cross said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Not only did Jesus agree to do so He said this day shall you be with Me in paradise. Talk about over answering... I’ll remember you all right, cause I’m taken you with me!”

One of my favorites is in Acts 3:2 A certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, and laid daily at the temple gate called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked alms. He simply wanted a little bit of money!

And Peter, fastening his eyes on him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed to them, expecting to receive some-thing from them.
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted [him] up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

This beggar would have settled for some money, instead he got what money could not buy!

Acts 10:22 tells us of Cornelius desired to hear words of God. He wanted to hear the gospel.... What he got was more than a message! Acts 10:44-45 While Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word..... God couldn’t wait to bless His people!

Ephesians 3:20 God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Not only is God able to answer prayer, He wants to answer according to His infinite riches in glory!

I Corinthians 2:9-10 Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.....

In the Old Testament the Lord had spoken to Ahaz saying ask for a sign from Me, his response may sound holy, “I won’t tempt God!” but, it angered God... He knew Ahaz had lost his faith long before this incident.

Basically Ahaz guy didn’t want his faith tested....

How long before you stand on God’s word?
Why are you so afraid to trust God?
When will you learn that God is the great I AM?
When will you believe that God has all that you’ll ever need?

Perhaps the greatest over answer of prayer is, Behold, a virgin shall conceive a son and shall call his name Immanuel. The people had cried out for a deliverer (some man). Well this was no ordinary man - it was none other than Immanuel Himself

Hebrews 11:6 he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Pray, believing that God delights to answer you in His own way and time, trust Him for your financial situation, trust Him for those unsaved loved ones, trust Him for that healing!

He delights in over answering: James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all men liberally....

I remind you that if you abide in Jesus and His words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you!

I Timothy 6:17... trust in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy May we ask of the Lord things that are worthy of His wealth and His ability to give!

II Chronicles 16:9a For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him.

Speak of His willingness to over answer our prayers….When you speak of His generosity toward you, you are telling others what He can do for them.

Jesus said to him, Go home to your friends and tell them how great things the Lord has done for you and how He has had compassion on you… And he departed and began to testify of the great things Jesus had done for him: and all the people did marvel.

"At Your Front Door"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 32 8/05/2007

While in Penticton last week, I drove past a church sign.
Although I had read it before, it struck me different this time. It read: “High Energy Contemporary Service 9:30 - Classic Service 10:45”. Folks I was embarrassed and blushed to think that we’ve become so self centered. Our services are to be about God, not us! It is about what pleases Him not me!

As we said last week, it should all be about reflecting Jesus to a lost and hurting world. Folks, perhaps we have been praying for a revival but for all the wrong reasons. Do you really think that God’s Son would even consider not going to the Synagogue because the praise and worship wasn’t “high energy” or that He would ask where the hymn books were? He went there to praise and glorify His Heavenly Father.

Our self interests, our compromises have distorted what a true revival is. True revival occurs when the walls and gates guarding God's House are restored. Those walls include the doors of every Christian home. Let me explain.

When Nehemiah and 43,000 other Jewish patriots returned to Jerusalem, they found the city lying in total ruin. The walls were torn down and the gates removed, so the inhabitants had no protection from their enemies.

These enemies had been given total dominion by Israel's disobedience to God's Word. Nehemiah wrote, “Because of our sins: our enemies have dominion over our bodies and over our cattle, we are in great distress.” Nehemiah 9:37

Could iniquity in God's house be spreading poison throughout the body of Christ. I believe our compromises has brought down the protective gates leaving us open to Satan's power.

Nehemiah represents God's plan of restoration. He knew there had to be a protective wall of truth around God's people.

Now, Nehemiah didn’t strut into the wall-less city calling for a revival of supernatural manifestations? No Way!

The only manifestations seen after Nehemiah's arrival were men and women with picks and shovels in their hands.

They were doing the hard work of rebuilding the city's walls and restoring its gates. And Nehemiah led it all.

Restoration began the moment Nehemiah took on the Lord's burden over the ruin in His house. What exactly is your burden?

What Nehemiah did next should be an indication as to what we should do. “It came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.” verse 4

This is the beginning of true revival - when Godly people like Nehemiah take on the Lord's burden for His church in a lost world, by fasting, praying and pleading with God to begin the rebuilding of the walls and gates of protection. Then, they need to appoint to every house, gatekeepers and watchmen.

Walls and gates are no good without gatekeepers who know who can or can't be allowed in.

These gatekeepers were not strictly priests. They were laypeople - musicians, porters and people from all walks of life.
And they were instructed: “Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors and bar them.” verse 3

God was saying, “My house is going to be a place of light, with no darkness allowed in”.

As gatekeepers, we are to guard the doors of God's house in humility - through fasting, prayer and loving concern.

Nehemiah Said, “Appoint Watches of the Inhabitants of Jerusalem, Every One in His Watch, and Every One to Be Over Against His House.” Nehemiah 7:3

According to Nehemiah, guardians were to be appointed not just to the gates of the city, but to every home as well.

In short, the heads of every household were responsible for everything that came into their home.

God's message here is crystal clear: Fathers and mothers, you are charged to guard your home from every demonic enemy that tries to enter. This means you are responsible for every book, every record, every friend your child brings through the door. You are also responsible for every influence within your home, whether it's TV, videos, Internet or people.

Only through daily submission to God’s will, we have power against Satan as guardians over our homes.
“Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil and he shall flee from you.”

I want to encourage all single parents: God knows your struggle to be both a father and a mother to your children. Yet His charge to you remains the same: You are the appointed guardian over your house.

The Lord promises to provide all grace and strength to you, if you’ll stand up for His word.

One day we're all going to stand before the judgment seat and answer to the Lord for how we raised our children. None of us will be able to offer excuses or blame anyone else.

We must ask ourselves;
Have we brought up our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord?

Have we modeled for them a life of love and reverence for God?

Are you a parent who hurts because your grown son or daughter no longer serves the Lord.

Are you heartbroken because your youngster is hooked on drugs or alcohol.

Have you seen your once-tender child grow bitter, hard and lost.

You can make up in prayer today what you might have missed in past years.
You can still bathe your loved one in prayer and call down Holy Ghost conviction on him/her to bring them to the cross.

I must warn you, however - if your kids are backslidden or unsaved, you must not preach at them. Simply pray for them.
You can't nag anyone into the kingdom of heaven.

There is no real power in raising your voice, because all power rests with the Holy Spirit.

Be empowered by your respect for God's word.

When someone walks through your front door, they should sense God's authority in your home right away, without a word being mentioned.

Scripture makes it very clear that if you raise your children on the authority of God's Word, they won't depart from that training in their later years. They may veer away from it for a while, even for years - but ultimately it will bring them back to truth.

The Bible offers a word of hope to all parents who grieve over a backslidden child.

These promises are for hungering, thirsting parents - who drink in God's Word daily, praying and asking the Spirit to pour out on them His power and His presence.

If this describes you, then plead God's promises. Claim them as yours and hold the Lord to them in your intercession.

Then bathe your family in prayer - and watch the enemy flee.