Speaker: Pastor Samuel Sam
Church: Lighthouse Evangelism
Date: 31 January 2016
Introduction
Grace is divinely given by God. Even faith to receive His grace is also from God. The whole process of salvation is also God's grace.
1.Faith taps into God's grace.
A. Roman 5:1-2
This grace is by faith and it is available to us. Faith is like a tap that connect us to the immeasurable grace of God. Through His grace we are empowered to do good works that truly glorify God and do His perfect will for us.
B. Romans 5:17b
Christians are to live out the Kingdom of God in their lives. We reign with Christ now, here in earth, not wait till we are in Heaven. Our faith in God is the key to rule and reign with God on earth.
2. Back up your faith in action
A. To get God to act upon our needs, like setting free from addiction or to do well in studies, we must do something to show that you trust God. It is about your faith in action.
Example: A smoker since poly day, who is now in his forties, one day heard that his faith in God needed to be back up by action. Then, as usual, he took out 3 sticks from his pack, and instead of lighting it up, he threw the 3 sticks away. He realised that this action is putting his faith into action as he realised he did not need the sticks. Another time he took this step of faith again, but now it was 6 sticks. Soon he found out that his desire to smoke was no longer there. Truly it is God's grace that has empowered him to overcome his addiction.
B. We are usually close to victory when the opposition is greatest. If we cannot go in the door, why not go in through the roof!
Example: 4 men who back up their faith with their action by lowering a paralytic down from the roof and placed him right in front of Jesus to be healed by Him. Jesus saw their faith!
Question: Do you have a faith that God can see just like what Jesus saw the faith of these 4 men?
C. God is moved by our faith backed up by action that is in line with God's Word. His grace will flow in us and bring healing, salvation and deliverance in and through us.
Example: 10 lepers cried out to Jesus to heal them. Jesus wanted them to act out their faith. It is recorded in Luke 17:14 that "as they went they were healed". By the time they reached the temple to see the priest, they were completely healed.
Similiarly in Mark 10:49, Jesus asked blind Batimaeus, "What do you want me to do?" His reply was, "I want to see." His faith in Jesus is backed up by this act of expression.
Reflection: If you have had a burning bush experience with God, isn't time to back up your faith encounter with God by your action like launching out a ministry to bring the lost into His Kingdom?
D. Faith without work is dead - James 2:14-17
Coming to church itself is putting your faith in action, despite many other commitments that require your attention on Sabbath day.
Another example of God's empowerment when we back up our faith with action. Joshua 10:11 - God sent hailstone that killed more Amorites than by the sword.to seal the victory for Israel.
Applications:
A. CNY is coming and we can share Christ with our unsaved friends, relatives and colleagues.
B. God can give you the grace to fulfill your dreams, aspirations and hopes, as you live out your faith with action. We can indeed activate the power of God in our lives.
C. When you back up your faith with action, you can tap on God's grace all the times to accomplish His perfect will for your life and for the glory of God!
Note: This is a personal sermon note-taking. For complete sermon contents please purchase the DVD at the church counter.
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