Jesus Gives Us a Finishing Faith -- Olu Talabi & Santosh Poonen -- October 15, 2023
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message emphasizes the necessity of walking by faith rather than by sight, drawing parallels between Jesus's own reliance on faith in his Father and the believer's need for steadfast confidence in God. The speaker encourages the audience to maintain their faith and patience, trusting that even when things seem delayed, God will ultimately bring about His promises, just as He raised Jesus from the grave. True faith is presented as being deeply dependent on God, exemplified by the disciples' initial lack of full dependence.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Walking by faith and not by sightWhen unbelief creeps in during difficult times, believers are called to return to God's word and walk by faith rather than by what they see.
God is a stronghold in troubleGod acts as a stronghold for those who trust Him, and His word provides a foundation when our faith is tested.
Jesus walked by faith on EarthJust like humans, Jesus had to walk by faith in His Father while on Earth, trusting that God would not leave His soul in hell or let His body see corruption.Acts 2:25–27
Testing faith with patienceGod will always test our faith when nothing seems to be happening, requiring us to wait patiently on Him until He strengthens us.
Jesus as the beginner and finisher of faithTrue faith finishes what it starts because Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, a dependence pictured through prayer and fasting.
God's 100 percent promises to JoshuaGod promised Joshua that every place his foot trod would be given to him and no man could stand before him, culminating in the fulfillment where not one good promise failed.Joshua 1:2–9
Joshua's zeal for total victoryJoshua showed a burning zeal by asking the sun to stand still so that every single enemy could be destroyed in complete obedience to God's command.Joshua 10:8
The danger of leaving unclaimed areasIn Judges, the tribes failed to drive out all the inhabitants because of iron chariots and small compromises, illustrating how believers often settle for 99 percent instead of 100 percent.Judges 1:19
Surrendering life's ambitionsTo finish at 100 percent rather than 99, believers must be willing to leave behind Earthly ambitions, suffer scorn, and lose their lives completely for Christ.
Encouragement for isolated believers and childrenEven those who feel lonely without a local church family can know the deep presence of Jesus, who is closer than any earthly friend.
Closing prayer for living by faithA concluding prayer is offered asking God to use the sharpness of His word to instill a living faith that overcomes the world and guides families into His perfect plan.
