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Conquering Faith | 5 Things that Diminish and Increase your Faith by Pastor Steve Kelly
Hebrews 11:32-35 (NIV)
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again.
Hebrews 11:30 (NIV)
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
Romans 14:23 (Berean Study Bible)
But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
For We live by faith, not by sight.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
What weakens our faith:
1. Pragmatism.
John 11:21 (NIV)
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
John 11:39 (NIV)
“Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
2. Fear of man.
Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
3. More interested in people’s approval than Gods.
John 5:44 (NIV)
How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
4. Not sitting under anointed preaching and leadership.
Acts 14:8-10 (Berean Study Bible)
In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. 9 This man was listening to the words of Paul, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed. 10 In a loud voice Paul called out, “Stand up on your feet!” And the man jumped up and began to walk.
Romans 10:17 (NIV)
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
5. Being around negative people.
Proverbs 22:10 (NIV)
Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.
Matthew 9:24-25 (NIV)
he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.
Fine ways to build an increase in your faith.
Luke 17:4-6 (Berean Study Bible)
Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6And the Lord answered, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. 1. You must be in the Word.
Matthew 14:27 (Berean Study Bible)
But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” “Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.” “Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.…
2. Be regularly in faith environments.
Acts 14:8-10 (Berean Study Bible)
In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. This man was listening to the words of Paul, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed. In a loud voice Paul called out, “Stand up on your feet!” And the man jumped up and began to walk.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (Berean Study Bible)
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
3. Ask and speak.
James 4:2-3 (Berean Study Bible) You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.
Romans 10:9-10 (Berean Study Bible)
if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
4. Don’t be ruled by natural things.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
For We live by faith, not by sight.
5. Faith conquers.
Luke 23:31-32 (KJV)
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
If you’ve made a decision click the link below to get a copy of Pastor Steve’s book “The Christian Walk” I’ve Made a Decision
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