Faith Is Free
In a world that often feels ruled by hustle culture, it’s refreshing to be reminded that faith is free and God wants to bless those with faith superabundantly. In this sermon, Pastor Neil Smith reminds us that God’s abundance is available to every individual, not just the corporate church. He explains how we can appropriate God’s gift of abundance in every area of our lives. It’s a message that encourages us to step out in faith, trust in God’s promises, and embrace the provision He has already set in motion. Whether facing challenges in health, relationships, or finances, we are called to believe that God will provide, just as He has always done.
Over the past year, our church has focused on the declared word abundance, and we've seen firsthand how God's blessings overflow in our lives. From the growth of our church to the unexpected abundant blessings along the way, we’ve experienced the beauty of God's provision in ways we never imagined. But this abundance isn’t just for the church or ministry projects—it’s for you, your family, and every aspect of your life. Here are some key thoughts to remember about the power of faith and God’s provision.
- Faith is a Free Gift:
Faith is not something we work hard to achieve; it is freely given to us by God. In fact, it's one of His greatest gifts. We often talk about the "fivefold ministry" and the "nine spiritual gifts," and among them is the gift of faith. This gift is available to all of us at all times, but it requires us to actively receive it. Whether we’re facing a difficult situation or stepping into a new season of life, faith is always there—waiting for us to claim it and apply it to our circumstances.
- Abundance is More Than Just Material Provision:
When we speak of abundance, it’s easy to think of material things like money or possessions. But abundance in God’s kingdom goes far beyond that. It’s about the spiritual, emotional, and relational blessings that God pours into our lives. This means that faith isn’t just for physical needs, like the provision of a car or healing—it’s for every area of your life. Faith allows us to trust God with our health, relationships, families, and futures. Faith is about believing in God’s promises that He will provide all we need, just as He has done for countless people throughout history.
- Even Small Faith Can Move Mountains:
One of the most powerful lessons about faith is that it doesn’t take a lot to see God move. Jesus tells us that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. This means that faith isn’t about how much we have, but how we use it. It’s not about working harder to muster up great belief; it’s about trusting in the power of God, no matter how small our faith may feel. Just as a tiny seed can grow into a mighty tree, so too can a small step of faith lead to great change.
- Fear is the Enemy of Faith:
Fear is one of the greatest obstacles to stepping into God’s abundance. The world often tries to fill us with fear - fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of loss. But faith calls us to push through that fear and trust in God's provision, even when things seem impossible. Remember the story of Peter walking on water: He was the only one who stepped out of the boat in faith, while the others stayed paralyzed by fear. Even when Peter began to sink, Jesus was there to catch him. This story is a beautiful reminder that when we take steps of faith, even in the face of fear, God will meet us and carry us through.
- Trusting God Beyond the Immediate:
Finally, faith isn’t just about seeing immediate results; it’s about trusting God in the long run. Faith is trusting that God has a plan, even when we can’t see it.
