Sermon Notes 4/25 – Mark 2:1-12 – Faith

-We need a breakthrough in our homes, personal lives, community and nation…

-Breakthrough – means to smash an obstacle so progress can be made

-To receive a national breakthrough, Mark gives us 5 Principles to Practice:

1. We need Jesus and His presence

2. The Word of God must be preached

3. Evangelism must happen

4. Pray until there is an open heaven

5. Have Faith in God (verse 5)

Faith – means to trust in and rely upon Jesus Christ.  A total dependence upon Jesus…

             a. our faith is only in the Lord & in His Word – John 6:63-70

-who else can do anything – Luke 18:42 – we must release our faith to receive a breakthrough…

            b. Every believer has faith – Romans 12:1-3

            c. Our faith can grow – Romans 10:17

                    FAITH FACTS

1. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH FAITH PEOPLE – Matthew 17:19-22

         a. found spiritually hungry people & teach them

         b. connect with believers who are strong in the faith –

-not all believers are strong in the faith – Matthew 9:23-26

-join with strong believers – Matt 18:19-20

         c. Even with strong faith:

1. Problems will always be present

2. The enemy will attack in times of trouble

2. FAITH IS NOT MOVED BY WHAT IT SEES – 2 Cor 5:7 & Numbers 13:17-33

-v25 – 40 days spying out the promised land

-do not focus on what you see

              DO NOT ALLOW WHAT YOU SEE TO DETERMINE YOUR LEVEL

                  OF FAITH, SHAKE YOUR FAITH OR DESTROY YOUR FAITH

Here is what the Word says to do:

1. Always tell the truth about your situation – that is not a lack of faith

2. Start to change your situation by making a statement of faith

3. Receive your answer by faith

-but understand the result may take some time – Galatians 6:9

-grab ahold of the way the Lord wants to do it

3. FAITH PERSISTS AND PERSEVERES – Luke 11:5-11 & Luke 18:1-8

-never give up or quit – keep believing