|
Listen
|
This blog is inspired by my wife Pastor June R. McIntosh, who preached a sermon this weekend to our congregation about “Why Faith?”. In the new year, we are going to examine different aspects of “Why Faith”.This is not a study questioning faith, but seeking to understand it in our lives.
What is the definition of faith?
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 NLT
In the book of Matthew, we see an illustration of faith.
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,”Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.”Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out? “He replied, “Because you have so little faith.Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:17-20 NIV
When the disciples couldn’t cast out demons,Jesus explained to them that this type only comes through prayer and fasting. Today, we find ourselves confronted with many issues,and we insist on trying to solve them politically or socially.Let’s be clear, there are many of us walking in the footsteps of the pioneers of the Civil Rights movement.Even as we celebrate Black History Month,there are many of us who are engaged in non-violent protest to speak out against injustice.
But if we look at the history of the Civil Rights Movement,we understand that everything about that movement was bathed in prayer.There’s no way those men and women could’ve survived dogs,fire hoses,and even murder had it not been for prayer and fasting.We need prayer to confront spiritual darkness.
We need to seek God‘s direction and protection when we are confronting spiritual darkness.We need to have spiritual discernment, which is a gift that comes from the Holy Spirit. There’s only one way to confront evil, and that’s by first seeking God in prayer for direction before we act.We also need to fast. What does it mean to fast?Fasting is when you sacrifice something so that you can hear from God.It could be food, or even TV.Our good friend Rev. Williams spoke this weekend about turning off the TV as a practice so she can hear from God.
And as we look back during this Black History Month at the history of non-violet protest, we pray protection for those who are walking in the footsteps of Dr.King and other Civil Rights leaders, who used nonviolent protest as a means for confronting evil and changing our society for the better.
Dexter Walker and Zion Movement: “Spread The Word”
https://youtube.com/clip/
We Love You,
Pastors Willie and Rochelle McIntosh
On Mission Every Day. Join us
- Learn the Word by reading our weekly blog.
- Write a comment, join us on social media or zoom meeting every Sunday at 2:30pm ET except the 2nd Sunday at 6:00PM (day subject to change).
- Do you need Prayer? Have questions? We can be reached at [email protected]
Was this message a blessing to you? Would you consider sharing it?
