Faith By The Word
As pastors, our job, according to scripture, is to equip the saints, that is the body of Christ, for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12). We are called to study the Word of God, to pray and to seek His direction for the local church and for the lives of the people He has put in our care.
But one of the biggest responsibilities of a pastor is to be an example of walking and living according to faith. That’s why when the opportunity came to purchase our new church building in Corry, PA, and we knew it was the direction of the Lord, we had to step out and take it by faith. Many people wonder how you can acquire a building of your own after only a few short months of establishing a church, but the Lord is faithful. See, faith doesn’t wait for the natural things to line up and all to seem favorable before it moves. Faith moves the natural. Remember what Jesus taught us in Matthew 17:20, “…for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
If you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can accomplish more than with all the natural advantages you can think of, with no faith. When God has a plan, when His stamp of approval is there, He will always make a way, according to your faith. It doesn’t just work for pastors. It works for us all, as Christians, as we follow His leading in the still small voice of peace in our hearts, and step out into the direction He has for us to go. I’m so thankful that we don’t just get to hear about faith giants in the days of old, but we can walk in the same mountain-moving, life-altering faith as recorded in scripture.
There’s no better way than the path of faith. Faith moves mountains. Faith heals the sick. Faith pays the bills. Faith mends relationships. Faith opens the door for peace, promotion, favor, and victory. Faith is the way to go. As pastors, we don’t try to get people to come to our church because we want big numbers. If we wanted big numbers, we wouldn’t stand fast to the Word of God without compromise. No, a true Pastor wants as many people as possible to get the truth that builds the kind of faith that will move the mountains in their lives.
Are you dealing with a mountain of sickness? Did you know the Word of God promises healing, true healing? We’ve seen testimonies of people being delivered from stage 4 cancer, depression, and drug addictions, among other life-threatening diseases, all by building faith in the Word of God. Did you know the Word of God promises your needs met and that God actually wants you to live in abundance? We’ve watched testimony after testimony of those once surrendered to poverty, now having all their debts paid and needs provided, with enough left over to give into every good work! Did you know the Word of God can move the mountain between you and your spouse? Marriages being built on the Word of God won’t end the way those in the world are ending. God wants strong marriages, strong people, and strong local churches.
I encourage you, if you haven’t ever learned how to use your faith, get connected to a good Bible-teaching local church, who won’t compromise the truth. It will save your life. As the Bible says, in Romans 10:17, “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” If you want to have faith to change your circumstances, you must be in a place of hearing the Word of God. This is why the Bible tells us not to forsake assembling together (Hebrews 10:25), because when Jesus ascended, He gave gifts unto men, in the form of pastors, teachers, and other ministry offices (Ephesians 4:8), in order to teach and preach the Word of God that will build faith in us and change our lives.
Find a Pastor who preaches and teaches the truth with boldness. John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” If you’re looking for a Pastor and for a church to call home, we’d love to be that for you. We love you. We’re rooting for you. And, we’d love to help you see the blessed plan God has for your life.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Renee
