How to Live by Faith

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“The Just Shall Live By Faith” was the message preached and taught by Elder William Banton on Sunday at Apostolic Temple of Jesus Christ. The primary scripture reference was Romans 1:17 and we were richly reminded of how accessible and powerful faith is and what it looks like when used. The message was so engaging that I jotted down the faith nuggets I received on the front and back side of the “post-its” that were inside my pocketbook. Below are a few of my faith factor takeaways and personal thoughts for your encouragement

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• Hold on to the Word – Peter had the faith to step out at God’s word to “Come” and walk on water, before he became afraid and distracted by his surroundings and began to sink.Peter stepped out with just one word from God while we have many words of faith to walk in and hold on to.  If we just keep our eyes fixed on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, trust His word, and WAIT on Him for the things we desire, we could live a more joyful, peace-filled, and victorious life.

• Be Christ Calm in the Storm – On a boat in the midst of a terrible storm, the frightened disciples awakened Jesus with their shouts. Jesus questioned their faith and calmed the situation.

Jesus was peacefully asleep in the midst of a raging sea. He has the power to calm each and every situation when he’s on board. If we allow Him to take charge of our lives, we can replace the fear with trust and be calm, cool, and collected regardless of what’s happening around us. Replace worry with prayer and gratitude to receive transcending peace.

• Work Your Faith – The woman with the issue of blood was made well by her faith after pressing through the crowd to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, in spite of her ostracizing issue and poor condition.

“God is not responsible for getting us what we need. He is responsible for making it available to us.  Our faith is responsible for getting us what we need. Our needs are already provided in the heavenly storefront, it’s up to us to reach up in faith and bring it down.” – Elder Banton
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Faith is an action word that is made perfect by our works. Put your God-given measure of faith to work; faith can move mountains.

• Grow Your Faith – Faith comes by hearing God’s word and it grows by studying it. Spend time in the Word to learn and speak it into your situations. Be obedient to what it says.

Reflect on what you hear and how it shows up in your life; study the scriptures to increase your faith in God and apply His word to your daily living.

• Put On God’s Armor – Wearing the full armor of God helps you withstand the attacks of the enemy. The shield of faith extinguishes all the fiery darts of the evil one.

Our faith can protect, empower and provide for us; and also open doors of divine possibilities if we believe and activate it in our daily lives.

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“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 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.” – (Hebrews 11:1, 6)

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