
Episode #1029
035| THE FAITH OF THE FATHERS| FAITH CONVENTION 2026 DAY 1
Sermon Title: The Faith of the Fathers Core Theme: Understanding, valuing, and walking in the biblical technology of faith by following the examples, characteristics, and unwavering faith of the patriarchs of old. Part I: Foundations of Faith & The Apostolic Gathering 1. Introduction & The Apostolic Context The Nature of an Apostolic Gathering: In an apostolic gathering, God delivers assigned or sent messages designed to bring transformation, position the church for an unusual manifestation of power, heal sicknesses, and deliver people from oppressions. The Danger of Distraction: Many believers miss out on their breakthroughs because of distractions (e.g., admiring outfits, side conversations, checking phones). Just as God put Adam into a deep sleep to form Eve without distraction, God requires deep attentiveness so believers do not miss the specific, life-altering words designed for them. Biblical Example: In Acts 3, Peter and John told the lame man, "Look on us." Attention is required to receive a miracle; distraction robs people of their blessings. 2. The Supremacy and Vital Importance of Faith Foundation of Christianity: There is no Christianity without faith. Salvation, experiences of God, pleasing God, and receiving inheritance are all accessed through faith. Guarding Against End-Time Obsolete Elements: Loss of Genuine Love for God: Revelation 2:4-5 warns against leaving one's first love. Matthew 24:12 notes that in the end times, iniquity will abound and the love of many will wax cold, causing people to love pleasure more than God. Loss of Faith: Luke 18:8 asks, "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Hebrews 10:23 commands believers to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering and to assemble together to safeguard it. Contending for the Faith: Jude 1:3 urges believers to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Faith is a fight; believers must learn how to fight to maintain it (Hebrews 6:12). 3. The Faith of the Fathers (The Patriarchs) Definition of the Fathers: This refers to the biblical characters, apostles, and prophets from the Old and New Testaments (e.g., Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Elijah, Elisha, Apostle Paul, Jesus) who walked with God by faith. Hebrews 11 Overview (The Hall of Faith): Hebrews 11:1: Faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:2: "For by it the elders obtained a good report." The patriarchs obtained divine testimonies and good report cards of life through faith, not human effort. Why We Must Follow Their Faith: It is the established pattern and lifestyle of the Kingdom (Habakkuk 2:4: "The just shall live by his faith"). It is a guarantee of receiving the promises (Hebrews 6:12). It protects believers from self-glorification and self-dependence. 4. Faith vs. Works & Self-Glory The Error of Self-Justification: Romans 4:2-4 explains that if Abraham was justified by works, he would have something to boast about, but not before God. Human effort, self-confidence, and fleshly works always fail before God. When people rely on their own wealth, degrees, or abilities, it leads to pride and abomination before God (e.g., the rich fool in Luke 12, King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel). The DNA of Faith: Faith completely negates self-glory. True faith is anchored entirely on the goodness and grace of God, meaning God gets all the glory when breakthroughs happen. The Inclusion of the Uncircumcised: Romans 4:9-12 clarifies that Abraham's righteousness was accounted to him while he was uncircumcised. Circumcision was merely a sign/seal. This proves that both Jews and Gentiles can access this justification and inherit the promises simply by believing, regardless of background. Part II: Characteristics and Evidence of the Faith of the Fathers 1. Key Characteristics of the Faith of the Fathers To walk effectively in this dimension, believers must emulate the core characteristics displayed by the patriarchs: (1) Born Out of Intimacy: Real faith is birthed out of personal encounters and deep fellowship with God, not just copied principles (Romans 10:17: "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God"). Biblical Examples: Moses spoke with God face-to-face, "as a man speaks to his friend" (Exodus 33:11). Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all had life-altering personal encounters with God. Without intimacy, faith becomes weak. (2) Unwaving Trust in God’s Abilities and Promises: The faith of the fathers maintains absolute confidence in God that does not shake under pressure or opposing circumstances (Romans 4:18-21 regarding Abraham; Hebrews 11:32-34). (3) Uncontested Obedience Despite the Cost: True faith obeys God completely, regardless of human logic or personal sacrifice. Biblical Example: Abraham demonstrated uncontested obedience when asked to offer Isaac (Genesis 22), calling his act of surrender "worship" (Genesis 22:5). (4) Persistence and Perseverance through Trials: James 1:2-4 encourages believers to count it all joy when facing trials because testing produces endurance. Biblical Example: David remained steadfast when facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17), viewing trials as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Job maintained his trust through extreme suffering (Job 2:10, 42:10). (5) Willingness to Act Out Their Faith (Violent/Audacious Faith): Faith requires action and boldness. The fathers acted out their convictions with holy audacity—whether it was shutting mouths of lions, quenching fires, or stepping into impossible waters (Hebrews 11:33-34). 2. The Ultimate Benefits of Following Their Faith Nothing Shall Be Impossible: When operating in this realm of faith, impossibilities are eradicated (Mark 9:23). Pleasing God: Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Divine Positioning & Generational Legacy: Faith transfers blessings, changes family lineages (shifting families from poverty to abundance, or from obscurity to leadership like Joseph and David), and leaves a permanent mark of victory across generations. 3. Conclusion & Call to Action Stand Your Ground: Refuse to be moved by negative circumstances, family history, economic hardships, or medical reports. Make the Decision: Shift your focus from self-dependence and social media distractions to deep spiritual intimacy with God. The Final Declaration: As the year progresses toward its close, anchor your life on unwavering, unshakeable faith, and step boldly into the supernatural manifestations prepared for you in Christ.

