The Topic of Faith

Series: N/A
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14
Date: July 13, 2003
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Raul Vazquez

Speaking is one thing, but preaching is another.
Faith enables us to relate to God, to relate to people, and to bless people.

Introduction
1.) The apostle Paul represents a type of faith most people can't really touch upon since it is at such a high level.  However, Peter is the type of guy many of us can relate to...he stumbles, he has the highest of highs and the lowest of lows

Faith is not Faith until you're Personally Risking something and Willing to Face Challenges
1.) Until we go beyond our spiritual barriers, which often are our comfort zones, we cannot grow in faith
2.) We can't live by faith until we risk something in our lives
3.) What are you doing for Christ now that's different from 6 months ago?  A year ago?
4.) Instruction is good, but sometimes we just need to do something for Christ without the blueprint laid out in front of us...that's faith

Faith requires Going Beyond understanding
1.) Take verse 27 for example, it is not found in the invitation, but the character of the inviter
2.) We should trust in Him and not in it
3.) Now most people would have cried out "Lord, calm the storm"...instead Peter cries out "Lord, if it is you, call me out there"...that's faith

Proof of Faith is Action
1.) It is our responsibility to obey and try
2.) Would these verses have been as interesting if Peter had just said there and cried?
3.) God loses each battle we chose not to fight
4.) We all have our own boats in life, be it family, friends, education, career, hobby...the question is "Are you willing to step out of your boat and let God guide you?"...that's faith

Faith needs to be Fed
1.) Don't be a waveologist; don't focus on the waters of life (troubles & trials) or your own boat (what you hold dear)...focus on Christ
2.) Even the lost can be recovered; after Peter lost faith and started to drown Christ reached out and pulled him out
3.) The words "Lord, save me!"
   - Peter recognizes he has a problem showing humility and
   breaking his pride
   - Peter recognizes the person who has the solution to his need
   showing his willingness to seek help from others when in need
   - Peter asks for help showing his faith

Some of you are in a storm of some sort in your life.  The wind is blowing, the water level is rising, and the boat you're in, though seemingly safe, is breaking apart bit by bit.  Yet throughout it all, Christ is right there saying "Come."  Will you go to Him today brothers and sisters?