January 04, 2026        

EXTRAORDINARY FAITH: FAITH CHANGES EVERYTHING

January 04, 2026

 Pastor Jonathan Falwell

When you wake in the mornings, are your first thoughts of God? He woke you so you could have an entire day, aware that He loves you more than can be comprehended. He wants you to have a beautiful day, turning each care—as it comes up—over to Him so that He can guide you through it. You are not to worry, because, after all, He has said not to, but also because you are choosing to trust Him with the faith Abraham had when he took Isaac to the mountain as a sacrifice. Was Abraham scared silly? No. He knew God was going to do something amazing. Do you want a faith that solid? Do you want to live your life with such an extraordinary faith in God that you can take the things Satan throws at you with the knowledge that God is going to turn them into beautiful victories? He has told us how we may. And while the answer is easy to memorize, carrying it out will require a willingness to let go of some of the ‘weights’ that pull us down. Living our lives while abiding in Christ at all times will enable us to develop a faith that pleases God.

Focal Passage: Hebrews 11:1-13.

What is faith?

  • Read Hebrews 11:6. Although this verse doesn’t give us a definition of what faith is, it tells us what we will lack if we do not have faith. What kind of faith are we talking about in this verse? Are you currently satisfied with the level of faith you have?
  • Why would true Biblical faith not exist unless the person believes in God? How do you view God? Do you view Him in line with the way Scripture shows His characteristics?
  • How do you see yourself in relation to Christ? How does your level of faith compare with your obedience to God? What areas show a weakness (if any)?
  • Read Heb. 11:1-3. What is this definition of faith, in today’s vernacular? What does faith mean to you? What do we Christians hope for? What are some reasons we have hope? What would it take for you to lose your hope? What is your hope based on?
  • Who are some of the most courageous people in the Bible who showed their faith in God was so strong that they did not waver? What causes us to have times when our attitude slips, and how can we have fewer of those times? What do you do when that happens?
  • How can we train our minds to be more focused on Jesus Christ daily?

What is the benefit of faith?

  • Read Heb. 11:13-16. Did the people who were listed in the “Hall of Faith” of Hebrews 11 see their hope before they died? What did Scripture mean by saying they saw the things that were promised ‘from a distance’? Why did they consider themselves to be foreigners and temporary residents of the earth? What did they call home?
  • What are some benefits that you have because your faith is in God? Are you able to verbalize to others why you have faith in God?
  • Does the wonder of a relationship with God often fill you with praise? Do you thank God for His blessings frequently?

How do I live by faith?

  • Read Heb. 11:6. What are some ways in which we can live by faith? What are some daily evidences that you are living by faith?
  • How can we train ourselves to depend on God to fix our problems, and not jump in when one appears, as we try to fix it ourselves? How can we make this choice continually?
  • What are the steps to learn to live an extraordinary faith?

Realize the importance:

  • Read vs. 6a. How can we make walking with God every day our priority?

Recognize our responsibility:

  • Read vs. 6b. How do we draw near to God? Read James 4:8a. Is this a promise to us? Is it conditional? What will happen when you draw near to God, and He to you?

Resolve to believe—no matter what:

  • Read vs. 6c. What can you do when you are having a tough day? Will you continue to stand firm?

Close: 

Do you really desire an extraordinary faith? How do you abide in Jesus 24/7? Recently, we studied that we are the branches and Christ is the vine, and as we abide in Him, we will bear much fruit. That fruit is a testimony that we are putting God first in our lives, holding tightly to Him at all times, knowing He will always be with us as He guides us safely through each conflict. Testing will come, but as we persevere, He will take care of us.

Each day, we are buffeted by the world with its lack of morals, the cursing that never seems to cease, those who are filled with anger, and so much more. These people often cause our spirits to groan in reality, yet we are supposed to love them. It’s hard, isn’t it? But we’re not trying to please the world—we’re trying to please God, who has asked us to be His witnesses. We’re not to mold ourselves into the world, but be separate from it because we’re sojourners. We have been placed at this time and in this location in the world to impact it with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are committed to living for Him and Him alone. One day, when our troubles are over and we have finished with faithfulness, we will move to the home that He has lovingly prepared for us. It will be worth it all—as the song says—when we see Jesus.

By Sandy Day

January 04, 2026                                                        

/by