MONTHLY NEWSLETTER WITH REV DR. C. A. ONITIRI (September 2024 Edition)

THEME FOR THE MONTH: “LIVING BY FAITH”

SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 11V1

Beloved,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we step into this new month of September may the grace of God guide us as we continue to walk in His ways and may our faith be continually strengthened in every circumstance in Jesus name.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrew 11v1 (KJV)

This verse encapsulates the very essence of what it means to live a life pleasing to God. Faith is not merely wishful thinking; it is a confident assurance in God’s promises, even when they are not yet visible to the natural eye.

EXPOSITION TO THE THEME:

1.The Substance of Things Hoped For: The word “substance” here denotes something tangible, a reality that gives form to our hopes. Faith, therefore, is not abstract but has a firm foundation in the character and promises of God. It is the anchor that holds our souls firm in the storms of life, keeping us steady as we wait for God’s timing.

2. The Evidence of Things Not Seen: Faith is the proof of what we do not see. It allows us to see beyond the physical realm and into the spiritual, where God’s promises reside. Though we may not see the outcome with our physical eyes, faith assures us that what God has promised will come to pass. It is this certainty that enables us to persevere through trials and challenges.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FAITH:

1. ABRAHAM:
Abraham is often called the father of faith. God promised him a son in his old age, and though it seemed impossible, Abraham believed God. His faith was counted to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3).
He waited patiently for Isaac, the child of promise, and through him, God’s covenant was established.

2. MOSES:
Moses demonstrated faith by leading the Israelites out of Egypt, trusting God to deliver them from the might of Pharaoh. Even when faced with the Red Sea, Moses did not waver; his faith was in God’s power to make a way where there seemed to be no way (Exodus 14:21-22).

3.SARAH:
Sarah’s faith was tested when she was promised a child at an advanced age. Although she initially laughed at the prospect, she eventually believed that God would fulfill His promise, and Isaac was born (Genesis 21:1-2). Her faith reminds us that nothing is too difficult for God.

RELATED SCRIPTURES :

2 Corinthians 5:7;
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (KJV)

This verse emphasizes that our Christian journey is governed by faith rather than what we see or understand.

Romans 10:17;
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (KJV)

The source of our faith is the Word of God. It strengthens us to believe in God’s promises.

James 2:26;
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (KJV)
Faith is active and should be demonstrated through our actions.

LESSONS AND ENCOURAGEMENT:

As we move through September and beyond, let us embrace a life of faith, fully trusting in God’s promises. Here are some key lessons:

1.FAITH REQUIRES PATIENCE: Just as Abraham and Sarah had to wait for God’s promise, we too must be patient, knowing that God’s timing is perfect.

2.FAITH OVERCOMES FEAR: Moses faced overwhelming odds, yet his faith in God’s power was greater than his fear of Pharaoh. In the same way, we must trust God in the face of our fears.

3. FAITH IS STRENGTHENED BY THE WORD: Our faith grows as we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures. Let this month be a time of deepening our relationship with God through His Word.

As we navigate this new month, let our faith be the guiding light that leads us through all our challenges. When doubts sets in, remember the examples of those who have gone before us, who through faith obtained promises, overcame obstacles, and saw the hand of God move mightily in their lives. Our faith, too, can move mountains. We should always believe in the unseen, trust in God’s promises and walk confidently into the future He has prepared for us. ALLELUJAH.

PRAYER

May the Almighty bless us richly as we continue to “LIVE BY FAITH“, this month and always.

SHALOM!