Matthew 17:14-20a, 21:22

Pastor George Dix Jr. encouraged the congregation that whatever God says, we can 'bank' on it. God's word is true, no matter what. When the spirit of unbelief is prevalent in our lives, it causes us to look at the miracles in the Bible, the miracles in our lives, and the miracles in the lives of others and not believe. When we face troubles and chaos, unbelief is what causes us to become discouraged. Unbelief is Satan's greatest weapon.

As wise warriors, we need to know Satan's tactics and plans. He is conniving, decieving and he is a LIAR! We must understand that we have ALL POWER because our Father gave it to Jesus, and Jesus passed it on to us. When we face adversity, we must speak God's word against the enemy.

Every week, month and year we should receive the word just as it is. There are some things we just can't get around, and as a result, we end up going down the same old road, and doing the same old thing(s). God requires the following:

1. Ask in Jesus' name
2. Live a righteous life and repent (ie. don't hold habitual sin (iniquity) in your heart) (Psalm 66:18, Isaiah 59:1-2)
3. Forgive each other, otherwise God will not forgive you.

When we pray, we must pray in confidence that God not only heard us, but will answer our prayer.

• Have faith in God, because God's will is His word.
• Whatsoever we shall ask God in Jesus' name, shall be given to us. (James 1:17)
• Jesus is the door to the Father. Prayer opens the door.
• Faith is the test of your belief. If you can believe, you will receive it.

In closing, Pastor George said that faith is acting AND believing BEFORE you see it. Then, when the storm comes up, you can run forward confidently, forgetting that which is behind. Don't let the spirit of unbelief shut the door on your prayers.

Quote of the sermon:

“God wants us to rise to the occassion."
"The reason you can't get it is because of your unbelief.” - Pastor George Dix Jr.

Scripture References:

Sunday, May 6th, 2007

• Psalm 68:1,19 - Prayer & Scripture (Pastor Eugene Phillips)
  
• Matthew 17:14-20a, 21:22- The Healing of a Boy With a Demon
  
• Psalm 66:18 - "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me..."
  
• Isaiah 59:1-2 - "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God.."
  
• James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..."
  
• Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."