From The Pastor's Pen... 10/24/11

“And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58 KJB).

The primary type of attack against our faith as a true remnant believer will always come in the form of lingering unbelief, originating with our chief enemy, Satan, as a quiet suggestion, or element of doubt, in an attempt to hinder our victory. In fact, the above verse from Matthew 13 indicates that, even Messiah Jesus, was not immune from the effects of such tactics.

In Matthew’s 13^th Chapter account of the story of Jesus’ visit and ultimate rejection in Nazareth, we find that the result of the attitude of those in the local synagogue rendered Him unable to perform “many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (v. 58). In our own lives and daily spiritual walk, we, also, will encounter negativity from those within the institutional church setting who’s belief system is based on, or may be anchored to, the opinions of, or commandments and doctrines of, men, rather than “sola scriptura”…the preserved scriptures…alone.

However, our chief method of combating such encounters can be found in the example of the father of the demoniac in Mark 9:24 who declared, “Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.” A simple act of positive confession, yet repentant petition, for his weakened condition, which, together, brought complete victory!

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23 KJB). 

(Notes from message given on 10/23/11.)