THE POWER OF FAITH

As a Christian I have seen many different things from so-called believers over the last 20 years. Things from failure to ongoing success in Saints that have learned how to apply certain principles that God has established. I am convinced that God is a principle driven God and any believer that will operate in His laws (a systematic way of doing things) will do well in their life and experience what God designed them to do. However, the only way that you will ever do what God planned for your life and receive what God promises you in the Bible is by living by faith.

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God has always made one thing very clear" That the just (or the people that are in right standing with Him) shall live by faith. In Habakkuk 2:4 "Behold the proud his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by faith" God said that the just person shall live by faith. Again in Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11 and in Hebrews 10:38, He (God) is telling us a certain way to live that is acceptable to Him so that He can bless us. Saints, notice He says the just shall live by faith. When you say a person should live a certain way, it implies that this is a consistent way of life" a life style that does not change! Can you see that? Also it tells you that faith is not a quick fix to get you out of problems that your poor or ungodly decisions have caused. It tells us that faith is a lifestyle and we receive the benefits of walking by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight" over a period of time. Can you see that? For example, the Bible tells us in Hebrew 6:12 "that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Notice He said through faith AND (a conjunction linking to things together) patience we inherit the promises. By the Bible using the word patience, it reveals to us that it can take some time for these promises to come to pass. That is why God tells us to live by faith so that our faith can be consistently developed to receive the next level of blessings and promises in our life.

Faith is a process and if we do not continue to live by it (faith), our faith will never develop. If it does not develop you will never do or receive what God intends for your life. In Hebrew 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." Look closely at the last sentence that speaks about the amount of faith you received when you received Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. He said the measure of faith so that means all of us received the same measure but some saint's faith was developed and others were not. As a result that some saints are living in God's blessings every day and others are being destroyed by the devil. He is taking, stealing and destroying everything they have. Saints, notice He tells the other saints not to think more highly of themselves than they ought. That means others may have thought that they were better then their other brethren. However, he tells them that God has give to them the same measure of faith that He gave you. However he (the other brethren) did not know or his faith has not been developed. If your brethren ever learned how to develop his faith, he will do just as good as your or better. The only reason some Christians receive more than others is because they have more knowledge and wisdom of God in developing their faith, so it is always working for them and bringing the benefits of Gods' Word in their life.

Remember it is through faith and patience we receive the promises of God (Hebrew 6:12). This is a standard God has set for His people. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). Whatever He does for one He will do for the other. However, you need to do what that man did to get what he got. For instance when I saw how God had blessed others and how they became blessed, I was convinced that if I would be faithful to God and obey His word He would do it for me. So I started to imitate those (Hebrews 6:12) who through faith and patience inherited the promises. I started making faith confessions; I started to change my negative confessions into positive confessions by saying or always being in agreement with the word of God. I started calling those things that are not (seen) as though they were seen (Romans 4:17). When I started operating by faith, Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Then my faith started to develop and grow and I started to receive the promises manifesting in my life. GLORY TO GOD!

OPERATING BY FAITH
I believe there are basically three reasons why God wants us to live by faith. First, if I do not live by faith, I cannot please God. (Hebrew 11.6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him). The reason I cannot please Him is because I cannot receive my salvation or receive the promises that He has given to me as a descendant of Abraham (Galatians 3:29), unless I receive it by faith. Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." Faith is what you must go through to receive your salvation from God. You must believe that Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and risen and is presently sitting at the right hand of God (Romans 10:9). Saints if you don't have faith in that, you are not saved. You must believe Jesus has been raised from the dead. Glory to God! We serve a living Savior (Jesus). If you are not saved, you are in the same category as the sinner (someone without God), and no unbelievers will see God or go to heaven. Next, I believe the other reason that God wants us to live and operate in faith is so that we will be able to tap into His power to fulfill and receive what He has for us in this life. In 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, "And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." Saints living by faith allows us to tap into God's power and produce the things God has promised us to do and receive. In Hebrews 11:27-35, God reveals how all these miraculous things happen in the lives of the Saints that walked by faith in His Words. From Moses to David and the Prophets each one of them had to use faith to tap into God's power. If they did not believe Him and operate by faith they would have never seen God's power manifested in their lives. If Gideon did not obey God and go to war with the Midian Nation with only 300 men they would have never won. Likewise, if Joshua had not walked around those big walls of Jericho for seven days and then yelled, those walls would not of came down, (Joshua 6:15-17, 20). Also Moses and the parting of the red sea, if he did not count God faithful by acting on His (God's) Word, they would have never escaped Pharaoh's soldiers.

Saints always remember one of the ways that you tap into God's miraculous power is by faith. In Galatians 3:5. Paul asked a question: "Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" The miracles come because you and I believe that God is a miracle working God. Bless God! Finally the last one is for us to receive our covenant promises that God has promised us in His Word. In Hebrews 6:12, the Bible tells us it is through faith and patience we receive God's promises. Always remember faith in God is always based on His Word. So when you are in faith you are standing on a promise God has spoken or written in His Word and God will always confirm His word (not our words, unless it is lining up with His) with signs following. Mark 16:20 "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs." Amen. So in conclusion, I would recommend that you operate and live by faith so you will be able to do and receive more from God in your life. Then you can be a blessing to your family members, friends, associates and others.

God Bless You and Your families.

Dr. Mannie L. Brodie Jr.

Dr. Brodie's Blogs

Christian Comedy Bash: Laughfest!

Joy and Laughter is coming to Fontana, CA  in June 2013. The dynamic ministry of Principles of Faith Christian Center will be blessing you with a fresh take on what it means to have an enjoyable evening out in Fontana, CA, by bringing you our CHRISTIAN COMEDY BASH: Laughfest, on June 1, 2013, from 7:00P.M.-9:00P.M.  The show line up is stellar, so get ready to be fully entertained. This event will be hosted once again by Rev. Monty B. Sharpton and will start at 7:00pm. Doors will open at 6:00pm.

Featured Comics:
Def Comedy Jam - VINCE D
Back By Popular Demand Comedian - AARON EDWARDS
Comedian Illusionist - THE GREAT OMAR

Vince D. has appeared on Def Comedy Jam, Showtime at the Apollo, Apollo Comedy Hour, A&E Evening at the Improv, BET’s Comic View. He had a co-starring role on the television series The Parkers. He has worked concert tours for Mary J. Blige, Kirk Franklin, Brent Jones, Walter Hawkins, Fred Hammond, Frankie Beverly, Toni Braxton, the O’Jays and Stephanie Mills. Vince D. has also written for the Steve Harvey Morning Show, The D.L. Hughley Show (Late Night Talk Show), BET’s Comic View, comedians J. Anthony Brown and Shuckey Duckey.

Aaron Edwards gives you a new flavor of stand-up comedy. His stand up includes not only relevant material but spot on impersonations as well as funny characters. He brings you a clean and clever flavor that is guaranteed to have you LOL in any arena. We enjoyed Aaron Edwards so much that we wanted him back again for this event. Do not miss out on the next generation of FUNNY and allow me to introduce the new face of Comedy.......Aaron Edwards!

Omar Covarrubias has delighted audiences throughout the greater Los Angeles area for the past nine years. Omar's routine is not traditional; he incorporates vaudevillian comedy and musical bits while engaging constant audience participation. Where ever Omar appears, the reaction is overwhelmingly favorable. He often brings his audience in on his jokes, only to surprise them moments later. The magician's warmth and charisma puts the crowd at ease, and expectations are increasingly surpassed as the show unfolds.

And lets not forget our host Rev. Monty B. Sharpton who is the “altar” ego of Comedian Lamont Bonman. Lamont has a commanding stage presence, and, together with his sharp wit, keen insight and overwhelming love for the Lord, he has earned a very enthusiastic and loyal following. Lamont has been featured on TBN's Praise The Lord, BET's Comic View,  Murder She Wrote and the short movie Circle of Pain for Showtime. From churches to banquet halls and theaters, Lamont's performances have garnered much well-deserved acclaim because of his unique improvisational style and because Lamont seeks to inspire, even more than entertain. As a gospel comedian, he makes a difference to all who witness his gift and whatever the event, Lamont is prayerful that he will glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and that he will incite others to seek Him more diligently.

Tickets are only $10.00 and the dress code is Conservative Casual.  Tell your friends and family and meet us at Principles of Faith Christian Center.  For ticket info call: (909) 829-2055 or you can purchase tickets online at www.pfccsite.org.  You don’t want to miss this event. Laughter is the best medicine - so get together with your family, friends, and ministry groups for a fun-filled evening with your favorite Christian comics at our CHRISTIAN COMEDY BASH: Laughfest!.
Christian Comedy Bash: Laughfest

The Donkey Story

No matter what you do, folks are gonna talk about you. So don't worry about it, let God direct your steps.

PFCC Presents An Evening With Ben Tankard!

Please join Dr. Mannie L. Brodie, First Lady Winifred Brodie and Principles of Faith Christian Center as we welcome back one of the most influential keyboardist of our time, Ben Tankard! Ben's newest release "FULL TANK" showcases his best work ever and you can see and hear an exclusive sneak preview at Principles of Faith Christian Center.

Since he came on the national scene in 1990, there have been many titles associated with Ben Tankard, from the Quincy Jones of Gospel to the father of Gospel Jazz. Ben Tankard has a strong anointing to play under the unction of the Holy Spirit. He has recorded 18 CDs in the last 20 years and is the bestselling Gosel Jazz artist of all time. He has earned 12 Stellar Awards, 8 Dove Awards, 3 Grammy Award Nominations and has never had a music lesson.

In the late 80s he was a professional basketball player for the CBA/ NBA. Unfortunately that career ended with an injury or maybe it was a blessing in disguise. Ben is now a motivational speaker for the NBA. Aside from being the Pastor of Destiny Center Church in Murfreesboro, TN ; He is also a "hit-maker" producer, Ben discovered Yolanda Adams and has produced several top records for her, as well as collaborated with Take-6, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, and others.

Ben's soft relaxing smooth jazz melodies, inspirational themes and soft vocals have sizzled at the top of the charts for the last two decades. Just turn on the Weather Channel, XM Radio Watercolors,  Cable  TV's Music Choice and you are sure to hear Ben's music within minutes.

Ben's exciting life and career has attracted Hollywood! A new reality TV show, "Ben Tankard's Gospel Crib" is in the works  with the Bravo Network starring Ben and Jewel with their children.

Make plans to attend this event. For more information call 909-829-2055 or log on to www.pfccsite.org

What Is The True Meaning of Christmas?

Understanding Why Christians Fail To Receive

In this month's article, I would like to talk about why Christians fail to receive. Many believers are not aware that certain things that they do may hinder them from receiving from God. Although they may see other Saints doing and acting certain ways, that does not justify their behavior with God. So I hope after you have read this lesson you will understand better how to receive from God.

FAILURE TO KEEP GOD'S COMMANDMENTS
We must understand one thing about God, if you do not understand anything else. God does not make suggestions, He makes commandments. When God met with Moses He did not say, here are ten suggestions; He said here are ten commandments. God knew what was best for the children of Israel and He knows what is best for us. Most believers do not receive from God because they fail to honor or keep His commandments or Words. In John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Jesus tell His disciples the new commandment under the New Testament is to 'love each other as Christ has loved us by giving His life for us.' However, most Saints will not be obedient and walk in love with each other. On the contrary they walk in strife, malice, jealously and hate and then they wonder why their prayers are not being answered by God! Saints this should not be happening in the body of Christ. In John 14:13-21 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. "If you love Me, keep My commandments. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." Jesus is speaking very strongly about the fact that we should love each other. If we truly love Him we would keep His commandments. He said anyone who loves Him by keeping His words or commandments He will manifest Himself to. I believe that is one of the reasons many Saints never see Jesus' power manifested in their life, because they don't keep the commandments in their heart. Saints, you may be able to fool me or your church brethren, but you cannot fool God.

In John 3:22-24 "After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea. and there He remained with them and baptized. Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. For John had not yet been thrown into prison." Whatever we ask (or pray) we receive from God. Why? Because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight, and believe on the name of Jesus and love one another. Saints. I remember I was talking to one of the 'suppose-to-be-saints' about holding ill feelings toward one of the believer's and I told them that the Bible says we must forgive people and walk in love and they told me, "I hear you, Brother Brodie, but I am not there yet." Saints I was shocked at their response because they claimed to be a prophet and claim to know God. After that I could easily discern that they did not know God, because if they knew God they would have been walking in His Word or commandments. That is why 1 John 2:3-4 says "now by this we know Him if we keep His commandments and one who says he knows God and does not keep His commandments is a liar "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by to do his will." The Bible makes it very clear the behavior that God expects from us, it says we should be gentle; not one to quarrel; able to teach in humility; correcting those who are in opposition. However, when you look at some believer's their behavior is the opposite. They are rude; argumentative; do not show any compassion; do not teach the Word correctly or do not rightly divide the Word of God of truth. How in the world do they ever expect to receive from God when they are totally against what He requires and expects from them! Saints, when you look at what God expects and you compare it to how you see believers act, it is a miracle that any prayer request is received In 1 Peter 3:7 "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life,  that your prayers may not be hindered." The Bible makes it clear that the husband should honor the wife and not argue with her, so that their prayers are not hindered. Nevertheless, you have some husbands still disrespecting their wives and then wonder why they are not being blessed. Some go as far as to beat their wife. I can only pray for them. In James 3:16 "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." The Word makes it clear, where there is envy and self-seeking, confusion and every evil work is there. Saints, stay away from this type of behavior if you desire to receive from God. Remember God is Holy and He expects us, as His children, to be holy. There is still a certain way He expects us to live.  We are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We must exhibit more signs of godliness if we desire to see God consistently move in our lives mighty.

LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD
In Isaiah 5:13 "Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore Sheol has enlarged itself and opened its mouth beyond measure; their glory and their multitude and their pomp, and he who is jubilant, shall descend into it." The Bible says that His people went into captivity because they have no Godly knowledge, as a result the noble or rich man has become poor, the respectable or honorable men are famished and hell or sheol has enlarged itself. This means because the people have no Godly knowledge, the devil has robbed them, they have become weak and more of them are going to hell. That is why He said hell has enlarged itself. Again, in Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge. I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children." God is saying His people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge and because they rejected His Word not only will they suffer, but their children will not receive their prayers answered. Saints, I do not know about you, but that is a very serious thing for your children to be forgotten by God and all because you rejected the knowledge of God. Saints, it is a hard price to pay, so I would recommend that you not reject God's Word and not lean to your own understanding, because it could cost you tremendously.

OUR RIGHT TO USE THE NAME OF JESUS
Many believers do not know that they have the right to use the name of Jesus in everything concerning our covenant right with God. The forces in heaven will work on our behalf (Philippians 2:9) to help us receive whatever we are believing for. At the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess Him as Lord in heaven, earth and under the earth. Many saints do not realize the power that is working for them when they use the name of Jesus, that it should not be taken lightly. Luke 10:17 "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." The Bible says the seventy returned with joy saying even the demons are subject to us in the name of Jesus. Saints, what power to have working on our behalf the awesome power of God, the greater one working in us and through us to make sure the devil does not overtake us. I thank God for the privilege of being able to use the name of Jesus and knowing that the devil has to stay far from around me and my household. It is indeed a blessing to utilize His name, the name above all names (Ephesians 1:21 - "far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.") Saints, when we pray, the way our prayers are heard is by using the name of Jesus (John 16:23 - "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.") So whenever you pray, if you expect to receive from God. I strongly recommend that you use the name of Jesus to get God's attention and have your prayers answered.

INTEGRITY OF THE HEART
Saints, many people do not receive from God because their heart is not right. Always remember- God looks at the heart of man (Samuel 16:7 "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.") God told Solomon in 1 King 9:4 "Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments." God requires integrity from the inner man of His people if He is going to bless you and be with you the way He wants to. Psalms 25:21 "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You." The Bible says let integrity and uprightness preserve or keep us. Many people do not receive from God because their intentions are self-centered. In James 4-3 "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." The Bible says you ask and receive because you want to spend it on your own lust.

In conclusion. I hope you can understand better why some believers never receive much from God. They fail to walk in love and keep the commandments, also their behavior is not Godly; They do not use the name of Jesus in prayer, or They do not walk with integrity of the heart. Some of your may think it is not important, but it is important to God and it will stop you from receiving from God.

May God continue to bless you!

Dr. Mannie L. Brodie, Jr.