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James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
1 John 1:5, The Apostle John wrote, “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”
John 1:4–5, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
"The Light That Blinds: When Power Creates Darkness – Moral Clarity in an Age of Injustice"
by Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
This is audio of an article read by a digital voice. To read the article VISIT THIS LINK on my blog.
Philippians 3:12, Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
Summary of the Message:
“Kingdom, Power, Glory: Quietness + Confidence = Strength”
by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
I. INTRODUCTION: THE DISCIPLE’S REQUEST AND THE KINGDOM CONTEXT
A. The Request: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray” (Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:9–13)
Jesus models prayer for His disciples—not the Lord’s prayer, but our prayer.
The prayer closes with a reminder of divine ownership and sovereignty:
“For Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever.”
B. Meaning of the Three Realms of God
Kingdom – God’s rule and authority.
Power – God’s ability to accomplish His will.
Glory – God’s majesty and divine presence.
These belong to God alone; not to governments, politicians, or human systems.
Believers operate in a higher kingdom, with higher power, for the glory of God.
II. THE KINGDOM IS LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD
A. The Bright Light of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 5:14)
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world; a city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Christ has transferred His light to His followers.
Application:
You are already visible—so shine.
Others are already watching, so be the light.
“You may as well shine!”
III. THE KINGDOM IS TRANSFORMATIVE
A. The Call of the Disciples (Matthew 4:18–20)
Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Transformation begins when we follow; God makes us.
The Kingdom changes identity and purpose.
B. Cooperation with God’s Transforming Power
Transformation requires yielding, not striving.
God’s kingdom forms new purpose, power, and personhood.
IV. THE KINGDOM IS FULL OF STRENGTH
(Isaiah 30:15–16)
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength;
But you would not…”
A. The Prophetic Context
Judah sought political alliances (Egypt) instead of trusting God.
God rebuked them: “You take counsel, but not of Me.”
The warning: reliance on worldly systems leads to weakness and dependence.
B. Worldly Systems vs. God’s Kingdom
Earthly systems concentrate power and wealth among a few.
God’s kingdom strengthens, uplifts, and liberates people.
True strength is found only in God’s rule.
V. THE FALSE STRENGTH OF SPEED AND STRIVING
A. The Futility of Running Faster
“We will flee on swift horses…” — but “those who pursue you shall be swift.”
You cannot outrun anxiety, distraction, or fear.
The faster you run, the faster your troubles seem to chase you.
Principle: The answer is not speed but stillness.
B. Modern Application
People try to fix weakness by posturing strength—pretending to be powerful.
Strength doesn’t come from acting strong but from quietness of heart and confidence in God.
VI. TRUE STRENGTH ILLUSTRATED: HARRIET TUBMAN
A. Example of Spiritual Strength
Physically small (about 5 feet tall), formerly enslaved, but mighty in faith.
Escaped 90 miles to freedom and returned to rescue ~70 others.
Served as a scout and spy during the Civil War and later as an activist.
B. The Source of Her Strength
Quote: “I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight.”
Her strength came from God, not size or status.
True strength is moral, spiritual, and rooted in trust and courage.
VII. RETURNING, RESTING, AND KNOWING GOD
A. Returning and Rest (Isaiah 30:15)
Returning = repentance — turning back to God.
Rest = tranquility and settledness.
Deliverance comes through surrender, not striving.
Rest is not inactivity—it is trusting the power of another (God).
B. Quietness and Confidence
Quietness: Calm heart; stillness of spirit.
Confidence: Assurance in God’s character and promises.
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
You know only after you be still.
Stillness allows God’s presence to fill the heart.
C. Results of Quiet Confidence
“The work of righteousness will be peace” (Isaiah 32:17).
When God is with you, you can move without fear.
If you are still fearful—sit back down until peace returns.
VIII. THE HUMAN TENDENCY TO MOVE FASTER
A. God Says: “Rest.” Humanity Says: “No.”
Israel said, “We will flee on swift horses.”
Principle: The human reflex is to move faster rather than trust deeper.
Lesson: You need stillness, not speed.
B. Trust in God, Not in Systems
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses,
but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
Wealth, systems, and networks can change—but God remains faithful.
Even abundance (money, success) is no substitute for trust in the Lord.
IX. THE POWER OF STILLNESS
A. Stillness Is Productive, Not Passive
God’s kingdom is productive—just not busy.
Stillness reorders priorities and aligns you with God’s presence.
It helps you reframe life’s situations through faith:
“It’s bad, but God’s got it.”
“It’s chaotic, but God’s got me.”
B. Illustration: Captain “Sully” Sullenberger
During the “Miracle on the Hudson,” he acted calmly under pressure.
His stillness allowed his training—and God’s grace—to work.
Lesson: You can’t perform CPR, pilot a plane, or save a life while frantic.
Stillness lets knowledge, faith, and grace operate effectively.
X. THE INVITATION TO REST IN CHRIST (Matthew 11:28)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
A. God’s Offer vs. Humanity’s Resistance
Many hear this call but refuse it—choosing “swift horses” instead.
Jesus invites us to stop striving and receive His rest.
XI. APPLICATION AND RESPONSE
1. Return to God Daily
Repent, realign, and rest—make it a daily rhythm.
Don’t wait for crisis to return; stay aligned continuously.
2. Seek Strength Through Quiet Time
Prayer and meditation on God’s Word.
Meditate—turn truth over and over until it shapes your heart.
3. Value Stillness with God Over Speed Without Him
Resist the culture of hurry.
Strength grows in quiet confidence, not constant motion.
4. Trust That When You Stop Striving, God Starts Moving
Let surrender activate divine strength.
Faith rests, and rest becomes power.
XII. CONCLUSION AND PRAYER
Summary Statement:
“Quietness + Confidence = Strength.”
God’s kingdom is not built on noise, speed, or display—but on returning, resting, and trusting.
Closing Prayer Highlights:
Thank God for His kingdom, power, and glory.
Ask for grace to practice stillness, repentance, and confidence.
Celebrate examples of spiritual strength (like Harriet Tubman).
Reaffirm trust in God’s rule: “Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever.”
Isaiah 30:15–16 (NKJV)
16 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
16 You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’ Therefore your pursuers will be swift!
Two of the most liberating words in our language are: “Thank You!”
Hebrews 13:5 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Psalm 35:18, I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.
In Psalm 107:22 "Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy." (NIV)
THANK YOU closes the circle of breakthrough in our lives. Lesson from the Ten Lepers: Ten were cleansed, but one was MADE WHOLE by saying "Thank You!"
Luke 17:11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”
Listen to the Message by Patricia Hudson
"Seize the Day: Not What If, Choose What Now, What Next"
Matthew 6:13, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
Summary of Patricia A. Hudson’s message
“Seize the Day: Not What If, Choose What Now, What Next”
Introduction and Context
Patricia opened by explaining how the message arose from her reflections after retiring in May 2022, following 42 years as a classroom teacher. She described the sadness, uncertainty, and self-doubt that came with leaving a meaningful career—wondering if she had done enough, questioning paths not taken (such as becoming an administrator), and missing the validation that came with being a master teacher.
Through prayer, journaling, and devotion, she received the phrase:
“Not what if, what now, what next.”
This became her guiding principle for moving forward with peace, purpose, and renewed focus.
Theme: Moving Beyond “What If”
“What if” thinking reflects regret and focuses on missed opportunities or untaken paths. It breeds doubt and prevents progress.
Patricia realized she could not dwell on the past but instead needed to embrace the present (what now) and prepare for the future (what next).
She reframed her life’s work: mentoring students, training teachers, and serving in Christian education as a completed season of calling that now prepares her for the next chapter.
Honoring Her Pastor
Patricia honored Dr. Bryan Hudson, her husband and pastor, highlighting the grace and dedication of pastors who faithfully teach and lead while balancing life’s responsibilities. She credited his consistent teaching of God’s Word as foundational for her spiritual growth and for her ability to stand and minister.
Seize the Day: Biblical & Practical Insights
Patricia unpacked the phrase “Seize the Day” (Carpe Diem):
To take opportunity eagerly and decisively.
To embrace the present moment instead of postponing or worrying about tomorrow.
She identified four keys to cultivating a seize-the-day mindset:
Focus on the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Take action on opportunities today.
Prioritize purposeful living aligned with God’s calling.
Embrace new experiences that bring fulfillment.
Scripture emphasized these truths:
Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Lamentations 3:22–23 – God’s mercies are new every morning.
Matthew 6:31–34 – Do not worry about tomorrow; focus on God’s provision today.
Using the Past Without Being Trapped by It
Patricia explained that the past can serve two healthy purposes:
Informing us of God’s faithfulness.
Correcting our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
She shared a humorous and nostalgic family story about “Lucky,” their childhood dog, showing how past experiences can also provide joy, bonding, and spiritual insight about God’s fatherly love.
But she warned against allowing negative past experiences to dominate, creating regret and emotional “drama.” Forgiveness and God’s wisdom are essential to move forward into peace and purpose.
Biblical Case Studies
Patricia drew on two biblical examples:
Joseph (Genesis 37–50): Betrayed by brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned, yet he shifted from “what if” to “what now, what next”. His resilience positioned him to save nations during famine.
Paul (New Testament letters): Imprisoned for preaching the gospel, Paul didn’t dwell on “what if” but wrote letters that continue to strengthen believers today.
Both men turned adversity into purposeful action, modeling how God works through despair to fulfill divine purpose.
Application: Choosing What Now and What Next
What Now: Live fully in the present, trusting God’s provision for today.
What Next: Plan for the future, but rest in God’s guidance (Proverbs 3:5–6, Isaiah 30:21).
God knows each twist and turn; His mercy and wisdom equip us daily.
Seizing the day includes balance: purposeful living, joy, play, rest, and even celebration.
Closing Exhortation
Patricia concluded with encouragement:
“Give today. Love today. Rejoice today.”
Life is purposeful but also joyful—embrace both responsibility and enjoyment.
Trust God’s faithfulness, walk in His direction, and share His goodness with others.
She ended with a prayer of thanksgiving, urging listeners to reject the paralysis of “what if,” and instead embrace the freedom of “what now, what next.”
Core Message in One Sentence:
Don’t be trapped by regrets of the past or anxieties about the future—seize today with gratitude, live purposefully in the present, and trust God for what comes next.
Listen to the Message
RENEW: The Best Version of You
Isaiah 40:30, Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Hebrews 4:10, For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His
“RENEW: The Best Version of You”
By Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
Theme: The sermon centers on the biblical principle of renewal—God’s continual work of making believers into the best version of themselves through inward transformation, endurance through shaking, and daily spiritual renewal.
Introduction
Renewal is necessary for personal growth, relationships, and the world at large.
Everyone has “different versions” of themselves across stages of life. God desires to bring out the best versionthrough His Spirit.
Key text: 2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Though our outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day.”
Renewal Illustrated
Renewal parallels physical projects: tearing out old concrete, replacing screens, removing flags. Renewal often requires breaking up and removing old things before the new can be established.
Biblical principle: You cannot put new wine into old wineskins (Matt. 9:17).
Renewal in the Midst of Shaking
Text: Hebrews 12:26–29 – God shakes what is man-made so that what is God-made may remain.
Shaking exposes what is unstable or superficial.
Believers rooted in God endure shaking because they are God-made, not man-made.
Renewal involves cost, disruption, and difficulty, like construction work—yet produces lasting change.
Renewal Defined
Renewal = being made new, renovated, refreshed continuously.
It is God’s work, not human self-effort. Believers cooperate with God by trusting and yielding.
Renewal is daily, regardless of circumstances: “Don’t ask, How do I feel? Ask, What do I believe?”
Five Keys to Renewal (R.E.N.E.W.)
R – Rest and Repent
Rest = entering God’s finished work (Hebrews 4:10).
Repent = change your mind and position yourself to receive from God (Acts 3:19).
Rest includes physical rest—sleep is God-given and essential.
E – Experience Fullness
In God’s presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
Joy is deeper than happiness—an inward assurance of being in God’s will.
Believers receive fullness from Christ (John 1:16).
N – Never Cease Prayer
Prayer sustains renewal.
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
Thanksgiving and prayer cultivate resilience in every circumstance.
E – Endure (Cast Cares on the Lord)
Endure hardship as a soldier (2 Tim. 2:3).
Do not become entangled with the world’s cares.
Cast cares on God because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).
W – Wait on Exchange of Strength
Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength (Isaiah 40:30-31).
Waiting = lingering in God’s presence, binding your life to Him.
Renewal involves exchange—our weakness for God’s strength, our struggles for His victory.
Practical Insights
Renewal is ongoing, disruptive, sometimes painful—but it leads to vitality, clarity, and endurance.
Renewal impacts spirit, soul, and body. Even physical practices like rest and good sleep are part of God’s care.
God uses challenges and even sorrow to lead us toward repentance and transformation.
Conclusion
Renewal helps us become the best version of ourselves—rested, filled with joy, prayerful, enduring, and strong in the Lord.
Renewal is God’s work, requiring our cooperation, humility, and willingness to embrace the process—even when it involves shaking or breaking.
Final encouragement: Trust God’s renewing work daily. Don’t measure by feelings—live by faith.
Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me,
And those who seek me diligently will find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring riches and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold,
And my revenue than choice silver.
20 I traverse the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,
21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth,
That I may fill their treasuries.
Psalms 142:3, When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
Then You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk
They have secretly set a snare for me.
4 Look on my right hand and see,
For there is no one who acknowledges me;
Refuge has failed me;
No one cares for my soul.
Bible Study at Jesus House Lesson by Pastor Bryan Hudson
"The Good Fight of Faith."
PowerPoint Slides of Lesson
Jesus Inside Prison Ministry www.JIPM.org
1 Timothy 6:11, But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses
Listen to the Message from Sunday, August 24, 2025
The Spirit of Faith, Part Two – The Good Fight of Faith
1 John 4:4, You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed
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DOWNLOAD AFFIRMATION OF GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH
Pastor Bryan Hudson’s message "The Spirit of Faith, Part Two: The Good Fight of Faith" emphasizes that faith in God is not only for crises but a consistent lifestyle of belief and action rooted in God’s Word.
Faith in God is an active, results-producing conviction that connects us to God’s promises and must be developed like a muscle through discipline, consistency, and endurance.
A “good fight” of faith is assured victory because God fights our battles, while a “bad fight” comes from unpreparedness and inconsistency. Believers must look to Jesus, lay aside distractions and sins, exercise patience, and run with endurance to avoid spiritual fainting.
Regardless of the situations we face, a lifestyle of faith, and "fighting the good fight of faith" enables us to remain undefeated and triumphant because God’s treasure lives within us.
Summary of Message (Generated by OpenAI:
The Spirit of Faith, Part Two: The Good Fight of Faith
1. Foundation of the Message
Key Texts:
2 Corinthians 4:13 – And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak
1 Timothy 6:11–12, But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses”
Review from Part One: Faith is more than a tool for crises—it is a lifestyle. God has placed His treasure in “earthen vessels,” showing both His confidence in us and our responsibility to live faithfully.
2. What is the Spirit of Faith?
A disposition or attitude aligned with the Word of God.
The human spirit infused by the Holy Spirit producing bold, enduring faith.
Not only belief, but a lifestyle that reflects faith in thought, conduct, and endurance.
3. Faith Defined
Faith in God is an active, results-producing belief, that involves applying God's Word, taking action based on His promises.
Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Weymouth’s translation: “Now faith is a well grounded assurance of that for which we hope, and a conviction of the reality of things which we do not see.Analogy: Faith as a key fob—even when the car is not seen, possession of the fob guarantees its reality.
The Amplified Bible, “Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality - faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.”
4. The Good Fight of Faith
A good fight: one where the outcome is already assured because God fights for us.
A bad fight: when unprepared, careless, or inconsistent (e.g., cramming for a test, showing talent without discipline).
Consistency—not just talent—earns trust. Faith is inseparable from faithfulness.
5. Lifestyle of Faith
Faith must be developed like a muscle—strengthened through use, testing, and endurance.
A lifestyle of faith is evidenced through:
Consistent good works.
Excellence in daily living.
Spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible reading, fasting, agreement in community).
Without faith as a lifestyle, believers risk “fainting”—losing heart due to lack of spiritual nutrition.
6. How to Fight the Good Fight
Look to Jesus – the Author and Finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:1–2).
Lay aside weights and sins – not only obvious sins but unnecessary burdens.
Run with endurance – not just soaring or sprinting, but faithfully walking without fainting.
Exercise patience – faith and patience work together; they are “power twins.”
Avoid weariness – consider the perseverance of Jesus, family, and others who endured.
7. Dangers of Fainting
Physical fainting comes from lack of oxygen/nutrition.
Spiritual fainting comes from lack of connection to Christ, lack of Word intake, and lack of consistency.
Remedy: Re-focus on Jesus, nourish faith through obedience, and draw strength from faithful examples.
8. Marks of a Good Fight
2 Corinthians 4:8–9 – We may be hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down, but never crushed, in despair, forsaken, or destroyed.
1 John 4:4 – Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.
The difference lies between external pressures and internal strength through Christ.
9. Affirmation of Faith (Confession) DOWNLOAD
The sermon concluded with a powerful declaration:
I have the spirit of faith and a lifestyle that supports it.
I fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life.
My faith grows daily through God’s grace in both good and bad times.
I endure with patience, will not faint, and triumph in Christ.
10. Core Takeaways
Faith is not situational but a lifestyle of faithfulness.
A “good fight” is already won because Christ secures the victory.
Preparation, discipline, and patience make faith durable.
Believers must avoid fainting by staying spiritually nourished and focused on Jesus.
The spirit of faith ensures we triumph—even under pressure—because God’s treasure lives within us.
2 Corinthians 4:6, For it is the God who
commanded light to shine out of darkness,
who has shone in our hearts to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this
treasure in earthen vessels, that the
excellence of the power may be of God and
not of us.
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DOWNLOAD AFFIRMATION OF THE SPIRIT OF FAITH
Summary of the message (Generated by OpenAI)
The Spirit of Faith: Part One – A Lifestyle of Provision and Favor
By Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin
Main Text
2 Corinthians 4:13 — And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak
Paul roots the teaching in faith as a lived reality: believing, speaking, and embodying Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:3, But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Key Themes and Teachings
1. Treasure in Earthen Vessels
God has placed His treasure (His presence, power, and favor) in us.
This makes ministry possible: it’s God doing the work through us.
God has confidence in His people, just as we have faith in Him.
Recognizing this treasure should influence our choices, attitudes, and lifestyle.
2. The Spirit of Faith
Defined as a disposition or attitude that aligns with God’s Word.
Not simply belief in a moment, but a permanent posture shaped by the Holy Spirit within us.
Like any human disposition (mood, attitude), the spirit of faith becomes the way we live and respond.
Key principle: “I believed, therefore I spoke” (Psalm 116:10).
Faith is honest—acknowledging struggles while declaring God’s promises.
Faith does not require denial of reality, but trust that God transforms reality.
3. Faith vs. Fear
Both involve belief in the unseen:
Fear imagines unseen dangers.
Faith embraces unseen promises.
If we can believe in fear, we can believe in faith.
Example: Faith is like a key fob—evidence of what you don’t yet see (the car).
4. Renewed Inwardly
Outwardly, we may age or decline, but inwardly the Spirit renews us day by day.
Faith focuses on unseen realities: God’s ongoing renewal and strength.
Comparison to maintaining a car: what’s inside sustains and renews the outside.
5. Light Afflictions vs. Eternal Glory
Paul calls his sufferings “light” compared to God’s eternal glory.
Faith reframes difficulties by viewing them against eternal realities.
Affliction is temporary; God’s work in us is weightier and eternal.
6. Example of Abraham & Sarah
God promised them a child at 75 and 65, but fulfillment came at 100 and 90.
Lesson: Faith requires lifestyle consistency over time, not momentary belief.
They had to maintain the spirit of faith for 25 years.
Faith does not deny barrenness or age—it believes God’s promise beyond them.
7. Lifestyle of Faith
True faith is not about one-time victories but a sustained way of life.
Like athletes: a single good performance isn’t enough; lifestyle determines consistency.
Faith requires daily walking (“walk and not faint”), not just occasional soaring.
Lifestyle supports faith’s manifestation—holiness, prayer, Scripture, perseverance.
8. Seeing the Unseen
2 Corinthians 4:18 — “We look not at things seen, but unseen.”
Physical circumstances are temporary; God’s promises are eternal.
Faith involves shifting vision:
Seen reality: problems, lack, age, struggles.
Unseen reality: God’s provision, renewal, promises.
Believers must choose what they focus on.
9. Faith Is Honest, Not Denial
Faith doesn’t call sickness health or deny problems.
Faith acknowledges reality but affirms God’s greater reality:
“I may be sick, but I am healed through Christ’s stripes.
Application
Guard your lifestyle: choices, attitudes, and disciplines matter.
Sustain faith: don’t quit during delay—promises often require waiting.
Focus on unseen realities: God’s promises outweigh temporary troubles.
Walk daily: consistency in prayer, obedience, and trust reflects true spirit of faith.
Provision and favor follow when the spirit of faith becomes lifestyle, not just an occasional act.
✅ Summary Statement:
The spirit of faith is not a momentary belief but a sustained lifestyle of trust, obedience, and perspective rooted in God’s promises. By recognizing the treasure within, aligning attitudes with God’s Word, and walking daily in faith rather than fear, believers experience God’s provision and favor—even amid affliction, delay, or unseen circumstances.
An Affirmation of the Spirit of Faith
By Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin
I have the Spirit of Faith, which is a proper disposition and attitude aligned with the Word of God. By the grace of God, I live a lifestyle that supports the Spirit of Faith. I walk in provision and favor because God is faithful and helps me be faithful to Him.
I have God's treasure in this earthen vessel called my life. God entrusts His treasure to me, and I will live a lifestyle that honors Christ and continues in covenant relationship with God and my fellow believers in Christ.
I embrace realities that I do not see.
Though outward things are perishing, my inward person is being renewed day by day.
The afflictions that I endure are light compared to the glory that is being revealed.
I don't call things that are as though they're not. By God's grace, I call things that are not as though they were. God keeps His promises.
The Spirit of Faith allows me to maintain the type of lifestyle that will allow God to manifest His provision and favor in my life.
I don't have to look at the things that I see, because there's more to life than what my eyes can see. Through the Spirit of Faith, I see God's promises and purposes fulfilled.
I have the Spirit of Faith and I am living a lifestyle of provision and favor
Romans 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts
Matthew 17:14, And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me." 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
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Summary of Message by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
“Developing Mountain Moving Faith”
Part Three from the series, “Lord, Teach Us to Pray”
Scripture Foundation: Matthew 17:14–21
The message centers on the account of a father who brings his tormented son to Jesus after the disciples failed to heal him. Jesus rebukes the demon, heals the boy, and rebukes His disciples for their unbelief—despite their intentions and prior efforts. He then teaches that “this kind” (of challenge and deliverance) only comes through prayer and fasting.
Main Theme: Faith Must Be Developed to Move Mountains
Dr. Hudson emphasizes that faith is not automatic or instant; it must be cultivated, prepared, and developed over time, just like any skilled profession. This sermon explores how true faith—faith that produces results and moves mountains—develops through process, prayer, fasting, discipline, and refining trials.
Key Points and Lessons
1. Faith Needs Development
Faith is not a switch to flip but a process to grow.
The disciples believed they could help the boy but lacked the spiritual development to meet the challenge.
Just as craftsmen hone their skills over time, believers must grow in faith through experience and learning.
“You don’t start moving mountains. You start moving molehills.”
2. Understanding Unbelief
Unbelief is not the absence of belief, but the lack of preparedness to meet a spiritual demand.
Like a trained athlete who stops training and fails despite past success, the disciples failed because they were not ready.
Unbelief = underdeveloped or unfocused faith.
3. Faith as a Mustard Seed
Jesus didn’t say “faith the size of” a mustard seed, but “faith as a mustard seed”—meaning faith that grows.
Mustard seed faith starts small but is planted, nurtured, and grows into something powerful.
Growth can happen quickly when we are willing to lean into God and walk away from distractions.
4. Two Types of Faith
Faith (noun): Beliefs, doctrine, lifestyle (Jude 3).
Faith (verb): Belief in action—obedient steps based on God's Word (Matthew 17:20).
“You cannot have active faith without sound doctrine. Faith comes by hearing the Word.”
5. The Power of Prayer and Fasting
Prayer and fasting are not about moving God—they move you.
They shift your attention away from self-centered routines and help you focus on God.
Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food; it’s about setting aside personal pleasure and self-satisfaction to align with God’s will.
“You can’t focus on yourself and focus on God at the same time.”
6. Hindrance to Faith: Offense and Bitterness
Harboring offense or bitterness blocks faith development.
Many offenses are not even sins—just preferences or misunderstandings.
Scripture (Proverbs 19:11, Matthew 18:15) instructs believers to let go of offense or address it directly if it’s a true sin.
“Don’t let anyone live rent-free in your mind and hinder your faith.”
7. Faith Must Have Corresponding Action (James 2:14–20)
Faith without works is dead. Words alone are not enough.
True faith produces change—in your heart, life, and lifestyle.
Faith is not a transaction, but a lifestyle aligned with the will of God.
“Faith is a habit—a consistent way of living and trusting God.”
8. Faith Will Be Tested by Fire (1 Peter 1:6–7)
Trials are part of faith development. God uses refining fire to purify and strengthen our faith.
Gold becomes more valuable after it is tested by fire—and so does genuine faith.
“You won’t burn up. You’ll come out better, stronger, purer.”
Key Quotes and Reflections
“Faith is developed, not downloaded.”
“Prayer and fasting don’t move God—they move you.”
“Unbelief is not disbelief; it’s unpreparedness.”
“Mountain-moving faith grows through molehill-moving obedience.”
“Let go of offense—it’s not worth stunting your faith.”
Final Prayer and Exhortation
Dr. Hudson concludes by thanking God for the process of developing faith. He encourages believers to embrace:
The disciplines of prayer and fasting
The necessity of letting go of offense
The value of genuine, tested faith
“Lord, thank You that our faith grows like a mustard seed—from a small beginning to something great and fruitful.”
Summary Statement
Developing mountain-moving faith is a journey of spiritual growth, intentional focus, disciplined habits, and grace under fire. Faith doesn’t just appear; it is formed in the presence of God, shaped by the Word, tested by trials, and manifested through love, obedience, and action.














