MESSAGES

Labeled – “Facing Your Future Without Fear”

Speaker: Rev. Kevin Williams
March 2020

“God is Still Good”

Speaker: Rev. Kevin Williams
March 2020

“The Only Way Out Is Through It”

Speaker: Rev Kevin Willliams
March 2020

“There Is Still Hope”

Speaker: Pastor Kevin Williams
March 2020

Blogs

Lifting the Limits of Your Faith

Have you ever felt like your faith was stuck — like no matter how
much you pray or believe, things just don’t seem to change? In
Mark 6:1-6, we see Jesus returning to His hometown, only to be
met with doubt and unbelief. The people who should have known
Him best limited what He could do in their lives because of their
lack of faith.

Could we be doing the same today? Are there ways we
unknowingly place limits on God’s power in our lives? In this post,
we’ll explore how to break free from doubt, strengthen our trust in
Christ, and experience the fullness of His work in and through us.

As Mark 6:1-6 opens, we witness Jesus returning to His
hometown, Nazareth, accompanied by His disciples. He began
teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and the people were
astonished by His wisdom and the miracles that He performed.
However, their amazement quickly turned to skepticism when they
recognized Jesus as the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the
brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon. Their familiarity with
Jesus and His family led them to doubt His authority and divine
mission. This reaction highlights a common human tendency to
underestimate those we think we know well.

Jesus addressed this by stating that a prophet (a messenger of
God) is honored everywhere except in his own hometown, among
his relatives, and in his own house. This saying emphasizes the
difficulty that prophets face in being accepted by those closest to

them, who may struggle to see beyond the ordinary aspects of
their lives.

Due to their lack of faith, Jesus was unable to perform many
miracles in Nazareth, except for healing a few sick people. This
limitation was not due to a lack of power on Jesus’ part, but rather
the people’s unwillingness to believe. Jesus was amazed at their
unbelief. But despite this, He continued His ministry, teaching in
the surrounding villages.

What should I do to lift the limit of my faith?
1. Overcome Familiarity: Just as the people of Nazareth
struggled to see Jesus for who He truly was, we might
sometimes take for granted or underestimate those closest
to us. It’s essential to remain open and appreciative of the
unique gifts and talents of those around us.

2. Put my Faith into Action: Mark 6:1-6 highlights the
importance of faith. The people’s unbelief limited what Jesus
could do for them. In our lives, maintaining faith, even in
difficult situations, can open doors to possibilities and
miracles we might not otherwise experience.

3. Be Persistent in my Purpose: Jesus continued his work
despite rejection. This teaches us to stay committed to our
purpose, even when faced with doubt or criticism from
others. Persistence and dedication are crucial, especially
when our efforts are not immediately recognized or
appreciated.

4. Handle Rejection: Jesus’ reaction to rejection in His
hometown is an example of grace under pressure. He didn’t
retaliate or become discouraged. Instead, he acknowledged
the reality and continued his mission. When we face
rejection, it’s important to remain composed and keep
moving forward.

5. Self-Reflection: The story also prompts us to reflect on our
own beliefs and biases. Are there areas in our lives where
familiarity or preconceived notions prevent us from
recognizing someone’s true potential or value? Being mindful
of this can help us become more open-hearted and
supportive.

By applying these lessons, we can navigate our own experiences
with faith, persistence, and a deeper appreciation for the people in
our lives.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that lifting the limits of our faith
is not about achieving perfection or earning God’s love. It’s about
growing in our relationship with God and allowing His love to
transform us from the inside out.

Ultimately, what it means to lift the limits of our Christian
faith is a personal journey that unfolds over time. It involves a
willingness to learn, grow, and trust in God’s guidance as we seek
to live a life that is pleasing to him.

Blessings & Peace!
Pastor