Have you ever felt like your faith was too small to make a difference? Or wondered what it would take to see real miracles happen in your life and community? As I stood before the congregation at New Life Church this Sunday, I was reminded of the incredible power of faith - not just any faith, but the kind that amazes even God Himself.

The Centurion's Faith: A Model for Us All

In Luke chapter 7, we encounter a Roman centurion whose faith astonished Jesus. This man, an outsider to the Jewish faith, understood something profound about authority that many of us still struggle with today.

"For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." (Luke 7:8)

The centurion recognized that Jesus had an authority greater than any earthly power. He believed that just as he could command his soldiers, Jesus could command sickness to leave with a mere word. This faith amazed Jesus, prompting Him to say, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." (Luke 7:9)

Recognizing God's Supreme Authority

Do we truly recognize the authority of Jesus in our lives? As I preached, I felt compelled to remind the congregation:

"Do you realize that he has more authority than the Supreme Court? He has more authority than the Oroville Police Department. He has more authority than the governor of California. He has more authority than a world globalist billionaire."

When we grasp the full extent of Christ's authority, it changes how we approach every challenge in our lives. Sickness, financial struggles, relational issues - all of these must bow to the name of Jesus when we exercise our faith.

Faith That Moves Mountains

Throughout the Gospels, we see examples of faith that moved Jesus to action. The woman with the issue of blood, blind Bartimaeus, the four friends who lowered the paralytic through the roof - all of these demonstrate the power of persistent, audacious faith.

I shared a personal story about my wife's healing from cancer:

"My wife had cancer last year. Guess what? She doesn't have cancer no more. You know why? Because we pray. Because if I pray for people, that's showing that I highly value them, which means I don't take on the theology that said, 'Well, if it's God's will, he'll heal her.' No, it is God's will to heal."

Building Your Faith

So how do we develop this kind of mountain-moving faith? Here are a few key principles:

1. Immerse yourself in God's Word
2. Surround yourself with people of faith
3. Step out in obedience, even when it's uncomfortable
4. Celebrate and remember past victories
5. Persist in prayer, even when you don't see immediate results

A Call to Action: Become a House of Miracles

As I concluded the sermon, I felt a stirring in my spirit for what God wants to do in Oroville and beyond. I challenged the congregation:

"I believe this house is a house of miracles. I believe this is a house of healing. I don't think that God caused Pastor Ken Malone to put all the resources and energy and many of you in this room as well, to build this church so that we would not see signs, wonders and miracles."

What if we dared to believe for more? What if our cities became known not for their problems, but for the miraculous power of God at work through His people?

I encourage you, wherever you are, to step out in faith this week. Bring someone who needs a miracle to church. Pray boldly for the impossible. Let's become a people whose faith amazes even God Himself.

Next Steps:
1. Identify an area in your life where you need to exercise greater faith
2. Commit to praying specifically and persistently for a breakthrough
3. Find a prayer partner to stand with you in faith
4. Attend our miracle service this Tuesday and bring someone who needs a touch from God

Remember, your faith has the power to change not just your life, but your entire community. Let's believe God for great things!