Message Review: Sound, Matter & Faith

Sound, Matter & Faith VOL 1 PART 1

The message emphasizes the transformative power of faith, the supremacy of God's Word, and the christian's role in manifesting divine will on Earth, often drawing parallels between spiritual principles and concepts from modern physics.

I. The Nature and Power of Faith

A. Faith as Substance and Evidence: Pastor Chris begins by defining faith directly from Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." He stresses that faith is not merely a belief, but a tangible "substance" that exists in the "eyes of your spirits," even before physical manifestation. It is the "proof" and "evidence" of unseen realities.

B. Faith and the Framing of the World: Drawing from Hebrews 11:3, "Through faith we understand that the world were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear," Pastor Chris connects faith to the very act of creation. He asserts that visible things were made from invisible "things" (subatomic particles), a concept he links to modern physics and the "wave-particle duality."

C. Faith and Wave-Particle Duality: Pastor Chris uses the concept of wave-particle duality (where subatomic particles exhibit both wave and particle characteristics depending on observation) as an analogy for faith. He states, "When you're not looking, it's energy. When you turn to see it, it's matter." He then links this to faith, suggesting that faith, when "not looking with your eyes" but residing "inside the eyes of your spirits," is the "substance" (energy/word) that materializes into visible reality when engaged. He concludes that "all the explanation is in the Bible."

D. The Source and Cultivation of Faith:

Hearing the Word: Faith "comes by hearing. Hearing hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Pastor Chris repeatedly emphasizes that consistent exposure to God's Word is the unfailing principle for acquiring and increasing faith. He uses an anecdote of an unbeliever who, despite his intentions, came to believe simply by hearing the word.

Connecting Faith to Need: "Our faith is always connected to our need. If there is no need for it, there will be no faith to it." Needs are presented not as causes for despair but as activators of faith. "Let your need excite you," he encourages, asserting that christians should "overwhelm my need with my faith," rather than being overwhelmed by the need itself.

Small Faith, Big Results: Citing Luke 17:6 (the mustard seed parable), Pastor Chris asserts that even "little faith, small faith, that you have can do big things."

II. The Christian's Identity and Purpose

A. Transformed by the Renewing of the Mind: Romans 12:2 is a central scripture: "Be not conformed to this world, but be transfigured transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation (metamorphosis) from one level of glory to another involves "tak[ing] God's thinking" and exchanging one's own thoughts for His. This leads to the ability to "prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

B. "Docimazo" - Proving God's Will: Pastor Chris elaborates on the Greek word "docimazo" (translated as "prove" in Romans 12:2). He explains it as a process of scrutiny and validation, like customs checking for contraband. In a spiritual context, it means we, as "the righteousness of God," are the ones to "scrutinizing you to decide to allow you if you are allowable" – we "allow the good things of God to come into this world. We are the ones to prove that this is good. This is acceptable to God. This is the perfect will of God. And we bring that into this earth. It's our calling."

C. Manifestation of the Sons of God: The "whole creation is in pain, groaning and waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God." This "manifestation" is the church's "job" – to "prove that which is the good the acceptable and the perfect will of the father." This ties into Jesus's teaching: "Whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven. Whatsoever you shall lose on earth shall be loosed in heaven," implying christians have the authority to permit or forbid things on Earth in alignment with heaven's will.

D. Rejecting Negative Emotions and Worldly Conformity: christians are urged to refuse "frustration," "sadness," "bitterness," and "anger," and instead give "vent to his righteousness," "love," "joy," and "peace." Worry is condemned as "witchcraft" or "manipulation," aimed at eliciting attention rather than genuine concern. The overall message is to live with constant joy and gratitude, letting good things flow through you.

III. Overcoming Obstacles and Living Victoriously

A. Commanding Mountains: Pastor Chris interprets Jesus's teaching on moving mountains (Mark 11:22-23) literally but contextually. While one might not command a physical mountain to move idly, the principle applies to "serious business" where a need triggers faith. The "mountain" represents obstacles in one's path.

B. The Wisdom of the Righteous: Through constant meditation on God's Word, a christian's mind becomes "conditioned by the words," leading to the "wisdom of the righteous." This state makes it "difficult to think thoughts of defeat, thoughts of needs." The believer's "life is not decided by the happenings" but rather, they "are in charge" and "will change whatever situation to fix the call and purpose of God for your life."

C. Navigating Challenges (Paths): Obstacles ("bear," "lion," "Goliath") are inevitable on one's "path" or "journey." The response is not to plead but to actively command them in Jesus' name.

Pushing Down Obstacles: For smaller challenges, direct confrontation and persistence are required: "you push it down."

Walking Through Obstacles: For larger, seemingly insurmountable problems, "God says the battle is not your battle." In such cases, "Just walk through. Get back to business." This implies that some obstacles are illusions ("a mirage") or will be dealt with by God directly if the christian maintains focus and faith.

D. Unwavering Strength and Courage: Pastor Chris shares a personal testimony of God's command in 1980: "Be strong and very courageous... have no fear. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life." He emphasizes that taking God's Word into one's spirit allows one to "bet your life on it" and "ride on that word and live joyfully pleasing him." The ultimate goal is to live in constant fellowship with God, prepared for Jesus' imminent return.

Conclusion:

"Sound, Matter & Faith" posits a dynamic and authoritative role for the christian, empowered by a faith that is both a spiritual substance and a practical tool for shaping reality. By renewing the mind with God's Word, understanding one's divine calling to "prove" His will on Earth, and actively engaging faith in the face of needs and obstacles, christians can live a life characterized by unshakeable joy and victory, fulfilling their purpose until Christ's return.

Get the full message from Pastor Chris Digital Library https://pcdl.co/ref/ukz3/readinggroup