Forward in Faith - Faith That Multiplies (Acts 4; Hebrews 11)

March 27th, 2025
by Joel Geer

This 5-day devotional is based on the sermon, “Faith That Multiplies,” from the sermon series, “Forward in Faith.” If you haven’t yet watched or listened to the sermon, we encourage you to do so before or during your time in this devotional—it will enrich your understanding and strengthen your faith as you reflect on these truths.

Day 1: A Faith That Moves

Scripture:
Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Devotional Thought:
Faith is not just believing something in our minds—it’s a conviction that moves us. Too often we settle for a faith that rests in our heads but never touches our hands and feet. But Scripture calls us to live a faith that acts, serves, risks, and loves. The early church was known for this kind of faith. In times of crisis and pandemics, believers didn’t retreat; they rushed in to help. They lived out what they claimed to believe.
That same fearless faith is still our calling. When we allow God's Word to transform not just our understanding but our behavior, we become active participants in His mission. God hasn't called us to be observers—He’s called us to be disciples who live boldly. Faith, when real, leads us toward action, not away from it.

Reflection/Action Step:
Ask yourself: Is my faith mostly intellectual, or is it visible in my actions? Choose one way today to let your faith move you toward serving someone else.

Day 2: Boldness in the Face of Fear

Scripture:

Acts 4:31 – “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

Devotional Thought:
Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel, yet their response was not fear or retreat—it was prayer. They didn’t pray for safety; they prayed for boldness. And God answered with power. The church’s faith wasn’t a private thing; it was lived out boldly in a public world. Their prayers led to courage, their courage led to proclamation, and their proclamation led to transformation.
We are called to that same boldness. Faith under pressure is revealed not by comfort but by conviction. Whether it's in your workplace, family, or among friends, the Spirit gives us the strength to speak the truth in love. When we rely on Him, He turns fear into boldness.

Reflection/Action Step:
Pray today for boldness. Think of one situation in your life where you’ve been quiet or hesitant. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you courage to speak or act in faith.

Day 3: Faith That Multiplies

Scripture:

Romans 1:17 – “The righteous will live by faith.”

Matthew 13:31-32 – “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.'”

Devotional Thought:
Paul’s teaching that righteousness comes from “faith unto faith” reveals something profound—faith isn’t static; it grows and multiplies. When we live out our faith in love and good deeds, others take notice. Just as we are the fruit of faithful believers who came before us, others will come to faith through the seeds we plant in our daily lives.
Jesus compared faith to a mustard seed—tiny but powerful. When nurtured, it becomes a tree that shelters many. In the same way, your steps of faith—big or small—are used by God to bring life to others. Don’t underestimate the impact of your faith lived out boldly. You’re not just being faithful for yourself; you’re part of a movement that multiplies.

Reflection/Action Step:
Who in your life might be affected by your faith? Take one small step today to plant a seed—whether it’s encouraging someone, serving, or sharing what God is doing in your life.

Day 4: Stirring Up One Another

Scripture:

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Devotional Thought:
Church is not just a place we go—it’s a people we are. God has brought us together not just to sit in pews, but to stir each other up. Faith is personal, yes, but it’s never meant to be private. God’s design is that we grow in community, encouraging and challenging one another to live out our calling.
This means being present, being honest, and being available. Sometimes the most powerful moments of faith come when someone notices you’re hurting and offers to pray for you. Other times, it’s when you take the initiative to say, “God’s been putting something on my heart,” and someone says, “Let’s do it together.” We are stronger and bolder when we walk in faith—together.

Reflection/Action Step:
Reach out to someone in your church family today. Ask how they’re really doing. Offer encouragement or prayer. Be the kind of community God intended.

Day 5: Prepared for Good Works

Scripture:

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Devotional Thought:
God didn’t just save you so you could go to heaven—He saved you for a purpose here and now. You are His workmanship, handcrafted with care, designed to bring His goodness into the world through tangible acts of love. Every good deed, every step of bold obedience, every moment you love someone in Jesus’ name—it all fulfills the very purpose for which you were created.
Sometimes we feel like we need a huge platform to make a difference, but most of God’s plans for us start with simple acts of faith. A prayer. A conversation. An idea followed through. As we respond, God multiplies. That’s how the kingdom grows—not just through words, but through action.

Reflection/Action Step:
Ask God what good work He’s prepared for you today. Be open. Be bold. Then take the first step, knowing He’s with you and has already gone before you.

Forward in Faith - Faith in Action (James 2)

April 7th, 2025