I love preaching in churches where the people speak back to me.

I’m reminded of a story I heard once about a preacher who had a congregation that would talk back to him during his sermon as they got excited about their future.

One Sunday morning, the preacher said, “this church is like a crippled man who needs to get up and walk under the power of Jesus.”

The congregation replied with enthusiasm, “let it walk preacher, let it walk.”

Then the preacher said, “This church like Elijah on Mount Carmel has got to run.”

The congregation replied with enthusiasm, “let it run preacher, let it run.”

Then the preacher said, “This church has got to mount up on wings like eagles and fly.”

The congregation replied with enthusiasm, “let it fly preacher, let it fly.”

Then the preacher added, “Now if this church is going to fly it’s going to take MONEY.”

The congregation replied with lack of enthusiasm, “let it walk preacher, let it walk.”

That’s not exactly what I would call speaking your faith.

2 Corinthians 4:13 in the Good News Translation says:

“The scripture says, “I spoke because I believed.” In the same spirit of faith we also speak because we believe.”

There are also times. . .when you will speak about things of faith before they ever manifest in the natural realm.

Romans 4:17 in the Amplified Bible says:

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”

Your boldness in your faith will open doors of opportunity for you.

1Timothy 3:13 in the Good News Translation says:

“Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.”