Podcast Summary: Dufresne Ministries Podcast

Episode: The Faith of God
Host: Pastor Nancy Dufresne
Date: July 16, 2020

Overview

In this episode, Pastor Nancy Dufresne dives deep into the concept of “the faith of God,” exploring key foundational scriptures, practical application, and the importance of having an active, bold spirit of faith. Using personal testimony, powerful anecdotes, and biblical teaching, she emphasizes how true biblical faith is more than mechanical practice—it’s a living force that must be received, nurtured, and acted upon with conviction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Importance of Foundational Faith (00:25–03:30)

• Pastor Nancy recounts a story about John Osteen and a church building:
  • The lesson: You can’t build higher without a strong foundation, whether in construction or in faith.
  • “If that foundation is compromised, everything… comes down. And I don’t want any of it coming down.” (01:45)
• She likens faith fundamentals to practicing piano scales—essential, non-negotiable practice.

Mark 11:22–24: The Foundation Scriptures (03:35–07:05)

• Mark 11:22–24 as core principles:
  • Faith is not just knowing the steps, but being “skillful in these scriptures.”
  • “Faith must be reborn every day.” (05:10)
  • Jesus’ command: “Have faith in God”—“The original says, ‘Have the faith of God.’” (05:21)
• Doubting with your head vs. your heart:
  • “You can believe in your heart, even with doubts trying to convict your mind.” (05:55)

Principle vs. Spirit of Faith (07:06–14:10)

• Speaking to Things:
  • “You can change things, remove things by speaking to them.” (06:30–07:00)
  • Many try to use faith principles mechanically—“I’m doing the steps, it’s not working.”
• Faith must come from the inside:
  • “Say it from your inside. If I could say it this way, you get mean and ugly about it.” (08:16)
• The Spirit of Faith Has a Roar:
  • Nancy describes a healing line where God impressed her:
    • “Tell him to get aggressive about laying hold of his healing.” (09:10)
    • “The devil’s going to have you for lunch. You have to boldly say something. The spirit of faith has a roar to it.” (10:10)
  • If there's a ‘tear in your voice,’ you’re not in the faith of God—true faith sounds bold.

Personal Testimony: Overcoming Grief and Weakness (12:10–13:50)

• After her husband’s passing, God spoke to her:
  • “‘I am your helper. The way I help you is by putting my word in your mouth.’” (12:30)
  • God doesn’t deal in sympathy—“A tear in your voice won’t bring the results of the Word.” (13:10)

The Story of the Pastor and the Spirit of Faith (14:11–17:00)

• A pastor sought healing for his back:
  • At first, he operated the principles, but not with the spirit of faith.
  • For two weeks, he built up his faith by declaring the Word.
  • “After feeding his faith, he strapped a huge tank on his back… climbed a ladder… and when I came down from that ladder, every pain was gone. My back was completely healed.” (16:50)
  • Lesson: The difference comes from the “spirit of faith” within, not just the steps themselves.

The Power of Feeding Faith—Not Just Knowing the Steps (17:01–20:00)

• A mother with breast cancer:
  • Her son brought home an anointed handkerchief. She didn’t use it immediately; she spent two days feeding on healing scriptures.
  • “When that spirit of faith rose up, she laid it on her body and instantly…the lump immediately disappeared.” (19:10)
• Key Insight:
  • “Get it big in you.” (19:30)

Faith Comes by Hearing—But Must Be Received (20:01–24:00)

• Romans 10:17—faith comes by hearing the Word.
• Receiving vs. Just Hearing:
  • “Faith comes does not mean faith is received.” (21:20)
  • Analogy: People knocking on her door to see her house—just because you hear, doesn’t mean you enter in.
  • “It’s not enough that it comes. You have to receive.” (22:10)

Treating the Word with Honor—Active, Personal Faith (24:01–28:00)

• You must interact with the Word and treat it with reverence, not casualness.
• “Your faith is in action. His power goes into action. It matters how we treat the Word.” (24:30)
• “How many of you say, ‘I have the faith of God’?” (25:05)

Staying Fresh and Aggressive in Faith (28:01–End)

• Don’t become over-familiar or dismissive of foundational teaching:
  • “When your pastor gets up, preaches a message preached before, listen—tell me again, pastor.” (27:15)
• The Word must thrill you every time.
• Protect and contend for your faith:
  • “Without faith, you cannot conduct business with God.” (28:45)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On foundation:
  “If you want to go higher, you have to address the foundation.” (00:55)
• On the right spirit:
  “If you’ve got a tear in your voice, you’re not in the faith of God.” (11:30)
• On acting in bold faith:
  “The spirit of faith has a roar to it… an unmovable flow.” (10:14)
• On receiving the Word:
  “Faith comes, but you’re the receiver.” (24:00)
• On hunger for the Word:
  “Tell me again, Pastor! A spirit of faith gets thrilled when it hears the Word.” (27:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:25–03:30 — Foundations: John Osteen story, faith “scales,” and necessity of foundation in spiritual life
• 03:35–07:05 — Mark 11:22–24 explained, faith must come from the heart
• 07:06–14:10 — Principle vs. spirit of faith; boldness and aggression in faith; the “roar” of true faith
• 14:11–17:00 — Pastor’s healing testimony: difference made by applied spirit of faith
• 17:01–20:00 — Healing testimony: woman’s faith built before using anointing cloth
• 20:01–24:00 — Faith must be received, not just heard; illustration: people trying to get into her house
• 24:01–28:00 — Treating the Word seriously: engaging, receiving, acting
• 28:01–End — The need to keep faith fresh, never casual; contending for faith

Concluding Emphasis

Pastor Nancy closes with a call to “protect your faith,” stressing the need to “earnestly contend for the faith” and never to take foundational truths casually. She encourages listeners to ensure they are not simply hearing but actively receiving and engaging with the Word, for “without faith, you cannot conduct business with God.” (28:45)

Faith is not a mere formula. It is a living, roaring force that when practiced with conviction brings real change—spirit, soul, and body.