Transformation Church Podcast Summary
Episode: I Want To Believe // Mustard: The Seed That Can Change Everything (Part 3)
Speaker: Charles Metcalf
Date: May 11, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This sermon, delivered by Pastor Charles Metcalf, is the third installment in the "Mustard" series, focusing on faith—the kind as small as a mustard seed—and how it can change everything. The message explores the struggles many believers have with faith, especially the tension between belief and doubt, and what it truly means to have faith, trust, and certainty in God. Using the story of the father seeking healing for his son in Mark 9, Pastor Charles offers insights into honest faith—faith that doesn't deny doubt, but is strengthened by admitting and acting despite it.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage with Mark 9

• Pastor Charles opens with the story from Mark 9, where a father brings his demon-possessed son for healing.
• He highlights the disciples’ inability to heal the boy and the father's honest plea: “I believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” (04:16–08:30)

2. Incomplete Definitions Set Us Up for Disappointment

• Many people misunderstand faith, equating it with complete certainty.
• Just as an incomplete understanding of marriage can lead to disappointment, so can an incomplete definition of faith.
• Quote: "If you don't have a complete definition, you will set yourself up for disappointment." (12:40)

3. Faith Is Not About Certainty, but Surrender

• Certainty can come from faith, but faith always requires surrender.
• It's possible to have faith and doubt at the same time; doubt doesn't negate faith.
• Quote: “Faith can produce certainty, but it always requires surrender.” (19:25)

4. Belief vs. Trust

• The original Greek shows the father says two different things: he believes, but struggles to trust.
• Belief is about knowledge—what you know; trust is about experience—what you’re willing to lean on.
• Many people are stuck because they believe God intellectually but struggle to trust Him with their experience and vulnerability.
• Quote: “Your faith is the combination of your belief and your trust.” (28:40)

5. Evaluating Your Own Faith

• Honest evaluation is crucial: What do you believe about God? Can you trust Him?
• Our trust issues with God often stem from broken trust in human relationships.
• This affects not just spiritual growth but also community, relationships, and willingness to take risks.

6. Honesty Before God

• The father’s honesty in admitting both faith and doubt was not hypocritical but authentic.
• God can handle our honesty: "It would actually be hypocritical for him not to acknowledge his doubt.” (35:00)
• Being honest is more resourceful than pretending to have no doubts.

7. Practical Steps: Admit, Ask, Act

• Admit: Be honest about your faith and your doubts. Acknowledge fears and hesitations.
• Ask: Humble yourself to seek help—whether it's about faith, finances, relationships, or anything else.
• Act: At some point, you must put your belief and trust into action, even if imperfectly.
• Quote: “At some point, no, you don’t [have all the answers] ... But at the same time, God has proven himself to you over and over again.” (46:40)

8. Faith That Moves Despite Uncertainty

• Using examples from scripture and modern life, Pastor Charles emphasizes that "faith is not just sitting there."
• Many times, people who advance are simply those who act.
• Quote: “Sometimes we admire people who are doing things you could do. The only difference is they just acted.” (49:02)

9. Concluding Illustrations & Encouragement

• Parallels the struggles of early Christians in Acts 5 with the journey of faith: “If this message is of God… you will not be able to stop these men.” (51:30)
• References the faith of the three Hebrew boys: "Even if [God] doesn't [rescue us], we will not bow." (52:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Faith and Doubt
  "It took me a long time to figure out that you can have faith and doubt at the same time." (21:00)
• On Being Honest with God
  “He knows you scared. He’s seen you make the plan B. He knows you’re like, ‘Yeah, I trust you, I’m gonna get this job,’ [but] you’re on LinkedIn.” (36:35)
• On Trust Issues
  "All of these little breakdowns of your trust will have an effect on your faith." (34:30)
• On Taking Action
  "At some point, you just gotta make a decision ... The only difference between them and you, is they just acted." (49:02)
• On Admitting and Asking for Help “It’s one thing to admit, 'I ain't got no idea what I'm doing with money.' It's another thing to ... say, ‘Hey, can you help me?’” (43:22)

Important Timestamps

• Mark 9 Scripture and Introduction: 04:00–13:30
• Defining Faith and Certainty: 13:30–23:40
• Belief vs. Trust, Root Causes: 23:40–30:50
• Personal and Relational Applications: 30:50–39:10
• Admit, Ask, Act Framework: 39:10–50:00
• Acts 5 Illustration: 51:30–52:50
• Call to Honesty & Invitation to Faith: 53:00–End

Overall Tone

Pastor Charles’s tone is engaging, humorous, and deeply relatable. He mixes biblical teaching with personal stories, cultural references, and raw honesty, creating a safe space for listeners to confront their own doubts and encourages them to move forward in faith, no matter how small.

Final Takeaways

• Faith isn’t the absence of doubt; it’s moving forward despite doubt.
• Honesty is the first step toward authentic faith. God values sincerity over pretense.
• Evaluate your faith by considering both your beliefs and your willingness to trust.
• True faith involves admitting your doubts, asking for help, and ultimately acting despite uncertainty.
• God's power is revealed in willing, surrendered, and honest hearts.

This episode is especially impactful for those struggling with uncertainty about their faith, those hurt by past experiences, and anyone wanting to move forward into a more authentic relationship with God.