Where we live spiritually often has less to do with our circumstances than with our perspective. The battles around us may not change overnight, but the way we view God, His promises and our role in His Kingdom can transform everything.
That was the central message of Pastor Russell Johnson’s recent sermon, where he challenged us to examine which “world” of faith we are living in—and whether we are willing to move into a higher one.
1. The World of “God Could Not”
Johnson began with Jesus’ rejection in Nazareth, where unbelief limited what the people received.
“The first world that I want to talk with you about this morning is the world of could not.”
He explained why that matters:
“It’s the only recorded time where the Bible says Jesus could not do any miracles. Not because He lacked power, but because the people lacked belief.”
Johnson argued that unbelief is our natural tendency, not faith.
“Faith is not your default. Your default is unbelief… Faith is a conscious decision to activate your spirit in the direction of believing God at His Word.”
2. The World of “If You Can”
Using the father of the demonized boy in Mark 9, Johnson described a faith shaped by disappointment instead of expectation.
“The second world that I want to share with you about today is the world of if you can.”
He said this mindset often sounds spiritual but is rooted in uncertainty.
“I’m open to the idea that God exists. I’m just not really convinced if this God can do anything about my situation.”
Rather than settling there, Johnson urged us to keep trusting God despite past disappointments.
“I’d rather fail in faith than live in doubt.”
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3. The World of “I Know You Can”
The leper in Matthew 8 acknowledged Jesus’ power, but Johnson said believing God is able is only the beginning.
“The third world I want to draw your attention to is the world of ‘I know you can.'”
He warned against stopping at a generic belief in God’s ability.
“Dignified faith only takes you so far… it might be where you start in your relationship with God, but it is certainly not where you have to stay.”
Instead, Johnson reminded us:
“God isn’t a generalist, He’s a specialist.”
4. The World of “I Know You Will”
Johnson pointed to the woman with the issue of blood as an example of confident expectation rooted in God’s Word.
“I know God will do it for me.”
He said faith grows when we continually rehearse God’s promises instead of our fears.
“It’s the story you tell yourself that creates building blocks of a foundation for the type of world you’re constructing.”
According to Johnson, the words we repeatedly speak shape not only our own faith but also the spiritual atmosphere around our families and those we lead.
5. The World of “I Know You Have”
Johnson concluded with what he called the highest expression of New Testament faith—not asking God to act someday, but believing Christ has already secured His promises through the cross.
“The fifth and the final world that I leave you with today… is the world of ‘I know you have.'”
He summarized it this way:
“I’m not trying to get God to do it. In Christ, God has already done it on my behalf. It’s my job to receive it.”
Then he distilled the progression into one memorable statement:
“It’s not God won’t. It’s not God can’t. It’s not God will. It’s God already has.”
Johnson’s message leaves each of us with an important question: Which world are we choosing to live in? Scripture repeatedly calls us to renew our minds, and that renewal begins by allowing God’s promises—not fear, disappointment or circumstances—to shape how we think, pray and live. If we anchor our faith in the finished work of Christ, we can face every challenge with confidence that He is faithful to fulfill everything He has promised.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
