by fgt2u | May 11, 2009 | Articles
By: Terry Appel
Revelation 3:20
V8…I have set before you an open door!
One of the great cries that are in the hearts of God’s people is the deep need to have an encounter with Him, that moment that defines them and sets them up on a path that they will not deviate from. The problem I see is that God’s people do not know how to step into or are afraid to because of all the weird things that have been presented to God’s people over the years that have been called encounters with God.
The first thing to understand is that God sets for us in the heavenly realms open doors in every area of our lives so that we know that we can, if we choose, live in that realm. For instance; [Ephesians 1:3 nkjv] blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. [3 John 1:2 nkjv] Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. [Hebrews 4:16 nkjv] Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The Bible is full of the richness of God and what is available to us. The problem before us is how do we walk and live in this realm that God presents to us in His Word. Again let me preempt what follows by saying that God has opened the doors of heaven and expects us to live in that realm and in order to do that He has also given us the keys to open up these realms to our life.
Matthew 16:19…”And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
God wants us to use the keys to open doors into the heavenly realm and live the way we were designed to live. We need to understand that on God’s side of the equation the doors are already open but we need to use the keys given and open the doors on our side of the equation. The doors where we live…. Bind on earth ……. Open or loose on earth…..
Here we see in this scripture (Revelation 3) God said to the Church …”I have set before you an open door.” This is God’s realm; no one can shut nor open that realm but Him. And these doors are open there all the time. They are open and accessible to us if we use the keys, use the authority placed in our hands.
God has given us keys to bind and loose these realms on earth for they are already established and in the heaven.
The second thing that needs to be understood is the power of our declarations. (Proverbs 18:21 nkjv) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Again the power of the kingdom is there for us and what ever side we decide to live in will determine the fruit we eat.
What you declare determines what you see and what you see determines what you do.
God wants us to live a life having encounters with Him and living in the place of the open heaven so that we can then achieve all that we were born to achieve. When you look at the life of Jesus you see that He walked all His ministry life under an open heaven. Father’s side of the equation was open and He was waiting for His Son to open His side of the equation.
And the key to open this door in the life of Jesus is found in Matthew 3 – at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. John the Baptist tried to hinder Jesus from being baptized; but Jesus took the key that opened the heavenly realm and answered John in v15 “permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Jesus declared it was the thing He needed to do as a man to fulfill all righteousness. Then we see what the key did (v 16) “The heavens were opened to Him and they never closed over His life until He went to the cross at Golgotha. The thing that determined this open heaven over His life was His obedience for the sake of righteousness.
The third thing to understand is we do not need more anointing to do what God has asked us to do. We need more obedience, what I like to call relational obedience. The anointing will position you for success, but relational obedience will develop you and your character and guarantee you for success.
Jesus opened up an encounter with God the Father that kept Him, that determined Him all the days of His life. The keys we have are given to us so that we can have an encounter with God in all areas of our life and that encounter will define us all the days of our life.
We have to open doors to let eternity determine our lives. In this day we live with all the turmoil with people loosing their jobs and the financial stress so many are facing, we will shine in that dark place for He will Arise and Shine on us because we have opened the door with the keys of trust, that my God shall supply according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
In the season we find our self in all we need to do is put a key in the door from our side and open it up to all that the Father wants to give us from His side. Because every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights with whom there is no shadow of turning.
We want the blessing of God on our family and work and business – there is a key to the door from our side of the equation, to the realm of this blessing that is already ours through relational obedience.
In Malachi 3:10 we have God speaking to His people about an encounter of blessing that would determine them all the days of their lives. Note the key to this encounter of open heaven.
V10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
This whole blessing encounter is about relationship with God and His great desire to let us enter the fullness of 1 Corinthians 2:9…”But as it is written; Eye has not seen, ear has not heard nor entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
The key to open the windows of heaven of blessing or an encounter with God that will determine you the rest of your life is; “the bringing or returning the Lord’s tithe to His house.”
We loose this on earth –that’s our realm; God pours it out from His realm. What you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
The binding and loosing authority is a real and very powerful tool that God has placed in our hands. If you declare this to be God’s way it will determine what you see and what you see will determine what you do.
Binding and loosing is powerful. Note v13…God says to His people “Your words have been harsh against me.” What you declare determines what you see. What did they see? V14…”we have done the right thing but we don’t see the return.”
How many Christians I have heard over the years say, I can’t afford to tithe, I can’t afford to give to God what belongs to Him. They bind this dilemma to their lives and the blessing, the encounter with God and His open heaven is locked up.
The door in heaven is open but the door in our realm is closed. Because the key of the kingdom is not being used and that key is relational obedience.
In (Revelation 3:20 nkjv) we read; Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Here we hear Jesus expressing his desire for us to have an encounter with Him so he stands on his side of the equations and knocks on the door to our side of the equation, both realms meet when the door on our side is opened.
The encounter is left to us, we must use the key, we must open the door. In Song of Songs chapter 5 we see that the lover came to the door, called out and knocked, but the cry from inside the door was, “I have removed my garments how can I get dressed again” and by the time she had changed her mind and opened the door he had gone.” The encounter is there for us, we have to open the door
What we loose is loosed in Heaven, what we bind is bound in Heaven. We have been given the keys – the authority. If we want an encounter, we have to open the door.
Behold I stand at the door and knock. If you follow this Scripture through to Chapter 4 of the book of Revelation you will see the response to one that opened the door. Verse 1 “After these things (all that proceeded “stand at the door and knock) I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven.”
Keys open doors on our side to see the doors already standing open on God’s side of the equation.
Hebrews 4:16…”Let us therefore come boldly into the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
This is an encounter we can have any time, the key is in our hands. These things are recorded for us to show us the potential encounter we can have with God.
If you want an encounter of mercy, then blessed are the merciful.
All the doors are open for us, Jesus has finished the job He came for and that was to give us life and much more abundantly. We now have to do our part.
Matthew 18:20…”For where two agree.” That’s a key because where brothers come in unity it commands the blessing of God. So where two agree concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in Heaven. Doors will be opened!
I give you said Jesus “the Keys of the Kingdom.”
We are seated with Him in the Heavenly places – Ephesians 2:6.
These doctrines are written and recorded for us to show us the potential for encounters we can have.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
by fgt2u | May 11, 2009 | Articles
By : Doug Kelly
The Bible says that “old men have dreams.” Well, recently I had a dream that was so vivid that I remembered it when I awoke. In the dream I was playing poker with several friends. I was holding my hand close to the chest to make sure that nobody could see my “winning hand.” In poker, you have several choices to make when it comes your turn to play:
1. Fold or pass
2. Hold
3. Raise the bid
4. Or go “all in” by pushing all your money or chips to the center of the table.
In the dream, I was convinced that I had the “winning hand.” I was so convinced that I pushed everything that I had into the center of the table and said, “I’M ALL IN.” The others at the table looked at me with some surprise and attempted to discern if I was “bluffing.”
Now, I know that many people think of cards as evil as it is gambling and it has the nasty “Queen of Spades.” However, as a young Catholic boy growing up in rural Montana, I enjoyed playing cards as a family activity with my grandparents, parents and siblings. Only after I became a Christian did I learn of the “evil Queen of Spades.”
I can not remember the last time that I sat down and played a game of cards even though I had an explicit dream. I am reminded of Daniel’s words that “interpretations belong to God.” Let me share you the interpretation of this dream that I believe God gave to me.
In Acts 4:32-35 we have a wonderful, colorful photo of the New Testament Church that Jesus gave His very life for. It was a church where the people were of “one heart and one soul.” Nobody lacked anything as everybody had settled the ownership question. God owned everything (Psalm 24:1). There was no lack as people sold properties and laid their gifts at the feet of the apostles. These people were ALL IN.
In Acts 5:1-11 a couple named Ananias and Saphira decided to join the party so they went and sold their property. Like many Christians their sense of fear outweighed their faith so they decided to hold back part of the sale proceeds. However, they wanted to look good so they agreed to lie by saying that they sold the property for less than they actually sold it for. You see, Ananias and Saphira were in but “not all in.”
You lie, you die!!!!!!!!! This is part of the message of Ananias and Saphira. God expects us to tell truth. The apostles told them clearly that the property belonged to them as did the proceeds when they sold it. The problem was that Ananias and Saphira wanted to pretend to be all in when they were only partially in.
When you found the Lord, you found life, purpose, meaning, truth and everything else. Mathew 13:44 says that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who found a treasure in a field and then went and sold all that he had to buy the field. In one sense, the church is the field. We know that Jesus is the head of the church and the church is His body. The head and the body are inseparable.
While the head is perfect, the body contains the usual rocks and weeds found in the field. As a pastor, I spend a great deal of my time picking rocks from God’s field. I also try to limit the weeds though He has said to let the tares and weeds grow side by side. The field goes through dry times and hard times but it matters not because I AM ALL IN.
Luke 9:57-62 tells the brief story of three men who had an opportunity of a lifetime. They had the winning hand dealt to them by Jesus when He invited them to come and follow him. The first disciple was “too soft”. The second disciple was “too slow”. And the third disciple was “too busy.” Each of them were “me first Christians” who deceived themselves into believing they were “all in.” When the call came they were weighed in the balance and found wanting. They needed to put their money, their time, their business and their relationships in right priority to the call of God. Jesus called them to be “all in.”
The card dream represented a prophetic challenge. God is not content that we “play church” pretending that we are more committed than we really are. He expects and deserves our time, talent and treasure. Too many Christians fail to realize that they are holding the winning hand so they hold back from the Lord. Opportunity is knocking on the door but they are too afraid to open the door because it might cost them something.
The Bible is full of those who are ALL IN. Abraham left family and friends to respond to the call of God to go to a new land because he was ALL IN. Noah built a boat and withstood the taunting of his neighbors because he was ALL IN. Esther risked her life to approach the King because she was ALL IN. Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego went to the furnace because they were ALL IN. Daniel also went to the lion’s den because he was ALL IN. Hebrews 11 is the story of famous and nameless saints who were ALL IN.
The local church is “heaven on earth.” Jesus told us to pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” The church is God’s Promised Land. It is the Land of Milk and Honey. Everything you have need of is in the church. God is in the process of building His church which never sleeps. It is a church that prays, counsels, teaches, gives and loves 24/7. It does not take days off. But it needs people who are ALL IN.
During these challenging economic times those who trust in horses and chariots will find that they have nothing but wood, hay and stubble. God looks on the heart. He knows if we are pretending. If He does not have your money, He does not have you.
Will you make that commitment right now to be “ALL IN”?
By Pastor Doug Kelley
ntcfellowship@socal.rr.com
by fgt2u | Apr 30, 2009 | Articles
Dr. Colin Hurt
HOMOSEXUALITY IS THEOLOGICALLY WRONG
Tony Blair has told the world’s major religions that they have misunderstood their holy books when it comes to the issue of homosexuality. Texts which identify homosexual acts as morally wrong should be seen as ‘metaphorical’ not literal, Britain’s former Prime Minister claims. He also suggests that religions should follow shifts in the culture rather than hold firm to their historic beliefs. In an interview with gay magazine Attitude Mr Blair said: “When people quote the passages in Leviticus condemning homosexuality, I say to them – if you read the whole of the Old Testament and took everything that was there in a literal way, as being what God and religion is about, you’d have some pretty tough policies across the whole of the piece.” (Contained in a report from The Christian Institute Wednesday, 8 April 2009)
Is Mr Blair right? Let’s first of all examine the Old Testament texts to which he makes reference.
“Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.” (Lev.18:22 NIV)
“If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” (Lev.20:13 NIV)
The first text (Lev.18:22) comes in a context where many other sexual deviations are forbidden: incest (v.6-18), adultery (v.20), bestiality (v.23). This is true of the second text (Lev.20:13): adultery (v.10), incest (v.11-12), bestiality (v.15-16) are also forbidden. As we can see, the texts in question are not an attack upon homosexuality alone, but on all forms of sexual deviation. In the modern world we have “gay pride” marches, but, so far, I have not heard of “adultery pride” marches, “incest pride” marches or “bestiality pride” marches. What makes homosexuals think they are a special case?
Mr Blair makes no reference to New Testament references to homosexuality, but let us observe what New Testament writers have to say on the issue.
First of all, the apostle Paul declares homosexuality to be unnatural, indecent and perverted.
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” (Rom 1:26-27 NIV)
Paul tells us quite clearly that these practitioners will not be included in God’s kingdom:
“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1Co 6:9-10 NIV)
It is important to note that this does not condemn only homosexuality, but also other forms of sin such as theft, drunkenness and swindling.
There are Christians who insist that homosexuality is not wrong because Jesus made no statement about it. They are wrong. When asked a question about divorce, Jesus defended the Judeo-Christian concept of marriage:
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female’, and said, ‘For this reason a man (masculine) will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife (feminine), and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Mt 19:4-6 NIV)
The only kind of union recognised by Jesus is that which was originally initiated by God in the act of creation and in the institution of marriage.
HOMOSEXUALITY IS PHYSIOLOGICALLY WRONG
“Common sexual practices among gay men lead to numerous STDs and physical injuries, some of which are virtually unknown in the heterosexual population. Lesbians are also at higher risk for STDs… The only epidemiological study to date on the life span of gay men concluded that gay and bisexual men lose up to 20 years of life expectancy (emphasis added).” (JOHN R. DIGGS, JR., M.D.)
Many homosexuals justify their behaviour by claiming that they have a genetic disposition to be homosexual. There is no evidence that this is true.
“The question of how homosexual orientation originates has been the subject of much press, with the general impression being promoted that homosexuality is largely a matter of genes, rather than environmental factors. However, if one examines the scientific literature, one finds that it’s not quite as clear as the news bytes would suggest. … Attempts to find a “gay gene” have never identified any gene or gene product that is actually associated with homosexual orientation.” (Rich Deem – The Biological Basis for Sexual Orientation)
Even if it could be proved that homosexuality has a genetic origin, other studies have suggested that there is a possibility of alcoholism and paedophilia having genetic sources. Are we to conclude that alcoholics and paedophiles should be abandoned to their lifestyle because they have no choice? Why, then, should we make a special case for homosexuals? The Bible makes it clear that since the fall of Adam, the whole human race has a genetic disposition towards sin. This is to be resisted, not given in to.
HOMOSEXUALITY IS PSYCHOLOGICALLY WRONG
“It is well established that there are high rates of psychiatric illnesses, including depression, drug abuse, and suicide attempts, among gays and lesbians.” (JOHN R. DIGGS, JR., M.D.)
HOMOSEXUALITY IS SOCIOLOGICALLY WRONG
Books such as Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus endorse the fact that men and women are different psychologically, mentally and emotionally. Heterosexual marriage brings together this diversity in a one-flesh relationship; homosexual partnerships bring together an imbalance of one sex attitudes which is detrimental to human relationships.
Children brought up in a heterosexual marriage achieve more educationally, socially and in their health than those brought up in single parent or homosexual environments.
“The Mothers Union, a passionate believer in marriage, says: “Marriage provides the foundation for a stable family. Children benefit from it emotionally, in their relationships with other people and in their performance at school. Children of married parents are also more likely to have a good relationship with their parents as they grow up, strengthening the whole family unit.” (www.yourchurchwedding.org)
“Society think tank Civitas has much to say on marriage and children. Their research highlights that children are more likely to have a healthy lasting marriage as adults if they grow up within an intact marriage. And, children who live with their own two married parents enjoy better physical health on average than do children in other family forms.” (www.yourchurchwedding.org)
HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOT IRREVERSIBLE.
After cataloguing the things which will exclude us from the kingdom, Paul tells the Corinthians: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1Cor.6:11 NIV). Christians should not believe that homosexuality is a sin that cannot be forgiven. Homosexuals, as well as adulterers and thieves, can be washed, sanctified and justified. That is the liberating message of the gospel.
by fgt2u | Apr 10, 2009 | Articles
In the midst of news of the global economic meltdown, I believe there are 8 things pastors should do in a crisis, if we want to be “highly effective” –
1. Deal with Fear
There are two extremes in this economic crisis, those who have unnecessary fear, and those who are in ignorant bliss and therefore, have no fear!
2 Timothy 1:7 declares that God has not given us the spirit of fear but now is a good time to have the fear of God. During this economic crisis, God is bringing judgment, not only on the markets but churches too to deal with anything that is not godly in His house. The Church should remember that God requires holiness and examine her priorities in 2009 so that we can say like Isaiah, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
2. Take Prudent Steps (Provide Economic Leadership)
As church leaders we need to look at annual tithes and offerings, what is in our fixed deposit accounts to see if our churches will be viable in the next 12 months should income decrease say by 30%; take the lead in financial planning and reducing costs for the church and also help church members do the same; read the financial sections of the newspapers and be aware of the Malaysian and global economics.
3. Source out Resources
Because of where we are with God, we can attract the blessings of God where others are not able. Are there God-given resources available, for example, micro-credit agencies, scholarships for children’s education and perhaps even loans from large churches? In Genesis 26 we see that Isaac sowed in a time of famine and reaped a 100-fold in the same year and prospered, continued prospering until he was very prosperous! This is the time to sow, because we could prosper in the time of famine.
4. Build with Cash
Be careful of putting our trust in man and be slow to take up loans. We should instead build with cash because God is looking for people who will trust Him to provide.
5. Keep Moving Forward – Stay focused
In the Star, under the ‘Billings and Advertisement’ section, a writer (with an advertising agency) encouraged businesses to “Keep the Faith”, to keep advertising in the downturn. Surely we need to do likewise. Keep moving forward, studying the Word, preaching the gospel, healing and doing good works. In times like these, you need to “advertise” God more and not lose our focus on eternity.
6. Never a more important time to hear from God
Often, when we pray for an open heaven, we would like God to give us ‘gold’, but in the Transfiguration, when the heavens opened, God said, “This is my Son, hear him!” How we need to hear from God and then pause to hear some more!
7. Time to Nurture a “P & N” Philosophy
Jeremiah 22:15-16 tells us that those who look out for the poor and needy will go well. Ezekiel 16:49 highlights the forgotten sin of Sodom: they were proud, had fullness of food, abundance of idleness and did not strengthen the hand of the poor and needy, and this was an abomination to the Lord. How many of the prospering churches are looking out for the poor and needy today?
8. Beware the On-coming Moral Meltdown
The No.1 crisis today is not the financial but the moral crisis. With the coming in of President Obama, the world is ushered into a new era where unprecedented immorality is on the rise, and Malaysia will no doubt not be exempted from this onslaught.
There are 3 needs in the Church’s today:
1. Lack of disciples – even in some pastors’ conferences, it is not uncommon to see less than 50% bringing their Bibles.
2. Lack of Resources – many churches are begging and “hinting” to keep afloat. We need to depend on God, not man!
3. Lack of Conviction – the Church is not known for strong moral standards where many who are in moral failure continue to lead.
I believe it will become clear, 4 types of churches will emerge in this Economic Meltdown, those who will:
1. Barely survive
2. Close down
3. Be Strong Churches
4. Be Churches that will make an impact.
Let us pray for disciples, resources and conviction that we may be strong churches that will make an impact in the nation and the nations beyond, as we do the 8 things above.
by fgt2u | Jun 11, 2008 | Articles
By : Rev Barry P.Boucher, D.Min.
Great! In fact, you may be surprised to know that your pastor may have the highest job satisfaction of anyone in your congregation.
A recent study shows that ministers by far ranked the most satisfied of 198 occupations. Eighty-seven percent of clergy responded that they were “very satisfied” with their work, compared to an average of 47 percent for all workers. Could it be that a person who knows they are ‘called’ is better prepared for their life work than someone who just goes to work?
“A pastor does get called on to enter into some of the deepest moments of a person’s life, celebrating a birth and sitting with people at times of illness or death. There’s a lot of fulfillment in helping others in life.”
Yet the statistics have a dark side as well. Ministerial burnout is all too common. On top of ministry responsibilities, pastors and their families struggle with loneliness, fatigue, marriage problems and even depression. They minister to others for a living but who ministers to them and their families?
Here are the stats on how pastors really feel.
* 90% work more than forty-six hours per week, and often more than sixty.
* 80% believe that pastoral ministry is affecting their family negatively.
* 33% say, “Being in ministry is clearly a hazard to my family.”
* 75% report a significant crisis at least once every five years in their ministry.
* 50% feel unable to meet the needs of the job.
* 90% feel they were not adequately trained to cope with the demands placed upon them.
* 40% report having a serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month.
* 37% have been involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with someone in the church.
* 70% have a lower self-image after they’ve pastored than when they started.
IS THIS MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?
Are you challenged by the challenge of what is required of you? You are supposed to preach, pray and prophesy effectively whether you lead children, youth or adults; to move from your prayer closet with God to administrative meetings, yearly planning, supervising staff and volunteers, counselling the troubled, do life-changing intercession, trouble-shooting, budgeting, know audio systems, media production, meditation of messy situations, arrange for meaningful worship, bulletin preparation, solve staff problems, do effective mission projects, solve board issues, function as a community leader, study, counsel, conduct funerals, do weddings, baptisms, dedications, and preach with power, persuasion, and lead many to Christ in every service, not to mention, heal the sick, cast out devils and be Jesus to the people and the city you serve.
As a senior pastor you are supposed to be ‘in charge’ but not too in charge, be an administrative executive, a sensitive pastor, a skillful counselor, a dynamic public speaker, and a spiritual guide who is both relevant and spiritually mature.
You are not supposed to get depressed, discouraged, cynical, angry or hurt by those whose expectations you do not meet. You are supposed to be upbeat, positive, strong, willing and available to those who love you and those who no longer are supportive of you or your ministry to them.
How are you doing pastor? Who is caring for your soul?
Every pastor needs a pastor!
by fgt2u | Jun 11, 2008 | Articles
By : Rev Dr Colin Hurt.
Introduction
The subject of faith is the most important topic in the Bible. Without faith we are lost. Without faith we cannot please God. Without faith we can achieve nothing in the spiritual realm. Yet many in the church do not understand what the Bible has to say about faith. Some have taught that we must have faith in our words, or that we must have faith in our faith. The Bible teaches that we must have faith in our God.
The Nature of Faith
Definition
The Greek word pistis can mean either faith or faithfulness (cf. Romans 3:3; Galatians 5:22; Titus 2:10). The verb pisteuo is almost always translated believe. The Hebrew words emun and emunah usually have the meaning of faithfulness. The verb aman, often translated believe really expresses the idea of remaining steadfast (but cf. Genesis 15:6 & Romans 4:3). From the foregoing we can arrive at a working definition: faithfulness is the inspiring of confidence; faith is the possession of confidence. Another important OT word is “trust” (Hebrews chacah) (cf Psalms 7:1; 11:1; 16:1 etc.). The word always refers to trust in a person. Knowledge of truth is essential to faith (cf. Romans 10:13-17) but is not faith. Assent to truth is essential (Matthew 9:28; James 2:19) but is not faith. Faith is “the consent of the will to the assent of the understanding” (Wycliffe Bible Encyclopaedia).
Origins of the New Testament doctrine
One of the most important Old Testament texts used in the New Testament is Habakkuk 2:4 “the righteous will live by his faith”. It is used by New Testament writers with the meaning of active faith. In Romans 1:17 Paul uses the quotation to demonstrate that “righteousness is by faith from first to last”. In Galatians 3:11 he uses the verse to contrast justification by faith with justification by works. The writer of Hebrews also applies the statement to salvation by faith (10:38) and indeed seems to use it as a text for the whole of chapter 11, the great discourse on faith.
New Testament concepts of faith:
Faith is primarily in a person (Ephesians 1:15; Romans 3:26; Galatians 2:16 etc.).
Faith for salvation (Acts 20:21), faith for living (Galatians 2:20) and faith for healing (Acts 3:16). As faith is in a person rather than in faith itself, increased faith can come only by increased knowledge of that person.
Faith accepts certain facts about that person.
Faith in His messiahship (1 John 5:1), faith in His sonship (1 John 5:5) and faith in His resurrection (Romans 10:9).
NOTE: This aspect of faith is very important. To believe a person’s statements is to express faith in the veracity of the person himself. To disbelieve his statements is to express doubt about the person. (cf. 1 John 5:10)
Faith is commanded and therefore must be possible (Romans 1:16; 10:9).
Many teach that faith is something which God imparts and that therefore we cannot believe without the enabling of God. One verse used to demonstrate this is Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” It is assumed that the gift from God is faith. The Greek, however, does not allow for this; faith is feminine and this is neuter. The word this “refers to the general idea of salvation” (Wuest).
Faith comes by accepting the preached word (Romans 10:17).
What is called “positive confession” cannot produce faith, it can merely evidence faith. By constantly confessing certain scriptures in order to make them come true, some Christians have become guilty of incantation.
Faith cannot make God act contrary to His will (1 John 5:14).
By constantly demanding things from God which are not his will it is possible to persuade God to give them, but this is an act of judgment (cf. Numbers 11:4-34).
Faith expects but does not demand (Hebrews 6:12).
The Operation of Faith
The things achieved by faith (Hebrews 11)
The writer of Hebrews gives a list of things which have been achieved by faith. A few of them follow:
Faith gives assurance to our hopes (Hebrews 11:1).
In the NT hope refers to things which are as yet not received but revealed by the Scriptures to be God’s will.
Faith gives certainty concerning the invisible (Hebrews 11:1).
Into this category come such things as God Himself, heaven, eternity, angels, etc..
Faith gives understanding (11:3).
It is remarkable that what the writer refers to here is the creation itself, possibly the one event which has been challenged more often than any other.
By faith we worship (11:4).
By faith we please God (11:5-6).
By faith we go into the unknown (11:8-10).
By faith we reproduce (11:11-12).
By faith we die (11:13-16).
By faith we pass the test (11:17-19).
By faith we bless others (11:20-21).
By faith we undergo trials (11:35-39).
The Evidence of Faith (James 2:14-26)
It is significant that James refers to two incidents also used by the writer of Hebrews. From these he demonstrates the importance of works as an evidence of faith. It is safe to conclude that the only tangible evidence of faith is action. “Faith which does not impel to action, which does not result in a changed relation to God and Christ, which does not work transformingly in life, is not biblical faith.” (C.I. Scofield)
So, let’s get to know Jesus better; our faith will increase and nothing will be impossible.
