Monday, May 14, 2018

Faith - Close and Personal



I thought I would write on the topic of faith today.  God’s Word says that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, in Hebrews 11:1.  If you read the 11th chapter of Hebrews you will read about men and women who demonstrated faith under some dire circumstances.  In this same chapter in the 3rd verse it says this, “By faith we understand that the Universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen didn’t come from anything visible!!”  

Then as you read on it talks about Abel offering a better sacrifice than Cain.  Through faith he was commended as righteous when God approved of his gift.  And through faith he still speaks, although he is dead.  And then there was the story of Enoch, who was taken so not to see death and he was not found because God took him.  For before he was taken he was necessity of faith.  Read verse 6 in the same chapter, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”  So, we know if we are to please God we will have to have some measure of faith.  Then it goes on to talk about Noah, Abraham, and Sarah.

Now I would like you to read in chapter 11 verses 13-16, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

Then it goes on to talk about Abraham again, when he was tested, he offered up Isaac.  Then we read about Isaac blessing Jacob and Esau.  Then it goes on to talk about Joseph and where he wanted his bones buried.  Then as we read on, it talks about Moses and how his parents hid him for three months because they saw that He was an extraordinary child and they were not afraid of the King’s decree.  Then it goes on to talk about Moses when He grew up, he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.  And it goes on and on about different people that went through terrible treatment not willing to compromise their faith!!

Now read verses 39-40, “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”

What a great cloud of witnesses in this 11th chapter of Hebrews, what can we expect now that we are entering the end of the end times.?  I know that many are counting on escaping all this because of the teaching on the pre-rapture, which I don’t hold to.  But in case you are wrong I think you had better prepare yourself if you are going to be a part of this great cloud of witnesses.  Read how you should prepare yourself if you want to follow the Lord’s example.  Read Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

This is something I think we have to take very seriously and instead of taking someone else’s word for it study the Word for yourself and ask the Lord to teach you through His precious Holy Spirit what the real truth is, with an open mind.  I think many of you will come to the same conclusion I have.  God’s Word says there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors so check it out you can listen to debates on this subject also on You tube.    Don’t be afraid to look into this subject and seek the truth because only the truth can set you free.

Enough said, have a super day and may the good Lord bless you and yours!!  Don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord for He is worthy!! 

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