How can these things be?

Post date: Feb 5, 2016 10:47:02 PM

In my opinion, faith is one of the most misunderstood elements of the Christian experience. The book of James teaches; “…For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2: 26) Abraham is one of our spiritual mentors. He being the “father of faith” heard the Word, believed the Word and obeyed the Word. His example of faith is recorded for us in the book of James where it says: “…Abraham believed God, and God accepted Abraham’s faith, and that faith made him right with God. And Abraham was called God’s friend.” (James 2:23 EXB) We should all aspire to his example of obedience.

Hebrews 11: 6 “… but without faith it is impossible to please him for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him.

Faith is a function of a human’s mental system. It is capable of producing both natural and spiritual results. Faith is defined as trust. Relationships are founded on trust. The bible teaches; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6) Put your faith to work. Partner with God. Biblical faith yields spiritual results.

Luke 17: 5  "And the Apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith."

Have you ever wondered how much faith it would take for you to move a mountain? Jesus taught his disciples saying “…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible.” (Matthew 17: 20) If life’s burdens seem unconquerable for you then seek Him who conquered death. It doesn’t take great faith to trust God but it does take an open and willing heart to start believing. Jesus taught “But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word, and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13:23)

Hosea 4: 6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”

It’s hard to have a relationship with someone that you haven’t known. God, to me, was like an estranged father who had suddenly returned home following a lengthy absence. A brush with death brought with it a glimpse of heaven's’ glorious power and etched a desire deep within my soul to get reacquainted with God through the scriptures. It was overwhelming for me at first through my natural intellect to understand the Word until the Holy Spirit simplified my role in this process: “howbeit when he the Spirit of truth come, he will guide you into all truth for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and will show you things to come.” (John 16:13) The spiritual fruit that was produced in me as a result inched me toward spiritual maturity particularly after learning that “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10: 17) Like Abraham's’ example, I too heard the Word, believed the Word and obeyed the Word.

John 3:12 "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?"

Nicodemus was a religious ruler who saw that the ministry of Jesus was more effective than his own. He said; “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” (John 3:2) Like me, Nicodemus saw just a glimpse of the kingdom of God and by it was compelled to question Jesus about the difference between their two ministries. Jesus explained that Nicodemus’ ministry was only producing natural results while His own ministry produced spiritual results. Jesus said; “except a man be born again, he cannot perceive the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Nicodemus appeared rather confused at this statement so Jesus expanded a little further by saying; “...unless one is born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5) It's simple! Men are born of woman but not all have been born of the spirit. The Apostle Paul wrote; “for by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2: 8-9) Nicodemus was later found defending the integrity of Jesus so it can be assumed because of his actions he also was one who heard the Word, believed the Word and obeyed the Word. (John 19: 39)

BIBLICAL FAITH YIELDS SPIRITUAL RESULTS!