In An Instant, Changed Eternally

There is very common misconception among people, especially believers, that there will be time between hearing the trumpet announcing the Lord’s coming and His actual appearance to repent, get saved or make amends for all the horrible things done in this life.  Everything about this idea is wrong and will lead to much wailing and gnashing of teeth in the future.

To begin with, the only trumpet that pertains to Christians is the trumpet that is recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4 and 1 Corinthians 15.  In both instances the same event is being described.  This event is commonly known as the rapture or gathering together.  Many thought until recently that this event was for all believers, but the Holy Spirit has made in perfectly clear that this is for the remnant; the faithful in Christ Jesus.

Only those who remain faithful to Him until the end will even hear this trumpet.  No unbeliever will hear anything.  Those who claim to be in Christ but have proven themselves to be unfaithful will hear nothing.  Those who insist on straddling the fence, playing both ends against the middle and otherwise live life in the state of being lukewarm will hear nothing.  For all those who refuse to fully commit themselves in this current life to Christ Jesus; the silence of God will be the only thing ringing in their ears. 

History is full of accounts of people on their deathbed finally supposedly getting saved.  Whether they really repented and confessed with their mouth that Jesus was their Lord and that God raised Him from the dead or not; only God knows.  But, the vast majority of those who claim to have “seen the light” and given their life to Jesus moments before death do so only to get an insurance policy just in case all the crazy Christians really were right.  It is highly doubtful any of those people really were saved.

Before the trumpet sounds and we which are alive at His coming meet Him in the air; Gabriel the arch-angel shouts.  What he shouts is not known, but it will probably be something like “WAKE UP”, for the Bible says the dead in Christ rise first and THEN we which are alive and remain hear the trumpet.  All those who have lived before us and died as faithful saints will hear the shout of Gabriel to get up.  No one else hears the shout besides those it is intended for.

Once the dead in Christ have put on immortality then we which are alive have the greatest experience anyone could ever have.  In the amount of time it takes to split an atom; in the amount of time it takes for the eye to twinkle; in a literal INSTANT, the following happens:

1.       Our physical body is vaporized

2.       We receive a body fashioned unto that which Jesus received after the resurrection       

3.       We are translated to a place in the air

4.       We are in the presence of Jesus seeing Him face to face

In other words we are sitting in a chair looking out the window.  We hear a trumpet and in an instant we are totally changed.  Our entire physical make-up is changed.  We are literally vaporized and the body of sin and sickness and death is disintegrated instantly and at that same instant we receive our eternal perfect spiritual body that will never feel pain, never get sick and never die. 

In that same instant we receive the perfectly renewed mind that is incapable of thinking evil or ungodly thoughts.  We are, in an instant, totally and 100% changed.  That is the promise of 1 Corinthians 15 and we have every legal right to stand on that promise and believe it with all our heart and mind.  We are changed into what Jesus already is and has been since God raised Him from the dead.  In the amount of time it takes to blink; we go from having a body that is full of imperfections, pain, disease and death to a resurrected and glorious body as perfect as Jesus Christ’s.

In that same instant we depart this earth and instantaneously are transported into the very presence of Jesus Christ.  One minute we are looking out the window and the next instant we are looking directly into the eyes of Jesus Christ.  Nothing electrifies me faster than the realization that at any moment, the next thing I know is that I am in my Lord’s presence, face to face.  Now we see through a glass darkly, but then “face to face” 1 Corinthians 13 promises us. 

This event should really be called the appearing of Jesus Christ because that is exactly what happens.  The trumpet sounds and the next instant we see the Lord’s face in the air.  Let me ask you the most important question you have ever been asked in your life.  Think about this, don’t get distracted.

If you somehow knew that in 3 seconds you were going to see the Lord Jesus Christ face to face; how would you feel in your heart?  If there was anything other than absolute anticipation and humility you need to repent.  1 John 3 gives us the promise of our heart not condemning us at His appearing.  We need to do whatever it takes in our fellowship to get to the point we have NOTHING to be ashamed of.  We cannot be as Adam and Eve and dread hearing the footsteps of our God. 

Anything causing you shame, fear, anxiety or dread needs to be dealt with NOW.  DO NOT WAIT for the next revival.  Do not wait for the next church altar call.  Do not wait for your next vacation or day off.  NOW is the time to deal with conclusively any and all sin and darkness in your life.  You know what causes you shame.  You don’t need anyone else to tell you.  You know what sends chills down your neck when you think of seeing the Lord Jesus face to face.  Whatever it is that is causing you shame and fear DEAL WITH IT NOW.

If your heart condemns you, then you have no confidence before Him at His coming.  You won’t be there.  You won’t hear the trumpet.  You will still be waiting to deal with situations long after it will do any good.  If you are born again, you have laid before you the offer to be changed when He appears.  Do you want it?  He wants you to be there with Him.   He wants you to see His glorious and face and gaze into His loving eyes.  He wants you to hear Him say; “Well Done, good and faithful servant”.

What could this life hold that is any greater than the prospect of being changed and embarking on an eternity of glory?  What charm and appeal could this life offer that could be any greater than that of being for ever more with our Lord?  Cast off the sin that does so easily draw you off course and run with patience the race that is set before you.  You have need of patience that after you have stood faithfully in this life for Him, you might receive His reward.  He wants you to have it.

What the Bible says about WARNINGS

We all, from a very early age, are told over and over again to “BE CAREFUL” by our loving parents.  They told this not to make our life miserable (although we all thought so at the time), but rather because they loved us and didn’t want any harm or hurt to come to us.  Many times the exhortation to “BE CAREFUL” was in conjunction with a command of some type such as “Look both ways before crossing the street” or “Don’t talk to strangers”.  The command simply designated a potential source of danger.

The commands given before embarking on a walk in the park vs. a walk through a jungle would be quite different.  Before going through the park, exhortations would be given to “Be Careful” about not getting into the poison ivy or to “watch out” for creepy looking adults or joggers with their heads down.  These would all constitute potential dangers for the person going on a casual walk through the park.

The person who has to walk through the jungle has entirely different things to worry about than poison ivy or distracted joggers.  In the jungle attention must be paid to various kinds of wild animals that would gladly devour the person for breakfast.  Attention must be given to vines and other vegetation that could trip or strangle the person walking.  Of course heat and humidity have to watched out for along with insects.  Obviously there are far more things to be careful about in the jungle than in the park.

Warning signs are put up for a reason.  They do not simply appear to aggravate people.  Although many are a nuisance, they are there because there is a very real and present danger.  Various road signs are put up to give the driver plenty of advance notice as to a situation that COULD cause potential problems.  The sign doesn’t say there IS a problem, just the potential of one. 

There are many places where a sign states that there could be rock slides ahead.  It simply is alerting the driver to the potential of rocks on the highway.  Of course the most common sign deals with those mysterious places where somehow deer know to cross.  Other signs warn of the potential of slow moving traffic, of high water on the road and other scenarios that COULD be present if the conditions were just right.  “Slippery when wet” certainly doesn’t pertain to a bright sunny day.

God’s Word is full of various “WARNINGS”.  Whenever you see the word “warn” or “warning” in the Bible, there should be an immediate flashing light go off in your mind.  If you were driving down a country road and saw a blinking yellow traffic signal, what does it mean?  For most drivers it means absolutely nothing and they barrel through the intersection as if there were no light at all.  But, for those who are trying to obey the laws, the blinking yellow light means to slow down for there is a dangerous intersection ahead.  The signal designates the spot to be where caution must be used.

When Paul stopped by Miletus to meet with the elders of the church at Ephesus in Acts 20; he had these very important words to say to them in Acts 20:27-31:

“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with His own blood.

For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock,

Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”

For THREE years Paul did not cease to WARN everyone NIGHT and DAY with tears.  Does this not tell us very clearly that it is vitally important to be WARNED of various things as believers?  Of course Paul taught the believers and prayed for them and tenderly bound up their wounds.  But, of all the things Paul did for 3 years, the greatest was that he ceased not to WARN them every time he saw them of things that could distract, seduce or destroy them.

Paul writes to the Roman believers the following in Romans 15:14:

“Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to ADMONISH one another.”

The word ADMONISH is the same as WARN in Acts 20.  We are to WARN one another.  We are not to sit back and wait for some spiritual leader to do all the warning.  No, we are to grow up in our knowledge and be filled with goodness so we are able to WARN each other.  This is a huge part of what it means to love one another.  Love does all it can to warn and help another from hurting himself or others.

In Colossians Paul says in chapter 1 in verse 28:

“Him (Christ) we preach, WARNING every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

Three times “every man” is used in this verse.  First we PREACH Christ, then we WARN every man, then we TEACH every man with the goal of PRESENTING every man perfect in Christ Jesus.  There you have the very reason for our reaching out with the gospel and love of Christ.

A very important verse to understanding this subject is Colossians 3:16:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

We strive to so allow the Word of Christ to live in us richly that with great wisdom we teach and WARN each other through yelling at each other?  NO.  Through “getting in each other’s face”?  No.  Through, of all things;

1.       Psalms

2.       Hymns

3.       Spiritual songs

4.       Singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord

I don’t know if this means we are to sing to each other, but if you can sing—go for it.  This verse always reminds me of the great musicals where instead of talking to each other, they sing to each other.  Whether Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, Oliver or Grease; they spent much of the show singing to each other and singing about their thoughts and plans.  We need a good and accurate Jesus Christ musical instead of JC Superstar.

Paul, in his closing remarks to the Thessalonians says in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14:

“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and ADMONISH you,

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.  Be at peace among yourselves.

Now we exhort you, brethren, WARN those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”

Part of being an overseer is to WARN the flock of impending danger.  But, every believer has the responsibility of WARNING those who are unruly and who disrupt the peaceful fellowship of the saints.  In fact, the entire section of instructions found in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 are directed towards EACH individual believer and not just the elders. 

Finally in 2 Thessalonians 3, Paul tells the believers in verses 13 through 15:

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Yet do not count him as an enemy, but ADMONISH him as a brother.”

Those who chose to not obey the Word’s commands should be “noted” and more or less “avoided”.  They are not to be considered an enemy, for that is not loving.  But, they should be WARNED as a brother would warn another brother.   Love involves far more than gently patting a wounded person on the back while telling them all will be well.  Yes, the comfort side of love does this.  But, the exhortation side of love many times must WARN a person where their attitude or behavior is leading them.

Love demands we get involved and at least TRY to stop someone from destroying their life.  We may not succeed, for each person has the free will to do as they please; but at least we tried to WARN them first.  The watchman on the wall in Ezekiel was to sound the WARNING when he saw the enemy approach.  A huge part of the love we have for each other is to do be the watchman on the wall and sound the alarm when someone we love is about to fall off the cliff or get run over by the devil’s tank.  Warning is being loving when it is needed.

 

 

Victory Through Faith; 1 John 5

We can quote scriptures all day long to each other about being “more than a conqueror” but unless one knows HOW to be such a thing, what good is it.  What is one to more than conquer?  Who is one to conquer?  In what arena is this referring?  Paul wrote this verse in Romans 8.  It was the same Paul who described just some of his ordeals in 2 Corinthians11; why did he not “more than conquer” all those things that made him suffer?

Strong Christians write their personal battles on this site all the time.  They have been taught the Bible and can quote it with the rest of us.  Yet, they are still facing life and death situations which in their minds many times have no clear cut solutions.  Are we to blame them as being a bad Christian because they are not “more than conquering” their personal enemies?  Much of conservative Christianity does just that.

We all fight battles everyday of our lives.  These battles may be in our minds with doubts, fears, anger or bitterness; or they may be physical battles with sickness and disease.  The battles may be with a sour relationship with one’s spouse or parents or children or boss or pastor or neighbor.  The battles may be with the pressure of lack of money to pay bills or the temptation to go after the big bucks through gambling or unethical jobs.  The battles we all face rip us up and tear us apart many times for we are human.

Jesus Christ is our Savior.  He paid the price for all our sin so that we can be reconciled to God and receive the gift of eternal life.  He gave His life to win for us freedom from the penalty of sin which is death.  He now lives in us as the “hope of glory” and has given us the promise that “greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.”  Yes, these are wonderful promises to know, but applying them in everyday life is certainly far more difficult than simply memorizing the verse.

John wrote these amazing verses in his first epistle.  In 1 John 5:4,5 it says:

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.

Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

The Greek word for victory is “nike” which means conquest or victory.  The word for overcome is “nikeo” which is the verb form of “nike”.  This word is used 6 times in 1 John and another 12 times in Revelation.  Obviously this is a concept related to the end times. 

Notice what this victory is in reference to.  It is not speaking here in 1 John 5 in reference to the devil, antichrists (as in 1 John 4:4) or other spiritual enemies.  It says the victory is over the world.  And what allows us to receive this victory?  Our faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Please look at the following two verses closely in 1 John 2:13 and 14:

“I write to you fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.  I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one.  I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father.

I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.  I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you.  And you have overcome the wicked one.”

It is truly very significant that in both verses that which is said about “fathers” is that they have known Him who is from the beginning; “In the beginning, God…”  Isn’t it interesting that in reference to “young men” the statement concerning overcoming the wicked one is put in the past tense?  How have they been able to overcome the wicked one?  Because they are strong and the word of God abides in them. 

It is the strong young men who are to serve in the Lord’s army on the front lines complete with the assurance they have the victory over the wicked one.  The older “fathers” are to simply rest in their experiential knowledge of all God and Jesus are, can do and have done.  The little children know only that the Father God loves them. 

Time and space do not allow me to go into the spiritual significance of these verses other than to say they provide the basic structure for these current hours as far as responsibilities.  Fathers (older believers, both age and maturity) are the commanding officers and elders; the young men who are strong and able to handle the stress and strain of hand to hand combat are the ones who are to be out there daily reaching out to the lost and fighting the enemy at every turn.  The little children are to bask in the Father’s love and concern themselves with love and prayer and compassion.

The verses we saw in chapter 5 were for all believers.  Unlike chapter two, the victory is not over the wicked one but over the world.  There is a huge difference.  What is the world?  1 John 2:16, 17 says:

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

Through our faith in Jesus Christ being the Son of God, we have victory over the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.  As far as everything else, we need the young men to rise up and be the great warriors who take on the wicked one, for they have been given the promise of victory.

We can win the battles in our minds, bodies, finances and relationships if we manifest our faith in Jesus Christ.  But, if we veer off course and allow the pollution of this world to corrupt our minds, bodies, finances and relationships; we are in for difficult times for sure.  It is of vital importance in these last times that we put on the truth of God’s Word and allow His pure light to bathe our hearts and minds and give us the rock solid faith upon which we can STAND and see the victory God has promised us. 

Drawing up a “Rapture Will”

I was talking to a close friend this morning and a subject came up that I am sure not too many people ever think about.  We were talking about our mutual absolute belief that Christ is coming back very soon and that we will be gathered together to meet Him in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

The more we talked, the more excited we were getting about the prospect of what lies ahead.  Suddenly he asked me if I had gotten around to drawing up a “Rapture Will”.  I had not, and I was severely reproved for it.  We had talked of this subject before and he had quite some time ago met with a Christian attorney and drew up his “advance directive for use after the rapture”.

Here is the scenario.  What if what many of us believe in with all our hearts actually comes to pass shortly instead of many years from now.  What if next week we suddenly hear the trumpet and the next thing we know we are standing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ with our new bodies in heavenly places?   What if the rest of the world then embarks on its seven year appointment with tribulation and wrath?

What happens to your home?  What happens to your vehicles?  What happens to your investments as well as your debts?  What happens to your earthly belongings?  What happens to your unbelieving sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, grandparents and grandchildren? 

Once a reasonable amount of time goes by, the millions of people who suddenly vanish from this earth in the rapture will be declared “legally dead” by the world’s judicial systems.  Without some type of will, everyone’s estates will go into Probate and probably end up in the greedy hands of devilish people.  Thus, the idea was hatched to draw up ahead of time a legally binding document spelling out exactly what you wish to be done with your personal property in the event you vanish and are declared legally dead, as well as directives regarding other matters of importance to you.

The reason my friend was upset with me is because since my wife and I do not have any children and both my parents are deceased and my wife’s parents are quite elderly and live a thousand miles away; our house and belongings would end up in a very clogged Probate system and never end up blessing those we would like to bless but who won’t be in the rapture.

I thanked my friend and told him the first thing I would do would be to write this post for others and make an appointment with a lawyer to get a will in general, but specifically a will designed for the unique circumstances associated with the rapture.  Think about it, who will be left around here to “inherit” your estate if your immediate family will be with you in heavenly places after the rapture?

Many will read this and think I got into the prescription cough syrup this morning for it will sound insane.  But, I happen to believe with every fiber of my being that there is a rapture event coming, it is coming VERY SOON and I WILL BE INVOLVED IN IT.  If you believe something to be true, then there must be the corresponding action to prove it.

I do not want this house, and everything in it to fall into the hands of evil people just because I was too lazy to spend the 30 minutes and a couple hundred dollars to get a legally binding directive/will drawn up.  Of course everyone has different circumstances, so others may demand more involved legal work and higher fees.  The point is, whether “rapture will” or just a plain and simple will; as Christians we should do all we can to make sure that which we have accumulated in this life goes to whom we desire it to go to when we leave this life.

I can honestly say that I live my life with the full expectation and anticipation that at any second I will hear the trumpet calling me HOME.  Long ago I decided that there was NOTHING in this life that appealed to me and was worthy of my utmost.  Thus, long ago I committed myself to give my utmost for His Highest.  The proof of this commitment is found in my willingness to live in such a way that this world does not own my life.  Jesus Christ owns me.  I am HIS property.  My life is not my own for I was bought with a price. 

When the trumpet sounds, I am going HOME, but wisdom dictates preparing ahead of time to make sure my temporary home ends up blessing someone in my extended family or special people who blessed my life but are not qualified to be a part of the rapture.  This is not being negative; this is being SMART and part of being “wise as serpents”. 

I have fulfilled part one of my commitment and soon I will make sure I start the ball rolling to get the rest done quickly.  To be a good soldier, Timothy says we cannot be entangled in the affairs of this life.  Taking the time to get a “rapture will” drawn up actually allows us to be freed from one of those affairs that could get tricky depending on how things play out in the next few months.

If nothing else, I pray this very unusual posting today gives anyone reading it something to think about.  If we really do believe with all our hearts in the rapture, that it is coming very soon and that we will be in it; then it behooves us to do those things necessary to put our faith into action.  That is what I am doing, and this time it’s a done deal.

Crisis in Church Leadership; Relaxing God’s Standards

There is a crisis of monumental dimensions brewing within the church due to years of watering down the Word of God and relaxing the criteria for leadership.  The result is a diminished quality of overseers and a dramatic increase of clergy abuse cases, financial mismanagement and spiritually hurt believers.  Through leadership flaws, many have left and are leaving congregations and are being devoured by the enemy at an alarming rate.  

In the epistle of First Timothy, Paul gives Timothy specific instructions concerning a wide range of topics that deal with church administration and leadership.  After discussing prayer and how women should act in public worship; Paul spends the first 13 verses of chapter three laying out the qualifications for bishops and deacons.  Bishops are not someone in a tall hat or flowing robe who sit on thrones in old cathedrals.  Bishops in the book of Timothy are the same as “overseers” in the book of Acts.  A bishop is one who oversees an assembly of believers.

A deacon is literally one who “runs to serve”.  A deacon is part of the “leadership team” of a fellowship but their duties tend to be more physical in nature vs. a bishop whose duties are more spiritual.  Both bishops and deacons have very strict qualifications laid out for them.  God most certainly holds those charged with the oversight of His people to higher standard.

The number one qualification for a bishop is to be blameless, which does not mean “faultless”.  The only faultless man to ever live was Jesus.  Everyone else has plenty of faults and God does not expect a leader to be perfect.  What God demands from an overseer is that he be above reproach.  In other words there is to be no secret sins and no scandals hidden in the closet.  An overseer cannot lead two lives.  What people see on the outside must reflect the integrity and character on the inside.

If a person wanted to apply for a job, there is a list of qualifications that must be met to even be considered.  This section of Timothy started with the statement that if a person desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good and noble task.  But, in order to be considered, certain qualifications must be met, with “being above reproach” at the top of the list.  The remaining qualifications will narrow the list of potential candidates greatly:

1.       Husband of one wife—in both Greek and Roman law, it was very common for man and wife to separate, and marry other parties during their lifetimes.  Thus, a man might have three or four living wives meaning women who had all successively been his wives.  This phrase is best described as “successive polygamy” rather than “simultaneous polygamy”.

2.       Vigilant—sober or temperate

3.       Sober—self-restrained, serious-minded, prudent

4.       Of good behavior—orderly, a well ordered life

5.       Given to hospitality—hospitable, showing love for, and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers and foreigners

6.       Apt to teach—skilled in teaching, a ready teacher, ready, willing and able to teach at any moment

7.       Not given to wine—not a drunkard, not addicted to wine, not a hard drinker

8.       No striker—not combative, not given to brawls, not quarrelsome, not violent

9.       Not greedy of filthy lucre—Omitted in best MSS

10.   Patient—gentle, forbearing, peaceable

11.   Not a brawler—considerate, peaceable, not contentious, averse to strife, avoiding quarrels

12.   Not covetous—not a lover of money [insatiable desire for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means], free from the love of money, not fond of money-grabbing

13.   One that rules well his own house—ruling his own household well, able to manage his own household properly,

14.   Having his children in subjection with all gravity—keeping his children under control with true dignity, whose children are kept under control and well-behaved, keeping his children under control with true dignity, commanding their respect in every way and keeping them respectful

15.   Not a novice—not a new convert, not a new Christian

16.   He must have a good report of them which are without—ought to have a good reputation among those who are without the church, be well thought of by those outside the church, have a good reputation with the non-Christian public, bear a good character in the world’s eyes

The qualifications necessary for one to become an overseer seem from one perspective to be so rigid no one could possibly fulfill them all, but from another, so logical they should be demanded from any leader.  The reason for all these qualifications is so that the leader is blameless first and foremost, but also so that they do not fall into the condemnation, reproach or snare of the devil.

The three great pitfalls of Christian overseers are; condemnation, reproach and the snare of the devil.  These three things spell nothing but doom and disaster for the leader who falls into them.  The condemnation of the devil results from being blinded by pride which is what happens to a novice.  To fall into the condemnation of the devil can mean just that or it can mean the same condemnation as the devil receives.  Either way, it is not something an overseer can fall into and expect to escape from.

To fall into the reproach of the devil is what happens to those who do not have a good witness from those outside the fellowship of believers.  This is referring to falling into scandals or more specifically to become involved in slander.  Once a leader falls into the reproach of the devil he is ensnared by him.  The ultimate aim of the devil is to trip up, slander and trap those who are overseers of God’s people. 

How many times in the past twenty five years have we seen great Christian leaders build huge ministries and become so full of themselves that they feel invincible.  Then, once the pride is there, they fall into the condemnation of the devil and begin doing scandalous things.  They abuse money and crave power.  Their ethics slip and they get caught in sex scandals and other illegal activities.  Once exposed, they are in the devil’s trap and snare.  Their ministry is finished and their witness is forever shamed.

The reason these verses are in the Bible is to show those who desire to be a leader in the church what is expected of them and to provide an accountability factor for all who serve as overseers within the church.  God is extremely protective of His people and is very selective as to who watches over them. The responsibility of an overseer in the church is an awesome privilege but it demands a level of integrity, honesty and pureness very hard to find and even harder to keep. 

 I know all too well what it means to serve under those whose ethics have been compromised and flagrantly disregard this section of God’s Word.  This is called hypocrisy and deceit and God will deal with those who practice it in His due time.  As a believer you have the right to hold those who are your overseers to the standards of God’s Word.  Please, at least hold them to the first and greatest principle of them all; to be above reproach.  If they reject this message, find a new assembly.

Many Trunks But Still One Tree

In many respects, Christianity is as a huge tree.  The gigantic trunk represents certain basic truths which most Christians believe in.  The pillars of the faith which once made up the trunk of Christianity used to produce a trunk far bigger than the tree above it.  It seems that now, the tree is being turned upside down.  The trunk is getting steadily smaller and the limbs and branches are multiplying above it.

There used to be commonly accepted tenets which formed the trunk of Christianity.  These fairly universally held beliefs consisted of things like; Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.  Jesus came into the world to save sinners and was raised from the dead by God and ascended into heaven where he sits at the right hand of God the Father.  One day He returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We are members in particular of His church and of His body.  The Bible is the Word of God, the Holy Spirit is the Comforter and salvation is by grace.  As Christians we should strive to love one another and live righteously. 

There might have been differences of opinion regarding specific elements of these beliefs, but for the most part, Christians agreed on these basic things.  Some form of these things represented the trunk of the Christian faith.  To be quite honest, I really don’t know what is left of that trunk.  In other words, I am not quite sure I know of anything everyone who calls themselves a Christian universally believes to be true.

Over the past few centuries, Christianity has branched into one denomination after another.  Denominations arise, and then split into sub-denominations due to differences of opinion in various doctrinal and practical matters.  Sometimes denominations keep one thing in common (such as Baptists regarding baptism) but other than that have little in common.  A good case in point would be the American Baptists and the Southern Baptists. 

No split among Christianity is any deeper and more radical than that which separates the liberal and conservative sides of the faith.  In many respects, it is almost as if there are two trees.  Being perfectly honest, there is very little common ground between these two branches of the faith.  Although common terminology is used, definition of terms is entirely different in many cases.

It is very interesting that although I am a Protestant, I have far more in common with many of my Catholic friends than those on the liberal side of Protestantism.  That is because the Catholic faith is very conservative.  I certainly have doctrinal issues with these friends, but on ethical, charity and lifestyle issues; we basically agree.  It may appear outwardly that I would agree with some doctrinal issues promoted by liberal Protestantism, and should thus have that in common.  But, upon further review, those similarities usually fade when scrutinized closely.

For many centuries the chasm was between Protestant and Catholic.  Even to the point of war.  I question now that the greater chasm is between the liberal and conservative sides of Protestantism.  Unfortunately, on most issues, there is little chance of reconciliation between the “far left” and the “far right” sides of Protestantism.  In the middle, there is much common ground, but on the fringes there is little, if any. 

What do we do?  Christianity has been split since the days of Martin Luther.  Christianity has gone from either one is Catholic or one is Protestant to thousands of divisions on both sides of the original split.  What was once a magnificent tree with two massive trunks is now a bush with hundreds of trunks and thousands of limbs and branches.  Good bad or otherwise, one thing can be said for the thousand plus years of the Holy Roman Empire; the church was one. 

The days of there being any possible way for Christians to unite ended before the death of Paul, Peter and John in the First Century.  Internal bickering and factions splitting from the main body of believers started even in the book of Acts and went on until around the Fourth Century.  There was a “forced unity” of sorts until Martin Luther.  But, soon after Luther, different great men rose up with differing opinions on theological matters and developed followings.   In time, these followings took on the name of their founder and became major denominations. 

I have attended services at Lutheran churches and masses at Catholic churches.  The difference between them was miniscule.  I have attended services at Methodist churches and I have attended services at Presbyterian churches.  The difference between them was nonexistent.  I have attended services at Assembly of God churches and many non-denominational churches.  I could find no difference between them.   I have attended services at two different churches in the same denomination and found little or nothing in common.

Here is the truth, as I see it from having studied denominationalism and having attended numerous different kinds of services.  It mainly comes down to the local pastor or priest and what he believes and how he chooses to conduct a service.  In other words, I have been to Catholic mass and except for communion thought I was attending a small non-denominational church because the priest was very open minded and independent.  I have also attended some non-denominational churches where I honestly couldn’t figure out what they believed due to all the emphasis placed on the “worship experience”.

The differences between us as Christians are not so much in what the individual governing bodies claim is their statement of faith, but more the individual’s personal beliefs.  Some good friends of ours attend a Southern Baptist church because they lead the worship band.  They are no more Southern Baptists than the Pope.  Yet, they attend church, are blessed and have no serious problems.  Why?  Because they chose to set aside their differences and instead be blessed by what they have in common.

We had a funny looking “tree” outside our front door that we had to have removed because it was too close to the house.  This “tree” must have had 100 trunks.  It was almost as if there were 100 separate trees.  But, when it was dug up, there was only one root system.  I was told earlier by a tree specialist, that if I wanted to, I could tie a heavy cord around all those individual trunks and make the tree look more like a normal tree instead of a huge bush. 

Think about this.  Colossians 3:14 speaks of love being the “bond of perfection”.  This bond is like a cord which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony.  Perhaps during this season when, for a change, Christians agree on many things, we can go out of our way to love one other.  Perhaps we could allow the love of God to act as a giant cord to bind all our thousands of trunks together, so at least for the next ten days, we could look like the majestic tree we once were.  After all, we still do all share the same root system.

 

Listen to Wisdom–Proverbs Chapter Eight

Proverbs 8 is a wonderful example of a poetic device employed to add emphasis to what is being written.  In this chapter, as elsewhere in Proverbs, wisdom is personified.  Instead of being spoken about, it is the one doing the speaking.  A current batch of commercials employs this device where tires and other parts of a car are demanding to be taken to a car dealer to be serviced.  We all know tires can’t talk, but it makes for a better commercial.

Wisdom is not human and thus cannot speak on its own.  Wisdom is personified allows it to speak directly for itself and to the heart of the one listening.  When reading the various sections of Proverbs were wisdom speaks, special attention should be paid for the figure of speech being used designates the section as being “especially noteworthy”.

The wisdom books of the Old Testament were given in the same light as having a person “sage” or wise man.  Wise men were called on to give advice to kings and to instruct the young.  They dealt with practical matters and specifically the book of Proverbs was written to give advice to young people on how to behave in order to live prosperous and happy lives.  Of all the books in the Bible, Proverbs is the one specifically addressed to youth.  Of all the books in the Bible for young people to diligently study and learn, Proverbs would be the best.

The first chapter of Proverbs lays out the reason for the book and benefits of learning what it says.  In Proverbs chapter one it says in verses 1 through 7:

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding,

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity;

To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—

A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

One must always remember that Solomon was told by God he could have anything he wanted and Solomon asked for wisdom.  The wisdom being shared in Proverbs is the very wisdom of God that Solomon requested.  It is not Solomon’s earthly wisdom; it is straight from the very heart of God.  In verse 8 the basic manner of instruction in Proverbs is set forth. 

“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.”

The idea of a father instructing his son on how to prepare for life in the world represents the tone of the whole book.  Proverbs is likened unto sitting down at the feet of the wisest parents who ever lived and hearing them share all the things they have learned about life in their many years of living.  For the most part, the tone of Proverbs is set in this manner with the exceptions of those places where wisdom is personified.  Thus, those sections take on significant extra meaning.

The entire eighth chapter of Proverbs is extremely uplifting as it shows all the wonderful elements of wisdom.  I did want to highlight a few verses that are especially meaningful and relevant.  In verses 10 and 11 we see:

“Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold;

For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.”

These are very strong words coming from a man who was the wealthiest man on earth.   Knowledge, instruction and wisdom are more to be sought after than silver, gold and rubies.  In fact, wisdom and understanding should be more desired than anything in life.  Solomon could say this for that is exactly what he did when asked by God what he wanted most.

The same basic truth was taught by Jesus when he said to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all else would be added.  David said the same basic thing in Psalms37:4 when he said to “delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  It is quite clear that when we seek God, the wisdom of God and the things of God; good things will come to pass.  Verse 19 reinforces this truth:

“My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver.”

Sometime read verses 20 through 31 for an amazing testimony to the power of and value of wisdom.  Knowledge is invaluable, but wisdom is essential to ever live righteously and walk in a manner which glorifies God.  Verses 32 through 36 act as bridge to close the discussion of wisdom’s merits in chapter 8 and leads to warnings of chapter 9.  I leave you this time with these final five verses of chapter 8:

“Now therefore, listen to me, my children.  For blessed are those who keep my ways.

Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.

Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord.

But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.”

Wisdom is certainly something to desire, strive for and pray for God to grant us.  Blessed is the person smart enough to listen to the voice of wisdom.  Blessed is the person who is meek enough to listen to the voice of wisdom.  Blessed in the person who listens to wisdom.

   

Proverb For The Day–Proverbs 28

Many years ago, and for many years I used to read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponded with the day of the month.  That of course is very easy to do since Proverbs conveniently has 31 chapters.  Since Proverbs was written to provide wisdom, especially in practical matters dealt with daily, it is an excellent book to read and study on a regular basis.

Today, being the 28^th of the month, means that Proverbs 28 is the chapter to look at.  Right off the bat in verse 1 is a great truth.  Reading from the NIV:

“The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

This verse comes from a section in Leviticus26 that people don’t like reading because it is negative.  If we don’t read all the sections of God’s Word that talk about consequences of unbelief, what we have left is a positive thinking program that is NOT God’s Word.  We HAVE to accept the consequences of unbelief along with the blessings of obedience.  That is the way God set it up to work.  Leviticus 26:14-17 is the section upon which Proverbs 28 is based:

“But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands,

And if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws, and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant,

Then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life.  You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it.

I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you.”

Pure panic manifests itself though running, scared to death, from an imaginary enemy.  The earmark of someone enslaved to fear is when they are petrified by something that is not really there.  God made it perfectly clear that among the problems to be encountered after deliberate disobedience is the terror of THINKING one is being pursued, but in reality there is nothing or no one there.

Back in Proverbs 28, it says in verse 2:

“When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.”

Because of Israel’s continual disobedience, there was a revolving door of leadership many times.  Kings rarely stayed in power for very long because they were killed by disloyal subjects or children.  In contrast to this, a wise ruler is able to successfully rule and maintain order through the insight and understanding God gives them.  A very important verse in this chapter is verse 3:

“A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.”

Gentle rain is very good for crops but heavy, driving rain many times ruins the entire crop.  God does not want those who rule over the people, either governmentally or spiritually to oppress the poor.  He forbids the exploitation of downtrodden people for self-gains.  Leaders are to help, bless and advocate for the oppressed.  Leaders are NEVER to USE the poor and disadvantaged for anything.  A very important principle is found in verse 5:

“Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.”

Evil and corrupt people just don’t get what justice is all about.  They do everything they can to circumvent justice, manipulate judges and through extortion and fraud make a mockery of the entire judicial system.  Justice is a foreign concept to those who are inherently corrupt.  Verse 8 provides great insight into what millions of “money launderers” have to look forward to:

“He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”

Many times throughout the Old Testament God forbids the practice of charging excess interest on loans.  The policy of charging outlandish interest is nothing but extortion Biblically.  Those found guilty of this type of oppression will see all they have amassed end up being taken from them and given to the very people it was stolen from to begin with.  Contrary to evil men, God DOES understand justice.  Verse 9 confronts hypocrisy:

“If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.”

People who think they can reject the Word of God and get by on their long prayers and apparent “righteousness” are in for a rude awakening one day.  If a person refuses to listen to and obey the Word of God; all that persons prayers are detestable in God’s sight.  Verse 10 confronts those who say “Do as I say but not as I do”:

“He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.”

Verse 11 is very important in understanding the different perspectives God gives to the rich and poor:

“A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.”

It is truly amazing how many “common” folk can “see right through” the facades the arrogant put up.  The rich person thinks he is fooling everyone with his façade, but in reality the poorest people are usually the ones who can spot the counterfeit a mile away.  Verse 12 is extremely important in light of the upcoming elections:

“When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.”

There are candidates running for President in this country that if elected will force many good people to go into hiding.  Many times in the Old Testament men and women of God were forced to hide from evil and corrupt rulers whose only agenda was the elimination of all who lived righteously.  Elijah had to hide from Ahab and Jezebel for years and Joash was hidden for six years during the reign of the wicked king Athaliah.  Verse 13 is extremely important in light of sin and mercy:

“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Notice it is not just a matter of confessing sin but also renouncing it.  True repentance is far more than just saying “I’m sorry”.  That is good starting point to repenting, but it never happens until there is a change of heart, mind or behavior.  Renouncing the sin that hinders, distracts and defeats us is vital to enjoying the prosperity and wholeness God desires us to receive.  Verse 14 builds upon the preceeding verse:

“Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.”

How many times have we seen people “harden their heart” due to bitterness, resentment or being hurt.  It never pays to harden your heart.  As this verse says, it will lead to “trouble”.  Hard hearts are breeding grounds for all sorts of horrible attitudes and actions.  Medically, it has been proven that many diseases have their root in hard and bitter hearts.  One of my favorite verses in Proverbs is found in verse 19:

“He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.”

If you have land, you are to work it and grow food on it.  Land is not something to just “look at”.  It appalls me to see how few people still plant a vegetable garden.  Not only is it therapeutic to work in a garden, it provides fresh produce for months of the year.  The problem is many people spend all their time “chasing fantasies” instead of living in the “real world”.  Those who live in a realm that does not exist except in their own minds will surely suffer poverty.  Verse 20 says:

“A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”

The world is full of “get rich quick” schemes that are doomed to failure.  The old “pyramid” marketing schemes were so devious they were declared illegal.  Many kids go to college for the sole purpose of making a quick million upon graduating so they can “retire” at age 35 and live the rest of their life in the lap of luxury.  Maybe a few succeed, but the vast majority fall flat on their face and end up slaving away until they are 65 before retiring on “peanuts”.  Verse 22 says:

“A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.”

Only those who learn to give away what God has blessed them with every truly get “rich”.  Those who hoard every penny and live as a pauper even though they have millions are living epistles of this verse.  In verse 24 is a truth that I wish families would print on the walls of their homes:

“He who robs his father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong”—he is partner to him who destroys.”

Many children seem to think it is perfectly fine to rob their parents blind and never think it is wrong.  Stealing from your parents makes one a partner with the devil himself.  Verse 26 says:

“He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.”

The overwhelming majority of people today trust in themselves for everything.  The overwhelming majority of people today are fools.  Verse 27 says:

“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.”

Herein lies my purpose in writing this post.  There is an emerging crisis taking place in this country.  As the economy constricts, people have quit giving to the poor.  This is dangerous territory to explore.  This country has always taken care of those without.  If it ceases to help those who are sick, disabled, elderly and unable to take care of themselves; then God will cease blessing this country and the alternative to Him blessing is to receive many curses.  One of those curses is verse 28, which repeats the very thing said in verse 12.  When something is said twice in the Word of God it is CONFIRMED:

“When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.”

Part of the curse of not caring for the poor is that wicked people rise to power who in turn exploit the poor for their own gain.  The righteous end up having to go into hiding to stay alive.  In due time the righteous become bold as a lion again and the wicked people run and hide from imaginary enemies.

Let us pray for God’s blessing on this country and that whoever emerges as the candidates in the upcoming election, that they look to God, and are committed to helping those who are poor and oppressed.  God does not honor political parties.  He looks on the heart and so should we.

Proud to be a “Jesus Freak”

Most people do not like being “labeled”.  By definition “label” is simply a short word or phrase descriptive of a person, group, movement, etc.  Labels are affixed for convenience sake, for they make it easy to sort people into categories.  “Oh, there goes a religious fanatic” or “Watch out, here comes that Jesus freak” are examples of labels people in the world put on us Christians.  I do not object to being labeled, as long as it is accurate.

I have been called, among other things, a “Jesus freak” since I was a teenager back many centuries ago.  What exactly is a “Jesus freak” anyway?  I realize that the very word “freak” is not used as much as it was many years ago, but I know people still “freak out” when they get shocked or stunned by something.  The questions that come to mind are whether Jesus was a “freak” and what it means to be a “Jesus freak”. 

I love the dictionary.  I love looking up the meaning of words.  Upon looking up the word “freak”, I was amazed to see all the ways it can be defined.  Gosh, one would think I would have looked this word up ages ago, as many times as I was called it, but I never did until today.  Why today?  You guessed it, I was recently called a “Jesus freak” again.

I would like to assume the usage of “freak” that is reflected in what I am called is:  a devoted fan or enthusiast (such as a baseball freak).  O.K., I can live with that.  I most certainly am a fan of Jesus and definitely an enthusiast.  But, somehow I don’t think this is the definition being implied by those who use it as an insult.  Freak is basically meant to describe an abnormal phenomenon or product or unusual object: an aberration.  Hmm, that is getting closer to the meaning I think is intended.  But, there is more.  Freak can also mean a person or animal on exhibition as an example of a strange deviation from nature.
 
You know what; I sort of like these definitions.  I don’t know if I object to being called an aberration or a deviation from nature, for that is exactly what I become when I put on the renewed mind and manifest the mind of Christ as opposed to my old nature.  By golly, perhaps these scorners have stumbled upon a very good description of us Christians.  Maybe we really are “freaks” after all.  Just so long as the definition being used is not:   habitual user or addict (such as a heroin freak).

All kidding aside, in the world’s eyes, we are strange people.  People who have no spirituality about them cannot figure us out.  They have no clue why we live the way we live, think the way we think or talk the way we talk.  They look at us as “freaks of nature”.  In their eyes we have a big horn between our eyes, or have six legs.  We are aberrations for sure.  Some laugh at us, and some feel sorry for us.  Some are afraid of us and some ignore us.  All look at us as freaks in one form or another.

Twenty years ago, my wife and I took our first trip to the animal shelter to find what became our “firstborn” dog.  I wanted a nice looking cocker spaniel that appeared to be a fine dog.  My wife kept being drawn to a strange looking white dog with only one eye.  This dog was on “death row” and was scheduled to be put down the next day if no one adopted her.  I didn’t want the dog because of how she looked.  My wife wanted the dog because of how she looked.  I am sure most of you know which dog we ended up getting.

“Pirate”, as we immediately named her, was our beloved and truly special pet for the next twelve years.  She ended up being a good of a dog as anyone could ever want.  Within a very short amount of time, we no longer saw her physical imperfections when we looked at her.  In our eyes she was perfect, no matter how she looked to anyone else.

We may look like “freaks” to those around us now, but if we stay faithful, keep growing in love and continue to renew our minds to God’s Word; we could easily turn into a thing of beauty to someone in dire need down the road.  So what if those who are only interested in this world’s praise think us to be weird.  So what if those who think themselves to be perfect because of their looks, money or influence turn in disgust when they see us coming.  So what if in their eyes we have a big “J F” (Jesus Freak) stamped on our foreheads.   Rest assured when Jesus himself walked this earth, he was considered far worse than a “freak” by his enemies. 

One of these days, one of these people will see their entire life fall apart before their eyes.  One of these days they will lose their career, their spouse, their home or their children and find all they lived for  thrust into a state of confusion and despair.  Suddenly, instead of being the “cool” one looking down on everyone else, they will be the crushed one desperately searching for anyone to love them and show them the way. 

Truth be told, when that day arrives, deep in their heart they will be praying for one of the “J F” people to come around.  Within their heart of hearts, they will scream out for one of those “freaks” they used to deride to appear in front of them to comfort, exhort and lead them out of their despair into the promised land of peace and joy in Christ.
 
Never despair if others call you names or look down upon your faith.   Simply remain faithful and know deep within, that someday soon those who think you crazy will be praying for you to help them.  Our job is to remain faithful and proudly wear our “J F” for all to see.   God will bring those who need us to us if we do.
 

Have the Faith of God

Faith is one of those words which has many different definitions.  Biblically, one must determine by the context whether faith is referring to “the faith of Jesus Christ”, the “family of faith” or “firm belief”.  There is no greater verse in the Bible dealing with faith as an act of utter and complete belief than Hebrews 11:1 where it says:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

The word translated “substance” is the Greek word “hupostasis”.  The word basically means “essence, substance, reality; that which is the basis of something; hence, guarantee or confidence.”  In other words, the word means “documentable proof, thus providing a guarantee”.    I believe it was James Moulton who first started using the term “title deed” as the appropriate translation of this word. 

A title deed provides proof of ownership.  If you can produce the title deed to a property, then you can prove you own that property.  When making the dreaded trip to the DMV to get tags for a new vehicle; you must have the title for the vehicle or it will never become yours.  A title is the legal proof you own something, even if it is a thousand miles away.  If you have the title, the property is yours. 

When a person buys a car and finances it through a bank or other facility; the title goes to the bank and stays there until the car is paid off.  Although you have the car, drive the car, pay taxes on the car, etc; you do not own the car until there is no longer a lien against it.  As long as money is owed on the car, it never really is yours.  The same thing happens with mortgages on homes.  Until the home is paid off, the mortgage holder is the real owner of the house.

Hebrews 11:1 states that faith is the title deed of things “hoped for”.  This hope is really nothing more than what we are praying for.  When we pray, we have faith that what we are praying about comes to pass.  That faith is our title deed to what we are praying for.  It is also the “evidence” of things not seen.  The word translated “evidence” is an obscure Greek word only used one other place in the New Testament.  The word literally means “to convict, or conviction”.   It is a legal word that is used as a figure of speech here in Hebrews.  It would be better translated “certain persuasion” although many versions translate it “conviction”.

Faith, that mysterious word with a truckload of different meanings, is the title deed and certain persuasion of things prayed for and not yet seen.  Every great person of faith who ever lived knew by experience what this verse was talking about.  In fact, the entire eleventh chapter of Hebrews is devoted to those who from God’s perspective were men and women of faith.  Everyone mentioned or mentioned by name in Hebrews 11 practiced verse 1 and that is what enabled them to make into the “Faith Hall of Fame”.

Think of dearly beloved Peter.  Out in their boat at night, the disciples think they see a ghost standing on the water.  Peter thinks it might be Jesus, but isn’t quite sure.  He calls out to this ghost and demands that if he is really Jesus, then tell him to walk on the water to him.  Ah, Peter knew that only Jesus would really tell him to do it.  I am quite sure Peter was not expecting any reply.  Much to his surprise, the Master told him ONE WORD; “COME”.  The word of God doesn’t always have to be 2000 words.  Sometimes it is only ONE word.

Once Peter had the Word Of God, he either needed to believe it or reject it.  Without so much as even thinking about the consequences, Peter climbed out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus.  Even as he was climbing out, the voices of the other disciples were ringing through his mind.  “Don’t do it Pete”, “You are going to sink”, “Think of your Mom, Peter”; everywhere and from all directions he was being bombarded with all the good reasons NOT to walk out on faith to Jesus.

Once you receive the Word of God in your life, start walking.  Don’t wait around for detailed instructions as to how to get out of the boat and how to handle walking on waves.  Just DO IT!!  Peter got out of the boat and immediately started walking on the water.  When he took that first step of faith, he literally believed what Jesus had said to him was true.  In his case, Peter did not need a title deed, but rather a plank, and he got one.  Peter’s faith in the word of God given to him by Jesus was the guarantee he would not sink when he tried to walk on the water.

Peter did begin to sink only when he “lost the faith” by getting distracted and looking at the waves instead of the Lord Jesus.  When we glue our eyes upon the Lord and fasten ourselves to the word He gives us; we can walk on water.  We can do whatever it is that God sets before us to do if we have complete faith it came from God and is directed to us. 

Nowhere is faith more completely taught, than by Jesus after he has cursed the fig tree and it died overnight.  In Mark 11:22 it says:

“And Jesus answering said unto them, Have faith in God.”

Some manuscripts omit this verse, some have it as it is recorded in the KJV and still others would have it read; “Have the faith of God”.  Wow, what a concept that is!   To have the faith of God is certainly beyond our mortal mind’s ability to comprehend.  How much faith does God have?  Hebrews 11:3 says:

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed (prepared) by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

God had to literally create everything as He prepared the ages and fashioned the universe.  God spoke, and things that were not there came into being.  That is faith!  As Genesis 1 repeatedly says; “and God said…” and it came to pass.  God spoke His Word and it came to pass because of His faith.  Oh how glorious life would be for us all if we could “have the faith of God”!  If we could, then back in Mark 11 it goes on to say in verses 23 and 24:

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive and you shall have them.”

Faith is powerful.  Prayer without faith is like a boat without an oar.  When we pray, we need to manifest the “faith of God” in order to see the mountains moved and the things prayed for come to pass.  I think we all know that faith is vital to seeing results when we pray.  But, did you ever notice what the next two verses in Mark say, immediately after these verses on prayer?  Look at verses 25 and 26 squarely in the context of having the faith of God:

“And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Holy something or other; it takes the “faith of God” to forgive others for those things they have done against you and to believe the Father has forgiven you.  Do we need to forgive others?  We do if we want our Father to forgive us.  Honestly, it takes just as much faith to conquer bitterness and resentment and forgive as it does to move a mountain or expect results in prayer. 

All these things are humanly impossible, but with God, they are possible.  It takes faith to forgive for it goes against our very nature.  It takes faith to believe, for the senses say it is impossible.  It takes faith to conquer the doubts that keep us from seeing God’s Word come to pass in our lives for they gnaw away at us like gnats in the summer.  Have the faith of God!