Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, (Reality) and the life..." (John 14:6) Jesus was saying of Himself, I am the totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence. He is the personification of truth. Notice that I did not say Jesus is the personification of all truth. For there is only one truth, one reality, and Jesus is it! However, reality cannot always be seen, but it can be discovered. For believers, the most significant unseen reality that we must each discover, in order to live the lives that
we were meant to, is the spiritual reality of our supernatural God. One of the incredible things of God, is, He has left us evidence of Himself in the created world, the natural environment around us. Yet, when we contemplate the greatness of His creation, our finite minds still cannot begin to fathom who He truly is and His immense power.
Yes we have His Word that reveals His will, nature, character, purpose and plan, but man has mostly tried to know God through intellectual means. We can know facts and information about God, but we cannot know Him personally through intellectual knowledge. Why? Intellectual knowledge also known as mental ascent or better yet, sense knowledge is limited because it uses the five senses; taste, smell, touch, see and hear to acquire and assimilate knowledge. Due to our overemphasizing intellectual knowledge, people are very aware of the natural realm but are generally uninformed and or misinformed about the supernatural realm. The natural realm being the dimension that is subject to the laws of time, space, and matter is temporal. Whereas, the supernatural realm or spiritual realm is the dimension that operates above natural laws. It is permanent, invisible, eternal and is located outside of time and space that also exercises dominion over the natural realm.
Intellectual knowledge has its rightful place in society, but it is a poor substitute for spiritual knowledge. The Apostle Paul tells us two things to consider, "We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge (intellectual knowledge) puffs up..." (1 Corinthians 8:1) "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14) So we can see why intellectual knowledge pales to true knowledge which is of the spiritual realm. This is why in the absence of progressive divine revelation, people tend to rely on formal, academic education, much of which attempts to discredit faith. Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) This also shows us that truth is spiritual and therefore the reason why philosophers also fail to understand or come to know it. Things of the spiritual realm can only be discerned spiritually which is why Jesus said what He did to Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God...That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:3, 6) So, in order to know God, one must be born again of the spirit.
It was never God's intention to remain a mystery to His people. In fact, He has always desired for us to know Him intimately and to experience Him in a personal way. However, we must understand that only God can reveal Himself. No person has the ability to know Him apart from Him revealing Himself, that is, a revelation of God. He also must do the initiating to accomplish this. This was the case even in the life and earth ministry of Jesus, "Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." (John 5:19) "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak." (John 12:49) Jesus was an obedient, willing and totally submitted vessel who revealed the will, nature, character, purpose and plan of the Father. However, we see it was the Father who initiated what Jesus spoke and did.
Since the only way to really know God is through revelation, let us investigate what revelation is. The Greek word for revelation means "an uncovering" or "disclosure." Revelation enables us to understand truths about the spiritual realm, truths that are hidden from the natural realm. In Jesus' conversation with a woman of Sychar near Jacobs well in Samaria, He reveals to her a very important key to knowing God, "God is Spirit." (John 4:24) This is a revelation of God. He is not of the natural, temporal realm, but of the spiritual eternal realm. The angel Gabriel tells the virgin Mary, "For with God nothing will be impossible." (Luke 1:37) This is another revelation showing us that God is all-powerful. Malachi reveals that God never changes, "For I am the Lord, I do not change." (Malachi 3:6) We also see that God is eternal, "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." (Psalm 90:2) God dwells in the dimension of eternity, the spiritual realm. Even though He inhabits eternity, He manifests Himself and His works, at times, in visible form in the natural dimension of our physical world and universe.
God reveals Himself to us as the supernatural and all-powerful God through the Holy Spirit. There is no other means by which we can know Him. Again, we cannot know the "reality" of God without Him revealing Himself to us. Even a theologian may know that a superior being exists, but that does not mean that he knows God personally. Many theologians operate merely with information acquired through intellectual research, reasoning, mental processes, or through the experiences of others. But the Holy Spirit is the source of all revelation from God. Jesus said to His disciples, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." (John 16:12-15)
Now, some will say something to the effect, "the disciples needed revelation from the Holy Spirit, but we do not need it now because we have the Bible." This is only partially true. The Bible tells us, "For the word of God is
living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing
even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and
is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) For instance, did you ever read a passage of scripture several times then all of a sudden it made complete sense or you see it in a different light that is life changing. This is God revealing Himself through a Word within the Word, revelation. Why does this happen? Because God's Word is living, not changing, not static, but alive, living. Remember, Jesus said His word is Spirit and Life. Revelation from God allows us to suddenly understand something without the aid of the natural senses.
Revelation includes knowing things you otherwise would not know, perceiving things without having a prior awareness of them, and seeing things that have yet to occur. It is God revealing His mind, His thoughts to man so that they can know Him personally and exercise their God-given roles and responsibilities on earth. Unfortunately, because we in the western world rely so much on intellectually knowledge, we are trained to reject anything that cannot be explained according to human understanding alone. This is why the Holy Spirit spoke to Paul to tells us, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) The writer of Hebrews tells us, "By faith we understand..." (Hebrews 11:3) and "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." (Hebrews 11:6) True faith, the faith that comes from God, His Word (Romans 10:17), gives us understanding of spiritual things as well as pleasing God. Although the Bible consists of words written on paper, it is not of the natural realm. It is spiritual! Therefore, without a revelation from and of God, faith will not grow. If faith is not growing, it is because faith will not exceed our revelation of God. This is why it is so important for believers to seek God through His Word for revelation each day.
An analogy of this is found in the history of Israel in their life in the wilderness before entering the promised land. The Lord provided manna for them to eat each morning, “This is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat. This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: ‘Let every man gather it according to each one’s need, one omer for each person, according to the number of persons; let every man take for those who are in his tent...And Moses said, “Let no one leave any of it till morning. Notwithstanding
they did not heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until
morning, and it bred worms and stank..." (Exodus 16:15-16, 19-20) Notice that they were in need of fresh bread every morning. The bread from the previous day was old and not worth feeding on. Jesus said, "...“I am the bread of life..." (John 6:35) Jesus is the bread that we believers also need every day. We cannot try to live off of yesterday's bread, revelation, or we may find ourselves "old wines skins." We also cannot know God through intellectual knowledge, by doing so we will not come to truly know God in a personal, intimate way and Christianity will be nothing more than any other lifeless, powerless world religion. "Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish..." (Proverbs 29:18 AMP)
Monday, August 10, 2015
Monday, August 3, 2015
Stepping Out
If you have raised a child, have siblings or have been around children, chances are that you have witnessed a child taking its first steps. How exciting it truly is. Usually, a child's first steps are taken by someone coaxing the child over and over until they are walking on their own. The writer of Hebrews deals with Christians that are "Babes", "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe." (Hebrews 5:12-13) He tells them to, "...move on to maturity..." (Hebrews 6:1) The Apostle Paul tells the church at Corinth the same howbeit in different words, "When I was a child, I
spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but
when I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11)
There comes a time in a believers life where they need to step out and walk by faith in the things of God. Simply put, Paul is comparing infancy with that of manhood in the sense of when we advance in years, we lay aside many of the views, feelings, and plans which we had in childhood, for the true values of life which we now esteem important due to maturing into adulthood. In the same way, new believers see the world from a different perspective than older believers, or do they?
One of the things that I remember in my own life when I first received Christ that I still see in some new believers today, although not as often, is their zeal to tell others of their new life in Christ. Although new believers do not have a grasp on foundational Christian doctrines or how to live by faith, they tend not to have inhibitions when it comes to telling others about their new life in Christ. But after some time passes the zeal to witness Christ seems to die out. You would think that the opposite would happen as they grow their faith through the Word of God. But Christian researcher have found that nearly seventy percent of people attending a church daily have not witnessed Christ in the past year (2014) although most say that they pray for the lost. Another statistic reveals that nearly fifty percent of Christians who regularly attend a church have never invited a non-believer to church.
What has happened to the last command that the Lord has given to all believers, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20) "And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:15-18) "Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:46-47) "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
Whether you believe in the doctrine of election or not (the belief that God has elected only certain people for salvation and others not) it is still our (every believer) responsibility to preach the gospel to every creature. Born again believers cannot blame the state of the country on politicians, lobbyist, and other non-believers. They are only doing the deeds of their father the devil in the same way that you and I did before we were saved. Remember, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) It has been said, "the gospel is good news, only if it reaches a person before they die", "Lost people matter to God our Father, so they should matter to us His children", "Believers often talk of the Lord's second coming, when most of the world has not heard of His first" "God save us from living in comfort while sinners are sinking into hell", "Christ died for all men not just the ones you know and like", "It is better to have people hate you with the knowledge that you tried to save them, than to love you and perish in hell never telling them the good news", "Where passion for God is weak, zeal for the lost will be weak." These are but food for thought. Hopefully, they will provoke us into action.
Unfortunately, many church leaders today have adjusted the "Great Commission" because they themselves do not witness Christ beyond a classroom or a pulpit. They rarely train the saints in evangelism mostly because they themselves are not passionate about winning the lost for Christ. They have determined that Jesus' words to, "Go make disciples" is out dated for the church today, so to justify this, they have determined that the church service should be short and adjusted to make it "comfortable" for those who may visit, in hopes that the visitor is unsaved. We call it "seeker sensitive church". Isn't interesting that the Bible tells us, "...There is none who seeks after God." (Romans 3:11) Why is this? Jesus tells us, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..." (John 6:44) Based on scripture we must consider that we should not expect anyone showing up at a church service who is lost by luck, chance or coincidence. However, if someone does show up who is lost, even if they were invited by a believer, they are not seeking on their own, it is the Father who is drawing them. If the Father is drawing them, then it should stand to reason that the length of the service should have no bearing whatsoever upon this person as to whether they "had a good time" or not. Why? Because we are talking about a spiritual encounter with God that He has set up to save them and transform their life, not a good time that pleases only the flesh.
Most certainly we want to see visitors stay beyond one or two visits. Let's keep in mind, "But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased" (1 Corinthians 12:18) not us. For most unbelievers, they probably have no concept of what a church service consists of. But shouldn't we be creating an atmosphere, especially through praise and worship, no matter how long it takes to bring God's presence? Isn't it God's presence that will have people say "God is here?" Then how do we expect such a thing to happen if we put a time restraint upon God? Frankly, it won't happen. Churches who have this worldly mind set towards the lost actually do them a disservice by keeping God on a leash, so to speak, and not letting Him have His way in a church service because He is only given a certain amount of time to show up. You may want to read the last chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke and the Book of Acts. This is God's Word and work through the church that brought unprecedented success for nearly three hundred years.
The difference is, they obeyed the command of the Lord to "Go make Disciples" which transforms lives, without reducing it to "come to us, we promise we won't take much of your time, but we will help you feel good about yourself so that you will come back." In other words, congregations who do this, although not in word, see God's Word as having no effect today. They also miss the main purpose of the church, "...that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light", (1 Peter 2:9) the praise and worship of the Most High God. The early church understood this, "praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47) Please stop and meditate on this verse of scripture. This has nothing to do with mans worldly ways to grow a congregation but fully upon God. It is the responsibility of every believer to be witnesses for Christ and let God do His work through us His way. This takes faith not formulas.
The point is, let us step out of the fort (church building) and be the salt and light that you truly are. The Bible tells us, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27). No one knows the day or time that they leave this life for the next, so let us all make evangelism a life priority, making it difficult for any one to go to hell by telling them the Good News of Jesus Christ. Let's witness Christ and bring the new believers into a church service where there is no time limit so they can have and encounter with God. Let's praise Him until the Holy Spirit moves us to worship and worship until His glory (presence) falls. This is what will transform lives, not comfortable services with time restraints that only cater to the flesh. Sure, the seeker sensitive way of church may grow large congregations, but what's the point if the glory of God is not present, "Then she named the child Ichabod, the glory has departed from Israel." (1 Samuel 4:21) All people want to experience God, including the lost. It is the scheme of Satan to have us think that somehow we have a better plan than God. So let's get out of churchianity and get back to Christianity so the Lord can "transform us (those just saved also) into His image from glory to glory." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
There comes a time in a believers life where they need to step out and walk by faith in the things of God. Simply put, Paul is comparing infancy with that of manhood in the sense of when we advance in years, we lay aside many of the views, feelings, and plans which we had in childhood, for the true values of life which we now esteem important due to maturing into adulthood. In the same way, new believers see the world from a different perspective than older believers, or do they?
One of the things that I remember in my own life when I first received Christ that I still see in some new believers today, although not as often, is their zeal to tell others of their new life in Christ. Although new believers do not have a grasp on foundational Christian doctrines or how to live by faith, they tend not to have inhibitions when it comes to telling others about their new life in Christ. But after some time passes the zeal to witness Christ seems to die out. You would think that the opposite would happen as they grow their faith through the Word of God. But Christian researcher have found that nearly seventy percent of people attending a church daily have not witnessed Christ in the past year (2014) although most say that they pray for the lost. Another statistic reveals that nearly fifty percent of Christians who regularly attend a church have never invited a non-believer to church.
What has happened to the last command that the Lord has given to all believers, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20) "And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:15-18) "Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:46-47) "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
Whether you believe in the doctrine of election or not (the belief that God has elected only certain people for salvation and others not) it is still our (every believer) responsibility to preach the gospel to every creature. Born again believers cannot blame the state of the country on politicians, lobbyist, and other non-believers. They are only doing the deeds of their father the devil in the same way that you and I did before we were saved. Remember, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) It has been said, "the gospel is good news, only if it reaches a person before they die", "Lost people matter to God our Father, so they should matter to us His children", "Believers often talk of the Lord's second coming, when most of the world has not heard of His first" "God save us from living in comfort while sinners are sinking into hell", "Christ died for all men not just the ones you know and like", "It is better to have people hate you with the knowledge that you tried to save them, than to love you and perish in hell never telling them the good news", "Where passion for God is weak, zeal for the lost will be weak." These are but food for thought. Hopefully, they will provoke us into action.
Unfortunately, many church leaders today have adjusted the "Great Commission" because they themselves do not witness Christ beyond a classroom or a pulpit. They rarely train the saints in evangelism mostly because they themselves are not passionate about winning the lost for Christ. They have determined that Jesus' words to, "Go make disciples" is out dated for the church today, so to justify this, they have determined that the church service should be short and adjusted to make it "comfortable" for those who may visit, in hopes that the visitor is unsaved. We call it "seeker sensitive church". Isn't interesting that the Bible tells us, "...There is none who seeks after God." (Romans 3:11) Why is this? Jesus tells us, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..." (John 6:44) Based on scripture we must consider that we should not expect anyone showing up at a church service who is lost by luck, chance or coincidence. However, if someone does show up who is lost, even if they were invited by a believer, they are not seeking on their own, it is the Father who is drawing them. If the Father is drawing them, then it should stand to reason that the length of the service should have no bearing whatsoever upon this person as to whether they "had a good time" or not. Why? Because we are talking about a spiritual encounter with God that He has set up to save them and transform their life, not a good time that pleases only the flesh.
Most certainly we want to see visitors stay beyond one or two visits. Let's keep in mind, "But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased" (1 Corinthians 12:18) not us. For most unbelievers, they probably have no concept of what a church service consists of. But shouldn't we be creating an atmosphere, especially through praise and worship, no matter how long it takes to bring God's presence? Isn't it God's presence that will have people say "God is here?" Then how do we expect such a thing to happen if we put a time restraint upon God? Frankly, it won't happen. Churches who have this worldly mind set towards the lost actually do them a disservice by keeping God on a leash, so to speak, and not letting Him have His way in a church service because He is only given a certain amount of time to show up. You may want to read the last chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke and the Book of Acts. This is God's Word and work through the church that brought unprecedented success for nearly three hundred years.
The difference is, they obeyed the command of the Lord to "Go make Disciples" which transforms lives, without reducing it to "come to us, we promise we won't take much of your time, but we will help you feel good about yourself so that you will come back." In other words, congregations who do this, although not in word, see God's Word as having no effect today. They also miss the main purpose of the church, "...that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light", (1 Peter 2:9) the praise and worship of the Most High God. The early church understood this, "praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47) Please stop and meditate on this verse of scripture. This has nothing to do with mans worldly ways to grow a congregation but fully upon God. It is the responsibility of every believer to be witnesses for Christ and let God do His work through us His way. This takes faith not formulas.
The point is, let us step out of the fort (church building) and be the salt and light that you truly are. The Bible tells us, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27). No one knows the day or time that they leave this life for the next, so let us all make evangelism a life priority, making it difficult for any one to go to hell by telling them the Good News of Jesus Christ. Let's witness Christ and bring the new believers into a church service where there is no time limit so they can have and encounter with God. Let's praise Him until the Holy Spirit moves us to worship and worship until His glory (presence) falls. This is what will transform lives, not comfortable services with time restraints that only cater to the flesh. Sure, the seeker sensitive way of church may grow large congregations, but what's the point if the glory of God is not present, "Then she named the child Ichabod, the glory has departed from Israel." (1 Samuel 4:21) All people want to experience God, including the lost. It is the scheme of Satan to have us think that somehow we have a better plan than God. So let's get out of churchianity and get back to Christianity so the Lord can "transform us (those just saved also) into His image from glory to glory." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Monday, July 27, 2015
Just Like Dad - Part 6
In this final part, we will look at some points as to why the confession of God's Word is important to the believers life. As we look at these things let's keep in mind that in creation, "God Said...and it was so." (Genesis 1) Jesus said of Himself, "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak." (John 12:49) Jesus also tells us, "For
assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and
be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes
that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23) We see that God spoke, Jesus spoke the Father's Words and believers are also to speak God's Word. The Apostle John tells us, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, (which is His Word) He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (1 John 5:14-15)
So as previously mentioned, believers are to confess God's Word because it is the way we sow
seeds in the Kingdom. This is a principle of God. So to put it to work in your life, you must be obedient to His Word and do what His Word says, that is, "Hold fast to your confession of faith..." (Hebrews 10:23) Sowing by the Kingdom method will bring success in any area but you must "hold fast to your confession regardless of what circumstance may dictate. A confession of doubt naturally is not one of faith. The Apostle James tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:5-8) Although James is focused on asking for wisdom, the principle and results are the same. Basically, if you do not ask (speak) in faith do not expect results.
Confessing God's Word builds ones faith. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Hearing implies something must be continuously spoken and that you keep hearing and hearing, etc. It is a continuous process. Speaking the Word is setting the goal of that which you desire to come to pass. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) It can be in any area, healing, finances, emotional issues and or spiritual matters. No matter what, speak what God says in His Word concerning you and or the situation, to yourself, aloud. You declare it, you say it, you confess it and faith will come. Also, keep in mind, hope is important, but it has no substance, it is only the desired goal. Faith gives substance of things hoped for.
Confessing God's Word renews the mind. Because our mind was not renewed when we were born again, it is important to bring our entire soul (mind, will and emotions) into subjection to our recreated spirit. The Apostle Paul tells us, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) Confession of God's Word, that is, speaking and being in agreement with what His Word says, causes your mind to be renewed so you can think like
God thinks. This in turn will cause you to talk like God talks. Eventually, talking like God talks will cause you to be an imitator of God. "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." (Ephesians 5:1)
Confessing God's Word keeps the answer before you. What do I mean? When facing a problem and you find yourself constantly thinking about the problem, speaking the problem, praying the problem, then you will have faith in the problem because all you see, hear and think is the problem. But when you begin to confess the solution, God' Word, you are now doing something about the problem. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:6-8) You will never solve a problem by dwelling on the problem. You have to get off the problem and get to the answer, by keeping God's Word before you. Paul tells us a way to get our minds off the problem. It is by meditating on the things revealed in this passage. (verse 8)
Confessing God's Word changes your heart. "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:20-23) Every believer is to keep, or guard, their heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues, or source of life. Jesus tells us, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication's, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man..." (Matthew 15:18-20) Solomon tells us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7) As with the Parable of the Soils, our heart must receive the good seed (God's Word) so we bring forth good fruit.
Confession of God's Word sets the law of faith in motion. Faith is a law of God. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith." (Romans 3:27) Paul also tells us, "And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke, we also believe and therefore speak." (2 Corinthians 4:13) That's the way it works. What you believe, is what you speak and subsequently, what you speak, you will believe. This process causes faith to come. You are putting it in motion the law of faith. It is not going to happen just because you say it. However, saying it is involved in setting it in motion. Your confession must be done in faith. That is why you must continue to do it. Often, believers will speak some things even though they may not believe it when they first say them, though they are in the Bible. You know the Bible is true, but it does not seem to be true in your life. However, if you speak it, confess it, proclaim it long enough, your mind will come into subjection to your recreated spirit, which bears witness with God's Word, and you will eventually believe it. Again, what you continually speak, you will believe.
Confessing God's Word will put angel's to work for you. Many believers have never realized that the angels are listening to the words we speak. The writer of Hebrews says, "But to which of the angels has He ever said, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:13-14) By virtue of being born again you are an heir of salvation which means that supernatural beings, angels, the ministering spirits of God, are here to minister for you. The Apostle John tells us, "Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” (Revelation 22:8-9) In other words the angel said, "Don't worship me, I am your servant." Angel's are our fellow servants, fellow servant of the prophets, and fellow servants of those who keep the sayings of this book, the Bible. So, if you are keeping the sayings of the Bible, God's Word, then the angels are your servants. "The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word." (Psalm 103:19-20) If you are saying what God said, then you are assigning angels to go and cause things to manifest according to God's Word spoken with faith.
For some, all of these things may seem to be outlandish or even extreme. However, the Bible tells us, "So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11 AMP) The simple fact is, it comes down to believing that time, space, culture, demons or faithless people do not have the power to change God's Word. His Word has not changed and is as powerful today as it was when it was first spoken. God's Word will also accomplish today, what it says, in the same way that it did when it was first spoken. I pray that you will apply these principles to your life daily and do not give up because you may not see immediately results. Never forget the God is faithful! "Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) May the grace of our Father fill your life abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord.
So as previously mentioned, believers are to confess God's Word because it is the way we sow
seeds in the Kingdom. This is a principle of God. So to put it to work in your life, you must be obedient to His Word and do what His Word says, that is, "Hold fast to your confession of faith..." (Hebrews 10:23) Sowing by the Kingdom method will bring success in any area but you must "hold fast to your confession regardless of what circumstance may dictate. A confession of doubt naturally is not one of faith. The Apostle James tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:5-8) Although James is focused on asking for wisdom, the principle and results are the same. Basically, if you do not ask (speak) in faith do not expect results.
Confessing God's Word builds ones faith. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Hearing implies something must be continuously spoken and that you keep hearing and hearing, etc. It is a continuous process. Speaking the Word is setting the goal of that which you desire to come to pass. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) It can be in any area, healing, finances, emotional issues and or spiritual matters. No matter what, speak what God says in His Word concerning you and or the situation, to yourself, aloud. You declare it, you say it, you confess it and faith will come. Also, keep in mind, hope is important, but it has no substance, it is only the desired goal. Faith gives substance of things hoped for.
Confessing God's Word renews the mind. Because our mind was not renewed when we were born again, it is important to bring our entire soul (mind, will and emotions) into subjection to our recreated spirit. The Apostle Paul tells us, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) Confession of God's Word, that is, speaking and being in agreement with what His Word says, causes your mind to be renewed so you can think like
God thinks. This in turn will cause you to talk like God talks. Eventually, talking like God talks will cause you to be an imitator of God. "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." (Ephesians 5:1)
Confessing God's Word keeps the answer before you. What do I mean? When facing a problem and you find yourself constantly thinking about the problem, speaking the problem, praying the problem, then you will have faith in the problem because all you see, hear and think is the problem. But when you begin to confess the solution, God' Word, you are now doing something about the problem. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:6-8) You will never solve a problem by dwelling on the problem. You have to get off the problem and get to the answer, by keeping God's Word before you. Paul tells us a way to get our minds off the problem. It is by meditating on the things revealed in this passage. (verse 8)
Confessing God's Word changes your heart. "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:20-23) Every believer is to keep, or guard, their heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues, or source of life. Jesus tells us, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication's, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man..." (Matthew 15:18-20) Solomon tells us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7) As with the Parable of the Soils, our heart must receive the good seed (God's Word) so we bring forth good fruit.
Confession of God's Word sets the law of faith in motion. Faith is a law of God. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith." (Romans 3:27) Paul also tells us, "And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke, we also believe and therefore speak." (2 Corinthians 4:13) That's the way it works. What you believe, is what you speak and subsequently, what you speak, you will believe. This process causes faith to come. You are putting it in motion the law of faith. It is not going to happen just because you say it. However, saying it is involved in setting it in motion. Your confession must be done in faith. That is why you must continue to do it. Often, believers will speak some things even though they may not believe it when they first say them, though they are in the Bible. You know the Bible is true, but it does not seem to be true in your life. However, if you speak it, confess it, proclaim it long enough, your mind will come into subjection to your recreated spirit, which bears witness with God's Word, and you will eventually believe it. Again, what you continually speak, you will believe.
Confessing God's Word will put angel's to work for you. Many believers have never realized that the angels are listening to the words we speak. The writer of Hebrews says, "But to which of the angels has He ever said, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:13-14) By virtue of being born again you are an heir of salvation which means that supernatural beings, angels, the ministering spirits of God, are here to minister for you. The Apostle John tells us, "Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” (Revelation 22:8-9) In other words the angel said, "Don't worship me, I am your servant." Angel's are our fellow servants, fellow servant of the prophets, and fellow servants of those who keep the sayings of this book, the Bible. So, if you are keeping the sayings of the Bible, God's Word, then the angels are your servants. "The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word." (Psalm 103:19-20) If you are saying what God said, then you are assigning angels to go and cause things to manifest according to God's Word spoken with faith.
For some, all of these things may seem to be outlandish or even extreme. However, the Bible tells us, "So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11 AMP) The simple fact is, it comes down to believing that time, space, culture, demons or faithless people do not have the power to change God's Word. His Word has not changed and is as powerful today as it was when it was first spoken. God's Word will also accomplish today, what it says, in the same way that it did when it was first spoken. I pray that you will apply these principles to your life daily and do not give up because you may not see immediately results. Never forget the God is faithful! "Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) May the grace of our Father fill your life abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Just Like Dad - Part 5
In the last part of the "Parable of the Soils" we see the results of those when the Word of God is sown, "But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:20) The good ground represents ground (a heart) that is useful, suitable for the seed to take root. A heart that submits itself to the full
influence of truth, not the influences of the world or self. A heart spread open allowing God's Word to take deep root so it can produce a harvest, fruit.
Jesus uses another parable to show us the results of not only what it means to receive the Word when sown, but also the fruit of believers sowing (speaking, confessing) the Word. "And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)
First, as we see in this parable, it is not necessary that one completely understands everything about God's method, but you must understand how to apply it. To put this principle of God to work in your life, you must be obedient to God's Word and do what it says to do. We will never produce a crop (build our faith and receive the promises of God) if we do not sow (confess) His Word. The more we confess God's Word, the more our faith will grow. (Romans 10:17) The more our faith grows the greater understanding (revelation knowledge) we will have of the Word and subsequently, the less chance Satan has to steal it. Next, we must understand that in this parable, God does not sow the seed, man does it. God furnishes the seed, (His Word) but believers must sow it.
So, what one confesses is of vital importance. If God said it, it is an established truth. But that truth will not necessarily be manifest in your life unless you sow it in your heart. Notice what the Apostle Paul tells us, "...The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart..." (Romans 10:8) The Word is sown from our mouth first and is then received in our heart. This is why God told Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8) Again, God's Word is to be spoken first and foremost.
Another important key in sowing God's Word is, you must agree with it, you must believe it, you must add your faith to it. Then it becomes a seed that is sown in your heart, because faith works in the heart, not in your head. Our mind is not born again. The Apostle Paul tells us, "the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be." (Romans 8:7) The "law of God" is referring to is the law of faith. "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith." (Romans 3:27) Our minds will not operate in the law of faith, because it was not designed to do so. We think with it and we must also keep in mind that our speech is a product of our thoughts and meditations. This is why Paul tells us, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) and "be renewed in the spirit of your mind." (Ephesians 4:23)
As God's Word renews our mind through hearing it, our faith will grow (Romans 10:17) to the place where we will see more and more of God's promises manifesting. However, we must "confess with our mouth and believe in our heart" God's Word constantly, because the scripture does not say faith comes by having heard the Word of God, but faith comes by hearing, and hearing, and hearing, etc., the Word of God. You sow seed (the Word) by speaking the desired promise; (John 16:23) you add your faith to it; and God promises to make good on His Word. "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23)
Notice, it is not the saying alone that causes the manifestation in your life. The saying is not an end in itself. However, saying is involved in causing the manifestation. Think abut it. How could you have what you say if you do not say it first? God will honor His promises. But it is up to the believer to first set the goal (the desired promise), plant the seed (God's Word), which then causes faith to grow. There are two other things to keep in mind. First, you must be in agreement with God's Word. You must believe that what God said is what He means and what He will do. "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19) "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
The second thing to keep in mind is not to have a double confession. The first confess being God's Word, His promise that you desire. However, sometimes, the promise does not manifest as fast as we want it to which then can cause one to make the second confession, that being one of doubt. Doubt, is a scheme of the devil which will neutralize faith. The interesting thing is, as faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God, so faith comes by hearing the words of the devil, that is, believing what the devil says more than what God said. If you are confessing doubt, you are confessing the words of the devil. This may be why the promises of God are not manifesting in your life. The way to prevent this from happening is to work at standing on God's Word regardless of what the circumstances may dictate. Of course for most, this is easier said then done, because most have been trained to trust in what their five senses can comprehend, not what the Word of God says.
So, if the promises of God are not manifesting in your life, do not give up; do not become discouraged, but confess and meditate on scriptures like these, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12) "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32) "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11) "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 11:23) May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ our Lord keep you strong...
Jesus uses another parable to show us the results of not only what it means to receive the Word when sown, but also the fruit of believers sowing (speaking, confessing) the Word. "And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)
First, as we see in this parable, it is not necessary that one completely understands everything about God's method, but you must understand how to apply it. To put this principle of God to work in your life, you must be obedient to God's Word and do what it says to do. We will never produce a crop (build our faith and receive the promises of God) if we do not sow (confess) His Word. The more we confess God's Word, the more our faith will grow. (Romans 10:17) The more our faith grows the greater understanding (revelation knowledge) we will have of the Word and subsequently, the less chance Satan has to steal it. Next, we must understand that in this parable, God does not sow the seed, man does it. God furnishes the seed, (His Word) but believers must sow it.
So, what one confesses is of vital importance. If God said it, it is an established truth. But that truth will not necessarily be manifest in your life unless you sow it in your heart. Notice what the Apostle Paul tells us, "...The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart..." (Romans 10:8) The Word is sown from our mouth first and is then received in our heart. This is why God told Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8) Again, God's Word is to be spoken first and foremost.
Another important key in sowing God's Word is, you must agree with it, you must believe it, you must add your faith to it. Then it becomes a seed that is sown in your heart, because faith works in the heart, not in your head. Our mind is not born again. The Apostle Paul tells us, "the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be." (Romans 8:7) The "law of God" is referring to is the law of faith. "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith." (Romans 3:27) Our minds will not operate in the law of faith, because it was not designed to do so. We think with it and we must also keep in mind that our speech is a product of our thoughts and meditations. This is why Paul tells us, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) and "be renewed in the spirit of your mind." (Ephesians 4:23)
As God's Word renews our mind through hearing it, our faith will grow (Romans 10:17) to the place where we will see more and more of God's promises manifesting. However, we must "confess with our mouth and believe in our heart" God's Word constantly, because the scripture does not say faith comes by having heard the Word of God, but faith comes by hearing, and hearing, and hearing, etc., the Word of God. You sow seed (the Word) by speaking the desired promise; (John 16:23) you add your faith to it; and God promises to make good on His Word. "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23)
Notice, it is not the saying alone that causes the manifestation in your life. The saying is not an end in itself. However, saying is involved in causing the manifestation. Think abut it. How could you have what you say if you do not say it first? God will honor His promises. But it is up to the believer to first set the goal (the desired promise), plant the seed (God's Word), which then causes faith to grow. There are two other things to keep in mind. First, you must be in agreement with God's Word. You must believe that what God said is what He means and what He will do. "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19) "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
The second thing to keep in mind is not to have a double confession. The first confess being God's Word, His promise that you desire. However, sometimes, the promise does not manifest as fast as we want it to which then can cause one to make the second confession, that being one of doubt. Doubt, is a scheme of the devil which will neutralize faith. The interesting thing is, as faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God, so faith comes by hearing the words of the devil, that is, believing what the devil says more than what God said. If you are confessing doubt, you are confessing the words of the devil. This may be why the promises of God are not manifesting in your life. The way to prevent this from happening is to work at standing on God's Word regardless of what the circumstances may dictate. Of course for most, this is easier said then done, because most have been trained to trust in what their five senses can comprehend, not what the Word of God says.
So, if the promises of God are not manifesting in your life, do not give up; do not become discouraged, but confess and meditate on scriptures like these, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12) "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32) "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11) "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 11:23) May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ our Lord keep you strong...
Monday, July 6, 2015
Just Like Dad - Part 4
As we move along through the "Parable of the Soils", next, Jesus explains yet another aspects that reveals the human condition when it comes to the Word of God being sown. "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and
the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires
for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." (Mark 4:18-19) Have you ever been in a situation where your mind is focused on a particular thing when someone says something to you, you hear what they are saying, but when they are finished speaking you barely remember what they said? You heard them, but your mind was consumed with something else so you really did not give them your attention and listen to what they had to say. In the same way, for some, when God's Word is sown they are so consumed with the cares of the world, the love of money and the possession of material things, the Word of God is choked, blocked, denied of its life giving breath.
The Word of God shows us the high premium the Lord places on ones soul and how the the world deceives many into believing that wealth and material possessions bring true happiness. Proverbs tells us, "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." (Proverbs 11:4) Jesus tells us, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) The Apostle John shows us that the love of things other than God is not a new thing. Quite the contrary, it began in the Garden of Eden. John tells us, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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." (1 John 2:15-17) Look at the account that took place in the Garden, "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, (lust of the flesh) that it was pleasant to the eyes, (the lust of the eyes) and a tree desirable to make one wise, (the pride of life) she took of its fruit and ate." (Genesis 3:6)
Jesus also tells us another parable concerning a rich fool, "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21) Jesus also tells us, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)
Now before you swear to a life of poverty, having wealth and material things are not contrary to God's Word. For instance, "Both riches and honor come from You (God)..." (1 Chronicles 29:12); "...Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." (Psalm 35:27); "As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor, this is the gift of God." (Ecclesiastes 5:19); "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38) As the parable tells us, it is when "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things" are placed above our love, devotion and service of God, that the problem arises.
Notice what the Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Apostle Paul concerning this matter, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:10) Notice, that it is not money itself, but the love of money that is a root of all kinds of evil. Also take note that the love of money causes believers to be led away from the truth producing much grief and pain. The sad thing is, far to many believers in the USA do not realize or maybe they know, but will not admit how the thorns of the world have choked off God's Word from their life. They go to a church service every Sunday, have a Christian vernacular so to speak and even say how God is first in their life, yet not realizing how much hold the world has on them. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)
If you would take some time and be honest with yourself, you may find that there are areas in your life that the thorns of the world have taken hold. If this is so, do not try to justify yourself with reasons and do not condemn yourself because it is true, just "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6) Know this very important fact, God cares for you, but the world hates you (John 15:18-19) All that is needed is to become a hearer and a doer of God's Word. (James 1:22) Finally, after the Apostle Paul warned Timothy of the love of money and its consequences, he encourages Timothy in which I also want to encourage you, "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:11-12) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...
The Word of God shows us the high premium the Lord places on ones soul and how the the world deceives many into believing that wealth and material possessions bring true happiness. Proverbs tells us, "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." (Proverbs 11:4) Jesus tells us, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) The Apostle John shows us that the love of things other than God is not a new thing. Quite the contrary, it began in the Garden of Eden. John tells us, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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." (1 John 2:15-17) Look at the account that took place in the Garden, "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, (lust of the flesh) that it was pleasant to the eyes, (the lust of the eyes) and a tree desirable to make one wise, (the pride of life) she took of its fruit and ate." (Genesis 3:6)
Jesus also tells us another parable concerning a rich fool, "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21) Jesus also tells us, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)
Now before you swear to a life of poverty, having wealth and material things are not contrary to God's Word. For instance, "Both riches and honor come from You (God)..." (1 Chronicles 29:12); "...Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." (Psalm 35:27); "As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor, this is the gift of God." (Ecclesiastes 5:19); "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38) As the parable tells us, it is when "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things" are placed above our love, devotion and service of God, that the problem arises.
Notice what the Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Apostle Paul concerning this matter, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:10) Notice, that it is not money itself, but the love of money that is a root of all kinds of evil. Also take note that the love of money causes believers to be led away from the truth producing much grief and pain. The sad thing is, far to many believers in the USA do not realize or maybe they know, but will not admit how the thorns of the world have choked off God's Word from their life. They go to a church service every Sunday, have a Christian vernacular so to speak and even say how God is first in their life, yet not realizing how much hold the world has on them. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)
If you would take some time and be honest with yourself, you may find that there are areas in your life that the thorns of the world have taken hold. If this is so, do not try to justify yourself with reasons and do not condemn yourself because it is true, just "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6) Know this very important fact, God cares for you, but the world hates you (John 15:18-19) All that is needed is to become a hearer and a doer of God's Word. (James 1:22) Finally, after the Apostle Paul warned Timothy of the love of money and its consequences, he encourages Timothy in which I also want to encourage you, "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:11-12) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...
Monday, June 29, 2015
Just Like Dad - Part 3
The next thing we see concerning the "Parable of the Soils" deals with people who lack character within them selves. "These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and
they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time.
Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake,
immediately they stumble." (Mark 4:16-17) Jesus explains this as denoting those who hear the gospel, who receive the Word as something new or pleasing, who appear to be greatly delighted with it, and who are full of zeal for it. Yet they have no root in themselves. They have no resolve that comes with the life changing power of God's Word. They are either not true Christians or they to are mere carnal Christians. Their hearts are not changed. Rather than having the eyes of their understanding open through the revelation of who God is and seeing need for transformation of their heart, when they are tried and persecution comes, they fall as rootless grain that withers from the scorching rays of the noonday sun.
Though they receive the Word with gladness and things seem to be "going their way" they have no inner strength, they lack the character to resist trials or persecution. They have no real love of the Savior nor the Word of God so when times of trial and persecution are placed in their path, they show that they have no real trust in God, the Word, and therefore immediately, quickly, fall away. The soul has not been convinced of its guilt and depravity because the heart (soil) has not been properly plowed nor the rocks removed. The soil (heart) will work just as hard to make a stone produce as it does a seed. It furnishes the same nutrients to a stone as it does to a seed. But the stone will not produce, because there is no life in it. The stones actually rob the moisture and nutrients from the seed because the soil will give as much time, space, moisture and nutrients to a stone as it will to a seed. Peter tells us, "having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." (1 Peter 1:23) James tells us to, "...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21) The Word of God is incorruptible seed and it is full of spirit life. So by removing the stones and sowing the incorruptible seed of God's Word, we change the heart.
Although the scripture does not say the seed that is sown on stony ground is one who does not understand God's Word when it is sown, the fact is, unchanged character within believers still comes down to not understanding God's Word. Jesus tells the Sadducees, "...you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29) Think about this. Ones attitude toward the Word of God, determines the place that God holds in their daily life. Let us not say that God is first in our life when His Word is rarely sown from our mouth. John tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1, 14) God and His Word are One!
God's Word should always be understood as the Father speaking to us. It should never be viewed as a message from an ordinary book. It should be as real to us as though Jesus (the Word) stood in the room and spoke to you personally. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "For the Logos of God is a living thing, active and more cutting than any sword with double edge, penetrating to the very division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow scrutinizing the very thoughts and conceptions of the heart. And no created thing is hidden from him; all things lie open and exposed before the eyes of him with whom we have to reckon." (Hebrews 4:12-13 Moffatt) God's Word has power to show what man is. It is like a penetrating sword that lays open and exposes the whole person. This is not to scare people away from God, but to draw them near for the purpose of transforming them into the image of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Believers must keep in mind that when they were born again, it was the spirit that was recreated, became a new creation, not the soul (mind, will and emotions) or the body. (2 Corinthians 5:17) This is why the Apostle Paul tells us, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2) Believers are to dedicate their bodies to God and renew their minds. This is a continuous work on the part of every believer and one of the best way to accomplish this is through sowing, speaking, confessing God's Word.
So let us give place to the inner work of the Holy Spirit through the confession of the Word of God so that our character is a reflection of our heavenly Father.
Though they receive the Word with gladness and things seem to be "going their way" they have no inner strength, they lack the character to resist trials or persecution. They have no real love of the Savior nor the Word of God so when times of trial and persecution are placed in their path, they show that they have no real trust in God, the Word, and therefore immediately, quickly, fall away. The soul has not been convinced of its guilt and depravity because the heart (soil) has not been properly plowed nor the rocks removed. The soil (heart) will work just as hard to make a stone produce as it does a seed. It furnishes the same nutrients to a stone as it does to a seed. But the stone will not produce, because there is no life in it. The stones actually rob the moisture and nutrients from the seed because the soil will give as much time, space, moisture and nutrients to a stone as it will to a seed. Peter tells us, "having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." (1 Peter 1:23) James tells us to, "...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21) The Word of God is incorruptible seed and it is full of spirit life. So by removing the stones and sowing the incorruptible seed of God's Word, we change the heart.
Although the scripture does not say the seed that is sown on stony ground is one who does not understand God's Word when it is sown, the fact is, unchanged character within believers still comes down to not understanding God's Word. Jesus tells the Sadducees, "...you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29) Think about this. Ones attitude toward the Word of God, determines the place that God holds in their daily life. Let us not say that God is first in our life when His Word is rarely sown from our mouth. John tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1, 14) God and His Word are One!
God's Word should always be understood as the Father speaking to us. It should never be viewed as a message from an ordinary book. It should be as real to us as though Jesus (the Word) stood in the room and spoke to you personally. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "For the Logos of God is a living thing, active and more cutting than any sword with double edge, penetrating to the very division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow scrutinizing the very thoughts and conceptions of the heart. And no created thing is hidden from him; all things lie open and exposed before the eyes of him with whom we have to reckon." (Hebrews 4:12-13 Moffatt) God's Word has power to show what man is. It is like a penetrating sword that lays open and exposes the whole person. This is not to scare people away from God, but to draw them near for the purpose of transforming them into the image of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Believers must keep in mind that when they were born again, it was the spirit that was recreated, became a new creation, not the soul (mind, will and emotions) or the body. (2 Corinthians 5:17) This is why the Apostle Paul tells us, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2) Believers are to dedicate their bodies to God and renew their minds. This is a continuous work on the part of every believer and one of the best way to accomplish this is through sowing, speaking, confessing God's Word.
So let us give place to the inner work of the Holy Spirit through the confession of the Word of God so that our character is a reflection of our heavenly Father.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Just Like Dad - Part 2
In part one we talked about continuously sowing, that is, speaking, confessing, God's Word for the purpose of hearing yourself say the same things that God says about you so that your faith grows. (Romans 10:17) To confess means "to disclose; to make known; or to admit something." Confessing God's Word is admitting that God's Word is true. By confessing God's Word, it opens the door to possess the things God has already promised us which is revealed in His Word. However, many fail to grasp this Bible truth thereby never possessing the promises of God. Still others twist this principle and run into the ditch because they have never fully understood it. The fact is, this is God's principle of faith in action, sowing, that is, confessing God's word, which is one of the ways to possess the promises of God.
The next important part of what is known as the "Parable of the Soils" spoken and explained by Jesus, also contains some very important information concerning our confession, the words that we speak. Keep in mind, as Jesus said, "the seed sown is the Word of God." Next He says, "And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts." (Mark 4:15) Before we go any further, we must look at what is revealed in Matthews gospel, because it sheds important light on what is taking place here. "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside." (Matthew 13:19)
Mark says when the seed (God's Word) is sown, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. Notice that the Word was sown in the heart. The heart is described as the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions; the spirit. Also notice that in this portion of the parable it would appear that Satan could just come along when God's Word is sown and steal it from your heart any time he wants to. However, taking a closer look at this parable, Matthew tells us, "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart." This is the reason why Satan steals God's Word from someone's heart. They heard it but they did not understand it. If you understand the Word of God when it is sown, then Satan cannot come along and steal it from you.
Jesus tells us, "...the words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) God's Word is spirit and can only be understood by the recreated spirit. The Apostle Paul tells us, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14) The natural man here denotes those who are governed and influenced by natural instincts, the carnal mind, and the sin nature, as opposed to those who are influenced by the Spirit of God. This not only refers to unregenerate people, but all who are influenced by the natural instincts, the carnal mind, and the sin nature, this includes Christians.
The apostle Paul had dealings with the church at Corinth along the same lines, "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-4) As mentioned above, not only do unregenerate people not understand the Word of God when it is sown, but this is also why many Christians find it so difficult to understand it also. They are not being led by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16) This then gives opportunity for Satan to come along and steal it from the heart.
Look at what Jesus tells us about hearing and understanding the Word when it is sown, "Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42) Jesus assure us that when we hear and understand God's Word, no one, not even Satan can take it away from us!
Another interesting fact concerning the Word of God when it is sown and whether or not one understands it or not is seen in contrast between two of the many churches the Apostle Paul established in his journey's throughout Asia. The Apostle Paul spent a year and six months teaching in Corinth (Acts 18:11) and they were still carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1-4) and yet he only spent three Sabbaths (three weeks) at Thessalonica (Acts 17:2) and they became a witness of Christ in Macedonia and Achaia. (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8) The main reason why so many Christians do not understand God's Word when it is sown is due to one key element that is missing from their life, faith. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." (Hebrews 4:2) The writer of Hebrews also tells us, "By faith we understand..." (Hebrews 11:3) and "...without faith it is impossible to please God..." (Hebrews 11:6) God's Word mixed with faith and then spoken, will cause believers to act and speak just like our Heavenly Father. Why is this so?
First, let us remember that Jesus said "...the words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." Paul tells us, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God..." (2 Timothy 3:16) The scriptures are the infusion or communication of ideas or thoughts from God to man; the revelation of God to man. The Apostle Paul's prayer for the church is, "Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:15-18) Paul understood that the faith the believers at Ephesus walked in was due to the revelation that they had received of and from God. The reason why Paul prayed this prayer for the church was that the eyes of their understanding (revelation of God) would be continually enlightened; that they would have a clear view of God, His will, nature, character, purpose and plan.
Revelation is directly connected to what one believes about God. Without a continuous revelation of God, ones faith will never grow. When I use the phrase "continuous revelation of God" I am not talking about adding to the Bible or subtracting even one word from the Bible. Think about it this way. Did you ever read the same scripture numerous time and then this one particular time you received a greater understanding (a revelation) of that passage? You did not add to the scripture but now you have a greater reality of its meaning. This is a revelation of the scripture that strengthens or increases your faith.
So, let us not longer "give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27) and permit him to steal God's Word from the heart because we may not understand it, but ask the Father to open the eyes of our understanding that we may receive a greater revelation, that is, a word from the Word that will increase our faith. Paul's desire for that church is, "that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2:5) This only comes when we truly open our heart to the Word of God and close it to the doctrines of men. When this happens, you can rest assure that we will act, "Just like Dad."
The next important part of what is known as the "Parable of the Soils" spoken and explained by Jesus, also contains some very important information concerning our confession, the words that we speak. Keep in mind, as Jesus said, "the seed sown is the Word of God." Next He says, "And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts." (Mark 4:15) Before we go any further, we must look at what is revealed in Matthews gospel, because it sheds important light on what is taking place here. "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside." (Matthew 13:19)
Mark says when the seed (God's Word) is sown, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. Notice that the Word was sown in the heart. The heart is described as the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions; the spirit. Also notice that in this portion of the parable it would appear that Satan could just come along when God's Word is sown and steal it from your heart any time he wants to. However, taking a closer look at this parable, Matthew tells us, "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart." This is the reason why Satan steals God's Word from someone's heart. They heard it but they did not understand it. If you understand the Word of God when it is sown, then Satan cannot come along and steal it from you.
Jesus tells us, "...the words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) God's Word is spirit and can only be understood by the recreated spirit. The Apostle Paul tells us, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14) The natural man here denotes those who are governed and influenced by natural instincts, the carnal mind, and the sin nature, as opposed to those who are influenced by the Spirit of God. This not only refers to unregenerate people, but all who are influenced by the natural instincts, the carnal mind, and the sin nature, this includes Christians.
The apostle Paul had dealings with the church at Corinth along the same lines, "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-4) As mentioned above, not only do unregenerate people not understand the Word of God when it is sown, but this is also why many Christians find it so difficult to understand it also. They are not being led by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16) This then gives opportunity for Satan to come along and steal it from the heart.
Look at what Jesus tells us about hearing and understanding the Word when it is sown, "Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42) Jesus assure us that when we hear and understand God's Word, no one, not even Satan can take it away from us!
Another interesting fact concerning the Word of God when it is sown and whether or not one understands it or not is seen in contrast between two of the many churches the Apostle Paul established in his journey's throughout Asia. The Apostle Paul spent a year and six months teaching in Corinth (Acts 18:11) and they were still carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1-4) and yet he only spent three Sabbaths (three weeks) at Thessalonica (Acts 17:2) and they became a witness of Christ in Macedonia and Achaia. (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8) The main reason why so many Christians do not understand God's Word when it is sown is due to one key element that is missing from their life, faith. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." (Hebrews 4:2) The writer of Hebrews also tells us, "By faith we understand..." (Hebrews 11:3) and "...without faith it is impossible to please God..." (Hebrews 11:6) God's Word mixed with faith and then spoken, will cause believers to act and speak just like our Heavenly Father. Why is this so?
First, let us remember that Jesus said "...the words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." Paul tells us, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God..." (2 Timothy 3:16) The scriptures are the infusion or communication of ideas or thoughts from God to man; the revelation of God to man. The Apostle Paul's prayer for the church is, "Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:15-18) Paul understood that the faith the believers at Ephesus walked in was due to the revelation that they had received of and from God. The reason why Paul prayed this prayer for the church was that the eyes of their understanding (revelation of God) would be continually enlightened; that they would have a clear view of God, His will, nature, character, purpose and plan.
Revelation is directly connected to what one believes about God. Without a continuous revelation of God, ones faith will never grow. When I use the phrase "continuous revelation of God" I am not talking about adding to the Bible or subtracting even one word from the Bible. Think about it this way. Did you ever read the same scripture numerous time and then this one particular time you received a greater understanding (a revelation) of that passage? You did not add to the scripture but now you have a greater reality of its meaning. This is a revelation of the scripture that strengthens or increases your faith.
So, let us not longer "give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27) and permit him to steal God's Word from the heart because we may not understand it, but ask the Father to open the eyes of our understanding that we may receive a greater revelation, that is, a word from the Word that will increase our faith. Paul's desire for that church is, "that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2:5) This only comes when we truly open our heart to the Word of God and close it to the doctrines of men. When this happens, you can rest assure that we will act, "Just like Dad."
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