Bible Studies

                                                                 

HEBREWS 11:1-40

Vs. 1 now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Vs. 2 for by it the elders obtained a good report

Let us explore the meaning of Hebrews Chapter Eleven starting with prayers of faith in things we hope for.

We all have different things that we pray for in our lives. Our prayers are usually for the salvation of someone, finances, health or whatever the need may be. When it all seems impossible to our fleshly eyes and understanding then we have to rely on the faith of Gods promises to turn every situation around for the witness of Gods word. We are a generation that wants it and wants it now, but by faith if we wait on Gods timing which is always perfect then the blessings will be much greater and the witness of the blessing will bring others unto salvation of Jesus Christ. When we rely on faith, it brings with it Gods approval or Gods favor. God will grant unto his children the desires of their hearts through his grace, but also you must have forgiveness in your heart for others that do you wrong.

These two verses below explains why our prayers can go unanswered at times.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Vs. 3 through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

We believe through faith that God commanded the universe to be just by speaking it all into existence, even though we did not hear Him speak it or see it happen. We believe because we have seen signs and wonders of the glory of the Lord through his marvelous works that we know in our hearts can only come from God.

Vs. 4 by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

God accepted Abel’s sacrifice because Abel gave his best from a pure heart of faith knowing that what he had, God had given to him. Cain gave from a corrupt heart of greed wanting to keep the best for himself, but knowing he had to give back something of his gain and God rejected his offering and then for his disappointment towards Cain’s sacrifice and killing his brother Abel God cursed him. God wants to bless us and give us his best gifts, but only if we have faith to believe and trust him for everything we need in this life and for us to give him our very best in all things. When we trust and believe then will the abundance of our hearts desires be manifested in our lives as written in Luke 6:45.

Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Vs. 5 by faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Enoch was the son of Cain, the father of Methuselah and walked in the ways of the Lord by faith knowing that even though sin was running rampant through the people of disobedience he did not fall into the temptations of evil, but stood strong on the spoken words of God. Enoch was taken up from the earth by God in a whirlwind (like a tornado that picks up objects and places them in other areas) and did not taste death because of his great faith in God, but no one knows where God placed him except to know he was taken out from those of disobedience. He also prophesied of the return of the Lord, with his saints, to judge the people of earth. Genesis, 2 Kings and Jude gives us some information about Enoch and Elijah.

Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

2Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (heaven here means the atmosphere above earth)

Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

Jude 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Vs. 6 but without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

How can we please God if he doesn’t even know who we are. Our good intentions and or good works towards helping others are only temporal for the moment and fade away like a drop of rain when the sun shines on it and it disappears. We can only please God by accepting his son Jesus through faith to believe in who God said he was in his word and to those who seek and find him are rewarded with eternal life with the father.

Our faith is in Jesus whom the Father has sent to us to reconcile us back to the grace of God. Jesus sits at the right hand of the father making intercession for all those who believe  and come to him through a repentant heart that wants to know the Lord. Faith takes us through every trial and tribulation and brings us out victoriously if we only believe in the one whom God has sent.

Vs. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Noah having favor of God because of his belief or faith in God listened and obeyed the instructions God had given him even though he had no understanding of why God wanted him to build an ark, (ref: Genesis 6). Noah had no idea of what an ark was and never heard of rain before it came as it never rained from the sky before as God watered the earth from the dew that he rose up through the ground. Faith helps us to trust God in all things he commands of us without us asking why as we know when God speaks it is for the betterment of his children through instruction.

From verse eight through nineteen we will read the faith of Abraham in whom God made His covenant to in Genesis 12:1-3.

Vs. 8 by faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Vs. 9 by faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

Vs. 10 for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Vs. 11 through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Vs. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

Vs. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Vs. 14 for they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

Vs. 15 and truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

Vs. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Vs. 17 by faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

Vs. 18 of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

Vs. 19 accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

By faith Abraham listen to Gods calling for him to leave the land he knew to go into another not knowing what would be ahead of him or why God would direct him to another place. Some died on that journey, but died knowing God even though they did not come into the land God promised them, but by faith went with Abraham to find that land of promise who God would be the foundation of the people through faith. When God asked him to take Isaac up and sacrifice him, he did not question God, but only exercised his faith that God would raise Isaac up from the dead because he was the promised seed and heir of the covenant God made with Abraham, (ref: Genesis 12.)

Now comes the generational promise God made with Abraham seen through his son Isaac, Isaac’s son Jacob and Jacob’s son Joseph.

Vs. 20 by faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

Vs. 21 by faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

By faith Isaac gave the blessing and instructions to Jacob concerning the promise of the covenant God made with Abraham and all his seed to come. Esau lost his right to the promise because of his lack of faith, (ref: Genesis chapter 25,26,27,28). Through faith and what God had showed Jacob he gave the blessing onto Ephraim as the seed of the covenant, (ref: Genesis 48). God is not slack in concerning his promises. Even though Esau and Manasseh where the first-born and should have had the blessings handed down to them it was by faith in trusting in Gods instructions that Isaac and Jacob where shown who the true seed should be. 

Vs. 22 by faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Through an evil act of Josephs brothers Joseph still kept his faith in God to know God would bring good to that which was bad as Joseph and his brothers were still part of the promise God made with Abraham for them to be brought to a land of promise where God would be their foundation. God placed Joseph in a place of authority that he could care for his brothers until the day of his death and that they all would travel together to that promised land and his bones would be at rest to fulfill the promised covenant. It was by faith that Joseph forgave his brothers and cared for them and their families as God continues even today to place us in a Spiritual promised land by faith to be with him for eternity in paradise (ref: Genesis 50:15-26).

Let us look at the faith of Moses. God called Moses even before he was born to be a leader of Gods people to help set them free. When the time came for Moses to reveal his birthright as a Hebrew he had faith in God to know what he had to do, (ref: Exodus 2:23-25, chapter 2-14). Moses faced many adversities and many temptations, but knew the pleasures he could have had were only temporal and that he would ever have to bow down to Pharaoh, but by faith in the true God his blessings would be far greater then anything Pharaoh could offer as Moses was predestined to set his people free and through faith accepted that calling from God.

Vs. 23 by faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

Vs. 24 by faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

Vs. 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Vs. 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

Vs. 27 by faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Vs. 28 through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

Vs. 29 by faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting to do were drowned.

Another great man of faith was Joshua. By faith Joshua knew that God would always deliver the enemy into his hands because of the covenant promise made to Abraham and all his generation that kept their faith grounded in Gods words. Rahab hid the two spies, (ref: Joshua 2:1-24), sent to check out the city from the king; by faith she knew they were men of God and God spared her and gave her great faith. These covenant promises are the same today as they were with Abraham as we are of that same seed covenant through the promises of God as when we accept Jesus this makes us joint-heirs as being one body in Christ.

Vs. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

Vs. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

The rest of these verses are about other heroes of great faith that we read about in scripture that have gone through trials of faith beginning with Deborah, Gideon, Barak, Samson, David and Samuel. 

Vs. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: (Ref: Judges 4:6; 6:11; 11:1; 12:7)

Vs. 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Vs. 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Vs. 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

Vs. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: (Ref: 1 Kings 17:22)

Vs. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Ref: Acts 7:58; 2 Kings 1:8; Zechariah 13:4)

Vs. 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Vs. 39 and these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

Vs. 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Ref: Hebrews 5:9)

In Conclusion I saved Job for last as a lesson of faith for all of us.

Romans 10:17 so then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

We need the faith of Jesus everyday in our lives to stand strong in times of trials and tribulations. When our world seems to be crashing in on us is when we only have to look up to the heavens and know that the promises of God will manifest in our life if we only trust and obey his word. We have an adversary called Satan who wants nothing more than to try and steal our faith and have us denounce Jesus in our life as he wants to devour the children of God and he will use any measure he can to accomplish this.

God allowed Satan to come against Job to prove that his faith was stronger then all he owned. Job lost everything including his family. His health was deteriorating from what

Satan caused to come on him, but Satan could not take his faith in God away from him even though Job was anguished and sorrowful for what he went through. Job gave God first place above all he owned, his family and even his own life and for what Satan put him through God blessed him even more and increased all that he lost because he was faithful in all things. This is where we need to be also that we are careful to be faithful in all things as Satan will always try and come against those who are in Christ. Never worry about what might come against you as when you put God above everything in your life and have trust and faith in his promises he will always deliver you from the snare of the fowler.

I will leave you the reader with some scriptures of encouragement that are some of my favorite ones to stand on. God bless all of you that reads this blog on faith.

Psalms 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds 😉

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10:6 and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

God called Moses even before he was born to be a leader of Gods people to help set them free. When the time came for Moses to reveal his birthright as a Hebrew he had faith in God to know what he had to do, (ref: Exodus 2:23-25, chapter 2-14). Moses faced many adversities and many temptations, but knew the pleasures he could have had were only temporal and that he would ever have to bow down to Pharaoh, but by faith in the true God his blessings would be far greater then anything Pharaoh could offer as Moses was predestined to set his people free and through faith accepted that calling from God.

By faith Joshua knew that God would always deliver the enemy into his hands because of the covenant promise made to Abraham and all his generation that kept their faith grounded in Gods words. Rahab hid the two spies, (ref: Joshua 2:1-24), sent to check out the city from the king; by faith she knew they were men of God and God spared her and gave her great faith. These covenant promises are the same today as they were with Abraham as we are of that same seed covenant through the promises of God as when we accept Jesus this makes us joint-heirs as being one body in Christ.

Vs. 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

Vs. 19 accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

The Holy Spirit is simply the Spirit of God and is referred to being part of the trinity that is Father, Son (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost. God is a Spirit and wants us to worship or another word for worship is to humble ourselves before him in spirit and truth. God is not flesh and blood that we can see and touch with our physical senses for he has no form but the Spirit that is God can take on many forms for us to hear him speak to us. Gods’ spirit spoke to many prophets throughout the Bible through pillars of clouds a burning bush, a donkey or spoke with visions through dreams to reveal his will for encouragement and instruction. Gods’ spirit was and still is alive and moves through the hearts of his who are called by his name and have answered his call to salvation through Jesus.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Exodus 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, here am I.

Numbers 12:5 and the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

Numbers 22:28 and the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

Genesis 37:5 and Joseph dreamed a dream and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

The Spirit of God was made flesh (Jesus) to walk among us teaching us and showing signs and wonders for the people to repent of their evil ways and come back to God. Many came back to God and were made servants worthy to praise him and continue in his works but there were many (Pharisees and Priest) that despised what they were hearing for it came against their laws and traditions and they felt they needed to silence this man, not knowing that it was actually the Spirit of God they were trying to silence.

John 1:1 in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:2 the same was in the beginning with God.

John 1:3 all things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:4 in him was life; and the life was the light of men.

John 1:5 and the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

John 11:46 but some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

The Pharisees and Scribes thought they did away with this man named Jesus, but did not realize that one of the promises God made with Abraham was that he would never leave or forsake his own. Jesus also told his disciples about how he had to go and be with the Father and if they would keep his commandments the Father would give them another comforter that would be with them forever and teach them all things and bring those things back to their remembrance.

Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee:

Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Deuteronomy 4:29 but if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Deuteronomy 4:30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

Deuteronomy 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he swore unto them.

John 14:15 if ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:16 and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever;

Acts 2:1 and when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Acts 2:2 and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:3 and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

Acts 2:4 and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The disciples could not understand with their carnal minds what Jesus was teaching them, but they knew he was a prophet sent from God and accepted the authority and power which he taught with through miracles, signs and wonders. It would not be until the Spirit of God (Jesus) was taken up out of the tomb and revealed to the hearts of those who believed on him that the same Spirit (Holy Spirit) would be sent back down to dwell in the hearts of those who believed.

Romans 8:6 for to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:7 because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Acts 1:1 the former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

Acts 1:2 until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

Acts 1:3 to whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Acts 1:4 and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Acts 1:7 and he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Acts 1:8 but ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 2:1 and when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Acts 2:2 and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:3 and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

Acts 2:4 and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

When we repent of our sins and ask Jesus into our hearts we are also receiving the promise of God that his Spirit will come and dwell in our hearts and teach us of all things we need to learn. The baptism that Peter was talking about was a Spiritual rebirth through the word of God. Some people think it is being dunked or sprinkled with water the way John the Baptist did as he was the forerunner of Jesus and there is nothing wrong with that for it is an outward appearance to man that you have received Jesus and the Holy Spirit into your life, but Jesus himself never baptized with water for the baptism of Jesus was for receiving the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) that helps us to know the will of the Father.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:39 for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

The Holy Spirit will teach you things the carnal mind cannot perceive. Jesus explains the purpose of the Holy Spirit and the relationship of the believers to Christ and what relationship the believers have to the world in John chapters 14 and 15. Please read both chapters before you read on as the importance of these two chapters will help you understand the rest of this chapter on the Holy Spirit.

We receive power and authority through the Holy Spirit to carry on the works of the Lord until His glorious return. In order to stay in Gods will you must posses the mind of Christ to know the works we do are not of ourselves, but that of the Father who started a good work in you. Jesus has started a good work within you and we can only carry out these works through the Holy Spirits guidance as we help meet the needs of others who need a touch from God.

Acts 1:8 but ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Matthew 28:18 and Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

The Holy Spirit bears witness of Jesus to us as he did to the disciples on the day of Pentecost for us to gain truth through Spiritual eyes and ears. The disciples could not understand the works of the Lord with their carnal minds until they received power from God and after that the Holy Spirit came on them to teach them how to do the will of the Father. God gives us his power and authority through the Holy Spirit to be over comers and to take his word out into the world with love and compassion as we allow the Holy Spirit speak through us.

That same power that is in us only comes through the Holy Spirit and all we need to do is ask and receive that power through faith and it will manifest immediately within our spirit. That power gives us Spiritual authority against anything that tries to come against us. We have the same promises that God gave to Abraham because even though we are Gentiles we are under that same covenant that God established with Abraham because we are joint heirs with Jesus which makes us a child of God.

Galatians 3:14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee:

Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Romans 3:29 is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

We can do nothing through the flesh because our flesh is as a filthy rag to God and produces vanity which is not of God, but of self. Jesus has begun the good works through you and the Holy Spirit will guide you the whole way if you only believe and allow Him to. God uses the eyes and voice of men to teach us this word through the Holy Spirit, but always be aware of what you are being taught for the Bible warns us that there are many false prophets and false teachers out there and we can only tell by what fruits that are coming out of their mouths whether they be of God or of flesh. When you are being taught by others take the scriptures home and studying them for yourself by allowing the Holy Spirit teach you and give you understanding so when you are being taught by others you will know how to discern truth and know for a surety that what is being taught is of God and not mans interpretations of the word of God. 

Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Galatians 3:2 this only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Galatians 3:3 are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 7:16 ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

1John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1John 4:2 hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

1John 4:3 and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

1John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

1John 4:6 we are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

                                                             SALVATION

 SALVATION – delivered from sin, promise of our welfare

 

Salvation means to be whole mind, body and soul as we surrender our will to God and allow his will to work in our lives by applying Gods word to every aspect of our lives. This allows us to know the mind of Christ and all the promises of God for our own well being so we can face anything that tries to come against us while here on this earth so we can triumph and be victorious through the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. Grace pardons us and mercy loves us unconditionally. Let’s start with the conversation of Jesus and Nicodemus to get a better understanding of what it is to be born again and how to shed this old sin nature through repentance and then we will move on to learn how grace and mercy works in our lives. 

 

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

 

Jesus was teaching Nicodemus that it was a Spiritual rebirth or renewal of our spirit that through Gods spoken word we can reconcile our past sins through repentance to be made sinless again before God. We are all born with a sin nature because of sin being introduced into the world through Satan’s deceit when he told Eve it was alright to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil even though God forbid them to eat of it. Our flesh will always sin because the flesh is never in obedience to God.  

 

John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

 

Sin separates us from God because God is a spirit and can only recognize his own children by what spirit is living in their hearts. We have to renew, rebirth – born again, Gods Spirit within us in order to be called a child of God and see the kingdom of heaven. We now put off the old man (flesh) and put on the new man (Spirit). We are renewed by the word of God and through the Holy Spirit teaching us of all things.

 

John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 

Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Colossians 3:6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Colossians 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

 

 

We now have an intercessor (Jesus) who sits at the right hand of the Father and hears our confession that we are sinners and need his salvation as we believe in our heart that he was truly sent from God as the living word that we can indeed become righteous again not of our own righteousness, but that righteousness that is God whom through his Spirit is promised to dwell in us.  All we have to do is believe and confess that we are sinners and allow Gods righteousness to cleanse us and renew our spirit man. Jesus wants us to come as we are and allow him to make the changes that need made in our hearts. People want to clean the fish before they catch them, but Jesus says come as you are I will clean you from the inside out.

 

John 10:9 I am the door, if any man enter in, he shall be saved.

John 1:14 And the Word was made 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 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto

the Father, but by me.

 

Romans 10:9, 10 if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in his heart that God has raised him from the dead thou shall be saved. Vs.10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

It is not by our works or good deeds that save us for if that was all it would take then Gods word would be made void in our lives and Jesus would have died in vain, but because we are all sinners, it is by Gods grace and mercy that forgives our sins and washes us clean by the atoning blood of the Lamb (Jesus) so we can be made renewed again and free from our old sin nature.

 

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;

Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

Satan is always there to try and steal the word of God from us and tempt us to sin and sometimes we will sin because we still live in this flesh, but now when we do sin we can be quick to repent of it and grace will forgive us every time. Grace does not give us a license to sin, but if you are sinning unknowingly then God will forgive you, but even though you have been forgiven of a particular sin and still continue in that sin then you will pay the consequences for whatever that sin will bring about in your life as you were already forgiven, but are continuing in that sin. It doesn’t mean that God has forsaken you, but will allow the consequences of that continued sin to happen to you.

 

John 10:10 the thief (Satan) comes to kill, steal and destroy, but I came to give life abundantly.

 

Matthew 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Matthew 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

 

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

 

If a person says they have never sinned then they are lying to you and their selves because God said all have sinned. There are no little sins or big sins, for sin is sin. Same with white lies as a lie is a lie, even though your intention is to try and not hurt a person, but in all reality you are deceiving them even though they need to hear truth in order to rectify their lives.    

 

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God

 

REPENT – change, transform, transfigure, reconsider

 

Repentance gives us that opportunity to receive a new beginning in our life as God wipes away all our past sin and remembers them no more. Repentance allows the door to be opened for Christ to come into our lives so we may receive his Holy Spirit to help guide us in our walk with the Lord and to show us a life that is pleasing to the Father. It’s through the Holy Spirit that we come into a better understanding of Gods word by allowing His Spirit to teach us all things we need to know for the purpose and time of ministry to ourselves and to others.

 

There is only one way for God to recognize who are his and that is by us opening our heart and confessing we are sinners and knowing that we need to make a change in our lives in order for us to have eternal life with the Father. It’s not our will anymore to make decisions in our lives, but is now we allowing Gods will to make a betterment in our lives. As we follow in the footsteps of Christ we are now dead to self and alive now through the grace of God who wants nothing more than to shower us with his blessings as we surrender all to him through the transfiguration of our heart through repentance of our sins.

 

When we ask for our sins to be forgiven they are not only forgiven, but they are also forgotten. Our heart/spirit becomes renewed again and we are given the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of God made flesh in Jesus and given to us for comfort and learning. We receive the Holy Spirit at the time of repentance by asking Jesus into our hearts. Some like to be baptized in actual water, which there is nothing wrong with that as it is an outward appearance to others that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

 

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:39 for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

 

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

 

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 

Now that we have been transformed from the old man to the spiritual man of God we now become as a newborn baby and our spirit needs nourishment from the word of God and the only way to get the nourishment we need is to get into the word and study it by allowing the Holy Spirit teach it to us for truth and understanding. The way I study is to take a verse at a time and allow the Holy Spirit to give me understanding of that verse before I move on to the next one. This helps me to understand the whole of whatever chapter I am studying.

 

Through repentance which brings transformation and renewal of mind, body and soul through Gods Spirit we now have to learn that we also have Gods power and authority to be able to stand against Satan who wants nothing more than to destroy our relationship with Jesus who is our mediator to God. That power and authority comes by Gods grace that has brought salvation to our renewed spirit man.

 

GRACE – undeserved, unmerited favor, Gods willingness to give us His power and ability even though we do not deserve it

 

Jesus came to show us how to overcome the sin nature of the world by teaching us how to live a moral life compatible with the word of God. Jesus gave of himself for all of us and redeemed us from the curse of sin by taking all our sin upon him becoming the final blood sacrifice for his love towards everyone who will believe on his name. When we come to Jesus it is Gods grace that forgives our sins and remembers them no more. Sin will always be present with us because the flesh will always sin for that is its nature, but when we ask Jesus into our hearts we also receive at that same moment the gift of the Holy Spirit which teaches us how to separate ourselves from the ungodliness and lusts of this world. We may have to live in this world, but as a child of God we are not part of this world because our inner man, or heart, has now become renewed in the Spirit of God and is sinless through the grace of God. 

 

Titus 2:11 for the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

 

Gods strength through his grace is what helps us to face the challenges of the works we are to continue in no matter where his calling leads us or who he puts in our path and whatever tries to come against us. I hear so many say they can not talk to others about Jesus because they do not have enough knowledge of his word and are uncomfortable sharing with others because of this. None of us have full knowledge of Gods word nor will we ever exhaust the word of God, but only can give from our heart for what we do know or have learned. Each of us has a testimony to share and is this not what Jesus did in his travels. It was Jesus testimony of a loving God filled with grace and mercy followed with signs and wonders that drew others to him. We also carry with us those same signs and wonders when we give a starving child a glass of milk or someone on the street a blanket to keep them warm at night. We in all reality are sharing Gods word through these type of works that brings help to others as we see the smiles on their faces when they receive a physical gift from God that for us we would take for granite. No more excuses now.

 

Our works are that of a humanitarian following in the footsteps of Jesus to know the mind of Christ is to help those who are less fortunate then ourselves by giving them back some dignity to their lives as God supplies their needs through us by the grace he has bestowed upon us through his blessings. When we are out of our comfort zones we need to use that power and authority through grace to go to places we would otherwise be to uncomfortable to travel to or to fearful of our own lives to even think of taking on certain challenges. We need to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit those who are in their own prisons as Jesus said we are doing this unto his glory and honor and not of ourselves.

 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.

 

Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Matthew 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Matthew 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me

 

The basics of what we are to do as a child of God is to know that the calling from God is to take his word out into the world and to take His word out with love and compassion in our hearts and the works of the Lord are helping those who need our help. Grace is what saves us and the works we do are done unto the glory of the kingdom of God.

 

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

Mercy – Moves with compassion, Gods unconditional love towards us

 

Mercy and grace go hand in hand as it is all Gods willingness to love us unconditionally. God loves all his creation as we are all created in his image of love, but have chosen to reject that love through freewill. There are many horrendous things people have done in their lives that society has deemed these type of people unlovable and sinners unworthy of Gods mercy. Thieves, murderers, adulterers, prostitutes, etc. etc. are all loved by God and made in his image of love, but have fallen from grace through their own freewill as we all have many times in our lives as we know Gods word has said we have all sinned and fell short of his glory. Remember there is no such thing as a little sin as sin is sin. Even these type of people that society has already condemned can return to Gods grace as mercy already loves them and God will forgive anything we have done in life, thus God saying he is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance.

 

Matthew 5:7 blessed is the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

 

Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

 

2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

 

When our hearts are right with the Lord then he has compassion on all his children and whatever you ask for in his name he will give you the desires of your heart as long as those desires line up with his word as only God knows better for us then we do for what or why we are asking. Gods timing is perfect in all things and we need to learn patience and trust in his mercy.

 

Just because we are born again or a child of God does not mean that we are exempt from anything bad happening to us because we do still have to live in this fleshly body, but now when sickness, finances, or whatever Satan can throw at you, you now have power and authority through the mercy of God to speak to those problems no matter what they are and cast them out of your lives as a witness and testimony to God, but also you must have forgiveness in your heart towards any one no matter what they have done.

 

Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Mark 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

 

Gods’ word does come with conditions to follow to live a happy life. Deuteronomy chapters 27 and 28 (please read these two chapters) teach us about blessings and cursing as God will always give us choices to make because he is a God of freewill. We have to live by faith and trust in the Lord so we will remain in his will and receive the greater blessings of God. The book of James is a wonderful book that teaches us how to keep the blessings flowing in our lives when we live by faith that produces much in us. Faith obeys Gods word and removes discrimination. Faith proves itself by works and helps us control our tongue. Faith produces wisdom, humility and dependence on God. Faith prays for the afflicted and confronts the erring brother. From moving mountains to receiving Gods’ blessings it is all up to us on how we receive from God.

 

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

James 1:3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

 

James 2:8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:

 

James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

 

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

 

James 5:15 and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

 

James 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

 

Jesus came to call the sinner to repentance, not the righteous. Before the cross we were all sinners and according to the laws given to Moses there always had to be a blood sacrifice for the atonement of sin, which was always an unblemished lamb. Jesus was the word of God made flesh and blood to come down to our level to walk among us, to sit and eat with the worst of the worst, to show signs and wonders of the word of God and we rejected him and nailed him to a tree because his teachings came against those of the Pharisees and scribes who loved their high positions, to be above all else in adornment and vanities. Please read Matthew 23:1-39 to understand the chastisement of Jesus towards the Pharisees and scribes. You will read how Jesus characterizes and then condemns the Pharisees.

 

John 1:1 in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:2 the same was in the beginning with God.

John 1:3 all things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:4 in him was life; and the life was the light of men.

John 1:5 and the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

 

Matthew 9:13 but go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

 

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

 

Jesus was the final sacrificial lamb for the atonement of all men and gathered all our sins and put them upon himself and died to set us free from sin and God rose him again on the third day so we could take part in his life, death and resurrection, which means when we accept Jesus we die to our old fleshly ways and are renewed by Gods Spirit as we will be resurrected to be with Jesus on that glorious day of his return for his Bride.

 

Only believe on the name of Jesus and he will change whatever needs changing in your heart. So many of us come from many different backgrounds like different religions and cultures. Many come from broken homes that live on the streets or are sucked into a world

of drugs, pornography, cults or whatever, but we all have a common factor and that is God created each and every one of us in his image and loves us all unconditionally. It’s a love that says it doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from I love you anyway and I will make the changes within you that need changing.

 

Man cannot save us or change us because man cannot see our hearts. We have got to get to that place where we say enough is enough I need help and when we cry out from the despairs of our hearts is where Jesus will meet us and come down to our level and speak to our hearts. When you do cry out to him be still and let him speak to you for Jesus will make himself known to all who ask with a sincere heart. Keep yourselves in the love of God always looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternity.

 

Jude 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Jude 1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Jude 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Jude 1:25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.