Friday 121324
Don’t let me or my writings influence or scare you in any way, instead, allow me to be used as a vessel to open the Word, just a little bit, and hopefully, together we are going to read and study His Word, and let God teach us what He wants us to hear.
Since the beginning of this study, our vision has been that we are ONLY going to follow what is found in the Holy Bible, that pertains to us, and we realize that it’s ONLY from our own effort that we put into this study, that we’re going to take anything away for our own use.
The verses we are going to study tonight:
Hebrews 11:1; Luke 1:37; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:17; Matthew 15:24, 28, 8:13, 9:29; Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50, 18:42; John 11:40, 6:28-29.
In my attempt to spread the Word, to the people in the 21st century, I am posting a new lesson every morning.
I am posting my lessons on eleven (11) different sites.
On Facebook, I am:
Whosoever inhim Bible Study
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Tonight’s study is going to be about FAITH.
The Bible describes FAITH as a belief and trust in God and his promises, even when God or his work is not physically visible. Hebrews 11:1 is considered the Bible’s closest definition of faith … here are 10 different versions.
Hebrews 11
vs1 ‘…Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
vs1 ‘…Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see…’ NLT (New Living Translation)
vs1 ‘…Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…’ ESV (English Standard Version)
vs1 ‘…Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see…’ BSB (Berean Standard Bible)
vs1 ‘…Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…’ KJV (King James Version)
vs1 ‘…This is what it means to trust God: We will be sure about the things that we hope for. We will be sure in our minds about things that we cannot even see…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)
vs1 ‘…To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see…’ GNT (Good News Translation)
vs1 ‘…Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see…’ NET (New English Translation)
vs1 ‘…Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen…’ WEB (World English Bible)
vs1 ‘…Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see…’ NIV (New International Version)
Years ago, in a study I was having in my kitchen while sitting at the table and recording on Facebook LIVE, I made a comment of denominations that had the symbol of the cross hanging throughout their churches. Some of the crosses had a figure on them and some were just wooden crosses.
I continued speaking how we are told in the Bible NOT to have or carry idols. I was making a point in the study that night that the cross, at these churches, were being used as idols.
Well, my aunt who was watching the video, had a very bad time with me and my discussion about the cross that was being portrayed and displayed in their church.
To this day, I don’t think she ever watched another one of my studies and I’ve not spoken with her about the matter. To this day, those denominations are still physically portraying a cross, and to me, it’s still being used as an idol, no more.
Rather than making more enemies tonight, let’s step back and discuss what ‘the cross’ should mean to the Christian believer.
Google’s definition is: The cross is a central symbol of Christianity, representing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the benefits of his death and suffering. It is a sign of both Christ and the Christian faith.
Just for the heck of it, let’s see if Google has a definition for an idol. So, I asked Google: what is the meaning of an idol, and Google responded: an image used as an object of worship.
This is what FAITH is for me … my FAITH allows me to see that cross and I’m able to remember what I, as a person, has benefitted from that cross. I don’t need a piece of wood hanging on the wall for me to remember what a cross looks like.
vs1 ‘…To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see…’ GNT (Good News Translation)
Luke 1:37 ‘…For there is nothing that God cannot do…’ GNT (Good News Translation)
2 Corinthians 5:7 ‘…For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight…’ GNT (Good News Translation)
Romans 10:17 ‘…So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ…’ GNT (Good News Translation)
So, FAITH is something that I put my trust and belief in … when something is written in the Word and maybe I don’t understand what has been written, it is my FAITH in Jesus that is going to take care of me.
Where are we told in the Bible that we NEED to understand everything before we will be able to have Everlasting Life?
Where is it written why our God wouldn’t keep secrets from mankind?
Where is it written it’s okay for us to go in a different direction when we have these moments of questioning our God and what He said?
Where is it written that it’s okay for us to believe something other than what’s been written, especially when we don’t understand what it is that’s been written?
That’s my point, it is our FAITH that is going to allow us to step over those times when we have questions.
FAITH is going to keep us moving forward.
FAITH is what is going to set us free.
Romans 10:17 ‘…So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ…’ GNT (Good News Translation)
This must be one of the more powerful verses in the Bible.
‘…faith comes from hearing the message…’
Not ‘A’ message but it says, ‘THE MESSAGE.’
Well then ask yourself when you have questions, what is THE MESSAGE?
The Bible, as God’s Word written, is centrally about what our glorious triune God has done to glorify Himself by the redemption of His people, the judgement of sin, and making all things new in Christ. For the church, such a message is good news, which ought to move us to faith, hope, love, and faithfulness to Christ.
The Holy Bible, God’s written Word is the message that He has given us.
Why are there churches today that print their own books to follow along instead of just opening the Word and reading the pages, the MESSAGE?
Why are their Bible studies today that teach what their denomination believes in and not read the Word to find out what it tells us to believe in?
And maybe the icing on the cake concluding that verse from Romans …
‘…the message comes through preaching Christ…’
When Jesus walked this earth, He was man but at the same time, He was God.
He came for the House of Israel, but He came to teach ALL of us about Faith.
Matthew 15:24 ‘…But He answered and said, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
But, in continuing to read, just four verses, Jesus let the Gentile woman know that it was because of her FAITH that healed her daughter.
Matthew 15:28 ‘…Then Jesus said to her, O woman, your FAITH is great; it shall be done for you as you desire. And her daughter was healed at once…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
How many stories have we been told how Jesus replied to them, ‘your FAITH has made you well.’
Matthew 8:13 ‘…And Jesus said to the centurion, go; it shall be done for you as you have believed. And the servant was healed at that very moment…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
Matthew 9:29 ‘…Then He touched their eyes, saying, It shall be done for you according to your faith…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
Mark 5:34 ‘…And He said to her, Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be cured of your disease…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
Luke 7:50 ‘…And He said to the woman, your faith has saved you; go in peace…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
Luke 18:42 ‘…And Jesus said to him, regain your sight; your faith has made you well…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
John 11:40 ‘…Jesus said to her, Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
Why do we think it will be different for us today? That is the entire story behind FAITH. Jesus told us, IF YOU BELIEVE, SO IT WILL BE SO. Why are there those that still pause and hesitate today? It is because of their UNBELIEF.
Too many churches today, mankind’s churches, are too interested in making a profit instead of saving the souls of their members.
Too many people today, rely on and put their trust in these, man-made churches, rather than them trusting and believing in God themselves.
Instead of these people opening their Bibles for themselves, they give money to a church and gamble that their wishes and desires will be answered.
This is our greatest defeat as a people. We have allowed ourselves to be led in a man-made lie that is going to lead us all into destruction and torment.
BREAK YOURSELF FREE
Open your Bibles and read His Word and learn what He is offering you … ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS BELIEVE.
John 6
vs28 ‘…Therefore they said to Him, what are we to do, so that we may accomplish the works of God…’
vs29 ‘…Jesus answered and said to them, this is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent …’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
All you have to do is BELIEVE.
The more we read and study His Message the easier it is going to be for this to happen.
Keep your Bibles open and continue reading His Word.
Read ALL the Word that God has given to us. Don’t just stop because you like what you hear, read ALL the Word that God has given and meant for YOU.
Trust me, you are going to be surprised what the Word tells you.
Share what you read with those around you. Shout the joys at the top of your lungs so that others will be able to hear.
I love all of you. One day we’re going to be able to feel just how much of that love is from Jesus Himself.
Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen
InHIM. ><)))o>