THE GOSPEL MIXED WITH FAITH
Wednesday – September 20, 2017
Are we ready to receive the gospel, to profit from it, because we chose to build faith and mix it with the gospel? Remember, the children of Israel had heard all the promises of God, and a measure of the Kingdom of God available to them even after sin and before the Cross, yet they would not (not could not, would not) mix it with faith. Jesus whole ministry had to do with demonstrating and teaching the Kingdom of God in the earth, in individual lives.
Mark 1:14-15 (KJV)
14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Since the fifty days (Jubilee) starting with Calvary the Kingdom of God is not at hand, it is come, it is a present reality that will extend for eternity due to the love of God. Jesus told us that the Kingdom of God could not be seen for it was within us (Luke 17:21). Faith, love, hope also cannot be seen however the manifestations of these spiritual forces (laws) can be seen by the Church and the world, so it is with the Kingdom of God.
Let’s turn our attention to our primary text for today.
Hebrews 4:1-3 (KJV)
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Faith is a spiritual force and does not come from physical observation. Faith is built or developed by the Word of God.
Romans 10:17 (KJV)
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Faith is the fundamental or triggering spiritual force (law) of all things whether it be God or us. As we think about the development of faith in our lives it would be good to think, meditate, on the parable of the sower and find out before God why we are not in the fourth group. Is the Word just going in one ear and out the other so to speak? Are we not studying and putting down deep roots in Him? Or are we letting the things of this world that we have chosen to be more important than the Word? When will we choose to be good ground. Consider the following Words of Jesus to the Church (us).
Revelation 3:19-22 (KJV)
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
In the preceding passage have you wondered why Jesus is outside knocking to get an audience with us? Perhaps if we chose to let Him in, He might say something that would require us to change, to get out of our comfort (rut) zone. Let us choose to use our ears (physical and spiritual) to hear what the Spirit says to us, to the Church. Whatever is not of faith in God is sin (Romans 14:23). If we think about that statement and the underpinning Scripture this should give us pause. Pause concerning our thoughts, our words, and our actions. We must make a point of conducting our lives according to the will of God, His plan for our lives. God has a wonderful plan. On our own none of us can come up with a plan that is even remotely as wonderful as God’s plans and provision (the rest of God).
Ephesians 3:17-21 (KJV)
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Feast on this until tomorrow. Notice that it involves the abiding Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions, by faith, rooted and grounded in love. That is the beginning of the Kingdom of God changing from a dormant force within to a wonderful manifestation of our God not only to ourselves but the whole world. How much “power” is at work in each of us? As much as we chose! As they say in Texas, “let’s go for the whole enchilada.”
Until our next publication, I speak blessing into your life right now, receive it in the name of Jesus, confess it, and walk it out with thanksgiving.
Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
CONTACT E-MAIL: pastordavidwood@gmail.com
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