WHAT IS FAITH?
Have you ever been asked this question before ? It is not easy to describe, we know when we have it, and we sure know when we don’t. The writer to Hebrews describes it so well for us.
Hebrews 11:1 N.L.T.Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
The writer goes on and says in verse 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. N.L.T.
Paul in Romans 14:23 tells us that “everything that does not come from faith is sin”.
As a Believer how do we get faith ? There are many human ideas but again Paul says.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the (Rhema) Word of God.
- We must have ears that are open to hear
- Our ears must not be blocked because we have sin in our lives.
We can hear God’s voice in many ways.
- Through the preaching of God’s Word
- Through the teaching of God’s Word
- Through our Mentor or friends
- But primarily we can hear God speak to us as we spend time with His Word.
Simply reading the Word is NOT ENOUGH. We must meditate on the Word.
Here are some guidelines for you. Meditate means to chew the cud like a cow.
Choose a chapter of a New Testament book.
Begin with verse one, and chew over every word
Look at it in different translations
Ask the Holy Spirit to “turn the light on” and give you revelation
Please note Paul uses the word Rhema (not Logos) in Rom. 10:17. Logos best describes the written word, but Rhema better reflects that “quickened personal word” when the word comes alive personally for you. that is when faith is born in our hearts.
THIS HAPPENS AS YOU SLOWLY MEDIATE ON THE WORD
We should read a number of chapters daily, but with meditating often one verse is sufficient.
MEDITATION MUST BECOME A LIFETYLE
YOU CAN RECEIVE A RHEMA WORD EVERY DAY.
In 2 Cor. 5:7 Paul encourages us to walk by faith. Not occasionally seeking a word from God that will produce faith in our hearts, but daily make it our lifestyle.
I said God can speak to us my many different means, including other believers. If we believe God has spoken to us through someone, remember.
IT WILL NEVER BE DIFFERENT BUT WILL ALWAYS AGREE WITH THE WRITTEN WORD.
I have had countless experiences of God speaking to me from the Word, and these messages have truly changed my life. I have had one remarkable experience of God speaking through a person. This also changed my life. I believe the Lord said step out in faith and trust me.In August 2005 I resigned my secure position at Hillsong College and began ministering in Asia for prolong periods of time (also with Margaret’s blessing). This period became the pinnacle in my ministry. Although I had not set income, the Lord totally met my needs, this continued until the end of 2012 when I had some health issues.
I have really struggled to write this blog today, I hope it makes sense to you, please write and ask for clarification ok?
