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Monday, April 28 2014
~~INTRODUCTION Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai Monday, April 28 2014
~~Introduction 1) Philip’s Encounter in Samaria; Acts 8:5-8,12 Jesus instructed us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Salvation comes through the
a) Acts 9:15,16; Jesus, speaking to Ananias in a vision, called Saul His chosen vessel. b) ACTS 9:17; Ananias greeted Saul by calling him "Brother Saul." Ananias recognised that Saul was already a Christian brother in the faith despite his past reputation. c) We also know that Saul was already saved when Ananias came to lay hands on him to It is clear then that even though Saul had received Jesus as his Lord, he was not yet baptized in the Holy Spirit until Ananias came and laid hands on him to receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:17. Conclusion: Salvation and the baptism in the Holy Ghost are two separate experiences. There are other examples in the Bible like the Gentiles of Cornelius' Household in Acts 10. The men of Cornelius' household were all Gentiles, and they were not saved until Peter came and preached the gospel to them and got baptised in the Holy Ghost immediately.
Monday, April 28 2014
~~Introduction: Contributor: Clem Roberts Monday, April 28 2014
~~INTRODUCTION The doctrine of the deity of the Holy Spirit has an intimate logical relation to the doctrine of the personality of the Spirit. It is clear that the Holy Spirit is God, He is also a person. In like manner therefore, if His Person be accepted, we are driven inevitably to the conclusion that He is God by the work He performs. 1. IDENTIFICATION OF JEHOVAH AND THE HOLY SPIRIT "I heard the voice of the sovereign master say, “Whom will I send? Who will go on our behalf?” I answered, “Here I am, send me!” He said, “Go and tell these people: "So they began to leave, unable to agree among themselves, after Paul made one last statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah when he said,‘Go to this people and say, A comparison of the above scriptures will reveal that the Jehovah of Isaiah is the Holy Spirit of Acts. Jehovah is used of all three Persons of the Trinity severally as well as of the Trinity corporately. Another instance of identification of Jehovah and the Holy Spirit is found in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrew 10:15-17 (our texts). 2. IDENTIFICATION OF GOD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT The LORD’s spirit spoke through me; His word was on my tongue. In this scripture, the Spirit of Jehovah and the God of Israel are identified. Both titles refer to the same entity. In like manner, the presence of the Holy Spirit is said to be the presence of God. The Christian indwelt by the Holy Spirit is indwelt by God. "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" Matthew 12:31-32 further illustrates the identification of God and the Holy Spirit by the fact that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is declared unpardonable by Christ. Blasphemy (the action or offence of speaking sacrilegiously [misuse/ violation of what is sacred] about God or sacred things) in its nature is an act against deity. If the Holy Spirit were not God, it would not be possible to commit this sin. 3. ASSOCIATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THE FATHER AND THE SON ON EQUAL TERMS. CONCLUSION
Monday, April 28 2014
~~INTRODUCTION THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 1. Personality of the Holy Spirit Affirmed By His Attributes. "All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses [wills]." It should be noted here that the Holy Spirit possesses the essential of mind or intelligence. The above scripture explicitly affirm that the Holy Spirit exercises a moral and sovereign will which is comparable to that of the other Persons of the Trinity. In connection with the sovereign bestowal of spiritual gifts on men, the Spirit is said to accomplish this "as He chooses" or "as He will". The essential of mind or intelligence is further confirmed by His works also. His works indicate intelligence, knowledge, and the normal functions of personality. Personality, which is an attribute of His Person, is demonstrated by the actions of the Person. "Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny].For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." The attributes of omniscience (infinite knowledge) is evidence of the existence of mind and intelligence on a platform of deity. Also, the Holy Spirit possesses life which is an essential of personality. "For the law of the life-giving Spirit in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death." [Romans 2:2 NET] "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." "And when they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them." CONCLUSION "Jesus responded, “Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’? For David said, *Most part of this teaching is culled from "The Person of The Holy Spirit" by John F. Walvoord. Contributor: Leye Olayiwola Thursday, March 27 2014
Introduction: I trust we have all been writing our tickets with God since our last meeting. We still have some days left in the year and of course years to come in order to benefit immensely from this experience. We will be considering a very essential and important topic in this series today (titled above). The dictionary definition of Doubt is; 1] To be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe. 2] To distrust. In each of the scriptural references read so far, it can be clearly seen that doubt caused people to receive something less than the best God has for them. In fact, doubt can prevent someone from not receiving anything! The Lord Jesus also rebuked every single person for their doubt and unbelief. We pray that our faith will be encouraged as we walk through this series so that we will not fall victims of Doubt - The Thief of God's Greater Blessings in Jesus name. Amen. God’s Best: Receiving By Our Own Faith.There are instances in scriptures where the Lord intervened by His divine sovereignty. When Peter cried out to Him to save him as he began to sink (Matt. 14:30). When His disciples cried out and awakened Him during the storm in the ship (Mark 4:38, 39). However, God’s greatest desire then (and indeed now) is for His disciples to receive by their own faith. An account of Peter walking on water in Matt. 14:25, 28 and 29 is a proof of this. Don’t Look at the Circumstances. As bible students, we know that the reason why Peter began to sink in the account of Mar 4 above was because he took his eyes off Jesus and instead focused on the circumstances (boisterous wind). He began to see things happening around him and quit looking at Jesus and what He said. Faith is acting upon the Word of God. As soon as Peter stopped acting on what God had said, he started sinking. Now, that was doubt because Jesus said to him in Matt.14:31; “…..o thou of LITTLE FAITH wherefore didst thou DOUBT?” Peter’s faith only carried him for a little while. Though the miracle of walking on water began, but it was not consummated. The same way, many miracles have begun in people’s lives but have not been consummated because they took their eyes and focus off God, and concentrate them instead on circumstances or symptoms. Jesus refers to this as “little faith”. Doubt robbed Peter of the best that God had for Him. Let’s take our eyes off the situations or circumstances (symptoms) and focus on God (His Word) which is far superior! Don’t Criticize Others until You’ve Walked on the Water Yourself. Jesus didn't intend for Peter to sink just as He never, and will NEVER intend for us to sink also. Jesus meant for him to be able to walk back to the ship with Him. But don't criticize Peter (or your brother or sister) until you've successfully walked on water without sinking! Then your criticism will be accepted. Besides, when you criticize others, it hinders your own faith.* don’t use Peter's failure to believe as an excuse for you to be able to doubt God. Doubt and Fear Rob People of God's Blessings Doubt and fear go hand in hand while faith and love go hand in hand. ....perfect love casteth out fear..." [1 John 4:18]. Faith gets the job done! Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. [Matt.13:58] Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.[Mark 6:5] In Jesus' hometown, only a few people were healed under His ministry. The Amplified Bible mentioned the fact that there were "a few sickly people" healed. A bible dictionary says the Greek shows that there were a few folks with minor ailments who were healed. What happened in Nazareth was the fact that doubt (distrust) robbed the people there of God's best. And He marveled because of their unbelief (their lack of faith in Him). And He went about among the surrounding villages and continued teaching.[Mark 6:6 Amp]. The unbelief of an entire congregation can keep God from working. This is the reason why Jesus take people aside, from the multitude in order to pray for them (Mark 7:32, 33). Not a Lack of Power - A Lack of Faith [Matthew 17:14-20; Matthew 10:1] By comparing the two scriptures above, we can comfortably and unequivocally conclude that the disciples could not heal the boy not because they lacked power, but simply because they lacked faith. When they asked Jesus why they couldn't cast out the devil, Jesus didn't say it was because they didn't have the power to do it. He said it was because of their unbelief. Kenneth Hagin further mentioned that for years, he's heard many Full Gospel people say they needed more power so they could cast out devils and do the works of Jesus. He said lack of power is not what the trouble is at all. People miss the point by saying such because if you have the Holy Ghost, then you have the power (Acts 1:8). People think that if they had more power, the Word would automatically work. Wrong! The Word works by faith! What’s hindering people is lack of faith - not lack of power. Doubt is robbing many of the blessings of God. It doesn't matter what you receive from God's Word. God’s Word still only operates by faith. Salvation is the greatest gift you can receive from God. Being born again is the greatest blessing a person can receive. But you still have to receive salvation by faith. And after you are born again, you must have and operate in faith in order to enjoy the blessings and benefits of salvation. The benefits of your inheritance in Christ just don't fall upon you like ripe cherries off a tree. For we walk by faith, not by sight. [2 Cor.5:7] The baptism of the Holy Ghost is a mighty gift that God has for His children. But just because you are filled with the Holy Ghost doesn't necessarily mean you are a successful Christian. There are Spirit-Filled Christians with real Spirit-filled experience all around us, who are not successful. But the power they have received in the baptism in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues is still utilised through faith. And if there is a lack of faith in appropriating the promises of God, then they are simply ignoring the powerhouse that is in them. You don't need any more power. You need to learn how to put the power you already have to work for you. Conclusion P.C. Nelson or "Dad" Nelson, founder of South-western Bible Institute, said that more people lose their healing over a counterattack than any other one reason. He was actually saying that the devil is going to come back against you with symptoms to make you think you didn't get your healing in the first place. But if you'll stand your ground in faith on the Word of God and say that you are healed, then the devil will flee from you. The Bible says that we should resist the devil and then he will flee from us (James 4:7). Whatever you receive from God, you receive by faith and you hold on to by faith. Contributor: Leye Olayiwola Please Note: This teaching is an extract from Kenneth Hagin’s Book - FAITH BIBLE STUDY GUIDE Thursday, March 27 2014
Introduction: Doubt is to hesitate to believe, to be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely. Your confession of Satan's ability to hinder you and to keep you from success gives Satan dominion over you. Your confession of your fear or doubt gives fear or doubt dominion over you. If you confess fear, your fears become stronger and you get more and more into bondage to the enemy. But if you will boldly confess your Father's care and protection, and confess God's Word and declare that what God says about you is true, you will rise above satanic influence every single time. Matt.14:31; “…..o thou of LITTLE FAITH wherefore didst thou DOUBT?” Today, we are looking at seven steps to the highest kind of Faith. This is the faith which takes God at His word and gets results.
“For the word of God is QUICK, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Moffatt's translation reads, "For the Logos [Word] of God is a living thing. . . ." You see, "quick" means alive or living. And so the Word of God is a living thing. But it will only come alive to you and work in your life as you accept it and act upon it. Therefore, the first step to attaining the highest kind of faith is to settle on the absolute integrity of God's Word. The Word of God should be of foremost importance in your life. Sometimes people feel that God hasn't spoken to them unless they have received a message in tongues or a prophecy, but God's Word - the Bible - is God speaking to us! And tongues and interpretations or prophecy are not to be put above the holy written Word of God. Say it out loud: "God's Word is God speaking to me."
“12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet [able] to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 WHO HATH DELIVERED US FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, even the forgiveness of sins.” Another translation of verse 12 reads, ". . . which made us ABLE to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light"! Thank God, we are able to be partakers of our inheritance and we can enter into our inheritance in Christ. Now read verse 13: "Who HATH delivered us from the POWER of darkness. . . ." This verse does not say God is going to deliver us; it says He has already delivered us when we were born again into God's Kingdom. The Greek word translated "power" here means authority. In other words, we could read that scripture, "Who has delivered us from the authority of darkness....". Now that word "darkness" means everything that Satan is - the kingdom of Satan. But in Christ we have been delivered from the power or authority of Satan's kingdom. Notice Colossians 1:14 says, "In whom we have redemption through his [Jesus'] blood. . . ." Therefore, Satan cannot lord it over the believer, for we have been redeemed! Let's look again at Revelation 12:11. “And they overcame him [the accuser of the brethren, Satan] BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, and BY THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY....”
COLOSSIANS 1:18 “And he [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the” FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead (Rev. 1:18). We are begotten of God, but Jesus was the first One who was begotten of God (Heb. 1:6; Rev. 1:5). Peter said, "Being born again begotten] not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1 Peter 1:23). Thank God, we are begotten of God. We are born of God. We are children of God. We are heirs of God. We are joint or equal heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:17). We are not magnifying ourselves when we talk about our inheritance in Christ; we are magnifying God and what He has done for us through the Lord Jesus Christ. We did not make ourselves new creatures; God made us new creatures. And Jesus is the Author and the Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). Thank God, we are new creatures created by God in Christ Jesus.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his RIGHTEOUSNESS: that he might be JUST, and THE JUSTIFIER of him which believeth in Jesus.” The same Greek root word that is translated "righteousness" here in Romans 3:25 and 26 is also translated "just" and "justifier" in this same verse. The margin of my Bible reads, "that he might himself be righteous" (Rom. 3:26). The words "just" and "righteous" or "righteousness" can be interchangeable terms. What is this verse in Romans 3:26 telling us? That God has declared His righteousness to us through Jesus. And that God Himself is righteous and He has become my righteousness. God is the righteousness of all who have believed on Jesus (2 Cor. 5:21). This is not theory but a Bible fact. 2 Cor. 5:21.
1 CORINTHIANS 6:19,20 “ What? know ye not that YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE of the Holy Ghost which is IN you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” We need to become "God-inside minded." In other words, we need to just simply take God at His Word. We need to believe and act like the Bible is true when it says, ". . . greater is he that is IN you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4)! "He that is in the world" is the god of this world, Satan (2 Cor. 4:4). But, thank God, He who is in us, the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead, is greater than he who is in the world!
“God is faithful, by whom ye were called UNTO THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.” The very heart reason for redemption is fellowship. The highest honour that the Father has ever conferred upon us is to be "jointfellowshippers" with Himself, with His Son, and with the Holy Spirit in carrying out His dream for the redemption of the human race. But relationship without fellowship is an insipid thing. It is like the marriage relationship without love or fellowship. Fellowship is the very mother of faith. And fellowship is the parent of joy. It is the source of victory. And God has called us individually into fellowship with His Son. If you have fellowship with God and you are walking in the light as He is in the light, then prayer becomes one of the sweetest and one of the greatest assets to which we have become heirs in Christ.
God has given us the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus. This means we have power in that Name over Satanic forces. Jesus said, ". . . In my name ... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17,18). Jesus said, "... whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you" (John 15:16). We have authority to use that Name. The Name of Jesus carries authority on this earth. It is not a matter of faith, but it is a matter of knowing your legal rights in Christ and taking your rightful place as a son or daughter. It is a matter of taking your place in carrying out God's will in the earth. Getting us to cooperate with God is the biggest problem! Contributor: Alex Alajiki Please Note: This teaching is an extract from Kenneth Hagins Book - FAITH BIBLE STUDY GUIDE Friday, October 25 2013
Introduction Last week we looked at how to write our ticket with God and emphasised the four steps that we need to follow in order to avail ourselves of the opportunity of writing our tickets with God, these four steps will also be emphasised today as we progress through the study. What is a ticket: piece of paper or card that gives the holder a certain right, especially to enter a place, travel by public transport, or participate in an event. A ticket may be valid or invalid. Synonyms: pass, warrant, authorization, licence, permit (online dictionary) 25 "And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I May Touch But His Clothes, I Shall Be Whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. "
Four Steps To Receiving Your Answer From God 1. Say it. Matt 18:19, It is written. ..” (Matt. 4:4). Never Speak Defeat. A closed mouth is a closed destiny. 2. Do It : Arise and work the works that needs to be worked. In last week’s lesson, after David responded to Goliaths words, he ran towards him, 3. Receive It: Saying and Doing Comes Before Feeling and Healing, receive it even though you can't feel or see it.
4. Tell It: Testify to the workings of God, not to brag but to give glory.
Jesus has given everyone of us, a signed check, saying, “Fill it in.” He gave us a signed blank check on the resources of heaven. Any believer anywhere can write a ticket of victory over the flesh, the world, and the devil, for finances, children, spouses, jobs, promotions etc.
One minister wrote me after I had appeared on “The 700 Club” television program. He was always taught to believe that if God wants to do it, He does it. He has the authority—He has the power—just leave it up to God. There was sickness in this himself, sickness and disease in his family. He’d had no victory in his life for years. “I’m beginning to see,” he said, “that it is up to us to do something about some of these situations which exist— that he has authorized us to do it.” (K. Hagin)
The bar of expectations, even within the church, has been lowered in regards to healing, finances and other areas of live. Unless you’re willing to stand and fight the fight of faith, you will be overcome by this world. If you don’t stir yourself up, you will settle to the bottom. The world isn’t going to encourage you toward God’s best, and most Christians wont either. The Word teaches us that He has given us all things to enjoy [1Tm:6:17]
Examples of People who dared to write their tickets Jacob – Genesis 28.20 Hannah – 1 Samuel 1 Hezekiah – 2 Kings 20 Jabez – “Now Jabez was more onourable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’ And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.’ So God granted him what he requested” (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).
You must be earnest, zealous, sincere, and determined. (James 5:16). You must be humble “Therefore 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 Peter5:6-7). God knows all your alternatives.
Jabez requested a personal blessing, asked God to enlarge his borders (material prosperity), protection and guidance, God’s preservation and deliverance. (Ps 91, 119:31, Mat 7:7-8) God is the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us….....
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
To write valid tickets we must gain firsthand understanding of the power of his love, we are changed from the inside. God’s love heals, restores, soothes, refreshes, and repairs those cracks we all have inside, and we become whole individuals.
Conclusion “Let us lay aside every weight that holds us back, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us…. forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,…. PRESSING toward the mark for the PRIZE of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus…Let as many as be MATURE, be thus minded. [Hebrews 12:1, Philippians 3:13-15 When you live by the word, the word will work for you. Don’t be content with a life that lacks power, elegance, beauty, and richness of life; to be content with less than God has ordained for you is short changing your destiny and the destiny of people God has purposed you to raise. Contributor: Esther Alajiki
Friday, October 25 2013
INTRODUCTION: Last week, we continued in our journey into effective faith walk with God by carefully looking at the key areas where we must confess before we possess our desires. Areas such as Salvation, Receiving the Holy Spirit and Healing were looked at in detail. In addition, the teacher also highlighted and discussed in detail, the steps that make our confessions effective. I trust that we have been practising these steps and enjoying the full benefits of positive and godly confession as we are enjoined in Hebrews 5:14. As we continue this week in this journey of faith, we will be looking at the account of an encounter of Pastor Kenneth Hagin with the Lord Jesus Christ, at his request for an exposition on the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5. Pastor Hagin reported that the Lord Jesus Christ emphasised that "if anyone, anywhere, will take these four-steps or put these principles (to receiving answers from God) into operation, that person will always receive whatever he wants from God, the Father". It is therefore imperative that we pay rapt attention to this study, as I believe that we all desire (always) to receive our petitions from God, the Father. Four Steps to Receiving Your Answer from God These four steps can be used to receive anything God promises ranging from salvation, to healing, to baptism of the Holy Ghost, or to receive victory, finances, or any other answer to any petition, from God. However, depending on some area of faith (e.g. finance), you may need to develop your faith in accordance to the level of your need. Thus, it may take some time for you to receive answer in this case. It is definitely certain that even in this area (or any area at all); these steps will produce results if these bible principles are put into practice. Therefore, whether these principles are put into operation immediately or practised over time, you can have whatever you say from God's word. These steps are simple as is customary of Jesus' way of illustrating and communicating truths in the scriptures. Step 1: Say It! [Mark 5:28] The first step that the woman with the issue of blood took in order to receive from Jesus was; "For she said, if I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole." She said what she desired and this was in line with God's will. There's a “God ward” side and a “Man ward” side to winning every battle, every victory, and receiving anything from God. You have a part to play and there's always something that you must do. If there's failure, it has to be on our part. This woman knew about healing power of Jesus and she decided to do something about it. Jesus said to Kenneth Hagin during this encounter that "Step number one is to say it!" Positive or negative confession is up to the individual. Proverbs 6:2. Never speak defeat. Never talk failure. Instead, talk about your lovely Heavenly Father and what He can do, and your faith will grow in leaps and bounds. Step 2: Do It! [Mark 5:28] Saying it alone and not acting on it would not have done this woman any good. Jesus Christ told Kenneth Hagin in the vision that "Your actions defeat you or they put you over. According to your action, you receive or you are kept from receiving what you want from God." This woman acted upon what she said - She touched Jesus' clothes! Step 3: Receive It! [Mark 5:29] "And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague". After the woman touched Jesus' clothes in faith, she felt that she was healed in her body; Jesus in turn asked "....Who touched my clothes?" because he knew that virtue had gone out of Him. First, the woman said it. The she showed faith in action by going forward and reaching out for Jesus' clothes in order to receive her healing. Finally, she received her healing and felt it in her body that she's been healed of the plague. Saying and doing comes before feeling and healing. Most people want the feeling and receiving first before the saying and doing. It doesn't work that way in God's kingdom. It was only after the woman with the issue of blood said and did, that Jesus said that the power had gone out of Him. There is a power at work in this earth which is far greater than the power of an atomic bomb. It is the power of God, the anointing which destroys every yoke. If all sick people knew of this power, they could be healed of every disease. Step 4: Tell It! [Mark 5:33] "But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth." Jesus said to tell it so that others might receive it. You have to say some things in faith before you ever receive them from God. Many times, people say the wrong things because they believe the wrong things. Wrong thinking produces wrong believing and wrong believing produces wrong speaking. When people start believing the right thing and saying the right thing, they'll have the right thing in life. The Lord also told Kenneth Hagin that people can receive the Holy Spirit by following these four principles. Any believer anywhere can write their own ticket of victory over the flesh, the world and the devil through following these four principles also. If believers don't do something about their situation themselves (write their own ticket), it would be a waste of their time praying for Jesus Christ to give them the victory. Old Testament Example of the Four Steps of Faith A very good and applicable example of the four principles of faith can be found in the very famous story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:30-54. The first thing David did was "And David Said...." (vs.32). He said that he would fight and prevail against the uncircumcised Philistine, Goliath. David knew he could have what he said. He also knew he could write his own ticket with God. The reason God hasn't done any more for you is because you haven't said any more. All you have today is the result of what you said yesterday! Next, David went out with his shepherd's sling and crook, or staff. Notice also that Goliath talked. David let him talk. You can't stop the devil from talking, but when he gets through, you must have something to say. You must nullify his negative talk with your own talk of faith! Jesus didn't stop the devil from talking when He was being tempted in the wilderness. But when the devil got through, He sure had something to say. "....It is written...." (Matt.4:4). Summary/ Conclusion: It's strange when it comes to natural things; people know exactly what to do. For example, if you're going to sell your car, you know exactly how much you are going to sell it for and where. You also know how to go about getting a job if you need one. But when it comes to spiritual things, people hardly know what to do. You need to know that you can write your own ticket with God. Whether you know it or not, that is what you have been doing. This is the reason why people are where they are now. God will do everything you trust and believe Him to do for you (Mark 11:24). You must begin to write your own ticket with God, starting right now! Contributor: Leye Olayiwola Friday, October 25 2013
Introduction: Last week, we saw the potency of our words as Christians, either to kill or give life (“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21) and that just believing God’s words isn’t enough to activate our faith, we must go on to confessing what we believe for it to work (Mark 11:23). I found the below statement by Price insightful: The Word for “confession” is “homologeo”, meaning “to agree with” or “say the same thing that God says. When you say what God says, you can change the circumstances of your life with His Word. You are no denying the circumstances; rather you are confessing what God says about the situation and since God cannot lie, His Word shall come to pass. In short, a Christian is breaking the influence of Satan over his/her life and forcing him to acknowledge the Believer’s authority and victory over him. A true confession of faith always agrees with the Word of God – learn to talk God talk. We also saw the place of confession for salvation and receiving the Holy Spirit. Today, by the help of the Holy Spirit, we will address the root cause of negative confessions among Christians.
Example of key areas where believers must confess before they possess
Steps that make a believer’s confession effective As we have already stated, confession is the expression of what one believes since human beings are constantly affirming something. Sometimes the affirmations are disastrous. In other words, the effects of such words have the power to defeat the person. For example, if someone continually says s/he can't do something because s/he doesn't have the strength, the person will begin to feel her/his strength actually diminishing. Therefore s/he is left weak and full of indecision and doubt. The person’s efficiency is gone!
Step 1: Thank God for the answer PHILIPPIANS 4:6, 7 “6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by PRAYER and SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The thanksgiving comes after the asking. Once you have asked God for something, believe and confess that you have it by faith. Therefore, thank the Father for the answer. You do not need to worry or fret any longer because you have the answer.
Step 2: Take actions that correspond with your faith/confession Faith acts! When a believer is in faith, there will always be some actions s/he can take to demonstrate her/his faith. That may be simply confessing with your mouth, "Thank You, Father. I believe I have received my petition now when I pray" (Mark 11:24). But faith always has corresponding actions. JAMES 2:14-22 (Note the word “brethren” in this passage) It is crucial to understand that “Confession Plus Wrong Actions Equals Faith Failures”. Believers’ actions must correspond with their believing if they are going to receive from God. James 1:22 says, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." From MATTHEW 7:24-27, one observes that it is the doers of the Word of God that withstand life's storms. The same storm and wind came upon both of these houses - the one built on rock and the one built on sand. The reason the house built on sand was destroyed is that it wasn't built on the foundation of God's Word. One was destroyed and one wasn't because the wise builder was a doer of the Word and the foolish one wasn't. It isn't the storms of life that defeat us. If the storms of life defeated us, we would all be defeated because the storms of life come to all of us. Some people face the same storms that others face and yet they are not defeated, while others who face the storms are destroyed. Those who are not defeated, act on God's Word. The defeated ones may be thoroughly saved, yet they do not have corresponding actions to go along with their faith. And they have not taken time to build their faith on the solid foundation of God's Word. Corresponding actions could also mean to stop talking doubt and failure because doing so will eventually bring defeat.
Step 3: Don’t be anxious! As believers, we must learn to approach God on His terms - According to His Word. MATTHEW 6:25-34 Give up worrying habits as it hinders faith. God doesn't want us to worry. He wants us to be free from worry. He doesn't want us bound by any kind of a habit. To worry is to disobey the Word. Worry is a much worse habit than the tobacco habit. Tobacco will just half kill a person smoking it but worry can completely kill a person. Worrying is foolish; worrying never accomplishes anything productive. We are supposed to cast all our care upon Him; for He cares for us (1 PETER 5:7)
Conclusion Confession does not mean denying present circumstances but rather it looks beyond the “reality” being wrapped up in the promises of God based on His word. Also one’s actions must be in perfect fellowship with the confession of one’s faith in His Word. We must not allow the cares of life to choke the strength of God in our lives. Let us begin to make confessions in line with God's Word.
What I Confess I Possess I confess Jesus as my Lord. Rom. 10:9-10. I possess salvation. I confess, "By His stripes I am healed" Is. 53:5; I possess healing. I confess "the son has made me free" Jn. 8:36; I possess absolute freedom. I confess "The love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost" Rom. 5:5; I possess the ability to love everyone. I confess, "The righteous are bold as a lion" Pr.28:1; I possess lion-hearted boldness in spiritual warfare.” I confess, "He will never leave me nor forsake me" Heb. 13:5-6; I possess the presence of God each step I take. I confess, "I am the redeemed of the Lord" Ps. 107:2; I possess redemption benefits every day. I confess, "the anointing of the Holy One abideth in me" 1 Jn. 2: 27; I possess yoke destroying results by this anointing” (Is. 10:27). I confess, "I am a branch of the Living Vine" Jn. 15:5; I possess Vine-life wherever I go. I confess, "I am the righteousness of God in Christ" 2 Cor. 5: 21; I possess the ability to stand freely in God's holy presence, and in Satan's presence as a victor! I confess, "I am a temple of the living God" 2 Cor. 6:16; I possess God dwelling in me, and walking in me! I confess, "My God shall supply all my need" Phil. 4: 19; I possess the supply of every need.
Contributor: Akin Akande |
