“ANOTHER VIEW OF FAITH” By Loren Larson Hebrews 11:39 – “And these all (Old Testament Saints), having obtained a good report through faith (refers to being Judged accordingly by the Holy Spirit), received not the Promise (the Messiah didn’t come during their times, but they had Faith He ultimately would come, and so He did!).” AN OVERVIEW Of fAITH In today’s Church world, the concepts of faith are promoted and preached consistently. Sadly, as important as faith is to the Believer, much of what is said or taught is not Biblical Faith. That is, the definitions, actions, or even objects of Faith that are tied to the term are centered on the wisdom of men and not upon the Word of God. So, be careful when it comes to what you read or hear about Faith. As a basic, all Faith should in some way be tied to the Person of Christ and the Work of Christ. Christ is the source of all that we need in this life and His Finished Work on Calvary made the way for the Lord to freely bring to the Believer everything and anything we may ever need and more. Salvation comes to us in this way. As a person places Faith in the Person of Jesus and His Atoning Death on the Cross, they can receive Salvation. Likewise, everything that the Believer receives from God is the result of the Gift coming from Christ in Heaven being funneled to us through the door that was opened by the Cross. However, I really don’t want to focus on these details today. I want to bring to you a simple thought that will encourage you to believe even when you haven’t yet received what you have been asking God for. THE BENEfIT Of fAITH The great Eleventh Chapter of Hebrews details the God sees. The Believer themselves would feel it, even recognize it, as the pain of circumstance or situation pushes them further down the avenue of Faith and dependence upon the One True Living God. They would be comforted daily by His Presence. They would rest securely within the confi nes of supernatural peace, even as they marched through the “shadow of the valley of death.” These would fi nd a Spiritual Table spread in the wilderness in the presence of their enemies, even though their physical table was laden with meager fare. These would learn true dependence, true reliance, true joy, true contentment, and true Holiness through the experience of being conformed into His Image in the midst of their trial. Despite consternation and even obvious heartbreak, they would not doubt or disbelieve in God’s Promise. Not freed from their earthly burdens they held fast to their Faith in God. To their last day, their last hour, in their last minute, and with their last breath they praised His Name. For their Faith was in Him and they were satisfi ed and content in just knowing Him. God Himself speaks of these in Hebrews 11:38, and describes them, “Of whom the world was not worthy.” Oh what benefi t! Oh what Gain! To lose myself and be found again, in Him! Therefore, the true measure of Faith is not found in the promise possessed, it is found in the promise believed! Lord, I believe!
Posted on: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 11:47:53 +0000
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