[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Scriptureclearly teaches that righteousness is NOT attained to justificationby the works of the law, but is obtained through faith in Jesus'finished work on the cross. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Rom3:28 Therefore we conclude that [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]aman is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thisfact most of us know and acknowledge as truth, myself included.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Butthe bible also teaches that "only believe" and faith alonewill not do the job either.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Butsome say that scripture teaches contrary saying;[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Rom4:3 For what saith the scripture? [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Abraham [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]believed[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif] God[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif],and it was counted unto him for righteousness. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]andlike;[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Joh3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begottenSon, that [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]whosoeverbelieveth[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]inhim should not perish, but have everlasting life. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]ButI submit to you that there is more than one kind of believing. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Forexample some definitions of "believe" is as follows;[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]1.To accept as true; take to be true[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]"Ibelieved his report"; "We didn't believe his stories fromthe War"; "She believes in spirits"[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]2. Judgeor regard; look upon[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]"Ibelieve her to be very smart"[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]3. Beconfident about something[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]"Ibelieve that he will come back from the war"[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]4.(religion) follow a credo; have a faith; be a believer[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]"Whenyou hear his sermons, you will be able to believe, too"[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Toput it simply;[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]1is based on facts.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]2is based on observations, as in, seeing things.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]3is confident, BUT not knowing for certain. In other words, HOPING ORWISHING.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]4I think is more along the lines of having faith in something orsomeone.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]5.And then there's the bible version of believe.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]2Co4:13 [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Wehaving the same spirit of faith[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif],according as it is written, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Ibelieved, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]andtherefore have I spoken[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]; [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]wealso believe, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]andtherefore speak[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]; [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thepoint is, one believes and therefore acts on and in accordance tothat specific belief. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Andthe scriptures call that, FAITH.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thework being done by the person in faith[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]is,the speaking or confessing.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Yes,that is a work of faith.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Jamesalso teaches that faith without works of faith is dead as well. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Jas2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hathfaith, and have not works? can [that do nothing] faith [or faithwithout corresponding works] save him? [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Theobvious answer is, NO. No salvation without a work of faith.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Hegoes on to say that faith without corresponding works is a dead oruseless faith. Meaning that it will NOT bear any fruit. Which againtranslates to, no salvation.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Onecannot have faith for salvation if they have only been taught thatGod heals through medications, treatment, and doctors.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Why?Because the words given have nothing to do with salvation.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Andsince faith comes by hearing, if they accept those words, their faithwill only be in the medications, treatments, and doctor's knowledgeand procedures. In other words, they will have faith in the naturalonly, not in God. I say that because they will act on what they havebeen taught and truly believe. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Ifyou teach people, like most are taught concerning healing, that Godmight save you or He might not, depending on what His will is, andthat you will never know what that is, then they will not nor canthey have ANY faith for God to save them. Why, because they don'tknow what God will do. They could say, "Well, I believe Hewill...", but the fact is, THEY DON'T KNOW, and therefore, ifthey do act on that info, will do so either with some apprehension orhope mixed with some doubt or question. They will be acting withoutany certainty of knowing. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Ifyou don't know what God will do, or what His will is, then you CANNOTand do NOT have faith in God to answer your prayer.
[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Evenif you're not sure if a medication, treatment, or doctor can takecare of the problem, you still have no faith, even though it is inthe natural. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]FAITH[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]issimply acting on what you [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]believeIN YOUR HEART[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif], [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]KNOWING[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]theend result, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]BEFORE[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]youbegin to act.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Ifyou don't know what the end result will be, then you are simplyhoping or wishing. And on the negative side, worrying or in fear.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Onthe flip side of things, fear, being the reciprocal of faith, isacting on something bad that you believe in your heart, or a workdone in fear, will happen. For example;[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Job1:5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were goneabout, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in themorning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of themall: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed Godin their hearts. Thus did Job continually. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Job3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, andthat which I was afraid of is come unto me. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Actingon that fear, which is a work, WILL cause it to manifest in thenatural, just like acting on your faith will cause it tomanifest, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]IF[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]YOUBELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT EITHER THE GOOD OR BAD WILL COME TOPASS. If your faith is in the natural, then the natural will come topass, and if it's in the supernatural, then that too will come topass. For it is written, "According to your faith be it [done]unto you", and "as thou hast believed, be it done untothee".[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Butwhether your faith is in the natural or in God, if it is forsomething good, then God WILL move in the situation, and whether itbe of faith or fear, good or bad, blessing or cursing, whateverbelief [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]youact on, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]will[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif] cometo pass.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Forthat is the law of faith and fear, according to the word of God.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Theword of God says that we are saved by the grace of God through faith,and that is to them that have acted on the knowledge of Jesus' workon the cross and God's faithfulness to keep or fulfill Hisword/promise to them that believe.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]BothPaul and James clearly tell us that we have to act on what webelieve, or our faith, in order for that faith to bear fruit. AndPaul shows that speaking words in faith, IS a work of faith. Thiswork or simple act on our part, is what causes what we desire to cometo pass, both in the natural and supernatural. But it is either aspirit of and from God or the devil that brings it about or thatcauses it to come to pass, depending on, if that which you acted onwas in faith or fear, or whether is was for a blessing or acurse. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Evenas there are different kinds of believing, the same hold true withworks.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thereare good and bad works that we do physically in the natural, thatcannot save or keep us saved.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thereare works of the law, that cannot save either. For no one can be goodenough to go to heaven. This we all know.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thereare no works, that give the same results as above. Zero timesanything always equals zero, and nothing done in faith produces thesame.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Andthen there are works of faith that justify. Without works of faith,there is no justification unto salvation, even as there is nosalvation without forgiveness of sins.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Iwould like to center mostly on the works of faith, because [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]"faithwithout works" or simply believing, produces nothing. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thereis a story of a man who tight roped across the Niagara Falls, in NY,and after He did that he ask everyone if they believe he could do itagain with someone on his shoulders, and everyone said, yes. Then heask, 'who believes enough to do it with me'. Guess how many peoplebelieved enough to actually act on that belief? [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Andthat is what we have in the church. A bunch of people saying they aresaved, and even believing the same, but because they failed to act onthe word of God, they are not.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]God'sunderstanding and definition of believing is notsimply [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]acknowledging[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]thatyou believe what God said about Jesus' work on the cross. If thegospel is not believed and received personally in your heart [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]ANDACTED UPON[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif],that person is not a born again believer. They are tares amongthe wheat. They will ever be learning but never able to come to thetruth if they continue in that state.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]AndRomans 10:8 - 10 backs that up.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Cananyone else see this?[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Rom3:28 Therefore we conclude that [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]aman is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thisfact most of us know and acknowledge as truth, myself included.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Butthe bible also teaches that "only believe" and faith alonewill not do the job either.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Butsome say that scripture teaches contrary saying;[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Rom4:3 For what saith the scripture? [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Abraham [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]believed[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif] God[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif],and it was counted unto him for righteousness. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]andlike;[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Joh3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begottenSon, that [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]whosoeverbelieveth[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]inhim should not perish, but have everlasting life. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]ButI submit to you that there is more than one kind of believing. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Forexample some definitions of "believe" is as follows;[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]1.To accept as true; take to be true[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]"Ibelieved his report"; "We didn't believe his stories fromthe War"; "She believes in spirits"[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]2. Judgeor regard; look upon[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]"Ibelieve her to be very smart"[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]3. Beconfident about something[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]"Ibelieve that he will come back from the war"[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]4.(religion) follow a credo; have a faith; be a believer[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]"Whenyou hear his sermons, you will be able to believe, too"[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Toput it simply;[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]1is based on facts.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]2is based on observations, as in, seeing things.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]3is confident, BUT not knowing for certain. In other words, HOPING ORWISHING.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]4I think is more along the lines of having faith in something orsomeone.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]5.And then there's the bible version of believe.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]2Co4:13 [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Wehaving the same spirit of faith[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif],according as it is written, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Ibelieved, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]andtherefore have I spoken[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]; [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]wealso believe, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]andtherefore speak[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]; [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thepoint is, one believes and therefore acts on and in accordance tothat specific belief. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Andthe scriptures call that, FAITH.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thework being done by the person in faith[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]is,the speaking or confessing.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Yes,that is a work of faith.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Jamesalso teaches that faith without works of faith is dead as well. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Jas2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hathfaith, and have not works? can [that do nothing] faith [or faithwithout corresponding works] save him? [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Theobvious answer is, NO. No salvation without a work of faith.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Hegoes on to say that faith without corresponding works is a dead oruseless faith. Meaning that it will NOT bear any fruit. Which againtranslates to, no salvation.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Onecannot have faith for salvation if they have only been taught thatGod heals through medications, treatment, and doctors.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Why?Because the words given have nothing to do with salvation.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Andsince faith comes by hearing, if they accept those words, their faithwill only be in the medications, treatments, and doctor's knowledgeand procedures. In other words, they will have faith in the naturalonly, not in God. I say that because they will act on what they havebeen taught and truly believe. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Ifyou teach people, like most are taught concerning healing, that Godmight save you or He might not, depending on what His will is, andthat you will never know what that is, then they will not nor canthey have ANY faith for God to save them. Why, because they don'tknow what God will do. They could say, "Well, I believe Hewill...", but the fact is, THEY DON'T KNOW, and therefore, ifthey do act on that info, will do so either with some apprehension orhope mixed with some doubt or question. They will be acting withoutany certainty of knowing. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Ifyou don't know what God will do, or what His will is, then you CANNOTand do NOT have faith in God to answer your prayer.
[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Evenif you're not sure if a medication, treatment, or doctor can takecare of the problem, you still have no faith, even though it is inthe natural. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]FAITH[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]issimply acting on what you [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]believeIN YOUR HEART[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif], [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]KNOWING[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]theend result, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]BEFORE[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]youbegin to act.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Ifyou don't know what the end result will be, then you are simplyhoping or wishing. And on the negative side, worrying or in fear.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Onthe flip side of things, fear, being the reciprocal of faith, isacting on something bad that you believe in your heart, or a workdone in fear, will happen. For example;[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Job1:5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were goneabout, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in themorning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of themall: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed Godin their hearts. Thus did Job continually. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Job3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, andthat which I was afraid of is come unto me. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Actingon that fear, which is a work, WILL cause it to manifest in thenatural, just like acting on your faith will cause it tomanifest, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]IF[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]YOUBELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT EITHER THE GOOD OR BAD WILL COME TOPASS. If your faith is in the natural, then the natural will come topass, and if it's in the supernatural, then that too will come topass. For it is written, "According to your faith be it [done]unto you", and "as thou hast believed, be it done untothee".[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Butwhether your faith is in the natural or in God, if it is forsomething good, then God WILL move in the situation, and whether itbe of faith or fear, good or bad, blessing or cursing, whateverbelief [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]youact on, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]will[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif] cometo pass.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Forthat is the law of faith and fear, according to the word of God.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Theword of God says that we are saved by the grace of God through faith,and that is to them that have acted on the knowledge of Jesus' workon the cross and God's faithfulness to keep or fulfill Hisword/promise to them that believe.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]BothPaul and James clearly tell us that we have to act on what webelieve, or our faith, in order for that faith to bear fruit. AndPaul shows that speaking words in faith, IS a work of faith. Thiswork or simple act on our part, is what causes what we desire to cometo pass, both in the natural and supernatural. But it is either aspirit of and from God or the devil that brings it about or thatcauses it to come to pass, depending on, if that which you acted onwas in faith or fear, or whether is was for a blessing or acurse. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Evenas there are different kinds of believing, the same hold true withworks.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thereare good and bad works that we do physically in the natural, thatcannot save or keep us saved.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thereare works of the law, that cannot save either. For no one can be goodenough to go to heaven. This we all know.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thereare no works, that give the same results as above. Zero timesanything always equals zero, and nothing done in faith produces thesame.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Andthen there are works of faith that justify. Without works of faith,there is no justification unto salvation, even as there is nosalvation without forgiveness of sins.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Iwould like to center mostly on the works of faith, because [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]"faithwithout works" or simply believing, produces nothing. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thereis a story of a man who tight roped across the Niagara Falls, in NY,and after He did that he ask everyone if they believe he could do itagain with someone on his shoulders, and everyone said, yes. Then heask, 'who believes enough to do it with me'. Guess how many peoplebelieved enough to actually act on that belief? [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Andthat is what we have in the church. A bunch of people saying they aresaved, and even believing the same, but because they failed to act onthe word of God, they are not.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]God'sunderstanding and definition of believing is notsimply [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]acknowledging[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]thatyou believe what God said about Jesus' work on the cross. If thegospel is not believed and received personally in your heart [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]ANDACTED UPON[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif],that person is not a born again believer. They are tares amongthe wheat. They will ever be learning but never able to come to thetruth if they continue in that state.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]AndRomans 10:8 - 10 backs that up.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Cananyone else see this?[/FONT]