Ends, Means and Promises.

There is a saying in the world: ’The end justifies the means.’ So the people of this age are content to put in all of their human exertion with the end of materializing their heart’s wishes and objectives. They have to make it at all cost. Can we blame them? No one wants to be left behind.

Abraham and Sara are very eager to have a child and so they take a little from this philosophy. Just a little,  so that they can have a child and then resume serving their great God.They tag-team with Hagar the handmaid to get one and the result is Ishmael. For a while Abraham enjoys his little son and he brings him much comfort. A little computation with on scriptural information easily reveals that for the next 13 years, God does not make contact with him.

As soon as he turns 99 years, God appears to him. His son Ishmael is rejected, to make room for Isaac who will be born 1 year from the current date. Abraham is heartbroken and the Lord out of the goodness of his heart pledges to make him into a man of mighty stature. You see this couple did something that a lot of Christians attempt today. They tried to help God! When the road is rough, when the forecast gets gloomy, there is tendency to doubt that God can and will com through with his promise. So we take matters into our own hands.

The only thing that will survive or pass the test is that born from promise. And the promise can only come through travail via faith and patience.

12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Unfortunately there is no short cut or way out. Ishmael was rejected for this very reason. As Christian we mean well, since we have the nature of Christ, but perhaps because we want to impress  others or are listening to family members we fall.

We say we believe, but when the road gets rough we look to the left and to the right to ensure no one is looking. Then we pull a fast one. You need a job so you ‘exaggerate’ your credentials on your resume and perhaps end up landing that position. You have believed God for a spouse and it appears that time is not on your side. So you compromise and marry an unbeliever that you plan on ‘transforming.’  As a Pastor, you want to increase the size of you congregation. It has been the same size for the longest. You water down the message or do something even more effective; pervert it. Over the course of time, the Ishmaels that are produced from these transactions are not only rejected but will mock and persecute our Isaacs. The ramifications are so much worse and painful. Abraham had a problem beliving God at 86 years, now he has to believe him at 99 years of age. Is it not so much better and more peaceful to believe that God knows what is best and wait for him?

The verdict is unanimous: shame and reproach are on the sidelines for those who pursue the path of faith. Abram’s name was changed to Abraham before he ever had a child. He was to be called an exalted father by the likes of the ungodly Canaanites. They must have had him in derision. The wisdom of God will always be foolishness to those in the flesh. But look at the exceeding reward that God worked in his life. At that particular time they believed that when a man turned 100, it was impossible for him to father a child. So God waited. Abraham had Isaac on his birthday at 100 years of age.

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. 12 Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

We need to avoid hastening God’s word to perform it for him. Even more important we need to understand that God prefers to work through the impossible so that we know that he did it. Ishmael was unacceptable since with God, the means justifies the end.

Wisdom To See

James 1:2 ‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.’

The first verse in this passage is ubiquitously misinterpreted. The word ‘worketh’ should really be rendered ‘requireth’. We can all agree that the things you have gone through, are going through, do not make you feel patient. Instead they stir you up to be impatient, because you want them to be over so that you can move on with your life. However, if you are patient, and persevere in the circumstance or situation, which has been placed in your path to sculpture you into the image of Christ, you come out victorious. God is asking us to exercise patience.

So, then the scripture should read that the trial of your faith requireth patience. Now, there is mention in this scripture of ‘divers’, implying that there is a plethora of situations and circumstances that we go through in this current life. These are all tailored by the Lord to each believer according to his or her uniqueness and stage in the Christian walk. The ultimate goal is to get us to put all of our faith in God, and none in the flesh (natural ability) or in man. Yes, the Spirit wants to transfer the contents of our entire self-confidence portfolio to the Lord’s might. This is critical since if you can’t trust God you are useless in his Kingdom.

Let us keep in mind that the book of James, like all others is a letter written to believers. As in all letters, there is always a sequential unfolding of thought; an orderly narrative if you will. So we always do ourselves a great deal of injustice when apply a ‘scrap book’ analysis of scripture. We should then be careful not to take scriptures from different sections of the bible and string them together without respecting their contexts. Or even borrow contexts from other passages and use them to interpret scripture. James commences by saying that if we need wisdom we are to ask God. Why does he shift from admonishing us about our trials and tribulations to the subject of wisdom? What is the nexus between trials and wisdom? Does Brother James have Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD)? Is that why he can’t  seem to hold a thought here and is switching gears?

You are at home expecting a first-time guest to come over and have dinner. You want to entertain this guest to the best of your ability. The problem arising is that you know nothing of this individual and his or her preferences. Then someone tells you that he or she is a vegetarian. You are now better equipped to serve, please and get along with the arriving guest, since you will know what type of dishes would be to his or her liking. In a similar way, when it come to the things that we go through as Christians, we can’t deny that having an insight to not just what we are going through, but why it is very beneficial. It heightens our patience with God. Wisdom is necessary, because we need to know why some of these things are in our path. What are we being prepared for? What is the flaw being corrected?

Our ‘prosperity ministers’ will try to blame some of these problems you are facing on your lack of faith, but this is not always true. This is the only way they can authenticate or justify their covetous messages designed to keep you engaged. It is no wonder that they have turned the doctrine of simple faith and prosperity into a multi-million dollar franchise, as you keep subsidizing their lifestyle by purchasing their merchandise i.e. cds, tapes books etc. Abraham is reveled as a man of faith. One is wondering how many books of sort he had in his tent. Truth be told, faith is not really that complicated, after all Jesus told his disciples that if they had mustard seed faith, they could move mountains. You must have at least that!

Unfortunately, we can’t rely on the Pastor or man of God to answer questions of this sort. There is so much diversity in the Body, so that no one can have an answer for all of its members. No one should try to! Consolation comes because Apostle James has given us a template to know that tribulations are for a reason. Perhaps we can start from here. By having the wisdom that being advocated in this passage, we are able to discern and distinguish.

James goes on to say that we should count them happy that endure. This is for the simple reason, not all Christians suffer these things, just like not all were stoned or shipwrecked like Paul. Some of us have our challenges ranging from finances and career to childbirth and marriage. If you are ‘believing’, living right and praying, only to find the situation or circumstance has not been resolved, then let it run its course. Christians endure for different durations and intensity. It is usually those prepared for something significant that endure at the highest and longest.

We have read about Hannah in the bible, who was not only barren, but had her husband’s other wife humiliate and provoke her. This happened to the extent that she made a vow to God to dedicate her first born son. The product of this vow was Samuel, one of the greatest leaders and prophet of Israel. Her nemesis was a tool that God placed in her path to bring her to that point.  It was not because she was a wicked woman who engaged in practice of witch craft at night time. Eventually in scripture, we see that she went on to have even more children. In fullness of time, God will always remove the temptation and even make up for the lost time.

The bible tells us that the God works all things not according to this will but the ‘counsel of his will’ and that we should be filled with the knowledge of his will. He goes not with ease but with what is deemed the wisest course of action in your life.

Eph 1:11 ‘In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:’

Col 1:9 ‘For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;’

So if you want to understand God, the things and will of God, occurring in your life, you have to get wisdom and spiritual understanding so that you can see, understand, appreciate and above all endure. If you want to get wisdom, you have to get the Word and get God’s modus-operandi. That’s easy, you just have to study the bible and pray. So far you are on the ride track. You will now be in a position as you acquire wisdom and have insight, to count it joy  and even give thanks by faith, for all that you are going through.

Right now is it getting to you and robbing you of your peaceof mind? It is written:

James 5:13 ‘Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.’

When the thing in your life has served its purpose, it will be removed.

1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

When God Offends You.

Martha entertains Jesus and his entourage. She is busy preparing and getting things ready to serve Jesus. We can also say that this is all for his comfort, so there is technically nothing wrong here. Mary on the other hand sits obsequiously at his feet listening and receiving his word. According to the Lord, this is what’s important. He is very fond of these two and also their brother named Lazarus.

John 11:1 ‘Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) 3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.’

At some point in time, Lazarus falls sick and Jesus is updated. The message is very clear: the guy you hung out with is sick, come and show your loyalty. Let fondness be transformed into action, Perform one of those miracles you have done in other places.  The scripture tells us that Jesus loved Lazarus, but then goes further on to give contradictory action. Jesus loves Lazarus but stays behind as a result of this love.

‘Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. 7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.’

This makes no sense at all. According to our humanistic way of thinking, if Jesus loved Lazarus immediately, he should have gotten off his behind, hopped on a donkey and headed straight for Bethany.  Jesus stays put.  There is a revelation to be gotten here.  To love others, is to step aside for the will of God to be done and not to hastily respond. Eventually when Jesus receives the signal from the Spirit, he heads out to Bethany.

‘Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.’

When Martha hears that he is close to town, she rushes to greet him. It seems in those days, this was the protocol in receiving either someone of his stature or someone who was so close. But Mary the disciple stays put. You would have expected things to be the other way around, with Martha staying behind cooking and murmuring  and Mary heading out. Instead Mary is the one offended in Jesus. She feels he did not come through. Martha on the other hand, is not happy with the outcome of things, but she is content.

Whenever we enter into a relationship, whether business, personal or spiritual, there are bound to be points of tension initially. We get chagrined when our needs, requests and desires are not met or met in the manner we would like. This is because we are not fully familiar with the other party. Over the course of time, we get acclimated with their manners, habits and personality, and so we settle in. The more you expect, the more disappointed you may become. This is especially true for those who truly care for the relationship and seek progression. Let’s take the case of two women who find out about the infidelities of their husbands. One is very distraught while the other is just a little peeved.  It is easy to understand that the former seeks a relationship based on intimacy, while the latter social salvation. The latter gets married so that she can have a home and raise children, because society says this is the proper thing to do.  Her husband cheating on her may be a little humiliating, but it is really not a big deal. She has a family. The former has invested so much into the relationship only to be betrayed.

Mary is an emblem of the Christian who seeks God and wants to have results. She is diligent to try and learn about him, with the hope that she can manifest his glory in her life. Mary has expectations. She sat at his feet listening to him and now when she calls on him, he is not to be found. Regardless of the way we may think, she is practicing Christianity. If God can’t come through or be there for us when we need him, what good is he? We don’t need God to fail or fall, we can do that all by ourselves!

Martha is a type of the Christian who wants to live apart from God. She is fully sufficient in the things that her life has to offer and in herself. She is lost in things that are not really unnecessary but relatively insignificant to deep things of God. God cannot disappoint, because there is no expectation in the first place. There is no expectation since she does not really believe or even pay heed to the things of God. Many of us who belong in this  cadre are scared to trust God; because we are secretly afraid we might find out he doesn’t  really deliver. So, when she meets Jesus, she patronizes him. When Jesus tries to inform her of the glory just about to be manifested, she gives another perfunctory response, deferring the glory to a future resurrection in another dispensation.

‘Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.’

The Lord narrows in on her, speaking less vaguely  that he has resurrecting power. Salvation is now! There is a deficiency in spiritual intimacy here; she is practicing something known as religion. Eventually to smooth things over, she will set up her sister into believing that the Lord has requested for her so that she can go to welcome him. This form of deception is an accoutrement of religious Christians, who always feel compelled  to present a front. Reading on in the passage, we witness her demonstrate more doubt in the form of her hesitancy to open the tomb of Lazarus, on the grounds that his corpse would have rotted.

28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

The Lord gets to the grave of Lazarus, and we have what can very well be the most succint scripture in the Holy Bible; ‘Jesus Wept.’ At some point we need to start warming up to the notion that Jesus is the image of God just as it is written in John 14:9, that “…he that hath seen me hath seen the father…” In all the trials, temptations and tribulation, the compassion and empathy of God is present. He is not happy that we have to go through these things, but his wisdom, the counsel of his will, has determined that these trials are necessary to conform us to the image of his son, Jesus Christ. In this case God keeps everyone waiting because he wants the situation to look so impossible from the natural standpoint. Yes sometimes he actually wants you in the Lion’s den,  in the midst of the dangerous lions, before he delivers you.

The story ends wonderfully. Lazarus is resurrected, his body having spent 4 days in the tomb.  God is glorified in his life. Martha is back serving the Lord with revelation and not religion. Mary has witnessed him the power of God and so worships him with her prized possession. There is a lesson to be learned: God always comes through, but not always at the time or in the manner we expect. Let us all learn.

John 12: 1 ‘Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.’

Job.

Does God only send good things our way?  If you listen to a lot of the Prosperity Ministers, you come out this impression: Christians should not suffer, that there are ‘faith tools’ , so that every thing that occurs in your life is just rosy and pretty. I feel the book of Job provides a framework to understand this issue. Jesus told his disciples that he beheld Satan fall like lightening (Luke 10:18). What dispensation was he referring to? We know that at some point the devil orchestrated a rebellion, wherein he tried to exalt himself to the level of the most high. But, the book of revelation speaks about a future event, where the devil is to be cast out from heaven, down to the earth.

Revelation 12:7 ‘And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.’

To accuse someone implies there have to be at least three parties. The one doing the accusing, the one being accussed and the one hearing the accusations being made. So, between now and the above event we can conclude Satan has been very busy. As you can see he has been accusing the brethren and will continue to do so until this event unfolds

Job is presented in the scriptures as a man who was perfect in heart and despised evil. Something also worth noticing, is his spiritual policy of trying to atone for the transgression of his children.

Job1:4 ‘And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.’

There is actually no provision for this under the old covenant, to atone for others just in case they had sinned inwardly. Job was  meticulous when it came to sin: knowing the havoc it could wreck, he did not want to leave any stone unturned.

Now we are told that the devil came amongst the other angels to present himself to God. Any prudent disciple should be stunned to read this. After all, what is the devil doing talking to God? What fellowship does light have with darkness? The ‘Candy Store’ evangelists of today  never account for this in their treatment of the Job book or in delivering their sermons. I remained convinced this is because it impinges on their overarching and insincere prosperity message,  crafted to appeal commercially to the masses. If you heard that mafia boss John Gotti and President Obama were in the Lincoln room having tea, wouldn’t you demand an explanation? I am certain that you would.

Most of us have at the very best-case scenario, Sunday School understanding of God. We would be shocked to find out some of his inner workings, that may change  our perspective of him.

Isaiah 45:7 ‘I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.’

Does this sound like the God that you know or think you know.There are many more instances in the bible, but for now it suffices to say he uses both evil and good to accomplish his  eternal purpose. He uses even the cursed one, the devil, to accomplish it. Remember how Jesus chose Judas as one of his apostles, gave him sod and urged him to betray him quickly? Satan entered and moved Judas immediately! He is the only wise God. Even when the wicked think they are getting away with something, he is still in control.

God and not Satan brings up the subject of Job. He praises the man for his virtues and the devil’s response is that  Job only serves God for the wonderful things that he does in his life. God has blessed Job and this is why he honors God.

Job 1:8 ‘And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.’

It is agreed that Job is to be tested and so the devil is off, causing havoc in the life of Job. Although he has been given one caveat: he is not to touch Job’s life at all. Satan destroys the property of Job, and kills his sons and daughters, but still this man holds fast to his integrity and reverence for God.

Job1:19 ‘And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.’

The scripture tells us that Job did not sin or foolishly accuse God. So clearly  his allegation that God had given and taken away his blessings is in order!

Again the angels of God attend another general meeting. Again the devil is present. God brings up the issue of Job, and Satan makes a more compelling reason as to why this man of God has held to his faith; it is beacuse he still has his health. So, it is agreed that Satan may compromise the health of Job. He inflicts him with horrible boils. But Job still clings to his faith in God.

What follows is a sequence of soliloquies, where his friend parade their knowledge in the things of God and foolishly accuse him of doing something to bring about these events in his life. It is a big enough challenge to fully comprehend what is going on in your life. How much more that of another Christian. There are times when it is right to just hold our peace at what we see happening to another brother or sister. You will have  Christians who will insist on showing you how much of God they know and try to chime in on your ‘situation.’

Eventually God comes through for Job and restores back a double portion of all that the devil has taken away. This is evidently to compensate him for everything he has endured. Furthermore to demonstrate his favor and close relationship with his Job, he has asked him to pray and intercede for his friends who have transgressed by speaking inadvisedly about his trial.

Job relatives came and consoled him over all the ‘…evil that the Lord had brought upon him’ The word of God speaks for itself.

Job42:11 ‘Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him:every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. 12 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. 13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.’

The Job incident is not printed in the bible to entertain, but rather to edify and let us see gain valuable  insight into the spiritual dimension of the tests we go through in this life.  Every time the devil goes before God, God brags about us to him. Satan presents his excuses as to why we serve God: If sister so and so loses her house she will not serve God anymore. If brother so and so loses his high paying job, he will backslide. If family so and so’s child falls sick and dies, they will question  God. While the devil wants to crush our spirit and faith with trials and temptation, God wants to use these to strengthen and perfect the very same things.

Be exhorted. Don’t let anyone tell you that the reason why you are going through your storm, is because you have no faith or because you are living in sin. That is not always the case. Furthermore, God has promised he will not “…suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able.” You can pass your test in flying colors like Job did his.

Prov 27:11 ‘My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.’

The Mystery of Faith.

Many Christians have questions on the subject of faith. What is it? How do we get it? Why is necessary to have it? Many are very eager to comprehend it, especially since they have come to believe that it may be the nexus between their current situation and their ‘blessings.’ Hopefully, we can get a clearer picture by studying scriptural references.

Let’s start off by recalling the incident where Jesus raises the little girl.Upon arriving at the house of Jairus, to perform a wonder [Lk 8:52], Jesus immediately asseses the situation and gives the professional mourners his ‘verdict’ .

Luke 8:52: ” And all wept and bewailed her;but he said, Weep not: she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.”

We know that these people were not stupid, they must have at least taking her pulse or listened to her heart before coming to such a conclusion. Well,was she dead or wasn’t she? We find ourselves confused.

The Fig Tree anecdote captures the Holy Spirit in action [Mk 11:14]. Jesus curses the tree and we are just told that the disciples hear. There is no visible manifestation. As we keep reading, on their way back to Jerusalem the next day from Bethany, they encounter the fig tree withered. But another gospel, that of Matthew, records that “…presently the fig tree withered.” Did the fig tree wither right away or did it not? So we have run into a similar problem with the Holy Spirit as well. Jesus and the Holy Spirit appear to have similar lines of action. Again, we find ourselves confused.

What about the heavenly father? Let’s see if he is plagued with a similar peccadillo as the other two members of the Godhead. Abraham is a perfect subject to probe, since he is the one the scripture seems bent on patronizing, when it comes to the subject of faith. Let’s start off at Genesis [17:4] and look at what God said to him. Here it is written

Genesis 17:4: “As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thous shalt be a father of many nations”.

This is clearly a promise to this man of God; however, we get a conflicting message in the following verse.

Genesis 17:4: “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thay name shalt be called; for a father of many nations have I made thee.”

Here, his name is to be changed to Abraham, since God has made him a “…father of many nations.” If somebody told you they were going to do something, and turned around and said they had already done it, you would be a little perplexed. God appears to be either confused or trying to confuse Abraham. At this point, it seems that the Heavenly Father is even worse!

Many years ago, when I first came to the United States, I lived with my Guardians. Every summer my aunt picked up where she had left off with her garden hobby. Consequently, she always needed to water her garden located at the rear of the house. Guess who was in charge of taking out the water hose, connecting it and bring it to the back from the front? You guessed it, me. After I had hooked up the hose and dragged it over to her garden, I now had to run back and turn on the water pump. After I had done so, the water would take sometime to find its way along long pipe to her garden. Getting impatient she would ask me to turn it on. I would respond “It is on.” To which she would reply, “it is not.” Any onlooker would be left with impression I had intentionally gone through all that work, only to NOT turn on the water supply. After a few more minutes, I would hear her voice again, and this time with a little less patience “Turn it on Lloyd!” And then as if the water was listening it would come out, making it all look as though I had just turned it on.

Of course this explanation is simple to comprehend. From her frame of reference, the garden, with the water hose in her hand, she could see no water. She was right to insist the water was not on. But, however from my frame of reference, I was right, the water was on. Two beliefs, based on two separate frames of references. Like most people in Christianity, the wailers in the Jarius situation, they believe what they see.

To understand this paradox, a soft reset on our assumptions of biblical faith is required. Let’s go back to what I have come to believe is the faith blueprint, the book of Hebrews. Let us look at first verse of the eleventh chapter, where we get Apostle Paul’s definition of faith.

Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

This biblical verse captures two definitions of faith, for two separate frames of reference. The first is the spiritual or more commonly the unseen realm,  while the second is the natural or physical realm that we are accustomed to. Whenever God responds to a situation, he makes a ‘deposit’ into the spiritual realm.  We actually receive what we have asked.Through the passage of time –just like in the case of the water pump — it ripples into the natural realm. The first half of the verse’s definition, which defines faith as ‘…the substance of things hoped for…” pertains to the natural realm. Here the Christian has an expectation or a hope that has not yet materialized. Interesting enough the  word ‘substance’ in the Greek language is  a word ‘hypostasis’ that actually should have been rendered ‘confidence.’ Most Christians dwell too much in this realm, because they walk by sight and not faith. However, in this realm you can have confidence that the petition is going to be manifested. The second half refers to the spiritual realm where God or the Kingdom of God responds immediately. Here we are taught that “… faith is the evidence of things not seen.” Believers have to believe what God says about a situation that they find themselves in. Based on what frame you are operating on, you will have a different answer, perspective of whatever challenge you are going through or dream that you are hoping to materialize.

Your heavenly father lives in the spiritual realm, and so his frame of reference is instantaneous. When he spoke to Abraham, he spoke from two frames. Telling him he was a father of many nations, and that he was going to be a father of many nations. When Jesus cursed the fig tree, the Holy Spirit, pronounced it withered, and the next day the disciples witnessed the manifestation. Let us keep in mind that they had to passed through that same route on their way out of Jerusalem. When Jesus saw the little girl, he declared her to be asleep, even though she was technically dead from the natural standpoint.

So, where does faith come in? What purpose does it serve? Whenever we as believers, are going through ‘something’ we usually ask God to intervene. We usually get a perspective from the word of God, as to how the situation has been resolved, coming in form of a promise. Our job as believers is simply to believe the word.See article entitled:The Way of the Sower. But believing can be challenging, because we need something else to sustain and convince us. That thing would be ‘evidence’. A jury would convict a suspect, because they believe he is guilty, based on evidence such as a gun, blood or eyewitness testimony. The word  ’evidence’ used in Hebrews 11:1 is rendered as ‘title deed’ in the Greek language. There faith is the title deed of something you do not see. That means the thing really does exist. The tap is already on with water flowing through the pipe. We just don’t see it at the other end yet.

As a very young Christian, I heard a popular televangelist, define faith as ‘acting’ on what you believe. Seeing how ‘prosperous’ he was and being very naive, I swallowed that definition hook line and sinker. However, even in the Greek language, the word for faith, ‘pistris’ is a noun and not a verb. As you know, a verb is a word that connotes action, while a noun could be a thing, name of a person,place etc. This realization precludes his definition from being regraded as concise. What can be said in favor of this inaccurate definition, is that faith is displayed whenever a Christian acts on what he or she believes.

My fellow believer, faith is what persuades us to believe, by supplying the evidence; it is the active-ingredient of belief. It is also the sixth sense. Furthermore faith is contained in the words of God. Consequently, the scripture refers to the ‘word of faith’. We get faith by meditating on the word of God, because the scripture says, in the book of Romans, that ‘faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.’ You are sick, so you are coughing; it is ok to tell your unbelieving friends that you are sick when they ask you. But, I recommend you risk being laughed to scorn like Jesus and tell them you are healed. Something drastic happens when we take bolds stands in the Kingdom of God. All you are doing is speaking from the natural perspective. You have the confidence of getting well from faith. This is your expectation. My personal definition of faith: the ability from God to believe God. It should be no wonder that the scripture says that “…all things are possible to him that believeth.”

Many Christian ministers and pastors are quick to reference the 6th verse of Hebrews 11, in saying that faith pleases God. What they need to do is to further clarify the reason this is so. It suffices to say God is only pleased when we serve him by doing his will; what is right. However we as people and Christian will only embark on such tasks if we believe that there is really a God who will reward or punish. Or else what would be the point of expending such efforts of time, effort and other pertinent resources? These minister focus on the first segment of this verse. When we read further, we understand why we need faith to please God. We need assurance of not just his existences but of his faithfulness in rewarding those who reach out to him. To keep believing, keep your eyes on the word of God, what it says about your current situation or circumstance. Also keep studying your bible. I recommend you invest in a good concordance such as the Strong’s Concordance to aid you. Study the word!

The Predestination Doctrine.

We have all been taught to believe that God is a good God, who wants all of us to be saved. But upon reading the scriptures, the disciple is confronted with words that confound and shock his or her  finite minds.

John 6:65: ”Therefore said I, no man can come unto me, except it were given to him of my father. ”

This would seem to imply that those who don’t come to Jesus, do not have it given to them of his father. He also says to his disciples that they have not chosen him, but he has chosen them. How can these things be, we ask ourselves? The pareadox is futher amplified when we read in the Romans, “Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated.” This reference Paul points out was made even before the children were born. So God clearly had a preference. The sovereignty of God is captured when he says that he has the right to have mercy on whom he will have mercy. Many more references stating that ” …for whom he did foreknow, whom he did predestinate…”. Clearly the scripture is alluding that there is some tampering or meddling from God that determines our destiny. But, all of these passages seem to conflict with another found in that of the Timothy book revealing God wants “…all men to have salvation and come unto the knowledge of the truth [1Tim2:1-4].”

Whenever we come across passages in the bible that conflict, we need to stop and consider that perhaps it is actually our interpretation or extrapolations of the passages that are in conflict. Furthermore, we also need to ensure that we are reading in the correct context. Paul encouraged Timothy to study the word so that he could ‘rightly divide’ the word of truth. Let’s do this.

There are two words that we should try to avoid confusing. The first is ‘service’ and the other is ‘salvation.’ The former relates to the calling or purpose of God in the life of the believer, while the latter has to do with receiving eternal life and being saved. All the above passage from the book of John is saying is that it takes two to tango. For anyone to be saved it requires the will of the individual and the power of God; both have to be on board for salvation. God is no respecter of persons. He draws all and reaches out to all, but it is only those that want to serve him that eventually come to him. Therefore no flesh can or should boast in his presence.

As pertaining to Esau and Jacob, the issue being addressed is that of service. God does decide who he is going to assign a particular purpose to and it is his prerogative. He is the one reconciling the world to himself, by himself and for himself. He decides what role each believer will play in the body of Christ. A common scenario that plays out, is when an individual who has great singing ability or a nice voice obtains salvation. The new believer feels encouraged by his will or those around him to join the choir since he or she can ‘sing’. However, this may not necessarily be the will of God for the believer for a number of reasons. First, the Lord may have called the Christian to some other purpose such as a pastor, usher or even to become a successful business man. Second, the the ability to sing in the choir is a spiritual gift that comes from the holy spirit as opposed to the natural one that this individual has. Perhaps he or she to stick to singing in the shower.There are many instances like this, that entail cases where Christians who because of their eloquence or charisma feel that they are ‘called’ to be pastors or evangelists etc. They get on the pulpit and the anointing is lacking. God does the calling! He called Jacob even before he had swindled his brother, to affirm that purposes and calling have nothing to do with how good we are. Lets us keep in mind that Esau is a more likable person than Jacob in that he is an alpha-male;out in the field and hunting for game, whereas Jacob is presented in Genesis as being ‘plain’ and somewhat introverted, living in tents. All bets would have been on Esau. Furthermore, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart into not letting his people go, not from believing or serving him. This is a very important point to remember and distinction to make.

On the issue of predestination, the scripture lets us know that there is indeed predestination or election, but it is preceded by foreknowledge. God knows all does that really want to serve him and love him from the beginning of time. The passage informs us that the things that happen to us as believers, may be painful individually, but put together they are working marvelous things in our lives and for the purpose of God.Why? Because God destined these things. His overarching objective is to make us look like his wonderful son Jesus Christ. Since we are all unique, we all respond to different situations and unique stimuli. Some of these may be pleasant and some unpleasant. We can all relate to situations where after praying to God to deliver us from certain outcomes, he did not! We took out our tools of ‘faith and prosperity scriptures,’ and confessed night and day, but no results materialized. We wondered why. It is because these things were put in our cup for us to drink.

When we understand and digest, we see that God does indeed want all of mankind to be saved. He is a loving God.

Does God’s Word Always Come True?

This would seem like a silly question to ask ‘Does God’s Word Always Come True?’. How can any true Christian doubt that the word of God comes true. We are all have our respective opinions, but perhaps we  should find out what the word of God has to say about the word of God.

After  Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus receives the message from the angel, she goes to spend some time with her cousin Elizabeth. Upon seeing her, the scripture informs us that Elizabeth begins to prophecy under the influence of the Holy Spirit. What she says  or rather what the Spirit of God says is

Luke 1:45 : ”And blessed is she that believed for there shall be a performance of those things which were told here from the Lord.”

Even though  the Lord had spoken these sacred things too Mary, they would not have come to pass unless she actually believed them. This is a deep and profound truth that the Lord expounded upon in the ‘parable of the sower’ Please see article entitled: the way of the sower.

The same angel appeared to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, husband of Elizabeth, just before he was born. We are told that he was struck dumb because he refused to believe the words of the angel. Why? He was not the first unbeliever to come in contact with God. So why did he have to be struck dumb?  Not believing the words spoken, his unbelief would have choked and impeded the word of God from manifesting. By not believing the word, Zacharias would have commenced to the stage of confessing negatively and hence nullifying it. Proverbs tells us that death and life are indeed in the power of the tongue [Prov18:21].My fellow believer, words are powerful.So it was the wisdom of God to leash the tongue of this man. Can you imagine that an angel stood right before him, yet he could not or would not believe the word of God? As soon as the promise came to fruition, his tongue was loosed. What a coincidence!

Many Christians think that unbelief is a  cute thing God overlooks and brushes under the rug.It is not. In fact we are told in the book of revelations, that the ‘fearful and unbelieving’ will be cast into the lake of fire [Revelation 21:8]. Concerning the spies in the old testament, who went to check out the land, the bible informs us that the unbelieving ones brought back an ‘evil report’. Because of this, the children of Israel could not make it to the promised land. Even more jarring, the two namely Joshua and Caleb who had a good report, had to wait 40 years to inherit their promises.They had to wait just so that the unbelievers could die off. God is serious about this stuff ‘unbelief.’ In the book of Hebrew, Paul refers to an ‘evil heart of unbelief’ [Hebrew3:12]. He calls unbelief evil, because that’s what it really is.

God is counting on us as Christians and ‘believers’ to believe his word. Many have forgone their blessing only to live compromised lives. I remain persuaded the reason he was so impressed with Abraham, that he credited righteousness to him was because Abraham was faithful. He needed Abraham and the man came through by believing. When a believer hears the word, it is at the very best case scenario in the heart. As he or she continues to believe it, it grows to penetrate your circumstance. The word is now in your life. This is the word that the kingdom of God is swift to perform. God’s word comes true, only when we believe it!