Tag: faith in God

Swine

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

 In our thief series, I would like to draw your attention to another adversary. I’m sure you have heard of this one. SWINE have not been given a bad reputation for nothing!

So much controversy over this creature, and with good reason! Swine are interesting animals. For one thing, they are highly intelligent! They are social animals that use their snouts as sensory receptors. They have good memories, are inquisitive, emotional, playful, and very strategic in their mission![1]

Why do I mention this? You should realize that Swine are not to be underestimated by any means. 

Pigs, like people, have similar digestive systems with similar diets. Both are omnivores who dine on meat, roots, and seeds.

The book of Leviticus tells us that under the law, Swine are to be avoided as edible meats. The reason is both metaphorical and physical. (Leviticus 11:27) 

Physically Swine have a similar digestive system as humans. In fact, Swine are very similar to humans in genetics, anatomy, and physiology. [2]

Swine were considered unclean under the law because rather than eating grass strictly, they ate just about anything else!

Swine are not able to digest cellulose. Swine eat calorie-dense food. Plus, they are not too particular, either. They will even eat human corpses and feces.

Swine carry parasites that, even when cooking, may not be destroyed. Swine meat can carry trichinosis, which will cause sickness and sometimes even death. It is recommended to cook pork very well done! Trichinosis is a health problem worldwide.

Historically speaking, some civilizations have always avoided eating pork. Namely, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Israel. However, the Romans loved eating pork. [3] Romans also sacrificed Swine to their gods.[4]

Now we come to the metaphorical aspect of the Swine. In the New Testament, Jesus says to his disciples, ‘Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces.” Matthew 7:6 

Swine were considered unclean under the law of God, but they also metaphorically meant Gentiles or unbelievers. Since the Gentiles have come to salvation because of the sacrifice of the lamb of God Jesus Christ, we can deduce that Swine today, metaphorically speaking, are the unbelieving or those outside the New Covenant of God or his promises.

By New Covenant, I mean the one that has replaced, and may I emphasize replaced, the Old Covenant. Obedience to the letter of the law has been replaced by life and liberty in the Holy Spirit!

Now I know some Christians believe we are still obligated to obey the law, and some, even today, want to bring the born-again Gentile under obligation to Jewish festivals. These, however, are wrong doctrines.

The Bible says explicitly that the Old Covenant has been replaced by the New Covenant!

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. Hebrews 8:6-13

What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. Galatians 3:9

Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by FAITH But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:24,25

 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4

Having said that, let’s look at why Swine in reference to the ‘unbelieving’, are adversarial to the Christian.

Swine though intelligent from a secular perspective, have no spiritual understanding. This includes ALL not born again by the Holy Spirit or those not believing God’s word. Like Swine, they cannot digest spiritual food. 

Jesus tells us not to cast pearls before Swine. This is significant! Jesus references pearls in his teaching because pearls were one of the most desired gems in the world, particularly in Israel. Since pearls were and are rare and costly, they are considered highly prized items. The Bible uses the pearl as a standard by equating them with spiritual wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is far superior than pearls. [5]

Jesus tells us in his parable that the kingdom of God is more desirable than pearls. 

 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went, and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46

As you can see, valuable pearls should not be thrown at Swine, who will trample all over them! Not only that but Swine, not valuing pearls, will also attack the one throwing the pearls at them!

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 1 Peter 3:3,4

This admonition covers unbelievers as in the unsaved, but it also covers those who don’t believe all of the Bible within its proper context. These “believers” do not believe the Bible says what it says. Now keep in mind there are inferences in the Bible not specifically stated that can be interpreted according to one’s limited understanding. However, attacking someone who does not have the same revelation in the word of God that we have is a sin. Bottom line. 

Correcting wrong doctrine has scriptural application BUT we are never to attack the person on a personal basis. Many of us have believed error in one way or another over our lives, but God did not condemn us. He corrected us in his love. Keeping this in mind, let us pray for the one we perceive is in error. If they are open, we can bring correction to the error. If not, we should not continue fellowship as it may produce strife and all kind of demonic attacks in our lives.

From personal experience, I have been on both ends of the stick on this one! Let me share with you what I learned.

Being in error about certain scriptural doctrines, I limited myself because I did not (because I was not open) receive the blessings of that spiritual application. I suffered for many years because of it. Paul made reference to coming behind in a gift.

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:7

We will not receive those blessings if we are closed to certain scripturally stated premises.

For example, many believe that speaking in tongues is not for today. The scriptures they give to support this belief are out of context and inferred by denominational interpretation, not explicitly stated scripture. Actually, some scriptures specifically say that tongues benefit the believer.

I mention this topic because it is a highly controversial one. 

That being said, the non-tongue speaker will not receive from the blessing of praying in the Holy Ghost! Is this a big deal? It is if you want to use one of the weapons of our warfare to battle the powers of darkness. You can do a scripture study yourself on this topic.

A genuinely open person searching for truth ALWAYS looks at both sides of an argument. To ignore one side is to bias which means, as the scriptures confirm, one wants to believe a lie because it benefits them in some way.

Let me give you another argument. Some Christians do not believe in divine healing, while others believe in divine healing, but don’t believe its for everyone. They believe God picks and chooses who he heals and who he does not. I was one of them until I had a Holy Spirit encounter and revelation of the word of God.

According to God’s word, it is God’s will to save, deliver, and heal everyone. Are all saved? Are all delivered? Are all healed? No!

Why is that? If you study the scriptures, you will find that the fault always lies with the person. Reasons are given in the Bible why a person does not receive from God. The number one reason is UNBELIEF. (To find out more, check out my blog link)

How Faith Works

I have actually met people who do not want to be healed! They will not say this outright, but their actions reveal it. One person I was sharing scripture with on healing had a particular disease. This lady headed up a support group for those suffering in this area. She loved her leadership role and had a close-knit friendship with the women in her group. She rejected the scriptures I gave because (I perceived by the Spirit) she did not want to give up her position in that support group.

Some people want to continue being sick because they get a financial benefit from their sickness.

I have met others who like their sickness because it gives them attention. Everyone at church fawns all over them. They get catered to and receive many benefits! One person I met would go so far as to attack people preaching healing because they did not want their lie exposed.

In my Holy Spirit encounter, which I will share with you, the Lord spoke to me loud in my spirit two things. He asked me a question. Are you ready to deal with things? I instinctively knew this was the condition of my heart. I said, “Yes, Lord.”

Then he gave me a command. He said, “Take up your bed and walk!”

I was becoming sick with a disease and was seeking the Lord about it. I did not want the sickness at all! In obedience to God I rejected the devil’s lie. I began trusting God for my healing. (another topic)

I learned a lot of things from that experience.  

  1. Doctors don’t have all the answers. They often prescribe drugs that, while beneficial in one way, may give you a lot of terrible side effects. If you don’t believe me, check out your meds’ labels!
  2.  God does use doctors, don’t get me wrong, but they are not the end all to be all.
  3.  We need to be personally led by the Holy Spirit in our healing journey. I was healed progressively in order to teach others that you don’t have to give up hope. God is there to answer your problems when you diligently seek him!
  4.  Sin and unbelief will hinder healing! Not always, but many times this is the case!
  5.  I was unaware of all the junk in my heart until the Holy Spirit started revealing things to me little by little. Our junk hinders God’s blessing in our lives. Including healing.
  6.  My healing was and is progressive. Again, this is used to help others receive their healing. God does do miracles immediately, but not always.
  7.  My faith was increased in the area of healing. Now I teach others about healing and pray for them to be healed.

Now back to the swine adversarial topic. If we try to minister in an area where people are not open, many times, we will get attacked. If any person wants to be ignorant, scriptures tell us to let them be ignorant. (1 Corinthians 14:38) We should remove ourselves as best we can from the adversarial situation, continuing to pray. 

Swine prefer to wallow in mire rather than admire God’s pearls. Swine are humans with ungodly attitudes. When we have a revelation from the word of God, we need to pray for wisdom in ministering that revelation to others. Persecution comes because of the word’s sake. (Mark 4:17) Casting pearls before Swine will only end up causing us unnecessary pain.

Ask the Lord for open hearts to share the word of God ! This way, you will cast pearls before those who value their great price!

[1] https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8sx4s79c#page-1

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173122/

[3] https://www.inromecooking.com/blog/recipes/ancient-roman-food-what-did-the-romans-use-to-eat/

[4] http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Sacrificium.html

[5] https://www.chicagojewishnews.com/what-do-pearls-symbolize-in-judaism/

Do you BELIEVE in Jesus?

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

What does it mean to believe in Jesus?

When we use the word believe in English we assume it to mean the English definition.

However the New Testament was written in Greek so we must examine the Greek definition of the word believe.

The English definition for believe according to the Offord dictionary is:

To accept something as true. To hold an opinion about something.

There are many people today attending churches of all kinds of denominations who intellectually believe in Jesus Christ.

Some of them even believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. They may even believe that he is their Savior.

But is that the Biblical protocol for salvation?

I would argue that it is not.

According to the Greek definition of believe, it is more than having an intellectual assent to something.

Pistis is the Greek word for believe or faith.

The word means to trust in the reliability of. This trust occurs through intellectual agreement but carries on to assent or adhering to by trusting in. In other words believe or Pistis has two parts.

Understanding the concept of salvation through Jesus Christ BUT also through receiving Jesus Christ as Savior.

Accepting as true is the first part and receiving as true is the second part.

Some preach only the first part and leave out the second.

There is a difference in the words accept and receive. The English word used in the New Testament KJV is to receive Jesus as your Savior.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe (have faith) on his name. John 1:12

The word accept as a verb means to receive with a consent, with favor, or with approval.

In other words I accept the concept of salvation through Jesus Christ alone as true.

The word receive as a verb means to get, to be given something by some one.

I receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.

So as you can see, accepting Jesus Christ as Savior only means to approve of as true. Acknowledging a truth does not mean one has received that truth in a personal way.

I acknowledge the fact that Cheetah’s are the fastest cat on the planet. However, I do not have a Cheetah in my home because I have not received one. (not that I would want one, lol)

Scriptures tell us that it is not enough to believe intellectually in the gospel.

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. James 2:19

Accepting as true is not enough to constitute salvation.

When one accepts as true ALL concepts of salvation including REPENTANCE then salvation can occur.

However that requires receiving Jesus Christ as Savior.

How do we do that? We actually don’t. Remember that salvation is completely an act of God. Our part is to accept as true then it is God’s part to give. Then we receive the gift of salvation.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3: 8

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17: 1-4

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe (have faith) on his name. John 1:12

Let me try to illustrate this by an analogy.

If I believe that the president of the United States exists and that he is my president does that mean that I know him or her personally?

I may read every book written concerning  the president ever written. I may know every written fact about the president there is to know. I may even go to university and get a degree to make me an expert on the president’s life BUT do I know him in a personal way?

Have I had dinner at the president’s house? Shared personal experiences with the president?

Have I had an intimate relationship with the president?

If not then I do not really know the president. I know ABOUT THE PRESIDENT.

Jesus said in his word that having fellowship with him through the Holy Spirit brings us into a relationship with him.

However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Romans 8:9

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13

What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. John 1:3

God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9

To be born of God is to know God intimately. Like a man knows his wife or a child knows their Father. Its a personal know. Not just an intellectual know.

How do you know if you really belong to God and are not just intellectually convinced that Jesus Christ is Savior?

Scriptures tell us that we know we belong to God if we are being led by his Holy Spirit.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14-19

If we are suffering with him. (persecution)

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:17

If the Holy Spirit bears witness to our spirit.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Romans 8:16

To bear witness (Martureo) means to give evidence, a good report, bear testimony.

This is done through the fruits of the Holy Spirit being evident in one’s life.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

A person born of God does not live in sin.

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 1 John 3:6

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:15-17

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:16-20

As you can see, scriptures make it clear that those who belong to God bear Holy Spirit fruit in their lives. They do not act like the world or live like the world.

Having intellectual belief in Jesus Christ but living a life contrary to scriptures means one has a religious ideology but not a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

You must be born of God to inherit eternal life.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

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Blessed By the Lord

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Psalm 1 reveals how we can walk in God’s blessings.

Contrary to what some teach, being blessed by God is not an automatic response to salvation. 

While Christians are saved by grace through faith we still have to grow up in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10)

Growing in the knowledge of God means learning about how the kingdom of God works. 

Lack of knowledge pertaining to kingdom principles causes God’s people to be destroyed. (Hosea 4:6) 

Destroyed in the Hebrew is dâmâh. It means to fail, perish, be cut off, silenced, utterly undone. 

Some Christians who have experienced failure refuse to get over their offense. They may have been taught improperly or hurt by grievous wolves twisting scripture. Instead of admitting failure due to ignorance some because of offense will omit scriptures or cherry pick scriptures rather than admit they were wrong.

Failing at something in life should cause us to seek the Lord for answers. What happened? Where did I go wrong? What did I miss?

According to Psalm 1 there are certain prerequisites for being blessed by the Lord which are are not always monetary. 

Psalm 1 tells us how we can prosper in God’s kingdom. 

Psalm 1 says blessed is the person that does not walk in the counsel (takes advice from) the ungodly. 

This is the first principle of being blessed by the Lord. 

God’s word is above every one else’s word. If God said it in the scriptures then it’s true. Regardless of evidences to the contrary because those “evidences” could be the expression of a faulty response to truth. 

For example. Many churches do not teach or preach healing from their pulpits. Consequently no healing takes place in those churches. 

Some churches don’t preach about salvation. Then they wonder why no souls are getting saved. 

Scriptures clearly tell us that God’s works FOLLOW the preaching of the word. 

Whatever you preach about or talk about is what the Holy Spirit will perform in your midst. Whatever you ask for you will get. 

Remember that Jesus literally asked a blind man what he wanted from him. (Mark 10:51) It’s an important spiritual principle, to ask specifically. 

Adhering to secular wisdom rather than Biblical wisdom will prevent God’s blessings from coming into your life. Many times secular wisdom is contrary to the word of God. 

Some Christians put secular reasoning above the Bible. Science is not static. It changes all the time and some times it is wrong. Neither does humanistic ideology benefit the hearers. It has no power to perform miracles.

Putting trust in men’s wisdom can lead to ship wreck of our faith. 

God’s word is above every word. It is “yes and amen” regardless of whether it is believed or not.

An important point to mention is that knowing God’s truth through revelation and experience does not give us the right to condemn others who don’t know what we know. 

The law of love leaves someone in their ignorance if they are not open to the authority of scriptures. 

However, due to incorrect interpretation or outright denial of a scriptural precedent its best to not walk too close with those mindsets. 

People who have to explain away everything Jesus said are not beneficial to our spiritual life. Christian or not. 

Truth hurts sometimes but I’m going to say it anyway. Rejecting scriptures that blatantly tell us something is calling God a liar. 

The next principle for prospering in God’s blessings is to not stand in the way of sinners. That means not walking the way ungodly people walk. Not following their behavior patterns. 

If God condemns something in the scriptures then it’s best to agree with his word and avoid the behavior. 

Some non Christians and even Christians blatantly adhere to non biblical ways of thinking and doing. They believe that God will overlook or even support their disobedience to his word. That is so not true. 

When we are disobedient to the word of God written plain as day then we will reap the whirl wind sooner or later. 

All of us have fallen short and all of us have faced consequences for our disobedience. But thank God he is a redeemer. When we confess our sin and turn from it then God will forgive and restore us. 

Another principle for receiving blessing from the Lord is to avoid taking a seat among the scornful. That means not hanging around with scoffers who don’t believe God’s word or respect it. Unbelief is like a cancer. It’s spreads. 

Jesus said, “be careful what you hear”. (listen to) Mark 4:24

To recap. Psalms 1 tells us that Blessed are those who: 

  1. Put God’s word above every other word.

2. Avoid living ungodly. 

3. Don’t hang with scoffers who deny God’s word. 

Psalm 1 then goes on to tell us that if we do these things then we will have the following blessings.  

We will be like a tree planted by streams of water. 

Interestingly enough but when trees are planted by river banks they keep the soil from eroding into sediment which causes pollution. In other words a life continually washed by the water of the word keeps us from corruption.

Trees planted by streams of water also provide shade to help animals from being exposed to heat. This helps both vegetation and animals flourish. 

Being watered by the word of Jesus Christ is beneficial for the growth of others. They will benefit from being in our presence as we reflect God’s goodness.

Watered continually with God’s word we will make us bear fruit at the right season. Our fruit will be a blessing not only to us but also to others. They will through our witness taste the goodness of the Lord.

Lastly whatever we do will prosper.

When our plans are committed to the Lord he will bring them to pass. The Lord will bless our lives when we go in and when we go out. Everything we do will prosper.

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Grace Through Faith

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

 The Bible tells us that we are saved by grace THROUGH faith.

Grace (charis) is defined as the divine influence upon the heart. A benefit of favor.

Paul uses the Greek word charis to define God’s favor bestowed by his Son Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Paul is preaching to ancient Greeks who were idol worshippers.

Characteristics in ancient Greece were often personalized as gods in Greek culture.

In ancient Greek mythology, Charis is a representation of several Greek goddesses known as the Charities whose characters are charm, beauty, goodwill, human creativity and fertility.

Paul was pointing out to the Gentiles (non-Jews) that the benevolence of God acquired for our salvation through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.

According to the scriptures, grace or unmerited favor extended by God must be accompanied by Faith for salvation to occur.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9

Some people preach that God’s grace saves in and of itself. This is not true.

While God’s grace poured out by his divine love is extended to all, it is not realized by any until grace is received by faith.

What is faith? In ancient Greek mythology, Pistis or Faith was the personification or god of good faith, trust, and reliability.

It is the same in our common law. Faith, or “good faith,” is honest and sincere intention.

Many believe faith simply means belief. Again this is not true. To intellectually believe something to be true does not mean one receives that truth for themselves.

I may believe that red peppers have a very high amount of vitamin C and are good for me, but I may not want to eat them because I don’t like them or because I am not in the mood for them, or I’m indecisive about other aspects concerning them. I may get heartburn if I eat them.

Believing something to be true does not mean adhering to that something personally.

Pistis in Greek is faith that sincerely believes and trusts in something, leading to conversion or changing from one particular thing into another. 

According to the ancient Greeks, Pistis was faith or belief which came about by persuasion.

To be fully persuaded is induced by evidence or proof which is given.

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Romans 4:21

Blind belief is not Biblical faith. God has given much evidence for his existence and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Examples of this are;

Jesus rising from the dead was seen by many witnesses.

Witness testimony of the disciples.

The power of the Holy Spirit confirms the word through signs following.

Jesus was mentioned by Jewish and Roman historians in their historical texts.

The testimonial of Christians throughout history.

The history of the Bible.

Nature itself.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/14/what-is-the-historical-evidence-that-jesus-christ-lived-and-died

We can see an example of faith in action in the Old Testament.

Abraham heard God’s voice telling him to follow him.

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. Genesis 12:1-4

Abraham heard God’s voice speaking to him. What Abraham did not know was where he was going. Abraham trusted God because he was a friend of God. You don’t become someone’s friend without a bonafide relationship.

According to the Bible, faith comes by hearing God’s word or voice. (Rhema)

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by God’s word (Rhema). Romans 10:17

Evidence of faith is built by having a relationship with God.

This relationship requires obedience to his voice.

Abraham believed in God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:3-5

Believing or Faith (pistis) in God requires trust. This trust is developed by having a relationship.

Paul used the word Pistis to describe trust in God for his grace.

How is grace through faith received? The Bible tells us it is by repentance or metatoia.

Metatoia in ancient Greek meant changing one’s mind about something or someone. Metatoia was depicted by the ancient Greeks as a sorrowful goddess filled with regret for having failed or missed the moment.

In early Christian literature (See Tertillian) metanoia is expressed as a change in one’s thinking that leads to a fundamental change in behavior or way of living. This change is a key ingredient for receiving salvation.

Jesus made it very clear in scripture that there is no salvation without repentance. That is wanting in your heart to forsake sin and turn to Jesus Christ.  

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:3

In conclusion, God’s grace is extended through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ; the Savior is received by faith, which is trusting in God through obedience to the truth.

Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. 1Peter 1:22

This faith is realized by repentance or turning away from one’s own ways to walk in obedience to the voice of God through his eternal word. 

But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. 1 Peter 1 :22

When this is done, God, through his grace by faith, imputes or accredits to the recipient his righteousness.

That is, the convert is now in perfect standing with God. 

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Take No Thought

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

Jesus said in his word that he did not want us to “take thought” (Merimna) for our life.

In the Greek, Merimna, means to be anxious, troubled, worried, prompting one’s interest, looking out for, caring a lot about.

Jesus knew that by taking thought we can become mentally and emotionally sick. Science reveals that excessive worry causes stress that can make us physically and mentally sick.  That is why Jesus said not to worry.

 Therefore, I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matthew 6:25,26

The root of emotional anxiety and depression is caused by worry.

Studies have shown a correlation between a negative thought life and depression.

https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.48.3.799

Merimna is from the root word merízō which means “to divide, to separate.”

 Merimna in effect is to be in a mental state that is dwelling on something.  In early Greek literature it is used to convey the concept of meditation.

 “Merimna, Bacchylides 19, Io for the Athenians as a ‘care, concern, a troubled thought’, or even ‘a song that is on one’s mind’. Classical Inquiries  published article by Gregory Nagy

Jesus says don’t mediate or dwell on your life. In other words don’t be self focused.

How do we reconcile this word with examining our hearts as scriptures tell us?

How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin. Job 13:23

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 1 Corinthians 11:28

 We confess, repent, and go on BUT we don’t dwell on our self.  

 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. Psalm 32:3

 Jesus gives remedies for worry or having negative thoughts that are self focused.

Guard or keep watch over our hearts

 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.1 Peter 1:13

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:13

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  2 Corinthians 10:5

Renew your thoughts with God’s word.  

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2  

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:3

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Psalm 119:15

Prayer.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:33,34   

And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him. 1 Chronicles 5:20

“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” Psalm 4;1

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Romans 12:12

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Matthew 7:7

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22

Take no thought for your life!

Seek And You Will Find!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

In John Chapter 4 is the story of the Samaritan women who encountered Jesus at Jacob’s well.

Now there are many symbolisms in this story but I am going to zone in on something in particular.

Notice how it was Jesus who approached the Samaritan woman first. It was he who sought her out.

Jesus got the attention of the Samaritan woman by asking her to give to him a drink of water.

The woman was flabbergasted. Why would this man be asking me for anything?

Jesus in effect did more than just approach a woman he did not know (which was not a common occurrence in Israel) but he also offered that woman to partake of his living water.

Notice how Jesus calls this woman going about her daily life. This woman probably had a whole bunch of things on her mind and was not exactly expecting to see the Messiah that day. She was however seeking him out and was just about to get her answer.

According to the gospel of John it was important for Jesus to go to Samaria.

“And he must needs go through Samaria.”

Jesus had an appointment.

The very first thing that Jesus does is go to Jacob’s well. There he meets the Samaritan women.

After the Samaritan women asked Jesus why he would ask her for anything Jesus replied, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that I am then you would have asked me for living water.”

Jesus was pointing out to the Samaritan women that he was the gift being sent to her. Coming along at a time in her life when she was not expecting it.

Jesus had a divine appointment with this Samaritan women. An encounter that was about to change her life.

Jesus watching the Samaritan women draw water asks her for a drink and then he offers to the Samaritan women his living water. He tells the Samaritan woman that if she drinks of his living water then she will never thirst again. Jesus also tells the Samaritan women that his living water would spring up for her into everlasting life.

Right away the Samaritan women replied. “Give to me this water so I don’t have to come here and draw water any more.“

Women had to walk a long ways sometimes to get water. Then they had to walk back home again carrying the heavy vessel filled with that water. In effect what the Samaritan women was asking is for Jesus to take her burden. She was worn out. Life for her had not been easy.

Knowing this Jesus asked her. “Give me to drink.”

Even in her own struggles this Samaritan women took the time to minister to the need of another.

Jesus then let the Samaritan women know that he understood her problems. He revealed her life story. This then caused the Samaritan woman to realize that Jesus had supernatural ability to help her.

When Jesus revealed to the Samaritan women that he knew her heart issue he also revealed to her the solution.

Jesus pointed out that all the husbands that the Samaritan woman had in her lifetime were a poor substitute for the need she really had which was to be loved and cared for.

One can only imagine the harsh life the Samaritan woman must have had. No body could have had that many husbands without some sort of hardship going on.

Jesus in effect was pointing out that if the Samaritan woman drank his living water then her heart’s need would be met.

The Samaritan women was looking for Messiah. She knew that Messiah was to come. She even acknowledged that Messiah had the answer to her problems.

“When Messiah comes he will tell us all these things.“

Jesus answered. “I am the one you are looking for.”

Jesus told the Samaritan women the answer to her life’s longing. What she needed was to worship God in the Spirit. She needed to come to him to have living water. Only his living water could satisfy the longing of her heart.

When the Samaritan women recognized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah she could not help but share the good news. She ran to tell everyone about Jesus and his ability to help them with their problems too. He was the Messiah they had been waiting for!

There is something important I would like to point out about this encounter at Jacob’s well.

The Samaritan women was a seeker. She was thirsty for Messiah to come. She wanted to have his living water to ease the burdens in her life.

Jesus was sent to the Samaritan women. He sought her out because she was looking for him. She was thirsty for Messiah to tell her the things she needed to know. The Samaritan woman knew Messiah had all the answers!

Encumbered by her heavy load and searching for answers the Samaritan Women had the right heart condition to be open to the gospel message.

Jesus did this same thing with the people who were seeking him when they were hungry. He saw their need and wanted to meet their need. He asked the disciples. Do you have any bread? Mark 8:16

When a blind man sought out Jesus he asked him, “What is it you want me to do? “ Mark 10:51

Again when a crippled man wanted to be healed Jesus said. “Take up your bed and walk.” John 5:8

Notice the pattern?

Seek. Ask. Do. Miracle.

Are you seeking God for something? Are you thirsty? Heavy burdened? Sick? Hungry? In need of a miracle?

Then Jesus has an appointment with you today! He says I am the one you are seeking for. I am the Messiah. I am the one able to meet your need.

Give to me your heart. I am knocking. I am here to help you. I know your problems, struggles, life issues.

Come to me in faith. Believe that I am and that I am able to help you. Turn to me with all your heart. I will give you living water to drink that will spring forth into eternal life.

“For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:8

Seek. Ask. Do. Get your miracle.

The Acceptable Offering

~ Kim Balogh ~ 2 Comments

In Genesis Chapter 4 we read that Cain brought his offering to the Lord. He brought the work of his hands, the toil of his labor.

God was not impressed with Cain’s offering. The Lord did not consider Cain’s offering to be acceptable.

Able was a tender of sheep. He also gave an offering to God. He took the first born of his sheep and gave that offering to God.

God accepted Abel’s offering but not his brother Cain’s offering.

It is interesting to note that both brothers gave an offering to the Lord. That is they felt the need to have God’s approval in their lives.

They also gave an offering in accordance to their respective vocations.

Cain who labored as a husbandman or a worker of soil produced the fruit of his labor. He was blessed in his vocation or ministry but when Cain tried to earn the Lord’s favor based on that vocation he was rejected.

Cain’s problem was that he thought his fruit came from his own effort. All that hard work he put in. All those hours of toil.

Cain was totally insulted because the Lord rejected his offering.

Cain obviously had good intentions. He wanted to please the Lord but according to the Lord, Cain’s offering was not acceptable. That is it was not considered to be valid, it was unsuitable.

This rejection of his offering caused Cain to go into a depression. That’s what it means to be downcast of soul. Really depressed. That depression ended up turning into jealousy towards his brother.

Why would Cain turn on his brother? Simply because he did not heed the advice God gave him when his offering was rejected.

God told Cain, that if he wanted to do well or what is right and acceptable, then he would be accepted. In other words Cain needed to do things God’s way not his way.

Cain ignored God’s advise we know because he saw that Abel was accepted by the Lord and he was jealous. What happens when a person is accepted by God? They are blessed.

To be accepted is to have favor. Be lifted up in a position of opportunity. To have a good reputation among others. Having worth or value.

Cain refused to do what was right. He refused to humble himself and get a sheep from his brother to present as an offering to the Lord.

That would require admitting failure. Admitting that he wasn’t such a hot shot. It would be like coming to terms with the fact that maybe his younger brother had more revelation in spiritual matters than he did.

God warned Cain. He said that “if you refuse to do well (yâţab) or what is right, what is acceptable then sin or offense lies or crouches like an animal
at your door.

Sin is looking to gain entrance, or place in your life.

If you don’t make it right Cain and do what is acceptable then the devil is going to come a knocking!

Many times we think that God is going to respect us because we are hard workers in his vineyard. So we offer up all our labor hoping for his approval. Just like Cain did.

Then the brother who is a wet behind the ears Christian comes along and lays down his love offering. He just simply relies on grace. Doesn’t do a thing but sit at the cross! Blessings coming out of his ears!

If we try to gain favour with God by our works then sin is crouching at our door! Waiting to spring on us at a weak moment.

We need to do what is right. That is go to the cross and rely on the lamb of God whose offering makes us acceptable. The Lord’s favor is bestowed on those who trust in his way of doing things not our own way.

God tells us to rule over the sin that is crouching at our door.
Don’t let it have any place!

Stick the pride back in our pocket where it belongs and count it all loss for Christ!

Who cares how many hours we have labored in the vineyard. The guy who just gets saved and works for one hour in the vineyard is going to get the same reward anyway! (Matthew 20)

Might as well just join him and sit at the cross because that is what makes us perfectly acceptable in the beloved anyway!

Our labor in the Lord is not in vain. It always produces fruit if we belong to God but our works should never supersede the sacrifice of God’s Son Jesus Christ.

That was the problem with Cain’s offering. Works in the vineyard no matter how noble will not make us acceptable to God.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8,9

God in the Flesh

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

The diety is something that most of us have a hard time wrapping our heads around.

The Bible specifically describes God as being a Godhead, divinity or substance of the divine. (theotés)

Colossians 2:9 tells us that in Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form.

Christ was filled with or filled up with God. (plērōma)

God himself took on flesh. That means that God was incarnate in a body.

“Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. ” Hebrews 10:5

The Pharisees went builistic when Jesus told them he was the I AM. They could not grasp such a thing.

In fact this is the very reason that the Pharisees had Jesus arrested. For the “crime” of Blasphemy under the law.
John 10:33

Scriptures tell us that
God was in Christ reconciling himself to the world.

“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19

That means that God himself was in Mary’s womb placed there by God the Holy Spirit himself. Luke 1:35

God’s body, his blood, his very nature came into the world through the vehicle of a human but God was not human in the sense that we are human.

He had flesh and blood but his flesh and blood were not contaminated by sin. Nor was God created out of the earth like Adam.

Jesus was called the second Adam because his body was created by God the Holy Spirit but he was God himself in that body.
1 Corinthians 15: 45-47

God was incarnate in flesh or dwelling in a body that was created by God the Holy Spirit.

God came to save that which was lost. He had to take on flesh in order to do that but his flesh was not the same as our flesh. His flesh was sinless.

1 Peter 1:18-20
“For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.”

While Jesus the Christ or redeemer anointed with the Holy Spirit was confined to a body he was still very much God.

In the Psalms David talks about a body being prepared for him.
Psalm 40:6

The blood of Jesus that was shed on calvary was God’s own blood. It was not human blood.

Jesus’ blood was divine. It was not from human origins. 1 Peter 1:19

The Bible says that Jesus was the exact expression of the likeness of God.
Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3

Jesus told his disciples that by looking at him they could see the Father. The Holy Spirit dwelt in Jesus and did all the miracles.
John 5:19
John 14:9,10

In other words Jesus represented on earth all the Godhead fully.

Jesus was fully God incarnate in flesh. One with the Father and the Holy Spirit even when he was on the earth.

God himself took on flesh and gave his body and blood as a sacrifice for sin.

God was able by his sacrifice to reconcile humanity which had been lost back to himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19

Those who are born of God are now in him and he is in them. John 3:3, Acts 2:38

Only God himself can save you from sin. If you believe and turn to him with all your heart God will save you and reconcile you to himself through the body and blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Mark 1:15
“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Jesus is God incarnate in the flesh.

1 Timothy 3:15

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

LOGOS: THE WORD OF GOD

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

John 1:1 says that in the beginning of creation (for God has no beginning or ending) was the Word. That is the Logos in Greek.

The Logos means: something said, thoughts, reasoning, motives, divine expression, communication, speaking.

And the Word or Logos was with God. The word was side by side with God. THEOS in Greek which means diety, supreme dignity. (God the Father)

And the Word or Logos was God. (The Logos was also God)

And the Word Logos was made flesh.

God’s thoughts, reasoning, motives, divine expression, communication, speaking or Logos became flesh. (Sarx, a body with emotions and intellect)

And dwelt or skēnoō (which is to hover like the presence of God hovered in the Old Testament tabernacle.)

Among us. And we beheld his glory, or divine majesty.

The glory or divine majesty of the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that is born of God, proceeding from God the Father directly.

Full of grace or divine influence and full of truth. The truth which proceeds and originates from God, THEOS which is diety, supreme dignity. (God the Father)

Jesus in effect was God’s Word or Logos incarnate.

Scriptures tell us that God spoke under the Old Testament through his prophets but now he has spoken under the New Covenant through his Son the LOGOS who is the exact express image of God.
(Hebrews 1:1-3)

Since Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead and is sitting at the right hand of the Father we have now been given the Holy Spirit which reveals to us the Logos.

How does the Holy Spirit do this? Through the divinely inspired scriptures.
The Holy Spirit speaks to us by the Logos. (John 13:16 )

When the Holy Spirit reminds us of what God said it is through the Logos. All prophecy if it is Holy Spirit initiated will be found in the LOGOS.

The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. The LOGOS is all truth. (John 17:17)

Even specific prophecies or words of knowledge or any gift of the Holy Spirit will have a scriptural precedent. They must be tested to see if they conform to the Word of God.(1 John 4:1 Galatians 1:6-8)

Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

All scriptures the Bible clearly says in 2 Timothy 3:16 are GOD BREATHED!

That means the scriptures are (theopneustos in the Greek) divinely breathed – given by the very inspiration of God.

The Word and the Spirit are always in agreement.

And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 1 John 5:8

The Word of God the Logos was made flesh and dwelt among us.

When Jesus Christ was here He was the manifestation of the very words of the living God.

In the Old Testament prophets were given God’s very words which they wrote down.

They wrote what God told them to write.

If I write a journal and someone reads it then the person reading would know my very thoughts, my desires, my personality, likes, dislikes and even commands if I so wrote.

God in the Old Testament gave the prophets his very words. They wrote them down ver bateum. Even all the historical records.

It is the same as if God himself is speaking in person.

Under the New Testament Jesus Christ was sent as God manifest in the flesh. He was the embodiment of God himself.

Everything written down by the disciples are God inspired. Jesus Christ was speaking himself through his disciples.

They were only the microphone for God’s Holy word.


When Paul and other Apostles wrote down what the Holy Spirit spoke to them, their words were God breathed.

God himself inspired those words.

ALL SCRIPTURES ARE GOD BREATHED. DIVINELY INSPIRED.

When we read scriptures we are reading God’s own words. Scriptures are not just an historical record. Scriptures are the very words of God himself.

You can not separate Jesus Christ from his word. He is his Word.

To do so is to create your own Jesus. One according to your imagination and opinions. Jesus reveals himself by Holy Spirit revelation through the Logos.

Disregard of Holy cannon as God breathed is a dangerous prescident.
It leaves room for all kinds of doctrinal error with opinions, false beliefs and even apostacy.

Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. The very Logos of God himself who dwelt among his creation.

By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6

God’s word according to the book of Revelation given to John by the Holy Spirit must be kept in high regard. To add to his word or take away from his word is a serious thing.

Revelation 22:18-19

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

God’s promises in his word are Yes and Amen. Never will they fail you for they are God’s very words.

Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Psalm 107:6,7

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MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

The Bible tells us to meditate on God’s word continuously. In order to do this we need to know exactly what he means by that and why it is so important.
(Psalms 1:2 )

To Mediate in the Hebrew is hâgâh, which means to ponder or consider. To imagine or think about. To study.

Most people realize this but did you know that to meditate or hâgâh also means to mutter, speak and talk about?

Putting it together what God is asking us to do is not only to read the Bible, study the Bible, consider the Bible and think about the Bible but also to talk about the Bible and declare the Bible.

 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Why is this so important to meditate on God’s word? Let us examine why God wants us to do this.

According to Joshua 1:8, if the word of God is in our hearts and in our mouths then we will be careful to perform that word. In doing so then our lives will be prosperous and successful.

After being a Christian for almost 40 years I can tell you from my experience that regardless of adversity and challenges one faces in life the reason for an unsuccessful life is a life that is not surrendered to God’s word.

Now we can have success in an area in which we believe the word of God and act upon it while lacking in another area in which we are either ignorant or refuse to consider.

Many times this is due to unbelief. (Which is sin by the way. Romans 11: 22-23)

Theological discrepancies concerning doctrinal issues keep people from both seeing the truth which is in the Bible or receiving that truth.

Scriptures plainly tell us that without faith we cannot please God or receive from him. (Hebrews 11:6)

If we do not believe scriptures concerning a topic and explain it away through cleverly man made hypothesis then we will lack in that area. Satan’s age old scheme is to keep us from having victory in our lives. ‘Has God really said?’

For example if one is a cessationist then it is doubtful that they will experience the miraculous in their life. Other Christians may get healed, delivered, and speak in tongues but the cessationist will not. To them this lack in their life justifies their doctrinal stance when in actuality their lack is really due to having no faith in that area. Jesus did say that Holy Spirit signs follow THOSE WHO BELIEVE. (Mark 16:17)

Again if we will not believe for financial success we can remain poor while others are blessed financially. If we don’t give as scriptures tell us to and give cheerfully with a willing heart then we will not recieve. (Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9: 6,7)

This principle of faith to recieve our need comes from our ability to believe the word of God. We believe the word of God as we meditate on it. (Romans 10:17)

Another point to consider is the principle of the tares or worldly values choking the word of God. (Mark 4:19)

Job says that he would not consider or meditate on anything that is wicked. He would not even speak about wicked things either. (Job 27:4)

David who mediated on God’s word day and night said that he would not put any wicked thing before his eyes. That is he would not consider it, think about it or talk about it. (Psalm 101:3,)

Paul said to think on good things. Those good things we need to think about are in the Bible. ( Philippians 4:8)

Being a victorious Christian requires separation from the world not only in deed but in thoughts. (1 John 2: 15,17 2 Corinthians 6:17)

Worldly entertainment or even a steady diet of Christian fluff will keep us from being successful and strong in the Lord.

The remedy for our failures in life is to search the Bible and find out the answers. What are we doing wrong? Yes that’s right what are WE doing wrong.

Many times Christians want to blame their failures on God. It wasn’t his will, he never really said that, we just can’t figure God out.

If the Bible tells us that he has given us ALL THINGS that pertain to life and godliness then why don’t we believe him? (2 Peter 1:3)

It wasn’t until I took a good hard look at my self and owned up to my failures and disobedience to God’s word that I began to have victory in my life.

God spoke to me very clearly when I was seeking him and he said to me by his Holy Spirit, “I am no respecter of persons.” Acts 10:34,35

In other words God shows no partiality.

Then the Lord began to teach me line upon line and precept upon precept where I was at fault, how I failed to both believe and act on particular scriptural principles. Then after correcting me the Lord gave me his grace to understand and faith to apply.

This happened because the word of God said one thing and I was doing another. The results were not good! God had to show me my error in order to correct me.

The point I am making is that prioritizing the word of God in our lives by meditating on it will bring the truth that we need to be set free.

If we think on, study, speak about the Bible then we will start doing what the Bible says. Then we shall be successful or have victory through Jesus Christ in our life.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3