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Author
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Topic: Labor to enter
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Michael Harrison
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Member # 6801
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posted
"Resting" in God is impossible for self reliant, proud people."
Really well said! This is some good stuff, praise Jesus.
Posts: 3273 | From: Charlotte N.C. | Registered: Sep 2007
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becauseHElives
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posted
For he that is entered into his rest , he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. -- Hebrews 4:10-11
We are to labor to "enter into God's rest."
"Resting" in God is impossible for self reliant, proud people.
If His yoke is easy and His burden is light, why are so many of us working so hard?
Why are we so burdened by duty, especially Christian duty?
This burden can not be the fruit of the spirit.
Except ye become as a little child, you can not enter into God's kingdom.
Children depend on their father. Being in God's Kingdom is being in the spiritual realm where all outward measures are abandoned so we can "wait on the Lord."
If you are not "waiting on the Lord" and have not "entered into His rest", you are not bearing spiritual fruit, but are struggling in the FLESH.
Why is this?
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
We are to labor to "enter into God's rest."
"Resting" in God is impossible for self reliant, proud people.
If His yoke is easy and His burden is light, why are so many of us working so hard?
Why are we so burdened by duty, especially Christian duty?
This burden can not be the fruit of the spirit.
Except ye become as a little child, you can not enter into God's kingdom.
Children depend on their father.
Being in God's Kingdom is being in the spiritual realm where all outward measures are abandoned so we can "wait on the Lord."
If you are not "waiting on the Lord" and have not "entered into His rest", you are not bearing spiritual fruit, but are struggling in the FLESH.
Why is this?
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. -- John 12:24
Pride keeps us from giving up the FLESH.
FLESH is any and all self-initiated work.
The question is what is the SOURCE of what you do?
The question is NOT what you do.
Do your actions, thoughts; viewpoints come from self or from God?
The answer to this question tells us if we have entered into God's rest.
The FLESH is not just "bad things"; the FLESH is all things initiated by self, even "good."
Jesus told us to do nothing through natural means, the self.
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself , but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. -- John 5:19
He said, "I can of mine own self do nothing." --John 5:30
Will the LORD not work with US in the SAME MANNER?
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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Michael Harrison
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posted
I strongly desire to state this so I have revised it and re-entered it. Amen and amen. Amen!
![[Bible]](graemlins/bible.gif) I believe that God is sovereign. I believe that He is Lord. 'God' means that He can create according to His wishes. ‘Lord’ means that He is in absolute control of it all, which is where we are to come to in our faith, to the revelation of this. This is His rest (our rest) when we realize (accept by willingness to believe) and walk in this. However, there are mysteries concerning this parallel time and space continuum; for example the mystery of iniquity that Paul refers to in the epistles, to name just one.
And having so stated, I do nevertheless believe that He is an equal opportunity God, and that every man alive has opportunity to choose. I do not believe that He created anybody who does not have the capacity to choose Him. I do not believe that there is anybody who is not precious to Him, just people who do not find Him precious.
But the reason for this posting is to address the distraction. Whenever one states that Jesus is Lord, and that-one comes to proper relationship with Him through faith in His absoluteness, upon analyzing, many are distracted by considering the concept of predestination and election which deal with the beginning to the end, and confuse it with surrendering in the present; or they think that His choosing for us and everybody else (in all of time), is what we are believing unto. This will confound the mind, and it is not true. And, this is a personal covenant between the believer and his or her maker which is made. He doesn’t choose for anyone except based on their commitment of faith and trust in His sovereignty. He does choose for us whenever we let Him, by personal investment of trust and surrender. He doesn't overwhelm us, or dictate His will to override ours.
So by-the-way, NOW is our concern. It is eternally ‘now’, for our God is always now, and for our purposes this is ‘when’ we are limited to when we proclaim His Lordship, is the present moment in which we are in. God is a God of the now, and what effectively takes place when we drift to considering predestination and election is consideration of future and past. This distracts us from where we are to be looking, which is ever so important.
God is in control, and He is so either with our submission, and blessing; or He is so in spite of us. Either we gather with Him, or we scatter abroad, scripture says. We are in proper relationship with Him when we accept and believe accordingly. He is the weaver of the fabric; and we mess it up whenever we take it out of His hands. That doesn’t mean that He ceases to be in control. It only requires of Him to manage it differently to bring it to a point where we resubmit, if we will.
The prominent question is whether one would have Him to be Lord of their life. This requires surrender. It requires the surrender of belief that He is in control of it all. That is where and how His grace is demonstrated. This is where He is glorified.
Now, what more is important about this is that…. Well, let’s look at this post by the notable individual who wrote it whom I feel we will recognize:
". . . looking unto Jesus . . ."
Hebrews 12:2
LOOKING UNTO JESUS
AND AT NOTHING ELSE, as our text expresses it in one untranslatable word (aphoroontes), which at the same time directs us to fix our gaze upon Him, and to turn it away from everything else.
What is significant about this statement is that whenever we give Him control by surrender of belief, and rest in His Majestic Power to save, heal and deliver, where do we think that we will fasten our gaze but upon He who is Lord??? Look at Him rather than where He is taking you. This is the bottom line for those who are looking for one. Cast thy gaze upon Him, trust and believe. It is very personal, and warm, rather than abstract and distant. When we personally invest in believing that He is in control, we are seeing Him. Blessed is the name of the Lord our God, Jesus! Amen.
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becauseHElives
Advanced Member
Member # 87
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posted
Michael,
How laborious is it to breath?
Prayer is as breathing to the True child of Yahweh!
To enter and to maintain that Life in Christ, prayer must be.
There can be no other rest for the Child of Yahweh.
When I bring every need to Him, no matter how large or small, I am resting...
other wise I think I can do it myself which put me in unbelief....
I am nothing without Him....
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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Michael Harrison
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Praying without ceasing, is (if you will) a fruit of relationship. It comes easily if you are properly aligned with God.
I have known only one person in my lifetime who delivered their own children. I understood why when they told me, but I still thought it strange. I mean, did you really?
Oh! Thanks for the warm expression of brotherly acceptance!
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Michael Harrison
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![[Cross]](graemlins/cross.gif) Don't believe the devil, who thrives on that very thing. He is not more powerful than God, whose power is manifest when we believe Him. "To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey means 'whom do you believe'"? Whomever you believe, they will blossom, whether God unto life, or satan unto death. You are yielded by what you believe in your heart.
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Michael Harrison
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posted
becausehelives, prayer is important! However, it is not a condition to enter rest. That would be laboring to pray. Scripture literally says labor to 'rest'. How do you 'rest' if you are anxious; and anxiety leads to labored prayer, which is out of concern that God isn't doing His part unless we work for it?
Posts: 3273 | From: Charlotte N.C. | Registered: Sep 2007
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becauseHElives
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Member # 87
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posted
![[wave3]](graemlins/18.gif) Michael,
...for a long time here on the board I continually got upset with Michael because I did not understand him and didn't let the heart of his words go deep enough in my own heart but now I see more of the picture he is painting....
There is no mistake to any that really know Yeshua that we who have put our trust in Him thoroughly grasp how helpless we are in ourselves.
I have told people in witnessing ... except for GRACE there go I...
I am not talking just little sin stuff; I am talking major stuff...
except for Yahweh's Grace....
I would make the worst murderer, rapist, drunk, drug addict, drug dealer, pimp, prostitute ect. look like Saint Paul.
So as I attempt to speak to this topic I pray all will read with their heart not their head.
My signature here on the board (the little message at the bottom of each post) has been ..,
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (Luke 13:24)
to me this speaks to what the thread is about...
Labor to enter
Hebrews 4:11... Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." (Luke 22:40)...
in essence what Yeshua said to the disciples the night before His crucifixion was ...Labor to enter
But that night they didn't pray they slept, unbelief overtook them.
Yeshua is our example in all things, prayer was His life here on earth...
He went from one place of prayer to the next place of prayer His whole life when His ministry began all the way to the Calvary.
He is our example...
No person can stand against the God of this world unless the Holy Spirit gives them the strength to do so.
And the continual filling of the Holy Spirit only comes through continual prayer.
Labor to enter, pray to enter, seek my face to enter, strive to enter....
Birth is a beautiful thing to behold, I have delivered 4 of my children myself (I was the catcher and cutter of the cord) as in every thing else I was helpless except for Yahweh with me. I cry a lot, but my tears are not always tears of sorrow but of joy and just the awesomeness of being in Yahweh's presents. A babies birth I awesome to behold.
As you all to think about birth, think of all that is known about birth. Think about the mystery of life itself; think about the formation of a baby in the womb.
All man’s knowledge and wisdom is befogged by the mystery of Yahweh’s creation. Life and it’s source.
No less are we at awe at this life we have in Yeshua and how we are knit together in Yahweh’s womb after we have been impregnated by the Spirit of Yahweh, but being born again is not without pain, the restriction of coming out of the birth canal of the womb of Yahweh, see the words of Yeshua take on new meaning…
Strive to enter in at the strait gate:
I don't think the disciples ever forgot that night that all forsook Yeshua... we only really think about Peter's denial that night but scriptures say all forsook Him.
But on Pentecost ….
The provision of rest was not accomplished until Yeshua went to the Father and put His Blood on the Mercy Seat and the Holy Spirit was sent.
There is a rest to enter, it is His rest but no one can enter without a continually life of prayer.
Prayer is the labor, nothing in this life is as hard to maintain than a life of prayer, no physical or mental labor is equal to the task of a life of prayer because the God of this world fights nothing else with the force Satan fights prayer.
Labor to enter, pray without ceasing
Love you all
dale
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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Michael Harrison
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Some people fear that they become like robots when they meet the Lord on His terms. Not far removed from that is the concept of one's becoming like a glove on His hand. Well, where would you rather be, a glove on the hand of the Master, or disconnected? One is closer to the Lord, and the other closer to the lap of the brute who destroys (and I remember how it felt to look back and realize that, that is where I was once upon a time before I was saved, way too shakingly close).
But to comfort them about this, here is a thing or two to consider. In the relationship that He desires for us, syncronization is ultimate. That is what His Lordship is all about. This does not mean that we are starched shirts, resultingly. The idea of a robot is like that, stiff and awkward. The difference between the life of obedience, and the some kind of programmed motion that the fearful conceive of is at least two-fold: One, and most significant, we are led! This is very different from being dictated to, such as would be the case of a programmed robotic instrument; and two, we can reason with Him. If you will look in the Old Testament, you will find examples of relationship wherein this is the case. Perhaps you were not looking for this whenever you read there. We can talk to Him. We can reason. We can ask. Moses did! We are in relationship, and we can have it to the fullest. He delights in this. He delights in our asking questions. He delights in answering them. Herein is He Glorified, which means that we learn about Him.
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Michael Harrison
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Do you get credit for trying? Why would you try to do what He has already done, and is doing for you the moment that you believe? IF it is not so, then why, when you go to the homeless shelter and find a drug addict, do you tell them that "Jesus will deliver you, if you'll accept Him." Rather, why would you not say, Jesus will save your soul, but you will have to kick the habit however you can??? Or, you are on your own, but you can be saved when you die. Well if he dies of an overdose will he be saved?
Many have been delivered from drugs or alcohol who didn't get saved, because He is that kind of God. How much more will He do for those who follow Him? So must you believe that you have to 'do it' for yourself?
Posts: 3273 | From: Charlotte N.C. | Registered: Sep 2007
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Michael Harrison
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You want judgment wylb? That is a good illustration of Old Testament Law! Well done! Yet to obey the Lord, is to believe! For "Faith is the substance - of the thing."
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men [who will cooperate] and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Have ye holiness by trying, or by believing?
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Michael Harrison
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Here is where free will submits, or rebels!!! You will trust Him for it all, or you will pick and choose. Well? What think ye? If you pick and choose, will you not shun Him? Is it not all or nothing with Him?
Do you want your relationship to be personal with Him? Does He want it to be personal with you? What is the most personal that it can be? Shall you settle for less? I'll come to that.
"Labor to enter that rest," means to work at not working at it. Yea, it's that scary to be so easy! There is a reason that it is worded that way, and it can only mean that you do not walk in doing, but in having, but only by way of submission of your free will. Do you have a free will?
Going on: You are walking in done - while you are receiving. If you are walking in doing, then are ye laboring in the flesh. If as an act of the free will you allow Him do it all, by faith, then you are in the most personal relationship that He has created you to be in with Him; because then, by submission of your will, you depend totally and entirely upon Him. That is His requirement if you would obey. If you by free will resist, then you depend not upon Him, but your own devices. Notice that if you do not believe that He is that personal with you, you have effectively denied Him by unbelief. If He is not that personal, then this message is in vain, to be sure.
But here is the best example! The radio preacher elaborating on a scripture today 3/37/53 (my birthday) said that, "To be blameless does not mean to be sinless," which he said to rationalize scripture, and to justify himself. However I would tell you amiss if I did not stand with Paul and say this: Well, is Jesus sinless? I know your answer. So, every moment that you trust Him for His life to be imparted to you, then you have His sinless blessing. What if you do not believe? Do you see that this is the-only-thing that can hurt you??? If you do not believe, you are already shot down. If you do not believe, you cannot 'have' it, therefore you cannot possibly walk in it. Therefore you are out of relationship. All who want to be out of relationship raise your hands, or do what you want in spite of how He feels.
Ok! Let's look at Peter. He said to Jesus, "Bid me come to thee." When he stepped in the water he did not sink. What of it? This example represents rising above sin. That is what it means, rising above the world. In order for it to happen, he had to have his eyes on Jesus. His faith had to be in Jesus. Jesus bid him to come, and Peter believed, for a moment. You can figure the rest out. But in case you are not able, when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to doubt. When he doubted, he sank into sin. He was overcome by the world. That is the representation here.
Then there is the story of the man for whom Jesus made mud out of dirt and spittle, which He placed on the blind man's eyes. He then said "Go wash." Simple, no? But what it represented was the washing of the world out of the man's eyes. The water would represent the Spirit, who washes, when we believe.
So going back to settling for less, if you do this, then you are as the poor ol fellow who received only one talent, and did not see it multiplied. As such, you are reprovable, and may lose something you treasure because you counted on something future tense as established, rather than something now. Which leads me to this rather important scripture verse:
"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." 1Co 15:19
Show me a Christian who isn't invested in the future, as in, "When I get to heaven." It isn't about now, for some reason. Yet Paul indicated something very pleasant for the immediate. Well, if you place the blessing in the future, then this verse makes no sense. According to this verse, Paul again is alluding to something of importance in this life. Yet all that you are able to hear, of some crying from the pulpit, or confessing at the cell meetings, is that they are defeated, but they are trying. (Do you get credit for trying?) What then is the reason for 'hope' in Christ in this life only? Why would Paul say "In this life only?" We have hope in the future, he was saying, but not to be overlooked, we have hope in the present, which some believed was the extent of it! Let's face it. What hope would we have in this life if He is not risen? Does He not meet us now - and then?
![[Prayer]](graemlins/prayer.gif) Personal relationship now! ![[dance]](graemlins/dance1.gif)
" But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (Joh 20:31)
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (Joh 10:10)
Life is a person. If He is not involved, then you don't have life. You have expectation, or anticipation. But, He fills expectation - if you will only let Him.
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WildB
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posted
Heb.11
[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
[18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
[19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
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That is all.....
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Michael Harrison
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Well, since i am preaching to the choir, and all the choir wants to do is sing, I'll answer my own post ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Scripture does not say that Abraham obeyed God. It says that Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness. Was obedience involved? Of course! God told him to offer his son, and he did. But what of it? Well, I get beaten up by those who want to make obedience a cornerstone of relationship. These find the message strange, that I preach. Having a hard time accepting the simple truth, they want to add to it, being uncomfortable with the translation of the verse of verses I use to relate the fundamental understanding that we are to have in order to serve:
Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law [doing] in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith [having]. Done!
Well, let’s take a realistic look at what Abraham did. Let’s start with the fact that Abraham waited for a long time to receive fulfillment of a promise that God promised. No doubt that he was well discouraged over the lengthy waiting period, and his mind was racing from hope to hope in anticipation, which did not appear for the longest.
“Perhaps I have heard wrong, and have my hopes up for nothing,” said he. “I think I’ll take the maid to me.”
Well, it wasn’t his suggestion. Maybe Sarah felt sorry for the man. Maybe she wanted this as much as he, and therefore, they both thought that they would ‘help’ God accomplish His will. Oops! Something here should really stand out even though it isn’t in bold print!
Nevertheless, the day of visitation came, and lo’ and behold, Sarah had a son; an only son. When it came time, do you think that she knew what God said to Abraham about the sacrifice? What if she had? What do you think might have happened? I add this to add tension and drama to what is about to unfold. Abraham is about to take his only son out into the wilderness and do the unthinkable. Do you get the extreme gravity of this? Let's say that times were different. Imagine that God has spoken to you, and in speaking He has told you to take your child out to the wilderness and slay him/her. It doesn’t even have to be an only child. Imagine that you have instructed,
“Child, let’s go out to the out-back today. What you are wearing is fine. You don’t need to bring anything with you.” Once on the way,the child then eventually asks, knowing the routine, “Father, where is the sacrifice?” To which you answer, “God will provide himself a lamb.”
Now, in your mind, are you fine with yourself? You are about to terrorize you baby, and if you are wrong, it is irreversible. You are wondering how, or if the son will understand. Your mind is set. Your face is set, but your thoughts are racing. Do you think Abe doubted, or wondered, “Am I really hearing from God? Am I doing the right thing?” Well, you have to consider that after the long wait, and then, after so long a time period after the promise of Isaac, there was then a flesh and blood confirmation of His (God's) ‘Word’: then perhaps Abraham was a little better situated faith wise. However, even still, how was he going to look Isaac in the eyes? How could he be calm about this. Did Isaac have the same faith? Was he privy to what was about to happen? He certainly would be in mere moments. Abraham was not in this alone, and he had a big responsibility on his shoulders, and an audience! (Imagine being in the audience's shoes.)
How about you? From Abraham's perspective, could you do this? Are you thinking hard about what really was involved? What if you were wrong? You cannot bring him back. You have to believe that God will, and that is no small confidence. All of that aside, to make room for doubt, do you know what would happen to you if the neighbors knew what was taking place? Would they not talk about you, even kill you when they caught you? For that matter, how would you live with yourself? In other words, the intensity of the moment would be such that you would not be able to go on to do this unless you were truly depraved somehow, or blessed by something far and away greater than normal. Can you see this?
We read these passages and take them with a spoon of cherry flavored joy cough syrup; in other words, for granted we take them without considering the intensity of the moment that Abraham experienced. And we incorporate it into our knowledge base without a working appreciation for the mechanics, and we go on teaching what we know as though we are experienced in the word. Resemble that?
So, why do I ponder this, you ask? Abraham ‘believed’ God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. This is the wording. There is a reason that it was stated this way! And for those who want to parade obedience before the believer like it was a monumental achievement without which one would see any reward, and by which they could be proud since they, are so… consider Abraham’s predicament. He did not what he did out of self will. The ability to obey God did not come from Abraham, just like as in the case of Peter. Peter denied Jesus thrice before the **** crew. Yet Jesus said of him, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, “ meaning that Peter would be sound in the faith, able to obey God’s will even to the death! What has to precede this kind of obedience? What must be in play before this can happen? Here is the reason that scripture says that Abraham believed God and that was what was accounted to him for righteousness. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, and fruit, or works, result from this.
People are confused about obedience, and what I am saying is that, what people mistake for obedience, is trying to please God in the flesh (which they cannot do). It is most prolific, and comes out of either good intentions, or fear of judgment, even if the one is spiritual (touched by His Spirit). Yet:
Rom 14:23 Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
So we see that the reason that the word says that Abraham believed, rather than that he ‘obeyed’ is that without uplifting faith (in other words, confirmation of the Spirit, for faith is the substance of the thing hoped for) he would not have been able to do this. So it is not to Abraham’s credit, but to God’s credit for the ability to obey, which Abraham experienced that day (1Co 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence). Therefore, take not credit for what you ‘do’ for God, as though you contributed something. If you have it, you got if from Him. Amen!
1Co 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
This includes the ability to serve and obey. (The question of belief may be on a different level.)
In other words, He is the source, and that is the message of the gospel. Wilt thou now understand that He has done, and is doing it all, and you have it of Him, or you labor in vain?
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Michael Harrison
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There is something interesting to note, and i suppose this is as good a place as any. Notice that scripture does not say that Abraham OBEYED God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. No! Abraham 'believed' God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. God provides. He is your provision. Ab's obedience was that he believed, without which he could not have 'done', as in 'gone through the motions' to obey.
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Michael Harrison
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He believed that God would provide for Himself a Lamb. This is referring to Jesus. The whole of this event prophesied, and illustrated the Lamb who was slain. It is implied that he believed that God would raise him from the dead, which completes the picture. Nevertheless, he believed that God would provide for Himself a lamb. A sacrifice was necessary, and Abraham did not believe that God would take his only son, who was by way of promise. So he 'knew' that God would provide a sacrifice, otherwise he lied to his son!
It is the same where the Centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant. He said "speak the word only and my servant will be healed." He 'knew' what Jesus would do. Some call this faith, knowing who He is, and what He does (will do).
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WildB
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Your miss understanding the verse.
Abraham was comforting his son by what he said.
The verse is better understood in what he did as to what he believed.
[9] And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
[10] And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
What he believed was........
that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead
Stop your sillyness.
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That is all.....
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Michael Harrison
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Gen 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
Gen 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
You are tiring wyldb.
Heb.11
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Since faith is 'of' God, not of us, there is your substance. Amen!
By the way, did you read the response about OSAS in "Can you give up your salvation?"
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WildB
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quote:
Originally posted by Michael Harrison:
What is faith? One looks for the simplest explanation, the best way to convey the truth; but the unfortunate reality about that is that, people overlook simple. It is too easy, and they don't comprehend it because they want to 'do', whatever it is that accomplishes whatever!!! Oh the breaking heart of God. When will my children learn?
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
If I could tell you in the simplest terms what faith is, (and i have sought long and hard for this), faith is what God believes about Himself. What is so amazing is that you can have this! So, if you believe what God believes, Selah!!!
The second first: Abraham believed that God would provide for Himself, a lamb. That is what Abraham believed.
Not so hard its in the Bible.
Also your statement about Abraham is not Biblical.
Heb.11
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
[5] By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
[7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
[8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
[9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
[10] For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
[11] Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
[12] Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
[13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
[14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
[15] And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
[16] But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
[18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
[19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
[20] By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
[21] By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
[22] By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
[23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
[24] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
[25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
[26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
[27] By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
[28] Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
[29] By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
[30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
[31] By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
[32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
[33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
[34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
[35] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
[36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
[37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
[38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
[39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
[40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
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That is all.....
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Eden
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Hi, Michael Harrison. You said quote:
Good intentions don't count. They are even as our own righteousness, which as scriptures relates, are as filthy rags.
Exactly. All Christians realize that God does not want their "bad parts", but a lot fewer Christians realize that God also does not want their "good parts":
Romans 7:18
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Galatians 4:14
And my temptation which was in my flesh you despised not nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and ALL our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
As I said, all Christians know that God does not want their "bad" parts, but a lot fewer Christians know that God also does not want their good parts.
Therefore there is only one acceptable righteousness in the eyes of God:
Romans 4:22
Therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Romans 4:23
Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
Romans 4:24
But for us also to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.
If we believe in Him who raised Jesus from the dead, then to us also shall this rigteousness be IMPUTED.
Therefore God does not need our "bad" parts nor our "good" parts. They will be discarded and not be used for anything.
The righteousness we will receive and must put on is the imputed righteousness, the free righteousness, the righteousness which is of God:
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having my own righteousness which is of the law, but that righteousness which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
A lot of Christians still walk around with the idea that they can "still help God with their good parts". Not so. God has buried us with Christ. God wants none of us.
This new righteousness can only be received through belief in Jesus Christ and through belief in Him who raised Jesus from the dead.
With no "bad" parts and no "good" parts to offer Hm anymore, I can finally rest and say, I believe in You, God, and I believe in You, Jesus of Nazareth, and I believe in You, Holy Spirit. I give up; do what You can do in me. From now on I will start listening to Your promptings through the Holy Spirit. Together You and I will do better than my "bad" parts and my "good" parts ever did.
Galatians 4:19
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.
In summary, Christians need to realize that God also does not want their "good" parts. Even our "good" parts are as filthy rags.
Philippians 1:20
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
At that point the Christian stops "helping" God with his "good" parts and only exclaims, with Mary,
Luke 1:46
Then Mary said, My soul does magnify the Lord.
Labor to enter? ![[roll on floor]](graemlins/6.gif)
Matthew 11
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
love, eden
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Michael Harrison
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Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Rom 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Rom 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
What is important about what God believes? What did Abraham believe? The second first: Abraham believed that God would provide for Himself, a lamb. That is what Abraham believed. Abraham believed what God believed of Himself. Isn’t that the ‘essence’ of knowing someone, knowing what they believe, and how they feel, what they will do???
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Michael Harrison
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What is faith? One looks for the simplest explanation, the best way to convey the truth; but the unfortunate reality about that is that, people overlook simple. It is too easy, and they don't comprehend it because they want to 'do', whatever it is that accomplishes whatever!!! Oh the breaking heart of God. When will my children learn?
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
If I could tell you in the simplest terms what faith is, (and i have sought long and hard for this), faith is what God believes about Himself. What is so amazing is that you can have this! So, if you believe what God believes, Selah!!!
We read that faith is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. Well.....It is what God believes about Himself, that of Himself.
Here we read about the faith 'of' Jesus:
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith 'of' Jesus Christ [what He believes of Himself] unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
It is what He believes about Himself. You can have this. Without it, you are dead in tresspass in sins.
Rom 3:28 "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith [what God believes about Himself, and what He does] without the deeds of the law.
Jesus!!!!! I bow before you. Lord, I praise your name.
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith [what God believes about Himself]? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
My Lord and my God! Glory to your Holy Name. Amen!
Rom 4:5 But to him that 'worketh not', but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Rom 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
Rom 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
What does God believe about Himself? When you know what He believes of Himself, and you submit, then you will know what it means to be 'Free in Christ'.
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Michael Harrison
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Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith:
Who?
The just - shall 'live', by faith.
Oh! So, as a sinner i am justified by faith?
No, no! The 'just' shall live by faith. If you are justified by faith, as the scripture says, the 'just' shall therefore live by faith.
Faith, if you have that, makes you 'just', if faith is what you have. Therefore, the absence of faith makes you what? Because faith makes you just, if you are just, what is the argument? Faith justifies you, making you just, duh! Therefore, are you 'unjust'? Don't doubt; but do question your faith. Is it the right faith? It doesn't say that the sinner will live by faith! The sinner is dead by sinning.
1Ti 5:6 "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." Oh Bride!
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Michael Harrison
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Jesus is doing it all! ~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~!Receive it!
Who is Jesus? He is the Word of God.
What does the Word?
Isa 55:11 "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
What will you add to it? Faith without works is dead. Clearly then, works without faith are dead. Faith is a person.
Good intentions don't count. They are even as our own righteousness, which as scriptures relates, are as filthy rags. Relationship, and the revelation of Him does.
What does He want of you? How do you please Him?
Let Him be who He is. But how do you do that? You have to believe what He wants you to believe! Duh!
Is all of this stuff that you hold to what He wants you to believe? Have you thought about it?
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