And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Faith is exactly what scripture says that it is. How to obtain faith is straight forward an is explained in Romans 10:17.
"...faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
But, what happens to that faith?
The parable of the sower explains this. And needs to be learned and applied to one's daily life. Mark chapter 4
Mar 4:3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.
Mar 4:4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
Mar 4:5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.
Mar 4:6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
Mar 4:7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.
Mar 4:8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.”
Mar 4:9 Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Mar 4:14 The farmer sows the word.
Mar 4:15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
Mar 4:16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.
Mar 4:17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
Mar 4:18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;
Mar 4:19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Mar 4:20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop–thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.”
Good ground is a heart that is repentant before God the Father.
The Lord really is coming back and it is going to be like lighting from the east to the west. In this country we find ourselves focused on ‘what it is to be’ a Christian. And it is so easy for us; because it has become cliquish and sociably acceptable in this free environment. And I assure you that is not what the first Apostles intended for us in the year 2008 to be doing. As a matter of fact they expected the Lord to return way before our time! When I go to Rwanda this April it is not so hip to be a Christian. They look for power and a living God! And many have died there being a Christian. Slaughtered by the thousands while they kneeled in a Church! The world was not worthy to have them walk this earth.
We are called to have a relationship with God through the Messiah! {A relationship.} When you have a relationship' such as with having a relationship with a spouse; you function within that relationship. You function, you share together and gain strength from that relationship. It is there; you enter exchange thoughts and feelings. You do not go around trying to prove to others that that relationship is real. You are because of that relationship. When you wash your hands you see that covenant of marriage on your finger.
When you look in the mirror do you see the ring of covenant upon you? That is the Holy Spirit? Do you see and know that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness; faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are present in your life? If not, I would not leave the house until you know that the Holy Spirit has fallen upon you. The Holy Spirit is not something - but the Lord Almighty interacting in your daily life.
Do not be caught in the trap of religion! Do you really know Him who said: "If two of you on earth agree about ANYTHING you ask for, IT WILL BE DONE for you by my Father in heaven” – “...anyone who has faith in me WILL DO what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, 'because' I am going to the Father (the Holy Spirit will then be given to those who believe). And I WILL DO whatever you ask in my name, so (why is this so?) that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may (we have permission and authority) ask me for anything in my name, and I WILL DO IT."
"You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. REMAIN in me and I will remain in you"
If someone has duped you by religion and you find that these things are not true in your life; do not make excuses but be honest and fall to your knees. He (the Spirit) is not about focusing upon a lifestyle or outside identity but RELATIONSHIP!
May the peace of God fill you with His presence TODAY! Taste and know that He is good. God bless - Evangelist Michael Hensley.
A PowerPoint View of The Sower