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Faith

Scripture defines faith (πίστις) as the substance of that which is hoped for, the conviction of accomplished deeds not seen in Hebrews 11:1. It is therefore not an attitude or belief that is dictated by probability, that is wishful thinking based upon a desire, want, or need; rather, it is a conviction based upon a promise.

Substance is referring to the underlying essence by which something exists. Christ is the exact image of God in the flesh. Through His life the fundamental nature of God was made visible to humans, Hebrews 1:3.

Conviction is the act of presenting evidence to persuade a person’s mind to believe in the truth. This evidence is established upon accomplished deeds that are not seen. We see this demonstrated in the actions of God when He determined to show the heirs of promise the immutability of His determination by giving two immutable facts, it is impossible for God to lie and making an oath based upon His word, Hebrews 6:13-18. The conviction of faith is therefore based upon the facts related to accomplished deeds that God has done.

Therefore, faith is the essence of that which is hoped for, and by the conviction based upon the facts of the promise that hope is based upon, the individual expressing belief will act according to their confidence in the person making the promise.

Many times in Scripture Jesus called out the faith of those around Him, especially of those who would not normally have faith. When a Centurion, a Gentile, asked Jesus to heal his servant, he expressed faith in the fact that Christ is the Messiah promised to the Jews by only asking that Jesus speaks the words, for one who is of authority only […]

Faith2023-12-14T08:12:55-08:00

Demonology Lesson 5

Putting On the Armor of God

Girding the Loins with Truth

Referring to the Thoughts – What goes through the mind, 1 Peter 1:13

Combats Lying and Gossip

Breastplate of Righteousness

We Are Righteous Because We Are In Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:21

By His Stripe We are Healed, 1 Peter 2:24

Defends Against Independence from God and Pride

Feet Prepared with the Gospel of Peace

This is the Message for Salvation, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

It is a Gospel of Peace, Romans 5:1

Defends against Stealing, Laziness in Spiritual things, and Bitterness

The Shield of Faith, Ephesians 6:16

Fiery darts of the malignantly evil one

Doubting is when you do something that you think is against the standards God has set for your life.

The Helmet of Salvation, Ephesians 6:17

Our Salvation in Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Defends Against Disappointment, Discouragement, Cowardice in Spiritual Things, Unforgiving (not gracious) Spirit

Disappointment, Job 3:1-26

Discouragement, Job 10:1-22

Cowardice in Spiritual Things, Luke 22:31-32

Stand as Men, 1 Corinthians 16:13

Unforgiving (Not Gracious) Spirit, 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

The Sword of the Spirit, Ephesians 6:17

This is the Utterances of God

Used to Defend Against Any Attack that Makes it Through the Other Parts of the Armor

Defensive, Not Offensive

The sword is used for all other types of attacks that get through the other parts of the armor. It is defensive still, not striking out, but destroying the attempts by Satan to negatively influence our thoughts by using specific statements from God’s […]

Demonology Lesson 52023-12-14T08:26:50-08:00

Prepared for Good Works

The importance of training cannot be overstated. In every aspect of our lives the people who do the best are the ones who spend the time to train. From interns to an apprentice, training is an essential part of everyday life. The same goes for living out the Christian life. Often our lives can seem to be so mundane that we could not possibly do something great with God. Getting out of our comfort zone tends to heighten our attitude, whether it is going on a mission trip or leading a crowd of people to salvation or any other goal, and we feel closer to God. We want to do something out of the ordinary, but are we ready for that?

Ever wonder why some people always seem to be in the right place at the right time to help others, and we, ever so willing, never seem to get that opportunity? Well, if you pay attention most of those people are trained to not only handle the situation but pay attention to what is going on around them so they can recognize when someone needs help. I recall a story in the news a while ago of a couple messing around on at beach pretending to drown and the lifeguard comes running over to help, which of course to them they thought it was funny, until he passed them and rescued a child just behind them that was actually drowning. You see, he knew what to look for. He was trained and ready. We should be the same way in our Christian lives, constantly training so we are ready for whenever God wants to use us.

For also you are obligated to be teachers […]

Prepared for Good Works2023-12-14T08:45:16-08:00

The Methods of Satan – Discouragement

Discouragement is a desire that comes from Satan with the intent of getting Christians to lack confidence in God, thinking that God has forgotten them and has no concern about them.

We are not to grow weary in doing good. Sometimes it takes a while for our fruit to grow. Satan does not want us to produce good fruit, so he is going to bring people or situations into our lives to try and discourage us.

Again we learn this method by one of the attacks Satan did against Job.

In Job 19:1-19 we have a concise statement on discouragement. Job struggles with understanding why he is continually being tormented and reproached, why his cries for help are ignored. Even those closest to him despise him for no reason.

Remember, Satan roams around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He wants to shake us up and cause fear so he can overcome us. When we feel discouragement coming on, we need to put on the armor of God, because we should be understanding that this is a direct attack from Satan. And once having it on, stand firm.

And while doing the proper let us not grow weary, for in its own time we will reap, do not give out – Galatians 6:9

The conduct apart from fondness of money, contentment to the present, for He has said, “I will never leave you, nor ever forsake you” – Hebrews 13:5

Now with our mind focused back on who we are in Christ we can begin to properly look at the situation and discern what is God’s will for us. Keep doing good and doing what is proper, even when it seems that we are all alone or the world […]

The Methods of Satan – Discouragement2023-12-14T08:47:46-08:00

Laying Hold of Eternal Life

Godliness with contentment is great gain. Yet, some seek to deceive the saints by teaching that financial gain is a means of godliness. This false doctrine is also known as the prosperity gospel. The fondness of money is a root of all wrong, and those who follow after it will stray from the faith in their greed, 1 Timothy 6:3-10. Therefore, we are to put away the fondness of money and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and objectivity of mind, 1 Timothy 6:11, for in doing so, we will take hold of eternal life, 1 Timothy 6:12. Those who are rich in this present age are not to be high minded, trusting in uncertain riches; rather, they are to do good works, being rich in proper works, generous, fellowshipping, so that they store up for themselves a proper foundation for the time to come, taking hold of eternal life, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, for those who determine to be wealthy fall into temptation and a snare, leading them into many harmful and foolish desires, 1 Timothy 6:5.

A person who continues a lifestyle of sin after being saved is not taking hold of eternal life. We are to lay aside the things of the old man and put on the new, Colossians 3:9-10, while abstaining from fleshly desires that war against our soul (emotions), 1 Peter 2:11. Although sin does not take away the salvation of the one who is saved, for nothing can separate us from the love of God, Romans 8:39, it still needs to be dealt with. One who is clean only needs to wash his feet, John 13:10. Unfortunately, many saints walk around with filthy feet because they continue to walk in […]

Laying Hold of Eternal Life2023-12-14T07:52:56-08:00
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