PEACE BE STILL! HE REALLY CARES!

 Mar 4:35-41  And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.  (36)  And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.  (37)  And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.  (38)  And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?  (39)  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  (40)   And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?  (41)  And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Looking at this Scripture portion we observe several "great things" about it:
A great multitude of people v.1
A great company of ships v. 36
A great storm of wind v. 37
A great inundation of the ship v. 37
A great sleep by the Master v. 38
A great accusation by the disciples v. 38
A great rebuke of the wind v. 39
A great calm v. 39
A great lack of faith v. 40
A great fear  v. 41
A great Man v. 41

This leads me to exclaim
What a multitude of people hungry for the Word!  What a company of ships following the Master! What a storm that filled the ship! What a sleep of the Master in the wet and filled boat! What an accusation by the disciples! What a rebuke of nature! What a resulting calm! What a great lack of faith! What a fear and finally... What a MAN!!!!!

And we should now all ask ourselves the question;
WHAT VITAL LESSON(S) CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS INCIDENT?
Let's look at a few:

Lesson No 1
WHEN GOD GIVES YOU A COMMAND HE MEANS PRECISELY THAT: 
YOU CAN HAVE AND EXPRESS COMPLETE CONFIDENCE AND FAITH IN GOD'S COMMANDS
If He said Let us go over then I can assure you that is exactly what He means! You are going OVER NOT under!!!
Jesus was making use of someone's docked ship as a pulpit to speak to the multitude gathered, HUNGRY to hear His doctrine. He was thus able to avoid the crowd pressing in and to communicate unhindered.
Mar 4:1  And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
After concluding His address, His express command was "Let us go over to the other side." It is vital to note that our Lord Who is Yahweh Incarnate has issued a command which includes those present with Him.
Let US go OVER the other side!
He was not planning on going alone thus the command says US!
He was not planning for them to go UNDER thus the command to let US go OVER!
Having made His intentions and plans clear and giving His WORD concerning it our Lord went to sleep.
It is interesting to note that the Word says in Psa 121:3-4  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.  (4)  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 
 I believe Psalm 121
harmonizes perfectly with this incident! Here in the psalm we see Yahweh does not sleep yet Jesus is reported to be sleeping in the boat. Being manifested in the flesh He can enjoy the ability to sleep but because He is also Yahweh He maintains constant watch and thus is aware of what is happening all the time anywhere, any time! He was therefore aware of the approaching storm...He is aware of the intensity but it is OK because He is right them WITH them. Storm or no storm Yahweh is right there  ... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  (6)  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Heb 13:5-6
You may ask the question, 
"Where is God when I am in all my distresses?"
"Where is God when bad things are happening to me?"
Let me assure you that He is right there with you and you may think that He is sleeping and you may be accusing Him of being uncaring, but He is fully aware of all that is happening to you and He will keep you in the midst of whatever is happening to you, What is happening in your home, in your family, at your workplace in whatever situation that He commands REMEMBER He is there! He may not take you out of it but HE WILL KEEP you in the midst of it. TRUST HIM!  Joh 17:15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

Lesson No 2
DO NOT EXPECT SMOOTH SAILING JUST BECAUSE GOD COMMANDS IT
When God commanded Moses to confront Pharaoh the burden on Israel was increased. But God commanded and He made His Word good in spite of the opposition! Jesus said in John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
In your Divinely ordained mission you can expect devilish opposition but remember God gave the command...publish it loud! When God gave the command concerning Joseph's destiny instead of the ascension one would expect Joseph's life took a downward path into a pit and a prison but note what the Word said...YAHWEH was with Joseph! Genesis 39:2, 21
. Yes! Right there in the midst of all your troubles YAHWEH is with you! The disciples were no strangers to the sea and to storms. Some of them were seasoned fishermen who toiled night after night  and had experienced storms but this one made them afraid! Many times we encounter storms in our lives. Divinely ordered families are disrupted due to indiscretions, infidelity, inability to focus on the Word and command of God! We encounter wave after mountainous wave of despair, discouragement, disappointments, depression and dissatisfaction that threaten to engulf us and those we love and shattering our lives forever. At that time we need to step back and asked ourselves: "Is God in this boat?" Then we are going OVER and NOT UNDER!!!

Lesson No 3
GOD EXPECTS YOU TO HAVE FAITH THAT WHAT HE COMMANDS WILL BE!!
Picture the scene: A ship full of people. Several other little ships following. An unexpected and tremendous storm! And...of all things Jesus is sleeping. Why did Jesus continue sleeping? Surely the horribly tossing ship and now swamped interior warranted Him waking up! But He is sleeping. The disciples are terribly scared.
WHY?
Did they expect the vessel to sink with Jesus in it?
Did they expect Jesus would save Himself and leave them to drown?
It is obvious that they had no control over their feelings, and their lack of faith ultimately resulted in the amazing accusation! "Master, carest thou not that we perish?"
What an accusation! Doesn't He care? Hear what He said:
Mat 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Isa 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Mat 6:28-30  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:  (29)  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  (30)  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Isa 43:1-2  But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  (2)  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

I believe Jesus expected them to respond differently. The disciples, maybe brash, bold Peter at least should have sat back...look the wind in its face,... and then look at Jesus sleeping, remembered Jesus' Word, "Let us pass over unto the other side." then say: I want to see which storm is going to take us under when Yahweh said we are passing OVER!!! 
Is God in that family of yours? Is God in that work? Is God in that Bible class, that Sunday School class, that Men's group, that Women's meeting, Whatever it is!
Is God in it?
Then expect Him to be keeping an eye on you. He is not about to desert you! He will not walk away and leave you! He has said so that you can BOLDLY say!
Is Yahweh in that pulpit with you! Then you are going over not under! What He commands WILL be!

I believe Yahweh was aware of all that was happening and He wanted His disciples to learn a vital lesson...that you can sleep calmly in the storm because He is there with you.
You may be called to the ministry in some capacity and you are in a position to influence others for Yahweh. If you have been obedient to Him in getting into the ministry the rest assured that HE is right there with you. Regardless of what and where Yahweh has commanded you He will be with you.

Remember  Psa 121:5-8 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.  (6)  The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.  (7)   The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.  (8)   The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

MY BODY HIS TEMPLE! HIS NAME IS THERE!

WHERE DOES GOD DWELL AND WHERE HAS HE PLACED HIS NAME?
Isa 57:15  For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

 Part of Stephen's defense against the accusations reads thus:
Act 7:44-50 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.  (45)  Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;  (46)  Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.  (47)  But Solomon built him an house.  (48)  Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,  (49)  Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?  (50)  Hath not my hand made all these things?

When Stephen was falsely accused and brought to trial the charge brought against Him was that he spoke blasphemous words against the temple:
Act 6:11-14 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.  (12)  And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,  (13)  And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:  (14)  For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

This same type of accusation was also brought against Jesus by false witnesses:
Mat 26:59-61 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;  (60)  But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,  (61)  And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

This error concerning the temple occurred at the beginning of Jesus' ministry after He had cleansed the temple:
JohN 2:15-22  And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;  (16)  And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.  (17)  And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.  (18)  Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?  (19)  Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.  (20)  Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?  (21)  But he spake of the temple of his body.  (22)  When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

The disciples did not completely grasp the meaning of Jesus' words until after His resurrection.
From the beginning God created man for His pleasure and will:
Rev 4:11  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Col 1:16-17  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  (17)  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

PROGRESSIVE RESTORATION OF FELLOWSHIP
God had fellowship with man which was catastrophically disrupted when man sinned.
In the perfect environment created in Eden He communed and fellowshipped with man.
Then man fell and God's redemptive work kicked in to restore man back to fellowship with God.

1.  THE TABERNACLE IN THE WILDERNESS
This was specifically emphasized after Israel was delivered from Egypt and God when God gave Moses specific commands concerning the construction of the tabernacle:
Exo 25:8  And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

In the wilderness the tabernacle became the focal point of God's presence. God was dwelling among His people
Exo 40:34-38  Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.  (35)  And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.  (36)  And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:  (37)  But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.  (38)  For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.


2.  THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON 
Likewise the temple that Solomon built:
2Ch 5:13-14  It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;  (14)  So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

2Ch 7:1-3  Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.  (2)  And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house.  (3)  And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

3. THE BODY OF JESUS
 Then came Jesus who spoke of His body as the temple.
JohN 2:21-22 But he spake of the temple of his body.  (22)  When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

4. MY BODY HIS TEMPLE
 And now we have the Word of God identifying us as the temples of God individually and collectively as exemplified by the following Scripture:
1Co 3:16-17  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  (17)  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
 1Co 6:16-20  What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.  (17)  But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.  (18)  Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  (19)  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  (20)  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
 2Co 6:16-18  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  (17)  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,  (18)  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
  Eph 2:19-22  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  (20)  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  (21)  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  (22)  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.


 5. HIS NAME IS THERE!
Moving back to Moses' conversation with God in Exodus 3 we find this interesting and very important declaration:
Exo 3:13-15  And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?  (14)  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.  (15)  And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, YAHWEH God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
 Further on we find God saying :
Exo 6:2-3  And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am YAHWEH:  (3)  And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name YAHWEH was I not known to them.
Then in the course of handing down the commandments God made this tremendous statement;
Exo 20:24  An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

God chose to place His Name in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:
2Ch 7:15-16  Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.  (16)  For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

Therefore we need to examine what manner of persons we ought to be…

     1. Whose temples are we?
     2. Who should be dwelling in us?
     3. Who can cleanse us? Can a temple cleanse itself?
     4. What happens when we allow the presence of God in our lives?

While God desires to live with man and in man, man tries to compartmentalize God and place Him in a building which he calls a church...God's house. It becomes a case of "out of sight"...out of mind! We then believe that can "go to church" at regular periods then "leave church" and forget all about it until the next time we return. But God did not intend it to be so. His church and temple is you, it is me, we are His church His temple together!
When you are in the presence of important personages you have a tendency to mind your p's and q's. When God comes to live in you He gives you the ability to mind your p's and q's
He chose to put His Name there and He will bless those who meet Him there. My body is His temple. He dwells in me and has chosen to place His Name in me.
It is an awesome thing to know that Yahweh dwells in me and has placed His name Yahweh in me and I am blessed:
Eph 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Next time you look at yourself in the mirror you are not merely looking at an outward beautiful/handsome form but you are looking at the temple of Yahweh! How beautiful do you want this temple to be for Him?
We were cleansed by His Blood and need to adorn this temple with beautiful things not with a merely elegant outward but inward enhancement. Stephen was saying that it was more than going through the motions of routine rituals. It was a renewing of His Love and Anointing everyday as we make hallowed and sacred the place where Yahweh dwells and where He has placed His name.
Having a beautiful building in no guarantee of the presence of Yahweh but the presence of Yahweh in you guarantees a beautiful you!

Stephen, worker, preacher, apologist, Christian Exrtraordinaire!

Stephen is the first recorded person who died for the cause of Christ. Let us examine a few facts of his life and try to learn something for it!

Qualifications for him to be chosen were: honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom

Stephen gave himself fully to the work he was picked out for. He went beyond mere serving in excess  

STEPHEN'S SELECTION

Act 6:3  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

When you are to be entrusted with the assets of the church it's essential that people have confidence in your honesty.

Having the Holy Ghost is vital in all aspects in the service of Christ.

A lot of sticky situations may arise requiring wisdom.

He was described as a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost

     Act 6:5  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost,

STEPHEN'S SERVICE

He was also called a man full of faith and power

Act 6:8  And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Stephen gave 100 % and more. How much do we give?

Ecc 9:10  Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

1Co 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

  

STEPHEN'S STAND

Act 6:9-10  Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.  (10)  And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

When honest men full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom take a stand for God there will always be someone to oppose and dispute. It is important that we trust not in our own wisdom and abilities but to depend on the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

Jas 1:5-8  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  (6)  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  (7)  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  (8)  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

  

STEPHEN SLANDERED  

Act 6:11-14  Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.  (12)  And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,  (13)  And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:  (14)  For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

  

STEPHEN'S SERMON

In Acts 7 Stephen demonstrates his knowledge of the Scripture. 

It indicates insight into the success of Stephen's ministry. 

He studied and meditated on the word of God. 

Many spend all their lives studying everything else except the Word of God. 

We may much rather prefer to read some cheap fictitious story than the Word of God but there is simply no comparison to, or substitute for, the Word of God.

Ecc 12:12  And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Paul's exhortation to Timothy was:

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Ti 3:14-17  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  (15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 Some may want to say all this God...God...God thing is not good but we need to understand that if it not all God...God...God then it will be the opposite

Stephen also demonstrated that not only does he know the Word but is able to apply it effectively. So effectively that his opponents resorted to the only thing weak men do when they are shown to be wrong..they killed Stephen

STEPHEN'S SACRIFICE

He died for the faith the first recorded martyr for Christ. It may have seemed foolish and in vain but it was NOT in vain. It is NEVER in vain when you seek only His glory. It is NEVER in vain when you serve Him alone.

It is NEVER in vain when you stand up for your faith in HIM. You very life, words, and deeds for HIM becomes a seed planted. It will bear fruit for He said 

Isa 55:10-11  For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  (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.

They stoned Stephen but The Lord stood ready to receive him

Act 7:55-60  But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,  (56)  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.  (57)  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,  (58)  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.  (59)  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  (60)  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

He died asking the Lord not to charge his killers with his death!!!

  Saul a witness to this slaughter and giving consent to the same, had the seed planted. It may not have sprung up immediately but when it did there was mayhem in hell as Saul (Paul) made an about face from persecuting the saints and waged full warfare against the forces of evil.

History is full of men and women and children who have willingly laid down their lives for the cause of Christ. It is NEVER in vain! It will NEVER be in vain when it is done for Christ

ACTIVATING YOUR SPIRITUAL HEARING!

 Rom 10:1-17  Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.  (2)  For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  (3)  For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  (4)  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.  (5)  For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.  (6)  But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)  (7)  Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)  (8)  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;  (9)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (11)  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  (12)  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  (13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  (14)  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  (15)  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  (16)  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  (17)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:17

  

Before you can believe you need something to believe on. This is effected by the report from God, the preaching of His Word

1. All the zeal in the world is profitless unless it is according to knowledge. Paul can relate to this since he had been a former persecutor of the church.

2. The work of faith is already done. There is no need to establish your own righteousness and faith! Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30 and points it full significance and relationship to Christ

3. The mechanics of salvation is a heart and mouth connection...believe and confess. There are bad confessions and good confessions. If I believe it I will confess it. Out of the abundance if the heart the mouth speaketh.

 Mat 12:33-37  Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.  (34)  O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  (35)  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  (36)  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  (37)  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

  Luk 6:43-49  For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  (44)  For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.  (45)  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.  (46)  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?  (47)  Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:  (48)   He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.  (49)  But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

 The report has been made but who will believe it? So it becomes more than just reading of the Word or hearing the preaching of the Word. 

We can hear with our physical ears but it takes something more. If it was just hearing physically we would all be bursting at the seams with faith.

Faith's by hearing and hearing's by the Word of God! 

As we listen to the Word we can store it in our minds and become very knowledgeable but it is still ineffective  unless we can establish a heart to mouth connection.

You see it does not matter how much of the Word you have in your mind. What matters is the portion that enters your heart. That is where faith becomes operational, and when faith begins operating we are ripe for a miracle. You may be listening to the preaching of the Word or reading the Word. You may not hear everything (I do not expect you to!) but suddenly a particular verse or Scripture portion will hit you. Call it thunder lightning or rain but you will suddenly be energized by it and at that moment it is yours! Act on it! Confess it! Faith has arrived. You heard the voice of God and the hearing has superseded all natural abilities and reached into the realm of physical impossibilities by hearing God! Hearing His voice! 

Hear me now! This is important! 

The ability to hear God's Voice comes through His Word! Dwelling and meditating on God's Word releases the fragrance His presence into our souls and puts us into overdrive. To achieve the the type of hearing that releases faith you become connected to His Word!

Peter and the rest saw the Lord walking on the surface of the sea. Peter said Lord 'bid me Come if it is you!'  All the disciples heard the same Word that Peter heard...Come! Only Peter stepped out because it went past the physical and became supernatural in his heart. Peter walked where no mortal man had ever  walked before.

Only Peter stepped out at the command. He looked for a connection and in fact demanded it. God spoke the Word, it made the connection in Peter, faith was activated Peter Walked! Do not diss him until you have done what he did!  Many hear the Word few act on it.

The woman heard of the Lord and His power to heal. It struck at the root of her trouble and she believed. Many touched and pressed the Master that day but only she received because her touch made the connection. She activated the healing flow of God's power and her bleeding was dried up! Many press in and touch but faith through the Word releases Him to work on your behalf. 

The boat was empty! it had been a long grueling fruitless night with no fish to show for their toils. Jesus used the boat for a pulpit then commanded them to launch out into the deep and let down the nets for a draught. The skepticism was there. The protest was there but the Command made a connection and they let down a net.  Jesus' sense of humor exploded into the atmosphere and fish began hitting that net so hard it broke. Next time do it exactly as he says and let down the nets ...all of them. 

It why I have been trying to emphasize the reading of the Word. It's why I have been preaching His Word! For it is only His Word that releases faith...because there is no such thing as natural faith. Faith is a supernatural gift of God that is released when His Word find its way into your heart. It is not of yourself...you cannot work it up. It comes through hearing and that kind of hearing comes by the Word of God. Impossibilities becomes possibilities when the IM (intellectual mind is taken out of the equation and is removed and we began believing with the heart.

Nazareth knew too much about Him (or so they thought)! But they could not get past the natural and see Him for who He was. They could never make the connection. Today He is not just some physical personage of history past. He is the Resurrected Lord, The Resident Lord and the Returning Lord! He is NOW! The I AM! He watches over His Word to perform it. Do you believe His report? His arm is revealed to those who believe His Report!