“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:1-3)
REPEAT: Hebrews 11:1-3,
“Now faith is
the assurance
of things hoped for,
the conviction of
things not seen.
For by it the people of old received their commendation.
By faith we understand that
the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
Perhaps a Better Translation and a better Version taken from the Amplified Bible version:
Hebrews 11:1-3, “Now faith is the assurance, the absolute certainty, the title deed, a rock-solid confirmation of things hoped for, of things anticipated and expected by divine guarantee; it is proof positive evidence of things not yet seen and the conviction of their reality; the comprehension as fact of what cannot be first experienced by the physical senses. For by this kind of faith the men of old gained divine approval.
“By faith that comes from an inherent trust, an enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God, we understand that the worlds, the universe, the cosmos of all the ages were framed, formed, created put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose by The Word of God, so that what is now visible was not made out of things which are visible.
THERE ARE FEW WHO POSSES IT
The faith as spoken of in Hebrews 11:1-3 is the necessary and key element for all Christians to live and walk effectively in the Spirit of God. It is the litmus test of a Christian’s maturity. This type of faith is difficult to obtain. It is even more difficult to hold onto. And, the cost of this faith is beyond most people’s ability. “It is more precious than gold, which perishes”.
Tragically, these verses have been misrepresented and misused by preachers around the world, specifically from American pulpits, to mislead and manipulate people. It is a ‘name it and claim it’ methodology.
The worst abusers are found in the Word of Faith movement, and in many Charismatic and Pentecostal churches, with other denominations following suit in varying degrees.
The type of false teaching causes the Bible to be seen and treated as sixty-six disconnected books, each having its own message and chronology. Many, if not most, post-modern Bible teachers and preachers will connect the books though a method called eisegesis, a method by which a person interprets and reads information into Bible text that is not there, to make their own points of interpretation. (This is seen frequently when preachers or pastors need to raise money, start building programs, gain popularity or power or are ignorant and errant in their teaching.
God will hold these unfaithful men and women accountable.
The Purpose of God’s Eternal Plan is not that you act as ‘little gods’ in His place or alongside of Him, (which is from the cult of Mormonism).
The Purpose of God’s Eternal Plan as taught throughout His Word, is Perfection. He is maturing and perfecting His people into His image, ultimately to live in Perfect harmony with Him and with one another, in a New and Perfect heaven and earth.
This process of perfecting, also known as sanctification, can be difficult and bewildering, but it has been God’s method as seen throughout the Bible.
This type of faith is difficult to obtain. It is even more difficult to hold onto. And, the cost of this faith is beyond most people’s ability. As the Apostle Peter tells us, “It is more precious that gold, which perishes”. Please read with me the purpose, the result and the cost of obtaining of this kind of faith:
Hebrews 11:4, “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
This faith cost Abel his life, though by his faith he was commended as righteous and is commended by God.
Verse 5. “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken, he was commended as having pleased God.
This faith caused Enoch to be taken away by God, though by this faith he pleased God.
Verse 6. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Verse 7. “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
By this faith, Noah condemned the world, though by this faith he saved his household and became an heir of righteousness.
Verse 8. “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Verse 9. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. Verse 10For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
By this faith, Abraham went out not knowing where he was going, lived in tents, though by this faith he was looking forward to the city of God.
Verse 11. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
By this faith, Sarah received the power to conceive in her old age, through this faith were born innumerable descendants.
Verse 13. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Verse 14. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. Verse 15. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. Verse 16. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
By this faith all died, no having received the things promised. They were strangers and exiles on earth, though this faith they are called their God and have a city prepared for them.
Verse 17. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, Verse 18, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” Verse 19. He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
Verse 20. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.
Verse 21. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.
Verse 22. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
Verse 23. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
Verse 24. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, Verse 25, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. Verse 26. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
Verse 27. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. Verse 28. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
Verse 29. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.
Verse 30. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
Verse 31. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Verse 32. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets — Verse 33, who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Verse 34, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Verse 35. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
Verse 36. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. Verse 37. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— Verse 38, of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Verse 39. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, Verse 40, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
((This kind of faith is a far cry from the self-serving ‘naming and claiming’ heresies practiced today, that rquire no sacrifice and no personal service to God, drawing attention away from God in order to raid the treasuries of heaven. But God is no mocked. You will reap only what you sow.))
The Purpose of God’s Eternal Plan is Perfection. He is maturing and perfecting His people into His image, ultimately to live in Perfect harmony with Him and with one another, in a New and Perfect heaven and earth.
Each and every chapter, verse and word in the Bible, when viewed within this context of God’s Eternal Plan of Perfection, begins to make perfect sense.
TIME IS SHORT
The world has entered the final epoch of time, known by various names, such as, “The Last Days”, “The End of The Age” the “Latter Days” and “The Tribulation”, which was marked by the birth of Jesus. There are reportedly visible and observable signs and ancient writings to help you, if you believe in such things. However, most people either don’t recognize the signs or writings or don’t believe. Even among those who believe these prophecies are coming to pass and see the signs, few know what they are seeing, where they are leading or what to do in response.
It requires faith and endurance to navigate and, to survive these last days. The best description of the purpose, length and, outcome of this end time, also known as the Great Tribulation, (see Matthew 24:21, Revelation 2:22 and Revelation 7:14) or the Wrath of the Lamb, (see Revelation 6:16), is found in
Daniel 12:1,
“Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.
Verse 2. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.
Verse 3. And those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Verse 4. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.”
Verse 5. Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the stream and the other on that bank of the stream. Verse 6. And someone said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” Verse 7. And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish smashing the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.
Verse 8. But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so, I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?”
Verse 9. And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time.
Verse 10. Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.
Verse 11. And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.
Verse 12. Blessed is the one who is patient and attains to the 1,335 days! Verse 13. But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will rest and rise for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”
Please. If you do not understand this message, please talk with me. It is urgent that you have understanding and wisdom regarding these matters.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
Whitestone Fellowship 