Thursday, March 29, 2018

THE MIRACLES OF FAITH COME FROM DEPENDING UPON GOD; NOT SELF



                            THE MIRACLES OF FAITH

“…FAITH “IS”” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). “… [God has] dealt (GAVE) to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “… “…The fruit of the Spirit is …faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

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 Human faith and Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith, or the spirit of faith are two different types of faith. Human faith was destroyed along with the image and likeness of God, and falls short of its original created ABILITY. “…For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV). ALL“… [have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses are as FILTHY RAGS.” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “…There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). …There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). ….Jesus said unto him ….there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).
Human faith FAILS to live up to its original created ability. Apostle Paul expresses the disability of human faith in these verses: “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Who will free YOU from human faith that has been dominated (or disabled) by SIN? the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated (disabled) by SIN (including your human FAITH)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Human faith, that has been dominated by sin, is completely cut-off from activating a RESPONSE from GOD. In fact, God can’t HEAR and is “NOT” listening. “…YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God …he has turned away and will not listen anymore…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “… I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith (who's faith?) of the Son of God.  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law (human faith, self-effort), then Christ is dead in vain…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). God … worketh in [the believer], both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).“…Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).     I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (self-effort, human faith) could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated (disabled) by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Mankind’s perpetual failure to activate, the WORK of the Holy Spirit, through human faith or human effort is because it is dead. “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). "...[Thus] apart from … [the Holy Spirit] you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).. “it is God which worketh in [you] … ” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
Mankind’s slavery to sin normally results in the separation, removal, and replacement of God as the OBJECT of Faith.[Their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [them]… from God …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).
The fall destroyed and corrupted human faith and human effort. “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).  “…All have sinned and fallen SHORT of the GLORY of God…” (Romans 3:23).
God HAD to give and GIFT mankind with a NEW “HOLY” faith in order to EMPOWER him or her to respond to him, to his love, and to his many provisions. He “…dealt (GAVE) to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). One of “…the fruit of the Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  …It is God who worketh IN YOU, both to will and to do ….” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
“…To will and to do of his good pleasure…” implies that the HOLY Spirit DOES the WORK in and through believer. “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“….Without [the Spirit of] faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).  The indwelling Spirit of Faith empowers believers to will and to do what PLEASES God.  “…God … worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER (the Holy Spirit) that worketh in [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with EVERYTHING good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with EVERYTHING good for doing his will ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep…work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
Human faith or human effort is limited to what you can do, but the Spirit of Faith has unlimited possibilities that depend upon what the indwelling Holy Spirit can DO "in" and "through" you. “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
In order for God’s children to receive and respond to the many benefits of his BONDING LOVE God EMPOWERS them with the Spirit of FAITH. “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to his riches in glory BY (through) Christ Jesus (the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…through Jesus ChristWE …receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (depending upon God)…” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV). “…I will put a NEW SPIRIT in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).). “… [One of]…the fruit of the [new] Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: OLD things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  God “…[GAVE] to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…IT IS THE GIFT  OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to [every aspect of] SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  …It is God who worketh IN YOU, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…Christ liveth in [you]: and the life which [you] now live in the flesh [you] live by (via, through, by the use of, etc.) the faith of the Son of God (who's faith?).   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to his riches in glory BY (through) Christ Jesus (the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV).
Human faith or human effort is empowered by one’s self, things, or other people. The flesh or human effort won’t profit you spiritually. “…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human effort (human faith) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT). “….Don't put your confidence in … people [human faith, effort, etc.]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “…It is impossible to please God without (the indwelling Spirit of) FAITH…” (Hebrews 11:6 NLT). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV).
Human faith or human effort CAN “NOT” reach, respond to, access, or activate the Holy Spirit, or enable Holy conduct, or enable the assurance or certainty of Holy hope or expectation. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated (disabled from the Holy Spirit) by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…I will put a NEW SPIRIT in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT “…The Lord (Jesus Christ) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).). “…if the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).
Human faith or human effort can NOT and will NOT sustain God as the OBJECT of faith. . “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
The best believers are EMPOWERED by other interests that motivate them MORE than the indwelling Holy Spirit does “…my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).  “…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit [of Faith] guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature [dictates]. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. "...And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
Historically the human faith or human effort, of God’s OWN people, has led them to forget about HIM as a MAIN OBJECT of Faith and abandon him. “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).  “…They ABANDONED the Lordthey turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (other objects of faith)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (other objects of faith)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (other objects of faith)…” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT). .I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Human faith and human effort are different sides of the SAME coin. Human faith and human effort EXCLUDE God and does NOT depend upon his indwelling Holy Spirit. “… if righteousness [could] come by the law (self-effort, human faith, etc.), then Christ is dead in vain…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). “… [Thus] apart from … [the indwelling Holy Spirit] you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
The Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith is UNIQUE to Christianity and it is GIVEN to all believers, by God, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. God “…dealt (GAVE) to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). One of “…the fruit of the (indwelling) Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… [You are saved through FAITH] …. IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…God ... sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by (via, through, by the use of, etc.) the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).  
Therefore, “…Looking unto Jesus (the indwelling Spirit who is) the AUTHOR (creator, originator) and FINISHER (sustainer, caretaker, watchguard, etc.) OF [YOUR]… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [YOU through the INDWELLING Holy Spirit] WILL “PERFORM” IT until …” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…Apart from Me (God, the indwelling Holy Spirit), [YOU] can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV)..
The Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith also distinguishes Christianity from all other religions. “… [You are saved by FAITH] …. IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…God [sends] forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). One of “…the fruit of the (indwelling) Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…And there is SALVATION in no one else …” (Acts 4:12 NASB).
You were destitute of the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. “…God …sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…The fruit of the (indwelling) Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
God is the PROVIDER of the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. “…Your … [provision] … be upon “Your people!” Selah…” (Psalm 3:8 NASB). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).
He supplies “ALL” the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith you need. “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).
God provides or “GIVES” you Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. He GIVES “…the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV).  
God “IS” your  Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. “… Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV).  So “…[You can choose to]… live by (through) the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).
God does the WORK of the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith “IN” you. “… [God] work[s] IN [you]… what is pleasing to him…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh in you” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “… [He doeth the work] according to the POWER that worketh in [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
God does the WORK of the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith through you. “… [God] work[s] … THROUGH Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  “…it is the same God who does the work ….through all of us who are his … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“…the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
God does the WORK of the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith for you. “…It shall be done to you according to your [indwelling Spirit of] faith…" (Matthew 9:29 NASB). “…I will show you MY [indwelling Spirit of] FAITH by my deeds (FRUITFUL RESULTS)...” (JAMES 2:18 NIV). “..THE STORIES OF FAITH of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. BY FAITH these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).
What is other evidence that the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith is WORKING in the life of a believer? “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Spirit of FAITH]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit(John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
“…the Father doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God gives us many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. ...There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are hisIt is the same and only Holy Spirit who GIVES all these gifts and powers… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
“… [You]… live by the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…[You] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).by the GRACE of God [you are what you are]” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).
As you can SEE, human faith or human effort is NOT the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. Human faith and human effort operates independently from God because of the impact of sin. “…The flesh (human faith, human effort, etc.) profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…It is God which worketh [the indwelling spirit of faith] in you” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV).  “…the righteous will live by his faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). “… [You] live by the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit of FAITH], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
Sin separated man from God. Sin killed the original spiritual connection with God and mankind had NOTHING, within themselves, to enable them to be restored back to him. “…It’s YOUR SINS that … cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…Your INIQUITIESseparated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).
Sin also killed the ability of mankind to have ANY kind of lasting or dependable faith that could reach God, respond to God, atone for their sins, restore their original holy glory, and enable them to enter again into the covenant relationship with him. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN [and has me forever separated from the Holy God?] (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…and SIN, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).
Sin separates ALL or EVERY aspect of mankind from God, including their human faith or human effort. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial?...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).
“…And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).
Thus, spiritual DEATH separates human faith or human effort from accessing or participating in the spiritual LIFE of God. They were “…separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).
Mankind, without the indwelling Holy Spirit, “IS” spiritually “DEAD” and cut-off from God. “…Evildoers shall be CUT OFF …" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV). “…YOUR SINS … have cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).
Before you were SAVED “…YOU… [were] DEAD in your transgressions and sins (which includes human faith)…” (Ephesians 2:1 NIV).
You were completely and totally DESTITUTE of the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith.  . “…YOU were dead in your sins and ... [NOW]…God made you ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). God “….made [you]ALIVE with Christ …” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV).
Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU (AND all aspects of your humanity) … [were]…. DEAD and [you have been made]ALIVE AGAIN; [you were]… LOST and [have been]… found” (Luke 15:24 NIV).
If you were made “ALIVE AGAIN” then you were DEAD, which means your human faith and human efforts were DEAD too. “…YOU were dead in your sins” (Colossians 2:13 NIV).
Your human faith and human efforts were as DEAD and unresponsive as the bones in Ezekiel’s valley. “…I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry (DEAD)…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).
Your DEAD human faith and human efforts were dominated by SIN. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
You were dominated by SIN when you LIVED like pagans and unbelievers or those WITHOUT the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith.. “….YOU USED TO LIVE in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. ….just like everyone else…” (Ephesian 2:2-3 NLT).  “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Your DEAD human faith and human efforts became dependent on “…all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…” (1 John 2:16 KJV).
ONLY God “GIVES” the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith.  “…[God gives]…the measure of faith...” or imparts the “…The fruit of the Spirit … [of] FAITH …” (Romans 12:3 & Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…It is the [HOLY]… SPIRIT [ONLY] who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB).
It is the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith that actively and POWERFULLY responds to or is activated by the WORD of God. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). Spiritual “…Faith cometh by HEARING… the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).
When the indwelling Spirit of Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND and become ACTIVATED - each and every time – without hesitation; it is the certainty of what is HOPED for within the believer. “…Now FAITH IS the substance (certainty) of things hoped for…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).
When the indwelling Spirit of Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND and become ACTIVATED - each and every time – without hesitation; it is the evidence of the things NOT yet seen. “…Now FAITH IS, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).
When the indwelling Spirit of Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith.  “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND and become ACTIVATED - each and every time – without hesitation; it also empowers the believer to TRUST and DEPEND upon God. “… [I am]…strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…It is God which worketh in [me]… both to will and to do..” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). …[I]..can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [me]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day...” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).
When the indwelling Spirit of Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND and become ACTIVATED - each and every time – without hesitation; however human faith and human efforts often cause a STRUGGLE when the believer is STILL HEARING and LISTENING to the voice of the FLESH or SINFUL nature.  “…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit [of divine faith] guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
Christianity is NOT really a religion, but a relationship with the covenant God. The covenant relationship is founded upon and sustained BY the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith.
In order to ACCEPT the INVITE into the covenant relationship with God you willfully and voluntarily enter through the gift of FAITH (the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith).  “…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
The gift of the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. comes by HEARING the GOSPEL. “…faith cometh by hearingthe word of God” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “….The gospel of Christ (the WORD) …. is the power of God unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH (depends upon it)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).
When you ACCEPT by GRACE (undeserved favor) that you are SAVED through the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith; it is a GIFT of GOD. “…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
HEARING the GOSPEL has the POWER to SAVE everyone who is enabled to BELIEVE or ACCEPT through FAITH. “…Every one that hath heard …of the Father, cometh to me…” (John 6:45 KJV).  “….The gospel of Christ …. is the power of God unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH (accepts and depends upon the gospel message as truth)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “… ye been saved THROUGH FAITH…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
When the Spirit of Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND and become ACTIVATED - each and every time – without hesitation and SAVES. “…I … will draw all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV).  “… ye been saved THROUGH FAITH…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
When the Spirit of Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND immediately and become ACTIVATED- each and every time – without hesitation and the HOLY SPIRIT does the WORK of SALVATION. "Jesus answered, and said…This is the WORK of God: that ye believe (ACCEPT, DEPEND) on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29 KJV). “… AS MANY as received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe on his name…” (John 1:12 KJV). “…For it is God who WORKS IN YOU” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
God SENDS the GOSPEL message along with the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. as an expression of his LOVE, faithfulness, and eternal commitment to the covenant relationship with his people through Christ. “…What is important is faith expressing itself in love…” (Galatians 5:6 NLT).
The Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. is the WORK God DOES within the believer “…The WORK of God: [is] that ye believe on him (depend upon him) whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29 KJV). “…It is God who WORKS IN YOU” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good for doing his will” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).…That great Shepherd of the sheep, …may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
DEPENDING (trusting in) upon the WORK of the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith is the CHOICE of the believer.[Choose to rely on] the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… [choose “not” to lean] unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … [Choose to aknowledge him in all thy ways], and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord:” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).
The FAITH struggle is a reality with MOST believers. The Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. responds to the WORD OF GOD. Human faith or human efforts respond to what can be seen or evidenced in the natural world such as; one’s perception of reality, or the LACK of true intimacy with God, or the predominance of science and long established facts, or human experts and professionals, or the pull of the surrounding culture, or the carnal desires of the flesh, and spiritual wickedness in high places.
There are MANY distractions, interferences, and influences that STILL afflict, the believer, which is clearly witnessed through their human faith and human effort. This human faith or those human efforts, most likely, will cause them to struggle with dependence upon the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith.  “…These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions….” (Galatians 5 NLT).
The Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith is ACTIVATED and EXPERIENCED by HEARING the WORD of GOD. “…Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Roman 10:17 KJV). "…This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success…” (Joshua 1:9 NASB). “…They delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night…” (Psalms 1:2 NLT). “…The law of the LORD is perfect by them Your servant is WARNED…” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB). “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV). …and they are written for our admonition (warning)” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).
“…The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. … In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).
Apart from the indwelling Spirit of Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. mankind could NOT depend upon God. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
History teaches that human faith and human efforts “are” weak. “…Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the Spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mark 14:38 NLT).
God’s people forget about him and abandon to this very day; just like the Israelites did. “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).  “…They ABANDONED the Lordthey turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (other objects of faith)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (other objects of faith)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (other objects of faith)…” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT). .I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
The Spirit of the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith WORKS within each believer through Jesus Christ. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that [you]… live (are alive) in him and he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).   “…Jesus Christ is in you” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Quench NOT the Spirit…” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 KJV).walk by faith…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).
God HAS imparted to the believer a NEW “HOLY” spirit of Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. [God gave] to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). In fact, one of “…the fruit of the Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to [the] SPIRITUAL LIFE [of the indwelling Spirit of FAITH]…” (John 3:6 NLT).  …God … worketh IN YOU, both to will and to do ….” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
“…To will and to do of his good pleasure…” implies that the HOLY Spirit DOES the WORK in and through believers. “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“….Without [the Spirit of] faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).  The indwelling Spirit of Faith empowers believers to will and to do what PLEASES God.  It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit of faith) which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
Therefore, “…[You] will show … [your indwelling Spirit of] FAITH by [your] deeds (fruitful results)...” (JAMES 2:18 NIV). “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…What we now SEE did not come from anything that can be SEEN…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).
Human faith and the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. are “NOT” the same. . “…What fellowship hath righteousness (indwelling Spirit of faith) with unrighteousness (human faith or human efforts?)…” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). “…These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
[Choose to rely on] the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… [choose “not” to lean] unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … [Choose to aknowledge him in all thy ways], and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord:” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What faith are you CHOOSING to RELY upon; your human faith and efforts or the indwelling Spirit of Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith. within you?
ACTIVATE YOUR INDWELLING FAITH; HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD!







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