Faith And The Christian Believer

The believer lives by faith trusting in the Divine Providence of God knowing that "...no weapon formed against them shall prosper...". ( Isaih 54 verse 17 ). Living a life of submission the desire of the believer is to do that which is pleasing unto the Lord. The believer walks with God.( Amos 3 verse 7). The believer abides in the Word of God and is quickened by the quickening power of the Word of God.Anointed by the Word of God, living a life of faith ,the believer triumphs over all trials and afflictions. ( Hebrews 11 verse 1 to 40 ). Prayer is central in the life of the believer that centres their life around the Word of God.The believer desires that God'd Kingdom be established on earth " ...as it is in heaven...." ( Matthew 6 verse 10 KJV). The believer walks with God and signs and wonders follow them in accordance with Mark 16 verse 16 to 18 ): "...He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth

not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God...." The effectual fervent prayer of righteous man availeth much. (James 5 verse 16 ). The believer worships God in the beauty of Holiness in spirit and in truth. ( John 4 verse 24 ). The life of the believer "... is hid with Christ in God ...." .( Colossians 3 verse 3). The Apostle Paul said : "... 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 of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain...." ( Galatians 2 verse 20 to 21 KJV ). The believer on confession of his or her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is baptised in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ the Bible way by immersion. ( Acts 2 verse 37 and 41 KJV ): "...Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls....". Jesus is Lord. The Word of God has the preminence.The believer has submitted "... unto God..." and has resisted the devil ,and the devil has fled from them.( James 4 verse 7). Yes the devil is terrified of true believers! The gates of hell, the counsels of hell , the reasonings and deliberations and wicked schemes of hell cannot prevail against the church of the Living God! ( See Matthew 16 verse 18 ). "...If we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him :...." ( 2 Timothy 2 verse 11 ). In Christ Jesus we are a new creation "....old things have passed away, all things have become new....." (2 Corithians 5 verse 17 ). The believer is identified with the life , death and ressurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The believer knows that they are in a spiritual warfare.The believer knows "....they wrestle not against flesh and blood, but agint principalities, against powers, against the

rulers of the darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in high places..." ( Ephesians 6 verse 12 ). "..For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;......." (2 Corinthians 10 verses 3 to 5 ). (The cross of the Lord Jesus Christ is central to the life of every true believer in the Gospel of the Kingdom."...When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,

saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom....." (Matthew 16 verse 13 to 28 ). "....The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness ;but unto those which are saved it is the power of God...." ( 1 Corinthians 1 verse 18 KJV ). The study of the tabernacle planis a full study . Briefly it shines a light on Christian worship. In the tabernacle plan of worship in the old testament, a brazen altar was placed on the entrance gate.the sacrificial flesh had to be consumed to ashes .The brazen altar was a place of judgement. ".....No flesh should glory in His Presence..." ( I Corinthians 1 verse 29 KJV ).The brass speaks of judgement. "...The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through jesus Christ our Lord..." ( Romans 6 verse 23 ) " .........All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God........." ( Romans 3 verse 23 KJV ). The ministering Priests in the Old Testament tabernacle of worship placed the sacrifice on the altar. For a more in depth study on the Tabernacle see studies on the internet such as : http://www.bibleplaces.com/tabernacle_model.htm?gclid=CMLZ8MT2upcCFQtCMAodUmJnTA http://www.watton.org/studies&stories/tab/

In the New Testament , the apostle Paul says "...I die daily..." ( 1 Corinthians 15 verse 31 KJV). The brazen laver dish allowed the ministering priests to see a reflection of themselves. The Word of ( Psalms 51 verse 5 KJV ) God is a mirror .Man is born in iniquity and comes into the world speaking lies. A man born of a woman is of a few days and full of trouble...." ( Job 14 verse1 ). Man is born in sin and guilty of sin in need of a Saviour. "... But be ye doers of the word, and

not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed...." ( James 1 verse 22 to 25 KJV ) . The preaching of the word washes the hearers of the Word. " ...Now you are clean through the Word I have spoken unto you...." ( John 15 verse 3 ). "...That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word..." ( Ephesians 5 verse 26 KJV ). The brazen altar and brazen laver dish were both in the outer tabernacle court. In the tabernacle of holiness the golden candlestick speaks of the seven church ages ( Revelation 1 verse 8 to 20 KJV ): "....I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the

Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches...". The golden candlestick was made of beaten gold. gold speaks of the character of God. the beaten gold speaks of the suffering church persecuted throughout the esven church ages. The same oil that flowed in the first branch flowed in all the candlestick branches. the oil speaks of the baptism and anointing of the Holy Ghost. The Church is the "...Light of the world...." (Matthew 5 verse 14 KJV). The light of the candlestick shone on the table of shewbread. The light illuminated the bread. The unleavened bread speaks of the pure unadulterated word of God. The Golden altar of incense speaks of the prayers of the saints.The ark of the covenant

was placed in the Holy Place . The tabernacle plan peaks about how redeemed man can have access to the throne of grace. "...Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need....."( Hebrews 4 verse 1 to 16 ). There is a God shaped vacuum in every person that only God can fill. Everywhere people worship something. There is that thirst toworship. That desire to worship is strong. Some worship the sun. others worship the moon. others worship crocodiles, snakes, scorpions. Others make images and bow down and reverence images.The Apostle Paul preached at Mars Hill and said: "...Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of

the other, they let them go. And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them...." Acts 17 verse 1 to 34 KJV ). Man is a spiritual being. Man is to walk by faith and not by sight .Man is made in the image of God. Paul said " ...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 of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...." ( Galatians 2 verse 20 KJV ). Much has been said by God anointed Preachers about faith. Without faith it is impossible to

please God. As Christians we are admonished to walk by faith and not by sight. the word of God must rule our lives.We must not be sensual responding to impulses from the five senses.No we must live by the sixth sense. The sense of faith. By faith we rise above fear and doubt and reach out to the unseen God. With eagle wings of faith we grasp the realities of the supernatural ,lay hold of them by faith and bring them down fro the spiritual realm into the physical realm. "...Now faith is the substance of the things hoped for the evidence of the things not seen...." ( Hebrews 11 verse 1 KJV). ".... Faith is the title deed of things not seen...." ( Hebrews 11 verse 1 Amplified Bible). Faith is that positive assurance that what you asked for , by faith you have received it in the spiritual realm and know without a shadow of doubt that the reality will be made manifest in the physical realm. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. ( Romans 10 verse 17 KJV).The Lord Jesus said " ....it is the spirit that quickeneth;the flesh profiteth nothing;the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life........" ( John 6 verse 63 KJV). The Word of God is creative in power.When an anointed servant of the Lord, lives a life worthy of the gospel ( Col 1 verse 10; 1 Thes 2 verse 12; Ephesians 4 verse 1 KJV), he denies "...place to the devil ..." ( Ephesians 4 verse 27 ) the accuser of the brethren ( Rev 12 verse 10 KJV) has no legal standing to make a legal argument in the Presence of God against such a worthy and blameless life. The Apostle John said "...And

hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight...." ( I John 3 verse 19 to 22 KJV ) . The Lord Jesus Christ is"....heir of all things...." ( Hebrews 1 verse 2 KJV).The Lord Jesus Christ ".....upholds all things by the word of His power...." ( Hebrews 1 verse 3 KJV ). "....we see not yet all things put under Him ....." ( Hebrews 2 verse 8 KJV ). " ...But we see Jesus,..." ( Hebrews 2 verse 9 KJV). Errol Smythe.