From The Pastor's Pen... 5/19/14

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 AKJ).

What is true believing faith? And what makes it operate? That Kingdom principle, in regard to true Scriptural faith, which Paul recorded in Hebrews 11:1, is a vital truth, which every serious believer, who wants to walk in victory, needs to apprehend for himself. The majority of the believing Church, however, has been lulled into a calm and quiet complacency in regard to the urgency of this Apostolic doctrine. But, it needn't be that way for anyone who desires to diligently seek the whole truth contained within the pages of the Bible. (We recommend the Authorized King James for accuracy.)

Now, the point I'd like to make for the serious student of the Word, is this: we can't simply read the scriptures, and merely commit them to memory, although that's very good, and necessary, but we need to learn how to make that Word function the way the Father intended. But, in order to do that, we've got to come to a knowledgeable understanding of what it is, and how it operates.

The surest method of reaching the proper interpretation of Scripture is not by way of man-made doctrines, but, rather, by carefully comparing related teaching of Scripture on the matter. In Philippians 3:12, Paul shed light on a truth which further clarifies the spiritual condition of every believer who wishes to operate effectively in our faith-based covenant. “...but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also, I am apprehended of Christ Jesus...”

That word translated “apprehend” is from the Greek “katalambano” meaning “to lay hold of, and/or lay claim to that which personally belongs to you.”

Obviously, Paul fully understood what we must also...that, his relationship to Jesus was a two-way reality, on which every spiritual success was dependent. Paul knew that Jesus was, and is, the true living vine from which we, as the connected branches, draw our spiritual nutrition and power (John 15:1-27).

That said, how does faith itself, as a spiritual reality, differ from mere carnal hope? Simply put, true believing faith, is never limited by the natural senses (2 Cor. 5:7). Rather, faith is the substance, which translates our desires, physically, through our spirit, into the material evidence, before they can be seen physically, or touched, by the very same method that we obtained our redemption (Romans 10:8-10).

Consider these words of Jesus...

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7 AKJ).

For questions, and or comments, in regard to the subject matter of this column, you may contact John Knox at johnkknox@windstream.net.