faith_the_evidence

Faith - The Evidence

The Rhema Word of Life

A Message Preached February 1, 1998

What is "FAITH"?

1. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence (Strong's 1650 see below) of things not seen.

"evidence" 1650. A proof, a proving or a test. (Interestingly, the same word also is used for "rebuke", or "reprove".)

? How do we acquire "FAITH"?

? How can we be "sure of what we hope for" and "certain of what we do not see"?

? What is this "evidence" of things we cannot see?

EVIDENCE: That is what we are looking for. Evidence that reveals the truth. Examine these passages from Romans in three different translations.

17. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

17. So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ, the Messiah [Himself].

17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word (Strong's 4487 see below) of God.

"word" 4487 rhema {hray'-mah} from 4483; That which is spoken, what is uttered in speech or writing. In Rom 10:17, it is the "word" of Christ, or the word which preaches Christ.

A "rhema" word is one in which the Holy Spirit quickens for us for a particular time or purpose. It is directed to an individual for a specific reason, and because of this I believe is distinctly different than a written word which is available for all to see. A written word can certainly become a 'rhema' word, if the Holy Spirit so instructs us, and then it is said to be "quickened" to us by God's Spirit.

What is required for us to be able to discern this "rhema word"?

* A regular time and study of God's written Word.

* A constant storing in the mind of scripture, the "sword of the Spirit", for future use.

* Also, we must develop a sensitivity to hear God's Spirit when He speaks to us. This is attained only thru regular, intimate time in prayer with Jesus.

EVIDENCE: So again, what is this evidence that we are to base our faith on?

"evidence" 1650. A proof, a proving or a test. (Interestingly, the same word also is used for "rebuke", or "reprove".)

A Test! A Proving! A Proof!

Question: If we find something written in God's Word, is that enough of a good "proof" upon which we can base our hopes . . . or is there more?

Do It By The Numbers!

Read Numbers 15:32-36

[32] While the Israelites were in the desert, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. [33] Those who found him gathering wood brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly, [34] and they kept him in custody, because it was not clear what should be done to him. [35] Then the LORD said to Moses, "The man must die. The whole assembly must stone him outside the camp." [36] So the assembly took him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Now answer these questions:

1) Did Moses know the Law (God's written Word)? [Yes]

2) Did Aaron know the Law (God's written Word)? [Yes]

3) Did the whole assembly of Israelites know the Law (God's written Word)? [Yes]

4) Then why do you suppose it says in v. 34 that it was not clear what should be done with the Sabbath-breaker?

Do you suppose Moses actually wanted to hear directly from God in this case; from His
RHEMA word and not just the LOGOS word?

THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHAT GOD'S WRITTEN WORD IS TELLING US TO DO HERE. NOW TURN TO:

[1] The LORD spoke to Moses in the Desert of Sinai in the first month of the second year after they came out of Egypt. He said, [2] "Have the Israelites celebrate the Passover at the appointed time. [3] Celebrate it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with all its rules and regulations." [4] So Moses told the Israelites to celebrate the Passover, [5] and they did so in the Desert of Sinai at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD commanded Moses. [6] But some of them could not celebrate the Passover on that day because they were ceremonially unclean on account of a dead body. So they came to Moses and Aaron that same day [7] and said to Moses, "We have become unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be kept from presenting the Lord's offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?" [8] Moses answered them, "Wait until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you." [9] Then the LORD said to Moses, [10] "Tell the Israelites: 'When any of you or your descendants are unclean because of a dead body or are away on a journey, they may still celebrate the Lord's Passover.

1) Was the Word of God fairly specific about those things that caused someone to be "ceremonially unclean"? [Yes]

2) Didn't the Law spell out specifically when the Passover must be celebrated? [Yes]

3) Did Moses know the Law? [Yes]

4) Did Aaron know the Law? [Yes]

5) Did the Israelites who approached Moses and Aaron know the Law? [Yes]

6) Didn't he already know God's Word on the matter the Law the written Word? [Yes]

7) Then why do you suppose Moses told them in v. 8 to wait until he heard God's Word on the matter?

Carefully consider what just transpired here. God's written Word, the Law, was clear -- it was black and white (or whatever color paper Moses wrote it on). It seems, however, that upon personally asking God His dirction, an alternative was given -- a 'rhema' alternative!

THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHAT GOD'S WRITTEN WORD IS TELLING US TO DO HERE. NOW TURN TO:

Numbers 27:1-8 and read about Zelophehad's Daughters

[1] The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. They approached [2] the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly, and said, [3] "Our father died in the desert. He was not among Korah's followers, who banded together against the LORD, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. [4] Why should our father's name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father's relatives." [5] So Moses brought their case before the LORD [6] and the LORD said to him, [7] "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and turn their father's inheritance over to them. [8] "Say to the Israelites, 'If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter.

1) Wasn't it common knowledge and custom that the family inheritance passed on thru the son's and not the daughters of a family? [Yes]

2) Didn't Moses know this? [Yes]

3) Didn't Eleazer (Aaron, his father, had since died) know this? [Yes]

4) Didn't the leaders and the whole assembly know this? [Yes]

5) Then why do you suppose in v. 5 Moses brought the case before the Lord?

Again, carefully consider what happened in this passage. God's written Word was clear, and yet His spoken 'rhema' Word was clearer still. It seems as though God actually amended, or added clarification to, His written Word, via a spoken 'rhema' Word! Amazing! And that clarification is now part of the written Word. Now, please don't accuse me of preaching the changeability of God's written Word that we have in the Bible. I am not suggesting that at all -- that would be heresy. I am merely following direction God has made clear in His written Word, the Bible.

THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHAT GOD'S WRITTEN WORD IS TELLING US TO DO HERE.

GOD'S (Logos) WORD

IS TELLING US TO LISTEN TO

GOD'S (Rhema) VOICE !!

God is saying, "Hey, I'm up here! I'm not dead or asleep! Yes read the Word and store it up in your hearts, but don't forget to ask me either!"

Remember 2 Corinthians 3:6 "The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

When you announce to someone who is in great need; someone who is sick or dying for example, and you tell them God's Word says they don't have to be sick or dying, and you give them some scripture to memorize, BUT you don't advise them to diligently seek God's counsel YOU HAVE MADE AN ERROR IN JUDGEMENT! God is telling us today to SEEK HIS FACE in these and other important matters. It's that simple ASK GOD!

You see, if you rigidly apply God's Word without seeking Him in prayer, you are living by the LETTER and not by the SPIRIT. I'll repeat:

GOD'S (Logos) WORD

IS TELLING US TO LISTEN TO

GOD'S (Rhema) VOICE !!

Question: Do you believe in FAITH, or do you believe in the God who gives you FAITH?

Many in the church who teach and practice HEALING and FAITH and POSITIVE CONFESSION have awesome relationships with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. That is why they are anointed and successful at what they do and teach. However, merely uttering "healing" scripture over and over when you become sick, while never having developed and nurtured a life of intimacy with Jesus, will probably do you no good. The frightful words, "I never knew you," are in your future. (I say 'probably' in this case, because I can never hem in the awesome and unfathomable Grace of God -- who knows what He may decide to do?).

Relationship and Intimacy:

[1] At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. [2] When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath." [3] He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? [4] He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread--which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. [5] Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? [6] I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. [7] If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent.

Jesus referred to an incident found in 1 Samuel 21:6. It seems obvious that both David and Jesus had deep, abiding and intimate relationships with their Lord. The LETTER will sacrifice and kill: The Spirit, however, gives mercy and life.

Belief in FAITH can develop into FAITH in FAITH, and not in God.

That is idol worship, and borders on witchcraft and uttering incantations.

[1] After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. " [2] But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" [3] And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir." [4] Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." [5] He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." [6] Abram believed (539) the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

"Believed" At this point in his life, Abram found himself suddenly in a different position with God. The word "believed" in Genesis 15:6 does not mean that Abram merely believed in the words, the covenant, God had just spoken to him. Neither does it mean that Abram believed what God said because he knew God was trustworthy. "Believed" here {Strong's 539} means that Abram, in a more profound fashion, believed in God Himself; He came to experience a personal relationship with God rather than an impersonal relationship with God's promises.

And that is the message God wants you to hear today.

GOD'S (Logos) WORD

IS TELLING US TO LISTEN TO

GOD'S (Rhema) VOICE !!




	Faith - The Evidence The Rhema Word of Life A Message Preached February 1, 1998 Bro. A. Madonio




What is "FAITH"? Hebrews 11:1 NIV 1. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 KJV 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence (Strong's 1650 see below) of things not seen. "evidence" 1650. A proof, a proving or a test. (Interestingly, the same word also is used for "rebuke", or "reprove".) ? How do we acquire "FAITH"? ? How can we be "sure of what we hope for" and "certain of what we do not see"? ? What is this "evidence" of things we cannot see? EVIDENCE: That is what we are looking for. Evidence that reveals the truth. Examine these passages from Romans in three different translations. Romans 10:17 NIV 17. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 AMP 17. So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ, the Messiah [Himself]. Romans 10:17 KJV 17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word (Strong's 4487 see below) of God. "word" 4487 rhema {hray'-mah} from 4483; That which is spoken, what is uttered in speech or writing. In Rom 10:17, it is the "word" of Christ, or the word which preaches Christ. A "rhema" word is one in which the Holy Spirit quickens for us for a particular time or purpose. It is directed to an individual for a specific reason, and because of this I believe is distinctly different than a written word which is available for all to see. A written word can certainly become a 'rhema' word, if the Holy Spirit so instructs us, and then it is said to be "quickened" to us by God's Spirit. What is required for us to be able to discern this "rhema word"? * A regular time and study of God's written Word. * A constant storing in the mind of scripture, the "sword of the Spirit", for future use. * Also, we must develop a sensitivity to hear God's Spirit when He speaks to us. This is attained only thru regular, intimate time in prayer with Jesus. EVIDENCE: So again, what is this evidence that we are to base our faith on? "evidence" 1650. A proof, a proving or a test. (Interestingly, the same word also is used for "rebuke", or "reprove".) A Test! A Proving! A Proof! Question: If we find something written in God's Word, is that enough of a good "proof" upon which we can base our hopes . . . or is there more? Do It By The Numbers! Read Numbers 15:32-36 [32] While the Israelites were in the desert, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. [33] Those who found him gathering wood brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly, [34] and they kept him in custody, because it was not clear what should be done to him. [35] Then the LORD said to Moses, "The man must die. The whole assembly must stone him outside the camp." [36] So the assembly took him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD commanded Moses. Now answer these questions: 1) Did Moses know the Law (God's written Word)? [Yes] 2) Did Aaron know the Law (God's written Word)? [Yes] 3) Did the whole assembly of Israelites know the Law (God's written Word)? [Yes] 4) Then why do you suppose it says in v. 34 that it was not clear what should be done with the Sabbath-breaker? Do you suppose Moses actually wanted to hear directly from God in this case; from His RHEMA word and not just the LOGOS word?

THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHAT GOD'S WRITTEN WORD IS TELLING US TO DO HERE. NOW TURN TO: Numbers 9:1-10 [1] The LORD spoke to Moses in the Desert of Sinai in the first month of the second year after they came out of Egypt. He said, [2] "Have the Israelites celebrate the Passover at the appointed time. [3] Celebrate it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with all its rules and regulations." [4] So Moses told the Israelites to celebrate the Passover, [5] and they did so in the Desert of Sinai at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD commanded Moses. [6] But some of them could not celebrate the Passover on that day because they were ceremonially unclean on account of a dead body. So they came to Moses and Aaron that same day [7] and said to Moses, "We have become unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be kept from presenting the Lord's offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?" [8] Moses answered them, "Wait until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you." [9] Then the LORD said to Moses, [10] "Tell the Israelites: 'When any of you or your descendants are unclean because of a dead body or are away on a journey, they may still celebrate the Lord's Passover. 1) Was the Word of God fairly specific about those things that caused someone to be "ceremonially unclean"? [Yes] 2) Didn't the Law spell out specifically when the Passover must be celebrated? [Yes] 3) Did Moses know the Law? [Yes] 4) Did Aaron know the Law? [Yes] 5) Did the Israelites who approached Moses and Aaron know the Law? [Yes] 6) Didn't he already know God's Word on the matter the Law the written Word? [Yes] 7) Then why do you suppose Moses told them in v. 8 to wait until he heard God's Word on the matter? Carefully consider what just transpired here. God's written Word, the Law, was clear -- it was black and white (or whatever color paper Moses wrote it on). It seems, however, that upon personally asking God His dirction, an alternative was given -- a 'rhema' alternative! THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHAT GOD'S WRITTEN WORD IS TELLING US TO DO HERE. NOW TURN TO: Numbers 27:1-8 and read about Zelophehad's Daughters [1] The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. They approached [2] the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly, and said, [3] "Our father died in the desert. He was not among Korah's followers, who banded together against the LORD, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. [4] Why should our father's name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father's relatives." [5] So Moses brought their case before the LORD [6] and the LORD said to him, [7] "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and turn their father's inheritance over to them. [8] "Say to the Israelites, 'If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter. 1) Wasn't it common knowledge and custom that the family inheritance passed on thru the son's and not the daughters of a family? [Yes] 2) Didn't Moses know this? [Yes] 3) Didn't Eleazer (Aaron, his father, had since died) know this? [Yes] 4) Didn't the leaders and the whole assembly know this? [Yes] 5) Then why do you suppose in v. 5 Moses brought the case before the Lord? Again, carefully consider what happened in this passage. God's written Word was clear, and yet His spoken 'rhema' Word was clearer still. It seems as though God actually amended, or added clarification to, His written Word, via a spoken 'rhema' Word! Amazing! And that clarification is now part of the written Word. Now, please don't accuse me of preaching the changeability of God's written Word that we have in the Bible. I am not suggesting that at all -- that would be heresy. I am merely following direction God has made clear in His written Word, the Bible. THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHAT GOD'S WRITTEN WORD IS TELLING US TO DO HERE. GOD'S (Logos) WORD IS TELLING US TO LISTEN TO GOD'S (Rhema) VOICE !! God is saying, "Hey, I'm up here! I'm not dead or asleep! Yes read the Word and store it up in your hearts, but don't forget to ask me either!" Remember 2 Corinthians 3:6 "The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." When you announce to someone who is in great need; someone who is sick or dying for example, and you tell them God's Word says they don't have to be sick or dying, and you give them some scripture to memorize, BUT you don't advise them to diligently seek God's counsel YOU HAVE MADE AN ERROR IN JUDGEMENT! God is telling us today to SEEK HIS FACE in these and other important matters. It's that simple ASK GOD! You see, if you rigidly apply God's Word without seeking Him in prayer, you are living by the LETTER and not by the SPIRIT. I'll repeat: GOD'S (Logos) WORD IS TELLING US TO LISTEN TO GOD'S (Rhema) VOICE !! Question: Do you believe in FAITH, or do you believe in the God who gives you FAITH? Many in the church who teach and practice HEALING and FAITH and POSITIVE CONFESSION have awesome relationships with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. That is why they are anointed and successful at what they do and teach. However, merely uttering "healing" scripture over and over when you become sick, while never having developed and nurtured a life of intimacy with Jesus, will probably do you no good. The frightful words, "I never knew you," are in your future. (I say 'probably' in this case, because I can never hem in the awesome and unfathomable Grace of God -- who knows what He may decide to do?). Relationship and Intimacy: Read Matthew 12:1-7 [1] At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. [2] When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath." [3] He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? [4] He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread--which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. [5] Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? [6] I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. [7] If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. Jesus referred to an incident found in 1 Samuel 21:6. It seems obvious that both David and Jesus had deep, abiding and intimate relationships with their Lord. The LETTER will sacrifice and kill: The Spirit, however, gives mercy and life. Belief in FAITH can develop into FAITH in FAITH, and not in God. That is idol worship, and borders on witchcraft and uttering incantations. Read Genesis 15:1-6 [1] After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. " [2] But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" [3] And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir." [4] Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." [5] He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." [6] Abram believed (539) the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. "Believed" At this point in his life, Abram found himself suddenly in a different position with God. The word "believed" in Genesis 15:6 does not mean that Abram merely believed in the words, the covenant, God had just spoken to him. Neither does it mean that Abram believed what God said because he knew God was trustworthy. "Believed" here {Strong's 539} means that Abram, in a more profound fashion, believed in God Himself; He came to experience a personal relationship with God rather than an impersonal relationship with God's promises. And that is the message God wants you to hear today. GOD'S (Logos) WORD IS TELLING US TO LISTEN TO GOD'S (Rhema) VOICE !! Amen!

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