Reigning in Life

What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, Psalm 8:4-6 NASB

17 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Romans 5:17 AMPC

 Who do you think you are? That seems to be the theme and question we are exploring as of late. Too often the world system likes to tell us who we are. That we are people of hate and narrow mindedness because we don't indulge in sinful lifestyles. 

 The enemy likes to tell us who we are. The enemy says we are either too far gone for God to help or save us. Or that we are powerless. Through fear, the enemy cunningly tries to convince us he is more powerful than the Cross and what Jesus accomplished. 

 Religious tradition also tries to tell us who we are. Tradition will tell us we are mere worms in the dust. That we are so unworthy. That God sometimes likes us but at other times He doesn't. That we disappoint Him. That He is in control of all things, whatever happens in this life is because He has ordained it or caused it. We are just pawns in His hands.

 This is who the world and the devil and religion tells us who we are. Who does God tell us we are? What does God say about us? 

 God declared to us in Genesis that He made us to have dominion and authority. He said in Psalms that He crowned us with glory and honor and gave us dominion over the works of His hands. Paul reveals to us, that in Christ, we have been made the very Righteousness of God in Christ. 

 We are overcomers in this life because of what Christ did for us in the Finished Work. We don't have to be victims of circumstance. We don't have to just sit idle as the enemy comes to steal and kill and destroy in our life. We can stand victorious in the complete triumphant work of Christ Jesus. We have authority over all the work of the enemy. We've been redeemed from darkness and defeat and are now seated with the risen Christ. 

 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied when I awake with Your likeness. Psalm 17:15 MEV

 Who do we think we are? We are the Righteousness of God in Christ. We are recreated in Christ, brand new, accepted, and approved. As He is so are we in this world. 

 We are Righteous, approved, and accepted. We stand before God just as Jesus does. Perfect and whole. We are just as Righteous as Jesus. We have the same standing as Christ. We've been given this dominion and authority to walk victoriously. How is this authority seen or released?

Words

 Authority and dominion are expressed through our words. Think of it, how did Adam have dominion over the animal kingdom? He couldn't fly with the birds. He couldn't swim with the fishes of the sea. How was his dominion exercised? Words. He spoke the will of God over them.

 You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways. Job 22:28 NKJV

“I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” Says the Lord, “And I will heal him.” Isaiah 57:19 NKJV

Our authority and dominion are released through our words. Our words are powerful. They create life or death in all areas of our life. Words are containers. They can contain hope and life and peace and love and goodness and healing. Or they can contain anger, strife, doubt, unbelief, death, or agreement with the world system, or the enemy and his schemes. 

 Traditional religion says God controls all things, so no matter if one is speaking death, disaster, doom, and gloom. No matter if one is a "Debbie downer". Surely unbelief and negative thinking and speaking have no bearing on what happens in your life. Your words surely have nothing to do with what you experience in life. It's all God's doing and controlling.

 I trust you are seeing how powerful words are. How your authority and dominion are released through your words. So learn to tame your tongue. Speak life, not death. Speak in line with what God has said about your situation or circumstance.

 In summation, again we ask who do we think we are? We who've believed are the very Righteousness of God in Christ. We are just as Righteous as Jesus. We are just as accepted and approved and loved as Jesus is. As He is so are we in this world. Our words, therefore, have power.  As we grow in this New Creation reality, of who He made us, we will grow stronger and stronger in this new identity and take dominion over all areas of our life. We have peace and we reign with Christ as kings in this life. 

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Lies Religious Tradition Taught Us: There is no such experience as the Baptism In the Holy Ghost

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:5 KJV 

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” Mark 7:13 NKJV

 We've been an ongoing study looking at the lies the religious tradition of men have taught the Church. Ideas, concepts, and views that seem to be so right that it almost seems blasphemous to question them. Teachings that have been heard for so long they have formed and fashioned strongholds in the minds of many.

 We want to take the Scriptures and pull down these strongholds. So far we've exposed the insidious lies that God makes people sick or disease-ridden. That He is the creator of storms and disasters. That He is ordaining all things for our good, that He desires our poverty and to live in insufficiency and lack. 

 Today, I want to expose an age-old lie from traditional religious mindsets. This idea that there exists no such experience as the Baptism in the Spirit. If you've been with this blog for some time you may recall we've studied the Baptism in the Spirit in light of Grace. Today, we are going to go further and expose this lie that there is no "subsequent experience" after initial salvation. 

 In the Gospels, we see the first mention of the Baptism in the Spirit. Then in the book of Acts Jesus, Himself speaks of this Baptism in the Spirit. So this begs the question, what is the Baptism in the Spirit? Is it another name for the salvation experience? 

 No, it is not just another name expressing salvation. For how do we explain this passage?
21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21-22 NKJV

 If the Holy Spirit was not given until Pentecost what happened here? Was Jesus merely saying, "hey when the Spirit comes be welcoming and hospitable to Him"? No, Jesus breathed on them. What does that remind you of? Genesis! When God made Adam He breathed upon him and life came. These disciples were born again at this moment. Jesus had died and rose again and therefore New Covenant salvation was made available to all who would receive. 

 So, with this understanding, what did Jesus tell the Apostles in Acts 1? Did He say wait in Jerusalem to be born again? Wait in Jerusalem until you be converted? Wait in Jerusalem until you get saved? No, He said to wait for the promised Holy Ghost, wait for the promise He had spoken of. 

 If the disciples and Apostles needed to wait for conversion, then we have another problem. How will any future generation know for certain they too were saved when they believed? There was no rushing mighty wind, no cloven tongues of fire. Nothing spectacular. No, this event was the first time the Spirit came and filled God's people to the overflow. 

There is no such subsequent experience as the Baptism in the Spirit? Then how do we explain these passages?
6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Acts 8:6,12 NKJV
 So we see here, the Gospel preached, Jesus and His great Grace is shared, the result? The masses are born again and baptized in water. So according to tradition, we get all there is at initial salvation, no subsequent experience, no filling with the Spirit. No Baptism in the Spirit, no need to receive the Spirit. Let's keep reading.
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 NKJV 
 Wait, why did they need the Apostles to come to lay hands on them to receive the Spirit? I thought we got it all at initial salvation? I have seen explanations used to excuse away what was clear and obvious that these believers were saved already and had the Spirit within but the Apostles came to pray they receive the Spirit upon.

 Some religious leaders say because the Samarians had an unfriendly relationship historically with the Jews they needed the Apostles to come and lay hands to receive the Spirit. Wait, wasn't Philip a Jew? He already won the hearts of the people. He was one of the seven chosen in Acts 6. So this explanation falls short. Again, this opens up doubt that some today may not genuinely be born again, no Apostle laid hands on them, 

 Let's look at Paul. Surely he who wrote 2/3rds of the New Testament would know what salvation entails. 
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”                Acts 19:1-2 NKJV
 Paul, come on brother, don't you know you get it all at initial conversion? Why did Paul even ask this then? Didn't he know the truth of it all comes at once? 

 The obvious conclusion we must reach with these two passages is that there is, in fact, a subsequent experience called the Baptism in the Spirit. Still unconvinced? Let's look at Paul's conversion experience. Paul acknowledges the Lordship of Christ, lost people don't do that. Let's continue reading.
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17
 Why does Ananias need to lay hands on Paul for him to be filled with the Spirit? Again I thought we got it all at initial salvation?
When we lay aside bias, preconceived notions, traditions of men, and personal experience and just read the Scriptures we are opened to a whole realm of relationship with God that is so freeing and fulfilling. 

 If one was never exposed to traditional religion and just read the New Covenant, they'd come away believing God is good all the time. That healing is for all, and God isn't the author of evil. That the infilling of the Spirit is a valid experience for all, and the Gifts of the Spirit are for today. 

 I am certain some reading may be objecting on the basis of the New Covenant and the fact that we are complete in Christ when we are saved. I have addressed this concern in an entire study here. 

 What is this Baptism in the Spirit? The Baptism in the Spirit is when Jesus immerses the believer into the Spirit for the purpose of empowerment for works of service. These works are for the advancement of the kingdom. To further the Gospel message with power and demonstration. 

 Look at Peter, when Jesus was led away to be crucified, he denied Christ three times. He couldn't even name the name of Jesus to a little maid warming herself by the fire. The fear of Roman persecution and death was greater than his faith in Jesus. Yet, after Peter's conversion and being filled with the Spirit, he proclaimed Jesus in front of thousands and saw many believe. Bold, demonstrative Faith was his testimony.

 In summation, relinquish the lies of the traditions of men. Men make excuses for their lack of spiritual power and timidness in the eyes of this fallen world. They demote Faith and spiritual power and exalt unbelief and skepticism. If they can explain away the Baptism in the Spirit, and the Gifts of the Spirit, they can excuse away their powerless proclamation of Christ. Don't align with tradition, align with all God has for you and receive His present power in your life. 
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Eternal Security: What about Judas Iscariot?

30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.  Ephesians 4:30 NLT









Whenever the truth of eternal security begins to be explored you will find many objections raised. It's always this way when the Good News is espoused. Tradition can't grasp the concept that God is a Good God. They can't wrap their minds around the truth that God is a loving, and merciful Father, who is always good. 

 When the eternal security of the believer is taught, one objection that many bring up is what about Judas? Judas was a follower of Jesus. Did he not work signs and wonders in Christ's name as the other's had? Wasn't he separated unto ministry as the other disciples? Yet he betrayed Jesus. 

 So the objection goes, Judas was a Christian and minister of the Gospel and yet he fell away, sold Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. He surely is proof enough a believer can fall away. A believer can renounce Christ, and be lost. Judas is all the proof we need.

 The first problem with this objection is it is not coming from a place of understanding the New Covenant. When Jesus walked the Earth, He was still abiding in the Old Covenant. Jesus' death and resurrection and ascension and coming Holy Spirit ushered in the New Covenant in its fullness. My point? Judas, nor any of the other disciples and followers of Christ were born again. 

 To understand what I am saying, we need to look again at what it means to be born again. When one receives Jesus, they become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). They are now the Righteousness of God in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:21). The Spirit of God comes and dwells within them (1 Corinthians 3:16). They are accepted by God (Ephesians 1:6). They are sealed with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). They are forgiven of all their sins forever (Ephesians 1:7). They are now the children of God (1 John 3:1). All of this occurs at the New Birth.

 So here is the million-dollar question, was all this possible under the Old Covenant? Any reasonable, honest minded person can clearly see no this was not possible under the Old. First, how was forgiveness of sins obtained under the Old? Truth is the sins of the people weren't forgiven once for all time under the Old. They were merely covered or atoned for once a year by the high priest. 

 The once for all forgiveness Christ's death purchased is exclusive to the New Covenant. Secondly, the Spirit never dwelled within those under the Old Covenant. The Spirit would fall on individuals for works of service to God. 

 If there was no Spirit of God given to indwell those under the Old how could they be born again? Scripture affirms that the Holy Spirit would only come after Christ was glorified. 
39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:39 NKJV

 So it stands clear to the reasonable minded, that before the Cross and resurrection there was no way possible for anyone to be born again. So the concept of saying Judas was a born again believer who then lost his salvation is false. Judas was a Jew abiding under the Old Covenant and not a New Covenant born again child of God. 

 Under the Old, the children of Israel were known as God servants. In the New Covenant, those who've received Jesus are the Children of God. There is a major difference between a servant and a son. This difference is enough to show there is a distinction between Old and New. Yet with all these truths some still try to use Judas as the one person they claim lost his salvation.

 That's just disingenuous and more so coming from a place of Biblical ignorance and not the truth. However, some may concede that Judas wasn't born again in the strictest New Testament sense. However, they cite Judas as proof of how someone who has walked with Jesus can walk away later.

 Again a poor example to try and upend what Jesus fully accomplished on the Cross, that is the eternal security of the believer. Why? Because Judas never had a heart for the ministry of Jesus.

 Judas loved his fellow Israelites, that's not in question. So of course when Jesus commissioned all the disciples to work miracles in His name, it is possible Judas could've been used this way. However, Judas was under pride and not love for the World. 

 What do I mean pride? 

5 Likewise you younger ones, submit yourselves to the elders. Yes, all of you be submissive one to another and clothe yourselves with humility, because

“God resists the proud,
    but gives grace to the humble.”  1 Peter 5:5 MEV

God declares that He resists the proud but gives Grace to the humble. Why? The prideful want to do things there way and not God's. They don't see their need. They have it all together, it's the rest of us that don't. Judas didn't want the type of kingdom Jesus did. He wanted the yoke of Roman tyranny off the necks of the Israelites. He wanted deliverance for the Nation of Israel not the salvation of the World.

 What always accompanies pride is self-righteousness. After Judas betrayed Jesus what was his response to his sin? Judas went forth and hanged himself. Peter and Judas both sinned greatly that day. Yet we see two distinct and different responses. Peter wept bitterly, and after Jesus arose He sought the Lord. Judas punished his own sin instead of allowing Jesus to deal with the sin. Judas hung for his sins, not accepting the truth that Jesus would hang for all mankind's sins that day. 

 So, back to the objection, is Judas a good objection to the eternal security view? Absolutely not. The truth is we who've received Jesus are secure forever.

 Jesus is for us not against us. Jesus is faithful when we are faithless. When we seem to try and distance ourselves through our actions He is right there with us putting us back on the right path. No matter how many times we fail or falter or fall, Jesus is always there encouraging us, reminding us of who we are, and bringing hope to hopelessness. We are forever secure in His loving hands.

 The eternal security of the believer is part and parcel of the Finished Work of Christ. He forgave us once for all time. He sanctified and set us apart once forever. He sealed us with the Holy Spirit as the guarantee we will be saved forever. His perfect shed blood purchased perfectly our eternal redemption, eternal not temporal, and not conditioned on our conduct or faithfulness. 

 In summation, rejoice in the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You who've received Jesus are forever saved. You who've trusted in Christ are forever secure in His hand. No matter how far you've fallen Jesus is there bringing help, healing, hope, and restoration. Forget the objections tradition ruled Christians form and fashion designed to usher in eternal insecurity and hopelessness to the believer. Embrace His Grace, and rest in this uninterrupted eternally secure salvation. 
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Once You're Saved...

6 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. But if it is by works, then is it no longer by grace; otherwise work would no longer be work. Romans 11:6 MEV

6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. 


 Have you responded to the Good News Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you heard of His Goodness and eternal, never failing Love for you? Have you've seen His hand of Goodness and Mercy poured out upon your life in some form or fashion? Since you've seen this Jesus in all His fullness have you received Him, that is putting your trust in Him alone for your eternal salvation?

 It's great news when we hear someone has responded to the Good News Gospel. It's a wonderfully glorious moment when one comes to Christ and receives a new life in Him. Jesus says all of Heaven rejoices. We rejoice along with all of Heaven.

 Now that you're saved, what's next? This next phase of Christian growth and development is a crucial time for the new believer. How you see God and yourself and the relationship you will have with Him depends on receiving the truth of the Gospel not just for initial salvation but for your entire Christian life.

 When new converts emerge, something else also is quick to converge. The checklist/rule book led leader/believer.

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 Once you're saved it's time for you to get busy proving your worth. You need to get busy knowing all the rules and straightening up your act. You'll be needing to get it together before next Sunday or there will be repercussions.

Remember the truth is it's about Grace from start to finish. However, the checklist believer has forgotten this truth. They are much focused on other's behavior and conduct, never mind their own love walk. They need to ensure these new converts are really saved.

 Once you're saved...be perfectly holy by next week! That is, you need to quit smoking. Stop cussing. Put away those bad habits right now. Don't go to the movies anymore. Get your behavior in line.

 Though it is true that Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and immorality, this process doesn't happen overnight. In my past, I've seen believers go to a church meeting on Sunday but on Monday they were smoking a cigarette. Being this was before Grace renewal, I condemned that person. 

 "Why are they even going to church? They're a sinner. Look at them smoking!" I am certain Jesus did a facepalm. Didn't I ever read where He said the sick need a physician not the well? Truth is none of us have it all together and that's why we always need Grace and our Savior Jesus.

Once you're saved...never miss a meeting or gathering!

 True, it's good to gather together with other believers. It's beneficial to bring our supply of the Spirit and encourage each other. However, it's also true that attendance isn't some legal obligation we need to fulfill to prove our salvation.

 Once you're saved...you better be praying and reading your Bible!

 Of course, we should read and study God's Word. The Scriptures are where we see Jesus. They bring us comfort. However, daily devotion and study times, aren't some kind of chore we need to drudge through. 

Once you're saved...learn the rules from our denomination and remember all others are false and wrong and we're the only ones right!

 The rule/checklist believer wants to ensure the new convert lives up to the denominational traditions as soon as possible. They must also be quick to condemn other churches and ministries that are outside their church. Grace, on the other hand, reveals God's Love for all the Body of Christ. 

 God wants us to grow in His Love, not in the rules and traditions of the various denominations. Receiving His Love and sharing it with others is what God desires. God sees one Body, not divisions.

Where's the Grace?

 Years ago there was a fast-food campaign that used a similar slogan about hamburger meat. They were comparing the size of their company's burgers with other rival companies. This is a good question to ask churches and ministries. Where's the Grace? 

 Instead of focusing on getting believers to follow the rules, why not get them focused on Jesus? Focusing on Jesus and His Grace is what brings true transformation. He changes us from the inside out.

 The true purpose of ministry and devotion is to get the focus off ourselves and onto Jesus. On who He is, and what He has accomplished on our behalf. Rule book/checklist minded Christianity takes the focus off Grace and Jesus and makes it about us. It shifts the focus off the Finished Work and focuses on our personal obligation, obedience, commitment, and perseverance.

 What we need to be continually reminded of is that it's about Grace from start to finish. We were unworthy in and of ourselves. We were undeserving of mercy and goodness yet He poured His Love out upon us in abundance. When we focus on Jesus we find true transformation and real sincere growth in Him, and in His Love and Goodness.

 In summation, always keep Grace in the forefront. Rejoice when New Life in Christ has been received by those trusting in Him. Remember to keep giving these new converts Grace. Get their focus on Him and never on themselves. Remind them of how loved and valued they are in Him. True growth will always be the result.

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By Grace through Faith: Miracles in your mouth!

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 
Ephesians 2:8 NKJV

16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by Grace Romans 4:16a KJV






We've been in a study of Faith. What Faith is and how to walk in Faith. We've seen what Faith is, what Faith is not and how Faith comes. So why study Faith? Why teach Faith? What's so important about Faith?

 The answer is found in God's Word. In four places God declares the Just (those made righteous) live by Faith. Paul declared that we walk by Faith. The author of Hebrews (who I believe was Paul) declares without Faith it is impossible to please God. Clearly, Faith is a big deal with our Good Father. 

 Why is it of such importance? Because as our text states, it is of Faith so that it may be by Grace. Faith is the level playing field. That is, all God has promised, provided, and procured for us is available to any and all believers. They only need to believe it and lay hold of it by Faith. This proves there are no special category believers. There isn't one who is more loved than others. It is by Faith so it might be by Grace.

 One might ask well I don't think I have the Faith to receive. Wrong, friend. If you've put your trust in Jesus you have His Faith inside you. To grow and develop this Faith, just feed on who Jesus is. That is to find Him in His Word and see all He's done for you. Whom He has made you. What He can do through you. Your Faith will grow more and more. 

 Another exciting truth of Faith is that of our words. Did you know words are one of the most powerful forces in the universe? Words can bring help, hope, and healing or they can bring hurt, hopelessness, and harm. 

 See what God says about the power of our words;

18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, And restore comforts to him And to his mourners. 19 “I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” Says the Lord, “And I will heal him.” Isaiah 57:18-19 NKJV 

 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 MEV

 I think God was trying to show us something. Words carry weight. Words have power. Words are containers. They can contain Grace, Faith, hope, joy, life, wholeness or they can contain, wrath, anger, disbelief, hurt, judgment and condemnation and death. Your words can agree with what God has said or disagree with Him.

Positive Confession or negative confession?

 So we can have a positive confession or a negative one. We can hold to a good confession or a bad one. We can speak life or speak death, this choice is ours. 

 Confession means to agree with God. When we hold fast to a positive confession we are using our words in agreement with God. We are saying Father, all you did for me in Christ's Finished Work I agree is mine. All Jesus made me in the New Creation I agree with. All redemption provided for I accept and agree with, my words are in agreement. 

What then is a negative confession? A negative confession is a confession that discounts and disregards and disagrees with God. Negative confessions contradict what Jesus has done for us. Negative confessions hold fast to denying all Jesus did for us. Sometimes He forgives our sins. Sometimes He sees believers righteous. Sometimes He heals. Sometimes He provides. Sometimes He's good. Sometimes but not all the time. 

 Faith is released by speaking. Words are the locator of our belief. Look at the Word again on this subject;

...but believes that what he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says. Mark 11:23b MEV

13 We have the same spirit of faith. As it is written, “I believed, and therefore I have spoken.” So we also believe and therefore speak, 2 Corinthians 4:13 MEV

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the word of faith that we preach Romans 10:8 MEV

10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation Romans 10:10 MEV

 This is Faith's believing and speaking out. We believe and we speak. It is clear over and over in the Word of God, our words have power. Our words carry weight. Words can put us over or cause defeat. If you have experienced constant trouble, do a check of what you have been speaking. Are you agreeing with God or circumstances or the lies of the enemy?

 We know we live in a fallen world. However, in the midst of this world, don't disregard God and what He has done for you. You don't have to agree with and accept the circumstances. 

 In summation, we can use our words to describe our situation or we can use words to change them. We can use words talking about the mountain or we can use words and speak to the mountain. We can use words to curse the darkness or we can use Faith-filled words speaking what God said about our situation. True freedom and lasting hope comes from placing our eternal trust in Jesus and agreeing with God with our words and actions. 
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By Grace through Faith: Having the God kind of Faith

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8 NKJV

Therefore it is of faith that it might be by Grace; Romans 4:16a KJV

We've begun a new series of study focusing on Faith. We've seen what Faith is and what it is not. We've seen how Faith comes and how it is released.

 Today, I sense the leading to ask what kind of Faith do you have? You see there are two kinds of Faith. The natural, man-centered kind of faith that is moved by the senses. That is a mere trusting in what it can see, hear, or feel kind of faith. The "seeing is believing" faith.  Or you can have the God kind of Faith.

 Jesus had this God kind of Faith. He said of Himself He only did what He saw His Father doing. He only said what His Father told Him to say. Jesus wasn't moved by what it looks like but what the Father said. 

 You too can have this kind of Faith. Jesus gave us insight into this kind of Faith.
22 Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 For truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:22-24 MEV

Jesus tells us to have Faith, that is the Faith of God. The literal Greek says have the Faith of God. Jesus was offering this to us. Other translations or paraphrased versions bring this out.
22 Jesus replied, “Let the faith of God be in you! Mark 11:22 TPT

 It is clear God wants us to have His Faith in us not our own. Look at the texts we are using for this study;
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8 NKJV

 For by Grace we are saved through Faith, and this Faith isn't of ourselves it is the gift of God. We are saved by His Faith given to us when we hear His Word. We all begin with the same measure of Faith, the God kind of Faith. We can choose to grow and develop that Faith or rely on the sensory realm faith that humanity operates on. You trust your employer enough that you work forty hours a week even though you haven't been paid first. They trust that you will work forty hours. 

 We develop and grow this God kind of Faith within us by continually feeding on His Word, and what He says about us. By continually acknowledging what we have in Christ, who we are in Christ, what He accomplished for us in the Finished Work, what Grace made available to us. What redemption purchased for us. 

 Grace makes and Faith takes. The God kind of Faith, deposits the Word within. The God kind of Faith, knowing what Grace provides puts a demand on it. The God kind of Faith speaks to the mountain of impossibility and commands it to be removed. 

 The God kind of Faith believes what God said is true, that what Grace made and purchased for us is indeed ours already. This God kind of Faith doesn't believe it because we've experienced it, this Faith believes it because God said it, because Grace made it and because it is the truth we know we will experience it. 

 Grace makes and Faith takes. The God kind of Faith speaks, calling those things that be not as though they were. Faith's constant confession agrees with the New Covenant, New Creation redemptive realities Grace made. Faith's confession creates the reality of it in your own life so you can walk in the redemption Christ purchased. 

 God's Grace has removed the disqualifiers from God's people. No longer is the promise or the provision contingent upon your performance or faithfulness. Redemption realities are already yours in Christ Jesus. They are based upon Jesus and His faithfulness and obedience and goodness no longer upon our own. All you need do is to reach out with the God kind of Faith and lay hold on them. you just need to simply believe. It is by Faith that it might be by Grace. 

In summation, what kind of Faith do you have? Do you have the sensory knowledge faith? That natural faith that must see it to believe it? That unsteady, wavering, sight focused faith? Are you ignoring the God kind of Faith that was deposited within you when you believed?  

 Simply relinquish trusting in your senses and trust in what God said about you or your situation. Don't feel saved? Don't look righteous? Doesn't seem like you have favor with God? You can trust in those feelings or disregard those feeling and consider Jesus and what He says about you and look at what Grace made and consider not your circumstances or fickle emotions. This God kind of Faith works in every arena of life. Find what Grace made and reach out with the God kind of Faith and take it and experience it in your own life. 
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