THE POWER OF FAITH

THE POWER OF FAITH

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Mark 11: 20-24

King James Version (KJV)

²⁰ And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
²¹ And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
²² And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
²³ For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
²⁴ Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Taking Authority and Victorious Warfare.  FAITH’S WARFARE. 

Our Savior’s action in cursing the fig tree indicates a passion in prayer and faith that we need to learn.  When the disciples later noticed with surprise that the tree had withered completely (v. 20), Jesus responded with a sharp command, “Have faith in God.” Then, calling His followers to “speak to mountains,” He led them to prepare for situation in which they would find it necessary to take direct authority in the spiritual realm to impact things in the natural realm.  (Rev. 12:7-11/Num.10:1-10)

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

KINGDOM DYNAMICS

Jesus on “Faith’s Confession.”

FAITH’S CONFESSION.

From Jesus’ own lips we receive the most direct and practical instruction concerning our exercise of faith.  Consider three points:

1)   It is to be in ″God.″ Faith that speaks is first faith that seeks.  The Almighty One is the Source and Grounds of our faith and being.  Faith only flows to Him because of the faithfulness that flows from Him.

2)   Faith is not a trick performed with our lips, but a spoken expression that springs from the conviction of our hearts.  The idea that faith’s confession is a ″formula″ for getting things from God is unbiblical.  But the fact that the faith in our heart is to be spoken, and thereby becomes active and effective toward specific results, is taught here by the Lord Jesus.

3)   Jesus’ words ″whatever things″ apply this principle to every aspect of our lives.  The only restrictions are (a) that our faith be ″in God″ our living Father and in alignment with His will and word: and (b) that we ″believe″ - not doubting in our hearts.  Thus, ″say unto this mountain″ is not a vain or superstitious exercise or indulgence in humanistic mind-science, but instead becomes an applied release of God’s creative word of promise.

Our Faith in God Is the Key to Our Receiving

SEED FAITH

Believing can take opposite forms.  It can be faith or it can be doubt.  When we believe that God exists and that He loves us and wants to meet our needs, then our believing creates faith in our heart.

On the other hand, doubt is just as real.  The reverse of faith, doubt tells us that God does not exist or that He is unloving and uncaring about our needs.  Doubt gives rise to fear, which brings torment, not peace.  Fear actually keeps  one from receiving t he good things God desires to send our way.  Capture this truth: Doubt and do without; with faith believe, and receive. 

″EXPECT A MIRACLE!″

Expectancy opens our lives to God and puts us in a position to receive salvation, joy, health, financial supply, or peace of mind-everything good our heart longs for, and more!

D

ear Friends, The positive lesson to be learned from the cursing of fig tree is the power of believing prayer.  A mountain is symbolic of an obstacle, hindrance, or insurmountable problem.  Faith is the key that releases the resources of heaven into our situation (v.24).

Janet Irene Thomas

Director, Playwright, Gospel Lyricist, Screenwriter

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

FAITH (4)

Definition of Faith -3

Hebrews 11: 30 – 40
King James Version (KJV)

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

KINGDOM DYNAMICS

11:31 Rahab’s faith was based on the record of God’s mighty deeds and promises to Israel (Josh. 2:9-11).

11:32 A detailed study of the lives of these mentioned shows the outstanding place that faith had in the experience and service of each. Personal shortcomings were victoriously overcome as the looked away from themselves to the greatness of God.

11:35-38 The fact that others were tortured and suffered in various other ways indicates that faith does not provide an automatic exemption from hardships, trials, or tragedy. Furthermore, the experience of such difficulties does not mean that the people undergoing them possess less faith than those who are not afflicted. The same faith that enables some to escape trouble enables others to endure it. The same faith that delivers some from death enables other to die victoriously. Faith is not a bridge over troubled waters, but is a pathway through them. Discerning the pathway and the source of any hardships encountered requires aggressive prayer and worship. Through these means, God’s perspective becomes focused.

11:39-40 In spite of the good report resulting from their faith, the OT saints received not the promise of the blessings of the New Covenant brought by Christ. Made perfect: The body of Christ will be complete with the saint from both OT and NT times.

Janet Irene Thomas

Director, Playwright, Gospel Lyricist, Screenwriter

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

FAITH (3)

     Definition of Faith - 2

Hebrews 11: 20 – 29
King James Version (KJV)

 

Isaac

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

Joseph
22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Moses’ Parents
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

Moses
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

KINGDOM DYNAMICS

• 11:26 had respect: the word literally means "to look away from everything else in order to look intently on one object." Moses looked away from the wealth of world systems toward a messianic future.

11:20 No mention is made of Jacob’s deceit, revealing how grace covers all.

11:21 Though his natural sight was gone Jacob’s eye of faith was clear as he crossed his hands and pronounced the greater blessing on Ephraim, the younger son (Gen. 48:13-20)

11:22 Joseph expressed complete faith in the promises concerning the land of Canaan, and spoke of a departing from Egypt centuries in the future

11:23 The story of Moses’ faith begins with the faith of his parents.

11:24-26 Only faith could influence such a great choice, which looked far beyond the present scene.

11:27 Probably refers to the night of the Exodus. Only a godly faith can see the invisible.

Janet Irene Thomas

Director, Playwright, Gospel Lyricist, Screenwriter

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

FAITH (2)

 Definition of Faith

Hebrews 11: 1 – 19 

King James Version (KJV)

Faith’s Confession is Steadfast

This chapter records glorious victories of faith’s champions, yet vv. 13-16 speak of those who died, "not having received the promises." Even then, the Bible says these all died in faith "being content to confess that they were only strangers and pilgrims traveling, as it were through the land." For true, to live by faith is to die by faith.

The key to the 'confession' (v.13) of this admirable group in Heb. 11 is that when a promise by God, as were Abraham and his descendants, they be that came "fully persuaded" that embraced the promise was true. Thus they (literally   "greeted”) that promise in their hearts. The word "confess" helps us to understand how easily these of the gallery of faith established their ways before God and left the testimony which is His Word records with tribute. While each of these persons did receive many victories through faith, the text says that none of them received everything that was promised. Whether or not we receive what we "confess" (ask, pray, or hope for) does not change the behavior or the attitude of the steadfast believer. Faith’s worship and walk do not depend on answered or unanswered prayers. Our confession of His lordship in our lives is to be consistent – a daily celebration with deep gratitude.

11 Now faith Is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Abel

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Enoch

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Noah

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Abraham and Sarah

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

              18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

KINGDOM DYNAMICS

"The Risk of Obedience, BIBLICAL MANHOOD. Obedience stands out as one of the premier qualities of biblical manhood. It requires faith to obey God when all the facts regarding a matter may be unknown (Gen. 12:1-4; Heb. 11:8). Carrying out this dayto-day trust, this matter-of-fact belief, this down-to- earth reliance, is probably the most difficult to achieve of all the models of biblical manhood (Matt. 26:39, 42, 44).

The frightening aspect of obedience is very real because it carries with it uncertainties, which, if realized, will result in agonizing consequences. It also carries with it real pain that is generated through conflict-whether human or circumstantial. However, God has called man to obedience. If he does not shrink from this call, he will experience miraculous and glorious results and enjoy the evidence of true manhood (Romans 4:13-25)

11:1 The author supports his encouragement to steadfast faith by reviewing the triumphant experiences of Hebrew heroes. First he provides a description of how faith works. Faith is established conviction concerning things unseen and settled expectation of future reward. The Greek word translated substance literally means "a standing under," and was used in the technical sense of "title deed."  The root idea is that of standing under the claim to the property to support its validity. Thus, faith is the title deed of things hoped for. Throughout, the chapter the writer emphasizes that assurance rests on God’s promises.

11:2 The elders were the OT saints, many of whom are mentioned in this chapter. They obtained a good report, not because of achievements, personal holiness, or passive acceptance of divine promises, but by an active certitude expressed in obedience persistence, and sacrifice.

11:3 Our belief concerning God’s creative act exemplifies the "evidence of things not seen (v.1)."

11:4 Abel’s act of worship still testifies to the fact that a true worshiper must come in faith presenting the sacrifice required by God.

11:5 Enoch’s translation to heaven, without physical death, took place because he pleased God by taking Him at His word and living his life accordingly.

 WORD WEALTH

 11:3 framed: To arranged, set in order equip, adjust, complete what is lacking, make fully ready, repair, prepare. The word is a combination of kata, "down" and artios "complete." "fitted." It is used for the disciples mending their nets (Matt. 4:21) and for restoring a fallen brother (Heb. 13:21)

11:9 heirs: The word denotes a joint participants, coheir, fellow heir, one who receives a lot with another.

11:9-10 Abraham demonstrated his faith by obedience in leaving his home in Ur and journeying to unknown lands, in living long years in the Promised Land as a foreigner in temporary quarters (Acts 7:5), and by patiently awaiting his permanent abode.

11:11 Sara gave birth to Isaac when she was 90 years of age because she looked away from her physical inability and judged God faithful to keep His word.

11:12 Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.

11:13-16 Although they received only a partial fulfillment of what God had promised, these elders maintained their faith that God would do what He said. Because of their close relationship with God, they could not feel at home in earthly surroundings. They looked for something better; and because of their longings, God gladly acknowledged them as His own people.

Janet Irene Thomas

Director, Playwright, Gospel Lyricist, Screenwriter

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

FAITH (1)

PROFESSION OF FAITH

Hebrews 10:19-39 (NIV) 

Faith accepts the Bible’s record of who Jesus is and what he has accomplished on our behalf. It also draws near to God and clings to Him tenaciously. The believer accepts the benefits of Jesus’ sacrifice and enters God’s presence with confidence. Faith believes the Bible implicitly, knowing it is God’s living self-expression and so submits to its judgment. Finally, faith is willing to suffer with Christ, knowing it will receive a good reward.

 

 10:19-21 Confidence to enter God’s presence is founded on the blood of Jesus and His high priestly ministry.

10:22 Worship from a true heart, that is, with complete sincerity of purpose, must be based on an assurance of the justifying power of the blood of Christ (Rom. 5:1), and the sanctifying cleansing of the Word of God (Eph. 5:26).

10:23 The confession of our faith in the future consummation of our salvation will never waver as long as it is grounded on the faithfulness of the One that promised.

10:24, 25 Love for one another in Christ must manifest itself in works of love and gathering together in His name.

10:26,27 One of the most solemn warnings against apostasy found in the Scriptures. If one willfully forsakes Christ, there is no other sacrifice for sin.

10:28, 29 There are degrees of punishment. The one who despised Moses’ law suffered the judgment prescribed in Deut. 17:2-6. An apostate from Christianity will suffer an even sorer punishment, for he has treated the Son of God with scorn, regarded His blood as unholy and unclean, and done despite the Holy Spirit.

10:30, 31 The Scriptures testify that God’s judgment is certain and absolute.

10:32-39 The writer encourages his readers by reminding them of their past endurance in the midst of trials, their compassion toward others, and the imminent return of the Lord.

Janet Irene Thomas

Director, Playwright, Gospel Lyricist, Screenwriter

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

John 14:6-7

New International Version (NIV)

 Jesus Comforts His Disciples

14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus the Way to the Father

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Thomas and the others wanted to follow Jesus but didn’t know the way he was going. Jesus plainly stated that he is the way and the truth and the life. Rather than sermonizing about a complicated set of directions to reach the heavenly Father, Jesus made the way simple. Really know me.

When you are lost, would you rather look at a map or follow a person who knows the way? The same is true for coming to Jesus. What an unsaved person needs isn’t a complicated explanation but someone to show her the way himself (see Acts 4:12).

14:1-3 - Jesus Comforts His Disciples

M

 essiah’s Peace, Place, and Promise for His People – MESSIAH’S COMING.  These are among the most comforting words in all of Scripture; from Jesus’ own lips, we receive the promise of His return.  He spoke these words during His most intimate time with His disciples, and they echo down to us as a precious promise to the bride of Christ.

In this text, Jesus tells us of a peace, a place, and a promise.  He begins with a comforting encouragement: do not be troubled; be at peace.  Our peace is based on our belief in GOD and in Christ.  We know that He is trustworthy and that give us a foundation of peace upon which to build our lives.  Second, Jesus spoke of a place.  He has promised to prepare for us a place where we will have eternal fellowship with Him.  Finally, we have Christ’s personal promise that He is returning for us.  Think of it!  His personal signature is on our salvation; as we have received Him.  He is coming to receive us.  We look forward to that day in expectation, preparing ourselves for it, for “every man that hath this hope…purifieth himself. (1John 3:3).  (Ps. 16:10/Acts 1:10, 11)

 14:1-4 - In 13:36 Jesus responded to Peter’s question individually; now He answers the same question for all the disciples.

14:2 Mansions literally means “dwelling places.” A better translation is “rooms,” conveying the idea that there is ample space in heaven for all who come to Jesus as Savior.

So, it would behoove every believer to read a bit further and remember the following, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

Janet Irene Thomas

Director, Playwright, Gospel Lyricist, Screenwriter

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

LABOR OF LOVE

1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-5

Did you know that_

THE MOMENT THAT WE PLACE OUR TRUST in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we become new creations. This is an act of love by the heavenly Father – He gives us new life and adopts us into His family. He also has a custom-designed plan for every believer, with specific work for each one to accomplish.

Once we are saved, the rest of our days are to be spent fulfilling God’s purposes for our life. We are called to be Jesus’ disciples – acting on His behalf and working zealously for God, as the Savior did. The world is hungry for the good news, which we are to deliver.

Redemption is God’s gift, offered to us free of charge (Eph. 2:8-9). Salvation is by grace, not by grace-plus-works. Once we are saved, however, works are God’s will for us-the Holy Spirit carries out Jesus’ agenda on earth through His followers.

God has committed Himself to guide and equip believers to act as His servants. No matter what He calls us to do, He will provide the necessary abilities and resources. His Holy Spirit will teach us whatever we need to know-such as effective ways to relate, to pour ourselves out on behalf of others, and to share our faith. He expects us to make serving Him a priority, and to surrender our time, talent, and treasure for His use. Age does not disqualify us from His ervice, and there is never a time for retirement.

While we are living on earth, our lifestyle is to be one of enthusiastic, committed service in the cause of Christ. Let your work for God be a genuine labor of love.

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Director/Producer/Playwright/Screenwriter/Lyricist

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org