Living By Believing And Not By Seeing

chosenbyone · #1 07-10-2007, 07:50 AM

We live by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

Most of us try to get through life on human wisdom. Some of us succeed. Others of us make so many mistakes that we die with many regrets. If only we could get guidance from above, we would get this "life" stuff right. If only we could hear the voice of the One who knows. If only.

The truth is that we can. The Voice has spoken. His words are available to us. But there's a catch. We have to be willing to obey it. Otherwise, we won't have what Jesus calls "ears to hear." Those who obey what they already know of God have their ears opened to more; and those who have ears open are readily obedient.

The root of the problem is that most of us have trouble with obedience. We lose our "ears to hear," and as a result, we fall back on human wisdom. Our lives never match those of the biblical heroes. Why? Human wisdom would not have pushed Abraham up a hill to sacrifice his son; it would not have led God's people to the edge of the Red Sea with an army in pursuit; it would not have marched around Jericho seven times and blasted a trumpet for the wall to fall.

Really, when it comes to it, would you prefer to live by the human logic that results from losing your ears to hear? Or would you prefer the cutting-edge, risky-but-real life of a true, radical believer? The answer isn't clear for everyone. But we've seen who lasts. Your Bible is full of their stories. They lived by faith, not by sight.

Falla39 · #2 07-10-2007, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chosenbyone

We live by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

Most of us try to get through life on human wisdom. Some of us succeed. Others of us make so many mistakes that we die with many regrets. If only we could get guidance from above, we would get this "life" stuff right. If only we could hear the voice of the One who knows. If only.

The truth is that we can. The Voice has spoken. His words are available to us. But there's a catch. We have to be willing to obey it. Otherwise, we won't have what Jesus calls "ears to hear." Those who obey what they already know of God have their ears opened to more; and those who have ears open are readily obedient.

The root of the problem is that most of us have trouble with obedience. We lose our "ears to hear," and as a result, we fall back on human wisdom. Our lives never match those of the biblical heroes. Why? Human wisdom would not have pushed Abraham up a hill to sacrifice his son; it would not have led God's people to the edge of the Red Sea with an army in pursuit; it would not have marched around Jericho seven times and blasted a trumpet for the wall to fall.

Really, when it comes to it, would you prefer to live by the human logic that results from losing your ears to hear? Or would you prefer the cutting-edge, risky-but-real life of a true, radical believer? The answer isn't clear for everyone. But we've seen who lasts. Your Bible is full of their stories. They lived by faith, not by sight.

Bro. Chosen,

What a powerful, profound article!

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT saith

unto the churches". (Revelation chapters 2&3, 13:9)

Blessings,

Falla39

Michael The Disciple · #3 07-10-2007, 08:30 AM

Timely for me.

#4 07-10-2007, 08:32 AM

Brother,

We each have a choice to either walk and live by faith or by natural sight and reasoning. As a Spirit filled Christian we should choose to live and walk by faith which is a life and walk based upon the Word of God that cannot lie nor can it fail. We have a profession (confession) of faith that should not be words alone but a life centered upon the Word of God in which we have a sure confidence.

For a new born babe in Christ, that walk may be slow, haltingly and yes, sometimes stumbling, but as the Word teaches us, we must not cast away our confidence that we have in him when sometimes we stumble. We must hold fast to that confidence. Christ will strengthen us daily to walk even as he walked so much until we are fully matured IN HIM.

You had a beautiful experience Sunday morning. The power and grace of God is real. He will be with you alway and will never forsake you. Hold to that confidence.

chosenbyone · #5 07-10-2007, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother Strange

Brother,

We each have a choice to either walk and live by faith or by natural sight and reasoning. As a Spirit filled Christian we should choose to live and walk by faith which is a life and walk based upon the Word of God that cannot lie nor can it fail. We have a profession (confession) of faith that should not be words alone but a life centered upon the Word of God in which we have a sure confidence.

For a new born babe in Christ, that walk may be slow, haltingly and yes, sometimes stumbling, but as the Word teaches us, we must not cast away our confidence that we have in him when sometimes we stumble. We must hold fast to that confidence. Christ will strengthen us daily to walk even as he walked so much until we are fully matured IN HIM.

You had a beautiful experience Sunday morning. The power and grace of God is real. He will be with you alway and will never forsake you. Hold to that confidence.

BroS -

Sunday brought many things to mind regarding my lack of faith and the anxieties that it produced in my life. I became limited in my relationship of prayer when I didn't see the expanse of God. Many times throughout my life while walking along in faith, something would happened which brought fear and I wanted to take charge of the situation instead of allowing my faith to grow.

During those time when I began to sink in my troubles it was because I had taken my eyes off of the Lord. One thing that was laid on my heart Sunday was that my faith needed to be so strong that it wouldn't allow the cares of the world to interfere with my lifestyle of prayer. I learned that when I pray with faith, I must be sure that I don't give directions to God. Faith can give way to pride and too often I found myself telling God what to do, rather than seeking His will.

BroS, you know that there are two parts of a person - the controlling side and the caring or nurturing side. When we pray to our Redeemer we must bring both parts together so we pray with an attitude of faith, not arrogance. If faith doesn't represent our relationship with God, then our relationship is superficial.

Thanks again for being such a fine example of a Christian brother and letting the Lord use you Sunday morning. That morning will stay with me for the rest of my life. I truly appreciate your walk with the Lord and the kindness that you extended to me this weekend.

May God bless you with joy everflowing...

#6 07-10-2007, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chosenbyone

BroS -

Sunday brought many things to mind regarding my lack of faith and the anxieties that it produced in my life. I became limited in my relationship of prayer when I didn't see the expanse of God. Many times throughout my life while walking along in faith, something would happened which brought fear and I wanted to take charge of the situation instead of allowing my faith to grow.

During those time when I began to sink in my troubles it was because I had taken my eyes off of the Lord. One thing that was laid on my heart Sunday was that my faith needed to be so strong that it wouldn't allow the cares of the world to interfere with my lifestyle of prayer. I learned that when I pray with faith, I must be sure that I don't give directions to God. Faith can give way to pride and too often I found myself telling God what to do, rather than seeking His will.

BroS, you know that there are two parts of a person - the controlling side and the caring or nurturing side. When we pray to our Redeemer we must bring both parts together so we pray with an attitude of faith, not arrogance. If faith doesn't represent our relationship with God, then our relationship is superficial.

Thanks again for being such a fine example of a Christian brother and letting the Lord use you Sunday morning. That morning will stay with me for the rest of my life. I truly appreciate your walk with the Lord and the kindness that you extended to me this weekend.

May God bless you with joy everflowing...

Thank you, brother Kenneth.

It was a great blessing to see how the Lord is working in your life. I was blessed just watching you get blessed in a blessed way. I believe as you that Sunday was a monumental mile stone in your walk with God that you will never forsake or forget. If ever you feel discouraged or despondent, you can always go back in your mind and recapture that great experience. It will give you new courage as you prayerfully meditate upon that blessed experience.

As far as your other estimation written above, I see that you have a good grasp of those those things that will keep you steadfast, unshakable and unmovable, always abounding in the love and work of Christ, your Lord.

Be blessed always, maranatha!

Scott Hutchinson · #7 07-10-2007, 04:05 PM

Chosenbyone very good and timely.

chosenbyone · #8 07-10-2007, 07:21 PM

When I started the thread, "Are Backsliders Required to be Re-baptized?", I knew that there was no biblical principal to substantiate the need for re-baptism. There were many who voiced strong opposition regarding my re-baptism, even to go so far as to say that I would bring violence to the Word of God. If I had listened to human logic and wisdom, I would have found myself disobeying what the Lord was telling me.

The Voice of God had spoke and found "ears to hear" and by faith, I did what He had instructed. Everyone in attendance felt the power of God fill that room and were convinced that what occurred last Sunday was not designed by man, but by His hand.

I could actually feel faith build to heights that I've never experienced before in my life. I truly became a new creature and God's healing power has given me strength and health that I haven't felt in a long time.

To God be the glory! He shall never be restrained by human logic and His wonders shall never cease!