VICTORIOUS FAITH
NO. 2 (New Testament)
There are many
examples of Victorious Faith among the followers of Jesus in the New Testament,
but we would call your attention, first, to Paul. Paul’s father was a Pharisee
(Acts 23:6), and a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25-28).
Paul was a
free-born Roman citizen, He was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, learned
tent-making, and studied with Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).
As a young man,
Paul (then called Saul) was an arch persecutor of the Christians, and was
present when Stephen was stoned to death.
“And Saul, yet
breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went
unto the high priest,”
“And desired of
him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that, if he found any of this way,
whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem,”
“And as he
journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a
light from heaven:”
“And he fell to
the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou
me?” Acts 9:1-4.
“And I persecuted
this way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.”
Acts 22:4.
“And cast him
(Stephen) out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their
clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.” Acts 7:58.
In Acts 9:1-4
when Paul was on his way to Damascus to obtain written permission from the high
priest to more sorely persecute the followers of Jesus, a light from heaven
shone about him, and he heard a voice saying, “ . . .why persecutest thou me?”
Acts 22:7. When Paul asked God what he should do, God instructed him to go to
Damascus and he would be told the things which were appointed for him to do.
Being blinded by
the glory of the great light from heaven, Paul had to be led by those who were
with him, into Damascus. When he came to Damascus, Ananias, a devout man
according to the law, came to Paul, spoke to him, and his sight returned.
Ananias told him he was to be a witness unto all men of what he had seen and
heard, and instructed Paul to be baptized.
Paul started
preaching Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. All that heard
him were amazed, for he had been destroying those who called on the name of
Jesus In Jerusalem, in and they knew that he had come to Damascus for the same
purpose. The Jews were puzzled and took counsel to kill him. As Paul had
persecuted the early Christians, so was he persecuted, to the extent that his
life was almost taken by angry people on several occasions.
“Are they
ministers of Christ? . . . I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above
measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.”
“Of the Jews five
times received I forty stripes save one.”
“Thrice was I
beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a
day I have been in the deep;”
“In journeyings
often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own
countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the
wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;”
“In weariness and
painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in
cold and nakedness.” II Corinthians 11:23-27.
“In Damascus the
governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison,
desirous to apprehend me:”
“And through a
window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.” II
Corinthians 11:32, 33.
“ . . . I suffer
trouble, . . .even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.”
“Therefore I
endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation
which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”
“It is a faithful
saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:”
“If we suffer, we
shall also reign with him: . . . :” II Timothy 2:9-12.
“I know both how
to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where, and
“I can do all
things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:12, 13.
Paul (as Saul of
Tarsus) was a man of mental stature and force even before he became a Christian.
His personality was so strong and original that no other man could have been
less expected to sink himself in another. Yet from the very moment when Paul
came in contact with Jesus, He WAS SO OVERPOWERED WITH HIS INFLUENCE THAT HE
NEVER AFTERWARD HAD ANY OTHER DESIRE THAN TO BE A CLOSE FOLLOWER OF JESUS, AND
TO BE AN ECHO AND A REFLECTION OF JESUS TO THE WORLD!
Accepting Jesus
as his personal Savior, being filled with the precious Holy Ghost, and being
obedient “ . . . unto the heavenly vision:” Paul pressed “ . . . toward the mark
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14. He
was willing to give his life for the cause of Christ. “ . . . I am ready not to
be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 21:13.
“According to my
earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that
with all boldness, as always, so now also, Christ, shall be magnified In my
body, whether it be by life, or by death.”
“For to me to
live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20, 21.
Paul’s mind was
of breadth and force; it was never able to leave any object with which it had to
deal until that object was thoroughly studied from its remotest causes and
forward into all possible developments. There was one great subject that Christ
had to leave unexplained --- HIS OWN DEATH. He could not explain it before it
had taken place. This became the leading topic of Paul’s thinking --- to show
WHY it was needed and what were its blessed results. By LIVING FOR CHRIST, PAUL
CAME TO REALLY KNOW HIS SAVIOR, and his thirteen Epistles give to us a rich
knowledge of what it means to follow Christ. As Paul took up his cross daily and
followed Jesus, WE MUST TAKE UP OUR CROSS DAILY AND FOLLOW OUR LORD!
Student, there is
no other way to heaven but the way of the cross, so we need not expect to have a
MIRACLE MINISTRY WITHOUT TAKING UP OUR CROSS DAILY AND FOLLOWING JESUS. If
others had to go by the way of the cross, WE WILL HAVE TO PAY THE SAME PRICE!
God asks no more
of us than we are able to do. If we are from lowly walks of this world, or from
more advantageous positions in this world, GOD ASKS NO MORE OF US THAN WE ARE
ABLE TO GIVE. Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5), “
. . . after the most straitest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.” Acts
26:5.
“I am verily a
man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this
city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the
law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, . . .” Acts 22:3.
Gamaliel was a
Pharisee, a doctor of the law, and “ . . . had in reputation among all the
people, . . .” Acts 5:34.
Some of the other
apostles were unlettered men, while Paul enjoyed the fullest scholastic
advantages of the period. Whatever your station in life may be --- GOD WANTS
YOU! If He can get you to fully consecrate your life to Him, HE WILL HAVE YOUR
TALENTS, YOUR POSSESSIONS, YOUR ALL to use in His service. If you have not made
the FULL consecration God requires, fast and pray until God reveals to you what
YOU have to do to PAY THE PRICE FOR HIS MIRACLE-WORKING POWER TO FLOW THROUGH
YOUR LIFE! What you do for God will have to be done quickly, for there is not
much time left! “ . . . ,the night cometh, when no man can work,” John 9:4.
Jesus wants to
use our hands, our feet, our tongues, our brains, and our hearts through which
He may evangelize the world. He would have us face difficulties victoriously.
THIS REQUIRES THE FAITH GOD GIVES! Only as you live in obedience to God will He
be able to give you this faith and live THROUGH you to bless the world.
Student, can you make the words of the following song YOUR words? But if by a still small voice He calls to paths that I do not know, I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine, I’ll go where you want me to go. I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, o’er mountain or plain or sea; I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what You want me to be.
On his first
missionary journey with Barnabas, Paul came to Lystra in Asia Minor, and found
himself in a population of heathen people, “And there they preached the gospel.”
Acts 14:7.
“And there sat a
certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s
womb, who never had walked:”
“The same heard
Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be
healed,”
“Said with a loud
voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.” Acts 14:8-10.
The people
thought Paul and Barnabas were gods who had come down in the likeness of men,
and were on the point of offering sacrifice to them. Paul and Barnabas were
filled with horror, and rejected the intentions of the people with haste.
Certain Jews from other areas in the land came in, stirred up the people at
Lystra, and having stoned Paul, they took him out of the city, thinking he was
dead.
Paul never
thought of turning back --- his was a total commitment of his life to God, even
unto death. As he went from place to place a. little band of converts were left
behind. The gospel found those for whom it was intended-penitents burdened with
sin, souls dissatisfied with the world and their ancestral religion, hearts
yearning for divine sympathy and love; “ . . . as many as were ordained to
eternal life, believed.”
God is looking
for those who will follow His leading as did Paul and others --- those who will
suffer unto death, if necessary, for their faith. We are to obey God and leave
the results of our obedience up to Him, as did Paul. THE GOSPEL WILL FIND THOSE
FOR WHOM IT IS INTENDED, IF WE WILL ONLY OBEY GOD!
“ . . . Are ye
able to drink of the cup that I drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism
that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.” Matthew 20:22.
“Are ye able,”
said the Master,
“To be crucified
with me?”
And heroic
spirits answer
Now, as then, in
Galilee,
“Lord, we are
able.”
Student, are you
able to follow Jesus, EVEN UNTO DEATH? If you are not ready for this kind of
consecration, PRAY AND FAST UNTIL YOU CAN SAY YOU ABE READY.
“ . . . He that
believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; . . .” John 14:12.
In Thyatira,
Lydia, a seller of purple, and her household, heard Paul preach --- the Lord
opened their hearts to the things spoken by Paul, and all of them were baptized.
(Acts 16:14, 15).
A damsel,
possessed with a spirit of divination met Paul and Silas. She followed them
saying, “ . . . These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto
us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved,
turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ, to
come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” Acts 16:17,18.
God wrought
special miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto
the sick “ . . . handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them,
and the evil spirits went out of them.” Acts 19:11,12.
Stephen, full of
faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Just as surely
as one of Christ’s followers does some miracle, or something outstanding for
God, Satan tries to withstand them, or tries to stop them in some way. There
were those in the synagogue of the Libertines who disputed with Stephen when
they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.
These men accused
Stephen of speaking blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. They
stirred up the people, and the elders and the scribes, and came upon him, caught
him, and brought him to the council. They set up false witnesses who accused him
of speaking blasphemous words against “ . . . this holy place, and the law: . .
. we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place,
and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.” Acts 6:13, 14.
“And all that sat
in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face
of an angel.” Acts 6:15.
Stephen was
allowed to speak. He preached such a strong sermon that they were cut to the
heart and gnashed on him with their teeth.
“But he, being
full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of
God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,”
“And said,
Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand
of God.” Acts 7:55, 56.
The people
stopped their ears and ran upon him with one accord. They cast him out of the
city and stoned him as he called upon God to receive his spirit.
“And he kneeled
down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And
when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:60.
Our lives are not
our own! When we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we really became subject to Him
and His will for us. Too many Christians try to follow Jesus “afar off” as did
Peter on one occasion. Jesus was led away to the high priest, Caiaphas. There
the scribes and the elders were assembled together seeking false witness against
Jesus, to put Him to death. “Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest’s
palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.” Matthew 26:58.
Two false witnesses appeared accusing Jesus of having said He was able to
destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days. Jesus did not answer
when asked about this matter.
The high priest
then asked Jesus if He was Christ, the Son of God.
“Jesus saith unto
him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son
of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”
“Then the high
priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need
have we of witnesses? Behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.”
“What think ye?
They answered and said, He is guilty of death.”
“Then did they
spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their
hands,”
“Saying, Prophesy
unto us, thou Christ, Who Is he that smote thee?” Matthew 26:64-68.
Peter sat without
in the palace, and a damsel came to him and accused him of being with Jesus, but
he denied this before those present. When Peter went out on the porch, another
maid saw him and told those around her that Peter was with Jesus.
Again, he denied
the accusation --- his time Peter denied with an oath, saying he did not know
the man.
“And after a
while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art
one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee.”
“Then began he to
curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.”
“And Peter
remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou
shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:73-75.
“And the Lord
turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he
had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.”
“And Peter went
out and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:61, 62.
Student, if you
are following Christ afar off, repent of those things in your life you are
allowing to come between you and your Savior, and run quickly back into the
center of God’s will for your life. If you do not come back close to Jesus, you
will find yourself like Peter, denying your Lord and Savior. Peter even denied
Christ so vehemently that he cursed. Then he remembered that Jesus had said he
would deny Him three times before the cock would crow. When he heard the cock
crow, he saw Jesus turn to look upon him. PETER WAS FULL OF REMORSE AND WENT OUT
AND WEPT BITTERLY. He realized he had openly denied Christ --- he wept and
repented then and there. Jesus forgave him, just as He forgave the ones who put
him to death. “ . . . Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Luke 23:34.
At sunrise on the
first day of the week after Jesus was crucified, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother
of James, and Salome brought sweet spices to the tomb to anoint Jesus body. The
stone had been rolled away from the door of the sepulchre, and they found a
young man sitting there clothed in a long white garment. They were afraid, but
he spoke and told them not to be afraid, saying further that he knew that they
sought Jesus of Nazareth, who had been crucified. He told them He was not there,
for He had risen.
“But go your way,
tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you Into Galilee: there shall
ye see him, as he said unto you.” Mark 16:7.
If Jesus had not
forgiven Peter, the angel of the Lord would not have told the women to tell
Peter, too, that He had gone before them Into Galilee, where they (the disciples
and Peter) would see him.
“Afterward he
appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their
unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen
him after he was risen.”
“And he said unto
them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
“He that
believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be
damned.”
“And these signs
shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they
shall speak with new tongues;”
“They shall take
up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they
shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
“So then after
the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the
right hand of God.”
“And they went
forth and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the
work with signs following.” Mark 16-20.
The word “they”
included Peter --- when he repented for denying Christ, he was forgiven. The
angel at His tomb told the women there to take the message he gave them to the
disciples AND TO PETER. Peter WAS A DISCIPLE, TOO, but Jesus wanted Peter to
know that HE WAS STILL A DISCIPLE. Praise God, when we are forgiven for our
sins, THEY ABE REMEMBERED AGAINST US NO MORE! Peter was re-instated with Jesus
BECAUSE HE REPENTED OF HIS SIN.
Peter was present
on the day of Pentecost with the one hundred and twenty followers of Jesus who
waited for the baptism of the Holy Ghost in the upper room. “And there appeared
unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.”
“And they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the
Sprint gave them utterance.” Acts 2:3,4.
When this was
noised abroad, the multitude came together, and they were confounded, because
every man heard them speak in his own language. The ones who were baptized with
the Holy Ghost were Galilaeans, yet, although there were about sixteen different
languages represented there that day, THE PEOPLE HEARD THE WONDERFUL WORKS OF
GOD IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGES.
Peter, standing
up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and expounded unto the people the works
of God. He told them how they had slain Jesus with wicked hands, but that God
had raised Him from the dead. They were pricked in their hearts and asked what
they should do.
“Then Peter said
unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ,
for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
“Then they that
gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto
them about three thousand souls.”
“ . . . And the
Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:38,41,47.
Many signs and
wonders were done by the apostles (Acts 2:43). On their way to the temple one
day, Peter and John were accosted by a lame man for alms. Peter and John
fastened their eyes upon the man, and Peter said,
“ . . .Silver and
gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
“And he took him
by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones
received strength.”
“And he, leaping
up, stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and
leaping, and praising God.” Acts 3:6-8.
Signs and wonders
were done by the apostles, and fear came upon every soul.
All that believed
were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods,
and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (Acts 2:43-45).
A certain man
named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of
the price, and brought part of it to the apostles, but Peter said, “ . . .
Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep
back part of the price of the land? . . . thou hast not lied unto men, but unto
God. And Ananias, hearing these words, fell down, and gave up the ghost: . . . ”
Acts 5:3-5.
The young men
buried Ananias. About three hours later, his wife Saphira came in. Peter asked
her whether she had sold the land for so much, and she answered that she had.
“Then Peter said
unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the
Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door,
and shall carry thee out.” Acts 5:9.
Sapphira fell
down at Peter’s feet and gave up the ghost. The young men came in, and finding
her dead, carried her out and buried her by her husband. Great fear came upon
all the church, AND UPON ALL THAT HEARD OF THIS MATTER.
Believers were
the more added to the Lord --- multitudes of both men and women were added,
(Acts 5:14).
“lnsomuch that
they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches,
that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.”
“There came also
a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks,
and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.”
Acts 5:15,16.
These apostles
were abiding so closely in Christ that His power was flowing through them to
work mighty miracles and wonders.
As Peter passed
through the land, he came down to the saints who lived at Lydda, where he found
a man named Aeneas. This man had been in bed eight years, sick with palsy.
“And Peter said
unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And
he arose immediately.” Acts 9:34.
This man was
known by the people at Lydda and Saron. When they saw the power of God so
manifested as to make Aeneas whole, EVERY ONE LIVING AT LYDDA AND AT SARON
TURNED TO THE LORD!
Going on down to
Joppa, Peter learned of the illness and death of a faithful disciple of Christ,
Dorcas. Dorcas “ . . . was full of good works and almsdeeds.” Acts 9:36. On his
arrival in Joppa, he was taken to an upper chamber where he found Dorcas washed
and laid out as a corpse. The widows stood by Peter weeping and showing him the
coats and garments that Dorcas had made before her death.
“But Peter put
them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body, said,
Tabitha (by interpretation, Dorcas), arise. And she opened her eyes: and when
she saw Peter, she sat up.”
“And he gave her
his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows,
presented her alive.”
“And it was known
throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.” Acts 9:40-42.
In Hebrews 13:8
we read, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” If Jesus is
the same yesterday, today, and forever, what He did himself, or what He did
through Paul, Peter, and the other apostles, HE WILL DO THROUGH YOU! BUT YOU
WILL HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE TO GET GOD’S POWER IN YOUR LIFE. This calls for holy
living.
As we have been
in subjection to our earthly fathers and have been corrected by them, “ . . .
shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
For they chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we
might be partakers of his holiness.” Hebrews 12:9, 10.
“For whom the
Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”
“If ye endure
chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the
father chasteneth not?” Hebrews 12:6, 7.
“Follow peace
with all men, and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews
12:14.
Listen to the
words of Jesus as he communed with God just before his crucifixion.
“While I was with
them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gayest me I have
kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture
might be fulfilled.” John 17:12.
As Jesus watched
for the souls of those God had given to Him to look after, we are expected to be
watchful over those under our care. If we are true to our task, we will be
instant in season and out of season.
“Preach the word;
be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering and doctrine.” II Timothy 4:2.
It is not enough
to win people to the Lord, or to bring deliverances to them physically, mentally
or spiritually. The people need to be taught in order to became firmly
established in God, so that they may be used of God in winning the lost and
delivering other people from sickness, oppressions from Satan, demon possession,
and other bondages imposed by the enemy.
“Take heed
therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost
bath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he bath purchases with
his own blood.”
“For I know this,
that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing
the flock.”
“Also of your own
selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after
them.” Acts 20:28-30.
Paul knew he had
to go to Jerusalem on one occasion, in spite of the fact that he was warned not
to go in every city he entered enroute to Jerusalem. The Holy Ghost even
witnessed to him along the way that bonds and afflictions awaited him there.
“But none of
these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might
finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord
Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24.
“ . . . the Lord
stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul for as thou hast testified of me
in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” Acts 23:11.
Paul went to Rome literally bound as a prisoner, not knowing what awaited him there. His main objective was to fulfill God’s call on his life --- NO MATTER WHAT THE PERSONAL COST, HE OBEYED GOD AND WENT TO ROME!
Student, what
shall it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose you own soul?
Disobedience is sin. “ . . . so shall ye perish; because ye would not be
obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 8:20. “ . . . to obey
is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is
as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. . . .” I
Samuel 15:22, 23.
Do not
forget---POWER IS A DIRECT RESULT OF FAITH, AND FAITH COMES BY OBEDIENCE! If you
would have God’s power operating through your life, BE OBEDIENT TO GOD IN ALL HE
TELLS YOU TO DO! FIRST--- be sure you know the WORD --- “Study to shew thyself
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15, “Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians
5:17. Live in an attitude of prayer --- BE READY TO TUNE IN ON THE ROYAL
TELEPHONE OF HEAVEN AT ANY MOMENT. God may speak to you through sermons, songs,
conversations, or through many other ways --- BE SURE YOU KNOW THE VOICE OF THE
LORD, TRY THE SPIRITS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE OF GOD.
“ . . .
believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because
many false prophets are gone out into the world.” I John 4:1.
