The Prayer Of Faith: The Anointing

 "Submit yourselves therefore to God, Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 KJV).

Hello To All:

This is the twelfth letter in a series of essays, all dealing with the realities of Faith. I am compelled to capitalize the word faith, since the case has been made, that the "faith of the Son of God" (Gal 2:20), is the faith that is common to all believers, who follow Jesus Christ; and accept Him as their Lord and their Savior. Thank you Jesus!

At first glance, our title to this letter, does not appear to have any connection to our opening text.  The title directs our attention to "anointing," and our text directs our attention to "Submit yourselves therefore to God." What is the relationship between submitting and anointing?  James, being inspired by the Holy Spirit, compels us to believe that there is a significant relationship between the two realities.  Chapter 4 contains the text regarding submission; and chapter 5 contains the text regarding anointing.  The order compels me to believe that an understanding of submission, is essential to our understanding of "anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14).

These many months since the last letter posted on this site (December 28, 2021), have found me seeking a deeper understanding of what it truly means too: "Submit yourselves to God."  A right understanding of submission to God, is essential to realizing the potential victory revealed in James 5:14 and following. The  James text reminds us of submission in a variety of ways. The "anointing," is one of those ways!

This letter is also one of six letters all relating too: "The Prayer Of Faith." The effective praying of that prayer is all about absolute submission to God; and to God alone through His Son Jesus Christ!  Previous postings have reminded us, of the realties relating to the ordained elders and their role in God's plan for healing the sick amongst us. 

This letter directs our attention to those individuals who are destined to be healed by Jesus of Nazareth, through the effective praying of: "The Prayer Of Faith." Just as the elders must submit to God; so must the sick amongst us also submit to God.

The essence of submission is joyful obedience to the revealed will of God, as found in the revealed truth of His word! This must be a submission that is without conflict with other authorities or methodologies.  This must also be a submission that fully honors and glorifies The One and The True and The Living God; and Him alone! Anything less than this, will complicate our ability to fully believe.   Please carefully consider the following words of our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded at John 5:44.

"How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?" 

Clearly Jesus of Nazareth is equating the ability to believe with an absolute submission to God! If we are seeking honor or approval from anyone besides God, then we are seriously compromising our ability to believe. This is part of the tragedy, of the institutional system, that so many of the brethren, who have sworn allegiance to their perspectives of the truth, have embraced.  Most of us are not capable of fully believing, because of this compromise.  Jesus of Nazareth is the Truth! Our allegiance should be to Him and Him alone!  It is in this context of full submission, that we can fully believe.

To make certain that there is no confusion, it must be stated that the discussion of believing, in this letter, is not related to our salvation. When we believe Jesus for salvation, we begin our life journey with Him, at the entry level of discipleship.  The believing, being referenced in this letter, is very much related, to the possibility of a victorious journey in this life, in the here and now of our life journey with Jesus of Nazareth. Thank you Jesus!

Perhaps, some of you are wondering which comes first? Does believing lead to submission? Or, does submission lead to believing? When we believe Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins and the subsequent gift of salvation and eternal life; are we not also submitting ourselves to Him for all of eternity? The challenge for us, in finding the victory, in the here and now, is to recognize that there is an eternal relationship between submission and believing. They are part and parcel of the wholeness of Faith!

Now, it is time to apply this understanding to the anointing:

"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." (James 5:14 KJV).

It is good to remind ourselves of something that has been said before: "God says what He means; and God means what He says." If we apply this standard to the written word of God, then we will have an opportunity for clarity and understanding. Thank you Jesus!

Thus, it is imperative that we recognize the importance of submission to the sick amongst us. It is God's stated will that they call for the elders of the church.  It is also God's stated will that they be anointed. Both of these demand the willingness of the sick to submit to God's stated way of fulfilling His purposes! This is the place where believing is manifested as submission is manifested. This is the place where the sick amongst us can be healed. Thank you Jesus!

Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,

Elder Theophilus

The Prayer Of Faith: The sick amongst us.

 "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.  And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion." (Mark 2:10-12 KJV).

Hello To All:

Today is a very special day! Five years ago, on this day, our Lord Jesus Christ saved me from death, and over a course of weeks, restored me to the fullness of good health (please see letter titled: "I am back: I am crucified!" dated June 14, 2017).  Like the man "sick of the palsy," from our opening text, my ability to walk was also restored to me in the miraculous way that only Jesus Christ can do. Thank you Jesus!

This letter is number eleven in a series of letter/essays on faith, that began July 30, 2019. Every letter that the Spirit of God compels me to write is part of a larger journey and purpose, that is known only to the Lord our God.  But, from time to time, I am privileged to see the larger picture regarding, His purposes, with what He is doing, through these letters; which brings us to His purpose, for this letter, which is, to focus our attention on the "sick amongst us."

As previous letters have challenged the ordained elders amongst us, to find that place, in our personal journey with Jesus of Nazareth, where we can be empowered by Him, and equipped by Him, to effectively pray the "prayer of faith;" so does this letter, now seek to challenge the "sick amongst us," to reach out and call for the "elders of the church" (James 5:14), to come and pray, that the sick might be healed.

This whole process is initiated by the "sick amongst us." It is not initiated by the ordained elders. It is good to remind ourselves that when Jesus healed, He was, in almost all instances approached by the sick, seeking and asking to be healed; and Jesus of Nazareth always healed! 

This is God's, on going provision, for His church, as outlined in the James text.  Jesus is the Healer; and He has chosen too manifest His healing presence through the office of the ordained elders. This is not the only way that He will heal the sick amongst us; but, clearly He has stated His willingness to heal, in this very specific way, as outlined in James 5:14-15.

The challenge for all of us, my beloved brethren, is to believe. Previous letters, should help us to understand that we have been given a gift of faith, that is sufficient for victory, in every challenge that we might face, in our life journey with Jesus of Nazareth.

If we are counted amongst the sick, then we must put that gift of faith to use, by believing; and that first step of believing, is to call for the elders of the church. God has chosen you who are sick, to be the initiators of this process, that will glorify Him and create an opportunity for you to be healed.

There is an additional challenge for you, my beloved who are the "sick amongst us;" and that challenge is this: If you call for the elders, and they come, and they pray; and then you are not healed - what will you do? How will you respond to the reality that you are still sick and not healed?

Let me be so bold as to tell you what you must do: you must continue to love that elder, who prayed for you, as a brother in Christ Jesus; and you must be willing to forgive him for his failure to effectively pray the prayer of faith. But your work is not done. Your must then pray for ordained elders to be guided to a place, by our Lord Jesus Christ, where they will discover how they can effectively pray the prayer of faith, so that the "sick amongst us," can be healed. 

And still, your work is not done. You must continue to be willing to call for the elders of the church to pray for you. You must continue doing this; believing that, at some point in your journey, Jesus Christ will raise up an ordained elder who will come and effectively pray the prayer of faith, so that you can be healed. Can we say: Thank you Jesus?

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,

Elder Theophilus

The Prayer Of Faith: The Ordained Elders

"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:" (Titus 1:5 KJV). 

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." (2 Corinthians 3:5-6 KJV).

Hello To All:

The office of ordained elder has a unique place in God's on-going plan for His church: The Body Of Christ! It is through this office that Jesus of Nazareth seeks to manifest His glory, His honor, His authority and His power in very special ways! One of those special ways is through the "prayer of faith," as referenced in James 5:15 (please see previous four letter/essays regarding the "prayer of faith").

"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." (James 5:15 KJV).

The challenge, for those of us who are ordained elders, is to find that place in our life journey, where we can have the confidence of believing that Jesus of Nazareth has empowered us and equipped us to effectively pray the "prayer of faith," in accordance with His written word. And, to make certain that there is no confusion: It needs to be stated (once again), that when this elder references Jesus of Nazareth, I am speaking of the same Jesus: who is the Christ - The Son of The Living God! Amen and Amen and Amen!

Much has been written (in previous letters) about the issue of authority and who has it and what its origins are. If we, as ordained elders, are to find that place, in our journey, where we can effectively pray the "prayer of faith," then it must be understood, that the only place where that is possible, is that place in our life journey, with Jesus of Nazareth, where the only authority that we depend upon, is the authority that comes from Jesus! His authority is the only authority that can empower us and equip us to effectively pray the "prayer of faith."

The Corinthian text, referenced in the beginning of this letter, should help us to find that place of victory, where, as ordained elders, we can effectively pray the "prayer of faith." In his letters, Paul often reminds us that the power manifested through him, is not of him; but rather, the power is always of Jesus Christ. The Corinthian text affirms this understanding, regarding the source of Paul's on-going empowerment to fully serve Jesus of Nazareth.

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." (2 Corinthians 3:5-6 KJV).

"But our sufficiency is of God!" How many of us truly believe this? How many of us have become dependent upon, the perceived sufficiency of our education? How many of us have become dependent upon, the perceived authority and sufficiency of our institutional system? How many of us have become dependent upon, the perceived correctness of the institutional system that we are committed too? How many of us have allowed the course of our service to Jesus Christ and His church, to be controlled by the institutional system, that we have embraced? 

These are hard questions; and I am compelled to believe that the Spirit of God intends for them to be hard!  For the most part, the sick amongst us continue to be sick. Let me be bold to say, empowered by Jesus of Nazareth, that the principal reason that the sick amongst us, continue to be sick, is directly related to our failure, as ordained elders, to be in a position where we can effectively pray the "prayer of faith."

Our life journey is often filled with hard things. This forum seeks to help all of us to be "Victorious Disciples In Jesus Christ." The how of this process can often be the hard thing. As ordained elders, we are most often dependent upon an institutional system for our credentials, that allow us to function as an ordained elder. Our challenge is to find that place, where we can still serve the institution; while, at the same time, exercising the authority that comes exclusively from Jesus Christ. This will not be an easy thing: but, let us be reminded that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Our opening text should remind us that in the early church, all ordained elders would have been warmly welcomed in every city! The office of elder, was not limited in function by any institutional restrictions. If you were an ordained elder, then it was rightly understood that you served Jesus Christ and Him alone. It was also understood, that because of this empowerment, the ordained elder could rightly serve all of God's people. Can we say thank you Jesus?

To my brothers, who are also ordained elders, let me close this letter with one of Paul's many statements about his dependency upon God. It is written at 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 KJV:

9. "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."

10. "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."

Join with me, my brothers, and let us together, embrace the truth that: "Our sufficiency is of God."

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,

Elder Theophilus

The Prayer Of Faith: This Elder's Testimony

" I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

"Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." (Colossians 1:29 KJV).

Hello To All:

Towards the end of 2018, my wife and I were asked to join a group of people who were going to pray for healing for a young lady who was suffering from chronic and debilitating leg pain. The invitation was extended to us, by the girls mother. We were going to meet, on a Sunday morning, in a local church building where this family attended services.

As I was preparing myself for this prayer meeting, The Spirit of God, impressed upon me, in a way that only He can, that I was to pray for this young lady, in the context of James 5:14-15.  My immediate response was to ask how this would be possible, in the midst of a prayer meeting, where all have gathered to pray? 

The young lady had not reached out to the elders of her church to pray for her. It is the sick person who initiates the process leading to the: "Prayer of faith." In this instance, the girls mother had initiated a process for a group prayer for the purpose of seeking healing for her daughter. The King's Book does make provision for healing to take place in the context of a prayer meeting with believers laying hands on one another; and praying for one another, for the purposes of being healed. (Mark 16:18 "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.")

But, God's provision for healing the sick, as presented in James 5:14-15, is an event that takes place with the sick person and the ordained elders present. This is not a group gathering. This is a very personal transaction that takes place between the sick person, family members, the elders of the church and our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." (James 5:14-15 KJV).

 A number of years prior to this request, the Spirit of God also impressed upon me, His desire for me,  to pray for a young mother who had cancer. I was directed to pray for her,  in the context of James 5:14-15.  At that point, in my journey with Jesus Christ, I was focused on the number of elders, as referenced in the text from James. I was joined in weekly prayer meetings with two other men, who were also burdened by this young mothers plight. We were not able to get past the idea that more than one elder must be involved.

Since that time, as I have been taken by our Lord Jesus Christ, into a deeper understanding of His love and His mercy,  He has convinced me that if only one elder is available to answer the request of the sick person; He will still be willing to respond to the "prayer of faith," and heal the sick person. Thank you Jesus!

This brings us back to this mother's request for prayers for the healing of her daughter. We live in a part of the country where winter storms are, often, quick to appear. The Sunday morning of the scheduled prayer meeting found us in the midst of one such storm. The church services and the prayer meeting were canceled. The mother reached out to my wife and myself; and asked if she and her daughter could come to our home. They came and we talked.  We spent some time in James and talked about God's desire for prayer to take place in the context of James 5:14-15.

The mother and her daughter returned to their home to pray with and speak with the young lady's father. Specifically, they were to take a deep look at the James text, to seek an understanding regarding God's will for them; as they continued to seek healing for their daughter. A  period of time passed, and the young lady reached out to me and asked me to come and pray for her. In response to God's expressed will for healing, as stated in the James text, I said yes; and my wife and I traveled to their home.

My beloved brethren, this essay that you are now reading is the ninth essay in a series about faith that began in July of 2019. As these essays are written with the intent of helping the Body of Christ draw closer to Christ and to go deeper in an understanding of the revealed truth of His Word; they are also used by the Spirit of God to take this elder to a deeper understanding of the revealed truth of His Word.

Thus, when my wife and I traveled to this young ladies home, in December of 2018, my understanding of the James 5:14-15 text, was much less than it is now. This should be a reminder to all that Christ's willingness to work through us, is not dependent on the depth of our understanding; but, rather is fully dependent on our willingness to trust Him and Him alone; and to obey Him and Him alone! Thank you Jesus!

Let us be reminded of the truths revealed in our opening texts: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:" - "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."

If we are to be victorious in our journey with Jesus of Nazareth, then we must realize that we are His vessels through which He does His work! The victory belongs to Jesus. Thus if we will trust in Him rather than in our own understanding, He will manifest His victory in our lives; and in the lives of those to whom He sends us. Can we say thank you Jesus?

This is the reality of where this elder was in my understanding of the James 5:14-15 text; when I traveled with my wife and our Lord Jesus Christ, to the home of this young lady, in need of healing.  We were warmly welcomed to the home of this young lady: by her parents, herself and a brother. We gathered in a sitting room and spent some time talking and teaching with regards to the James text.

It was very clear that this sick person was eager to proceed.  We talked about the sick person's response to God and His provision for healing.  We also talked about the importance of her submission to being anointed with oil.  After anointing her, I was compelled by the Spirit of God, to ask her this question: If I fail to effectively pray the "prayer of faith," and you are not healed - will you still love me, as your brother in Christ Jesus? She was quick to say yes. Thank you Jesus.

Empowered by our Lord Jesus Christ, I effectively prayed the "prayer of faith;" and Jesus Christ, in accordance with His word,  healed her. Thank you Jesus! Amen and Amen and Amen!

There is much more to be said, regarding God's provision for healing the sick amongst us; but, that shall have to take place in future letters. There is enough, in this letter, for us us to pray on and think about!

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,

Elder Theophilus

The Prayer Of Faith: Elijah's Testimony

"Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word." (1 Kings 18:36).

Hello To All:

We take the time to be edified by Elijah's testimony, because his total commitment to serving God, without any divided loyalties, gives us a foundational understanding of how a sick person can be healed within the context of James 5:14-15.

Elijah is introduced to us, in the historical time line, at 1 Kings 17:1. The first thing that he does is to make this proclamation: "As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand,  there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." (1 Kings 17:1).

This event, recorded in the time line of Elijah's servant status, in regards to the One and True and Living God, is also referenced at James 5:17; and in the previous verse (James 5:16), James is compelled by the Spirit of God to remind us to be aware that: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James further tells us that, Elijah: "he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months." Certainly, this should be understood as an "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man."

Throughout Elijah's service to God, he never deviated from his absolute devotion to, dependence upon, and his undivided allegiance to his Creator: the One and True and Living God. If we are to be able to claim: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man," that "availeth much," as applying to ourselves, especially those of us who are ordained elders; then we must also have the same absolute devotion to, the same dependence upon, and the same undivided allegiance to our Creator as Elijah had. And, to make certain that there is no confusion: When I speak of our Creator, I am speaking of Jesus of Nazareth. This is the same Jesus who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God! Can the church say Amen!

At one point in the recorded events of Elijah's life (please examine the chapters beginning at 1 Kings chapter 17), Elijah is compelled by God to confront the false prophets of the false god Baal. When all of Israel is gathered, Elijah lays a challenge before all of Israel. We find written at 1 Kings 18:21, the following: "And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word."

Perhaps, one of the most striking realities of this text, is the fact that: "the people answered him not a word." It should be noted that our "old man," our fallen nature, enjoys the comfort of our chosen belief system; and we will fervently resist any efforts to alter our personal beliefs. How often have we answered "not a word," when we are challenged to choose between allegiance to our Creator and allegiance to something else. I am, once again, reminded about a pastor friend, who was reluctant to say anything to his denominational authorities, about a certain issue, because they controlled his future.

Elijah's future was totally in God's hands. Elijah's testimony is righty summarized by our opening text: "I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word." (1 Kings 18:36). He was able to pray with great effectiveness, because he prayed for the revealed will of God to be accomplished! This is the essence of the elder's responsibility in the James 5:14-15 text. God's revealed will is clearly stated: "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up." (James 5:15).

Now, I am once again compelled to speak, directly to those of you who are my brothers in Christ Jesus; and have also been set apart by Him and ordained to the office of elder. In this capacity, we have been equipped by Christ to serve His church, the body of Christ, in it's entirety, as it is scattered throughout the world. But, if we are to effectively pray "the prayer of faith," then we must be able to stand with Elijah, before God and say: "I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word." If our loyalties are in any way divided, then we will not by able to effectively pray; and the sick among us will continue to be sick.

My brothers, let us fervently pray for one another, that our loyalties will not be divided; and let us also pray that the only one that we will serve is our Creator, Jesus of Nazareth. Once again, let it be said: This is the same Jesus, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Amen and Amen and Amen!

Until next time my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,

Elder Theophilus

"The Prayer Of Faith": The Seventy Elders

 "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come." (Luke 10:1).

Hello To All:

After the first reading of our opening text, a person might wonder about how this connects to: "The Prayer Of Faith" - (James 5:14-15). It is a legitimate question to ask. But, if we plug this text back into its context, we will begin to understand.

We find written at verse 2: "Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest."

Prior to this sending of the seventy, Jesus sent the twelve (Luke 9:1-6). Both groups were sent to do the same thing - so why two groups?

The commission for the twelve is found at Luke 9:2: "And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick."

The commission for the seventy is found at Luke 10:9: "And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."

Both groups are given the same commission - so, once again, the question must be asked: Why two groups?

The first group - the twelve - were earlier (Luke 6:13-16), named apostles. One of them (Judas Iscariot) would betray Jesus and be replaced by another of the disciples. The apostles would lead the church (The Body Of Christ) in those early formative years. They would heal the sick and preach the kingdom of God!

The question that we should now be asking is this: What provision was Jesus of Nazareth making, for the care and leadership of His Church, after the age of the apostles? If we are willing, we should see that provision, in the sending of the seventy, and their commission to: "Heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."

If we are truly going to see and comprehend the fullness of Christ's provision for His church; we need to be reminded that: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today, and forever," (Hebrews 13:8): is an ongoing, unchanging reality for each and everyone of us who look to Him for salvation and victory!

The choice of seventy in Luke 10, is not the first time the Lord our God has chosen seventy to serve Him. We find the following written at Numbers 11:16-17:

16. "And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee."

17. "And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone."

The seventy elders were chosen and empowered to serve Moses and "the congregation" ... "of the people." The people were God's chosen people: the congregation of the people of Israel. Jesus also chose and empowered seventy to serve Him and all that they would come in contact with.

 Both groups of seventy were spiritually empowered to do the work that they were chosen for. In both instances, God made the choice of who would serve Him; and God provided the spiritual power that would make it possible for them to do the work that they were set apart for. In both instances "The Lord of the harvest" ... sent "forth laborers into his harvest."

There is a connection between Jesus of Nazareth and Moses that we need to be reminded of in a way that will help us to understand the connection between the two groups of seventy and the ongoing provision for the body of Christ.

Sometime after the appointing of the seventy elders in Israel, Moses makes a statement that should help us make this connection.  We find the following written at Deuteronomy 18:15:

15. "The Lord they God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;"

God confirms the statement of Moses at verse 18:

18. "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."

Jesus of Nazareth is the prophet referenced in the above two texts. We find confirmation of this in the inspired words of Peter, as he calls God's people to repent, found at Acts 3:19-26.

We include a portion of the text found in verses 20, 22-23 and 26:

20. "And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:"

22. "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatever he shall say unto you."

23. "And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people."

26. "Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities."

Moses was given seventy to assist him. Jesus of Nazareth chose seventy to go before Him. In each case the seventy were equipped by God to do the work that they were chosen for. The seventy chosen for Moses were elders. The seventy chosen by Jesus were not named elders, because the church, had yet to be established as the Body of Christ. But, it would be right to understand that the typology of the seventy elders from the time of Moses is pointing us to the choice of the seventy by Jesus Christ; and ultimately to the elders referenced by James as the ones being able to pray "the prayer of faith."

In both instances of the seventy, each group was spiritually equipped by God for the work that they were to do; and both groups were given authority from God to be successful in their assigned work. Their success was directly related to their exclusive submission to God's authority. We find the following written at Luke 10:17: "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord even the devils are subject unto us through thy name." 

The seventy, chosen by Jesus, were victorious because of their absolute submission to the authority that Jesus of Nazareth gave them. They were able to "heal the sick that are therein," and to proclaim that "The kingdom of God is come nigh unto" them (Luke 10:9), because of this authority given and received and rightly exercised. Thank you Jesus!

My brothers, who also are ordained elders, please give careful consideration to this posting and the previous posting. If we are to rightly understand who we are; and if we are to rightly understand how we are rightly empowered by Jesus, to carry on the mission of the seventy; then we must first be willing to see ourselves as amongst the seventy; and then, we must be willing to see ourselves in Adam.

The truth that the seventy should pass on to us, is the same truth that Adam should pass on to us; and that truth is this: The only voice that we listen to and the only voice that we obey is the voice of Jesus of Nazareth, delivered to us through His word and by His Spirit. The only legitimate authority that can rightly empower us to be the ordained elders that God intends us to be, is the authority that comes from Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Thus, if we as ordained elders are to effectively pray "the prayer of faith;" then it must be understood that our allegiance to Jesus Christ cannot be compromised. If we have bowed the knee to some other authority, then it must be understood that our ability to effectively pray "the prayer of faith," will be significantly diminished. Our God is a jealous God; and He will not share His glory with some earthly authority.

I implore you, my ordained brothers, to carefully examine your circumstances and look to Jesus to show you what must be changed. The Body of Christ is in desperate need of elders who are equipped and empowered to carry on the work of the seventy.

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,

Elder Theophilus

Faith Is A Noun: "The Prayer Of Faith"

"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray our him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." (James 5:14-15).


Hello To All:

Near the beginning of last year, my wife and I were invited to join a couples Bible study group. We typically meet on Sunday evenings for a time of fellowship in Jesus Christ and a time of study of His Book - The Bible. At that first session, as there were some participants who were strangers to us, we were asked to introduce ourselves.

When the time came for my turn, I made some statements about who I am; and then, compelled by The Spirit of God, I made this statement: "If I tell you all of my stories, you just might decide that I am a crazy old guy." So far, they continue to welcome me; and they continue to love me as a brother in Christ Jesus. Thank you Jesus.

My beloved brethren, this brief introduction to this letter (this is posting #140), is intended to prepare you for the possibility that, after reading all of this letter, you might just decide that: I am a crazy old guy. And, quite frankly, I am alright with that.

After over a decade of posting letters, on this web site, I have often been reminded that my job does not involve me trying to convince you of the truth. My task is to be faithful to being one of God's ordained messengers. Part of God's work, in His creation, as He works through His Spirit, is to guide us "into all truth." (John 16:13). My job is to deliver the message that He has guided me to; and, if in the reading of the message, you feel like calling me a crazy old guy; again let me say that I am alright with that; and I will forgive you, just as Christ Jesus forgives me!

Our opening text comes from a portion of the letter from James, that gives us deep insight into the relationship between the sick amongst us, the  elders of His church: The Body Of Christ, and the willingness of our Lord Jesus Christ to heal the sick amongst us!

As we work our way towards a deeper understanding of this relationship; it is probable, that I will be compelled to make statements that will not be appreciated by certain segments of the world wide Christian community. I ask only two things: will you please pause before rushing to judgement and labeling me a crazy old guy? And, in that pause, will you take the time to listen to the still small voice of The Spirit of God, as He seeks to guide you into all truth?

A critical part of a right understanding of God's provision for the healing of the sick among us, is the right understanding of who qualifies to be "the elders of the church." There is a great deal of confusion; and a broad range of perspective regarding what it means to be an elder. Some assemblies elect their elders. Some assemblies appoint their elders. Some assemblies ordain their elders. Some assemblies embrace a combination of these practices.

As we consider these methods of becoming an elder, we need to ask ourselves these questions: From where or from whom does the elected elder derive their authority? From where or from whom does the appointed elder derive their authority? From where or from whom does the ordained elder derive their authority?

If we are going to rightly answer these questions, we must begin by going back to the beginning of our creation. (Please take a close look at Genesis, chapters 1-3)? When God proclaimed (Genesis 1:31), that: "it is very good," - He was also including the creation of man in that proclamation of being "very good."

After the creation was identified as being "very good," God placed Adam in a very specific place in His creation; and He gave Adam certain responsibilities. We find the following written at Genesis 2:15-17:

15.  "And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."
16.  "And the Lord God commanded the man saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely    
 eat:"
17.  "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou          eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

At this point in Adam's life journey, he still had the status of being the image of God (Genesis 1:26); and he still had the status of being, "very good" (Genesis 1:31). Thus, it should be rightly understood that Adam had the moral authority to care for the garden of Eden; and he also had the moral authority to obey God's command regarding the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil." At this point, in his life journey, Adam was sinless and the only voice he heard  and obeyed, was God's voice.

But things changed. Adam listened to other voices. He turned his back on the moral authority that comes from our Creator. In taking this step, Adam placed himself in a position where he was now willing to listen to the counsel of other voices.  Prior to taking this step, Adam had the authority to rebuke the serpent and to keep Eve from eating the fruit of "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." When Adam listened to a voice and obeyed a voice, that was not God's voice, he lost the fullness of the moral authority that was his, by virtue of his Creator's authority bestowed upon him. 

It is very probable, that at this point in this posting, some of you are wondering if maybe this elder is just: "a crazy old guy." I will grant you that the previous two paragraphs might be presenting a perspective that you have not given any consideration too, prior to this posting. I ask that you bear with me and let us together see if this elder is, indeed, sharing the truth with you, my beloved brethren.

Let us continue this journey to truth, by looking at a portion of Eve's response to the serpent: "But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." (Genesis 3:3).

As one of God's ordained messengers, this elder has a deep level of appreciation of the dangers of saying "God said," when in fact He didn't say what it is claimed that He said. Eve makes the statement that: "God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." When did God say: "neither shall ye touch it?" When God gave the commandment to Adam, nothing was said about touching the fruit. Eve's knowledge of the commandment had to come from Adam. God put Adam in the garden to: "dress it and to keep it." (Genesis 2:15). It should be rightly understood that part of Adam's responsibility to "dress it and to keep it," would have been properly informing Eve, regarding God's commandment, regarding the garden.

The King's Book tells us that: "by one man sin entered into the world," (Romans 5:12); "For since by man came death," (1 Corinthians 15:21); "For as in Adam all die," (1 Corinthians 15:22); "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners," (Romans 5:19).

Eve was the first to eat of the forbidden fruit: "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food"..."she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat," (Genesis 3:6). Since Eve was the first to eat, why does the inspired scripture take the position that sin entered the world through Adam?

The only source that Eve had, regarding the commandment: "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die," was Adam. The commandment was given to him; and he was given authority over the garden and all in it. Something happened between the time that God gave the commandment to Adam and the time that Adam informed Eve about the commandment. The question is: what happened?

The only way we can answer this question, is by being willing to take a deep look into the mystery of man's ability to choose good; and man's ability to choose evil. The fact that Adam was given a commandment, directs us to the truth that Adam had the capacity to either obey the commandment or to  disobey the commandment. Even with his status of being sinless and being declared to be "very good," he had the capacity to disobey God.

As we ask and seek to answer the question: "what happened," we must also ask the question: how did Satan get access to the garden? The answer is the same for both questions. When Adam informed eve regarding the commandment - Adam lied! Did Adam intend to lie? Only God can answer that question with any degree of certainty. Nonetheless, the Spirit directed logic of the sequence of events compels me to believe that Adam told Eve not to touch the fruit. In this he lied!

Perhaps, in his zeal to protect Eve, and insure obedience to God's commandment, he took this extra step and added to God's commandment. But, in his zeal, as he listened to his own voice, he sinned. Adding to God's word or taking away from God's word is a sin; and should rightly be understood as being a lie. This is the sin that lead to Adam's fall; and this is the sin that gave the evil one access to the garden!

Jesus reminds us (John 8:44) that: ..."the devil"..."When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." Because both Adam and Eve embraced this lie, their ability to resist the devil and his lies was diminished; and the result was their eating of the forbidden fruit. Sin entered the world because Adam's lie diminished his capacity to obey God!

Now, the question needs to be asked: how does this relate to our opening text and the prayer of faith? When God placed Adam in the garden (which God had created) He gave Adam a job and He gave Adam a commandment. In this, God ordained Adam for a certain purpose and God equipped Adam with the authority to fulfill this purpose. With this perspective, it should be rightly understood that Adam was the first ordained elder!

Adam was not elected to his position by a group of like minded people. Adam was not appointed to his position by a group of like minded people. Adam was ordained to his position by our Creator! As the first ordained elder in God's plan for His creation; we find, in Adam, the example of what an ordained elder should be; and we also find an example of what an ordained elder should not be!

Now I speak to all rightly ordained elders. In Christ Jesus, we are brothers. In Christ Jesus, we are given the task, with regards to His church: the body of Christ, "to dress it and to keep it." In Christ Jesus, we are empowered to listen to the voice of God; and we are empowered to obey the voice of God. 

My brothers, the question before us this: Are we, as ordained elders, listening to any other voices? Is our focus exclusively on Christ Jesus; or are we distracted by competing allegiances to other entities? 

I am reminded of a conversation with a pastor friend of mine. He was concerned about some things his institution/denomination was doing. I suggested that he express his concerns to the leadership. His response has stayed with me all of these years. To the best of my recollection, this is what he said: "I must be careful about what I say, because they control my future." 

Adam listened to his own voice and he sinned. If, as ordained elders, we are to be successful in praying, "the prayer of faith," - then, let it be understood, that the only voice we obey is God's voice! Our future, rightly understood, is in the hands of our Creator: Jesus Christ!

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,

Elder Theophilus

Faith Is A Noun: "Our Faith" - The Evidence.

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4).

Hello To All:

We began this series of postings titled - "Faith Is A Noun" - in July of 2019. It has become very apparent to me, that our Lord Jesus Christ, wants to take us deeper into our understanding of our faith; as well as taking us deeper into our application of our faith; as well as taking us deeper into our dependency upon this great gift of our faith. Let us be reminded that we are called to: "walk by faith and not by sight."

The primary purpose of this forum is too: Promote and encourage "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ." Please note that our opening text references: "The VICTORY  that overcometh the world, even our FAITH. Victory and faith have been capitalized for emphasis; and hopefully this emphasis will help to get our attention focused on who we are in Christ Jesus. In Christ Jesus, we can have victory!

How often have we sought victory; only, seemingly, to be denied? How often have we wondered why victory seems, seemingly, to be so difficult to achieve? How often, in the midst of our difficulties, have we wondered if God has abandoned us? The truth is that Jesus Christ has not abandoned us nor has He forsaken us. The problem is not with God; rather, the problem is with us and our limited understanding of the "victory" that we can have in and through Jesus Christ.

All who look to Jesus Christ for salvation, are also the ones who are "born of God," (please see series of letters titled: "Am I Born Again" - with a beginning date of 5/17/2012).  And, as our opening text clearly states: "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." Can we say thank you Jesus? Amen and Amen and Amen!

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." This is an absolute proclamation of the absolute victory, that is the potential for everyone who is born of God. If we as believers in Jesus Christ, fall short of this promise of victory, then we need to examine ourselves to find the reason for the deficiency. The deficiency is not with our Lord Jesus Christ; rather, we who are born of God, are falling short of the fullness of the potential that Jesus Christ offers us; and is very willing to provide for us - so that we might have the victory that He has won for us! In Christ Jesus we can have victory!

All too often we are trapped into focusing on our apparent deficiencies. Because we have fallen short of the victory that we seek, we become convinced that there is something wrong with ourselves. And, the truth is, is that there is something wrong; but, the wrongness is not because we are lacking something; the wrongness is because we fall short of understanding the fullness of our identity in Christ Jesus. And, in this sense, we do lack something! The something that we lack is the absolute understanding of who we are in Christ Jesus!

Our opening text reminds us that: "whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." The next verse (1 John 5:5), presents us with a question with the included answer:

"Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Verse 4 tells us that "our faith" - "is the victory that overcometh the world." Verse 5 tells us that "he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God" - "is he that overcometh the world." Are we seeing the connection between believing that Jesus is the Son of God and "our faith." The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God, has a faith that is sufficient to "overcometh the world." This sufficient faith that is the result of believing that Jesus is the Son of God, has the potential, in Christ Jesus, to give us the victory, in all of life's circumstances! This is an essential part of our understanding of our identity in Christ Jesus.  In Christ Jesus we have a faith that is sufficient to bring us the "victory."


Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

Faith Is A Noun: "Great Faith

"When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." (Matthew 8:10)

Hello To All:

When approaching the King's Book (the Bible); and when seeking the revelation of the truth that it contains: one of the essential principals, that must always be embraced, is this: Context is everything! It is when a text is pulled from its context, that we often get into trouble, regarding the truth of the text.

Our opening verse, from Matthew 8:10, is a good example of such a text. As we look at the verse, in its stand alone condition, we might be inclined to think that there are different kinds of faith. Clearly our Lord Jesus Christ makes reference to a faith that is spoken of as a "great faith." Does this then mean that there is a faith that is less than great? Or does this mean that there is a faith that is not great at all? Clearly there are opportunities for confusion, as we seek to comprehend the truth of this stand alone text!

Throughout the letters/postings of this site (this is posting #138), one of the recurring themes, is that every person who is able to identify, that the reality of who they are is Christian; is also a person who can have the confidence of knowing, that the faith that they have - this faith that we whose lives belong to Jesus of Nazareth - this faith that brings us eternal life: this faith, that we have, is the faith that is sufficient to move mountains!

Having often referenced the truth that we all have the gift of faith; it should be noted that the Apostle Paul makes reference to a gift of faith, amongst the list of the various gifts that the Spirit of God gives to the church (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).  This Elder cannot make any claim to having a complete and full understanding of every portion of the King's Book. At this point in my journey with Jesus Christ, I must confess that I do not know what Paul is saying to the church when he writes: "To another faith by the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:9).

But, without hesitation, I embrace the faith that is common to all believers: the faith that is sufficient to move mountains - the faith that is a gift to me (and every believer),  from Jesus of Nazareth!

The time is at hand to put our opening text back into its full context. We find the following written at Matthew 8:5-11:

 5. "And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,"
 6. "And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented."
 7. "And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
 8. "The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof:        
       but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed."
 9. "For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me; and I say to this man, Go, and he
      goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it."
10. "When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have
        not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."

As we look at these 6 verses, the question we must ask is this: When Jesus makes the statement - "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" - Is He referencing the faith of the centurion? - Or, is He referencing the centurion's response to his faith?

This Elder, is compelled to take the position, that Jesus is referring to the centurion's response to his faith. We can see the validity of this position, by first looking to verses 8 and 9. We should see, in these two verses, the centurion's testimony regarding his absolute recognition of; and his absolute
submission to: the absolute authority of Jesus Christ!

We find further evidence of this position at verse 10, where we find written: "When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed." What is it that Jesus heard? It was the testimony of the centurion. This testimony should be rightly understood as his response to his faith.

This position is also evidenced at verse 13, where we find written: "And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." Believing is a verb; and believing is made possible by faith that is a noun.
Believing is our response to the gift of faith. The centurion's response was called great because of his absolute submission to the authority of Jesus Christ. It was the greatness of his believing, that caused Jesus to marvel at "so great faith."

The question, that we now need to ask, is this: When Jesus "marveled" at "so great faith," was this the reason that the centurion's servant was healed? Another question, that should be asked, is this: If we are to be healed from our sicknesses and infirmities, do we also need Jesus to marvel at "so great faith?"

By returning to the importance of context, we will find our answers. Earlier, in chapter 8 of Matthew's gospel account, we find another instance of healing recorded. We find written at Matthew 8:2-3, the following:

2. "And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make
     me clean."
3. "And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his
      leprosy was cleansed."

First, we must understand, with absolute certainty, that the faith of the leper was sufficient for his healing! Just as the faith of the centurion was sufficient for the healing of his servant! But, the faith of the leper was not proclaimed, by Jesus, as "so great faith." Jesus "marveled" only at the centurion and not at the leper. Why the difference?

Both the leper and the centurion had an absolute understanding regarding the authority of Jesus Christ. They both believed that Jesus was and is capable of healing; and they both found the healing that they were seeking. But, they each had vastly different responses to their individual faith. The centurion was fully committed to Jesus and His authority. The leper was not as fully committed; he held back by first saying: "If thou wilt?"

Throughout the gospel accounts, everyone who came to Jesus for healing - was healed! Let it be stated again: Everyone who came to Jesus to be healed - was healed! The faith that they had, in every instance, was sufficient! We must also understand that our faith, even though it may not warrant the reference of being "so great faith," is also sufficient for healing! Why then,  are so many of us not being healed?

Even though, the leper was tentative in his approach to Jesus; he was still healed! Why was the tentative approach of the leper, to Jesus, successful? - when our tentative approaches, to Jesus, most often do not find success. How often do we pray and wonder why there seems to be no answer? The leper said - "if thou wilt" - and was healed. We say - if thou wilt - and most of the time, we find nothing. What is the difference between the leper and ourselves? Why was the leper successful in his approach to Jesus; whereas, we, His present day followers, find it so difficult to be healed?

The answer can be found in our understanding of authority; or perhaps in our lack of understanding, regarding authority in our present day assemblies; and in our lack of understanding, regarding authority in our present day relationships with Jesus Christ.

The leper's tentative response to the authority of Jesus Christ, did not diminish the sufficiency of his faith; and he was healed! The centurion's absolute response to the absolute authority of Jesus Christ, did not diminish the sufficiency of his faith and his servant was healed. If our faith has the same sufficiency as the faith of the leper; and the same sufficiency as the faith of the centurion: why, then, do we find it so difficult to find the victory that is possible through Jesus Christ?

Throughout the letters posted on this site, the reality of authority is often examined. The leper and the centurion were not compromised, in any way, regarding their understanding of and their submission to the absolute authority of Jesus Christ. While it is true that the leper was tentative in his approach; it is also true that he was not compromised in his approach to Jesus Christ and His authority.

When the elders of Israel approached Samuel (please see series of letters beginning with: "Make Us A King To Judge Us" - with a starting date of 5/7/2015); and asked Samuel to "make us a king to judge us, like all the nations," their submission to the absolute authority of God became compromised. Most of us are in the same position as those ancient elders of Israel: our absolute submission to the absolute authority of Jesus Christ has become compromised because of our divided loyalties.

Our God, The One and The True and The Living God, is also a jealous God. When our loyalties are divided, He will not receive all of the glory that He is entitled to. If we have bowed the knee to some other authority, and thus, have divided our loyalties, we cannot expect that our Lord Jesus Christ will bring victory into our lives. If our tentative "if thou wilt," is because of divided loyalties: we shall not find the healing that the leper did.

Our faith is still sufficient, even with divided loyalties; but our ability to respond to our faith, as the leper and the centurion responded is compromised because of our divided loyalties! We are robbed of victory because of our confusion over authority. Jesus of Nazareth is our King and He will not share the throne with anyone or anything.

My beloved brethren, this Elder is not in a position to tell you what specific compromises that you might have made in your journey with Jesus Christ. Whatever divided loyalties that are part of your life, can only be revealed to you by the Spirit of God. You must do, as I do; together we ask our Lord Jesus Christ to show us where we have bowed the knee to someone else or to something else, other than exclusively to Him! Then, once we recognize our compromise, we must repent of it and ask for forgiveness; and then with Jesus Christ, we move into a place of "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ."

Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:

Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

Faith Is A Noun: "O ye of little faith."

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).

Hello To All:

Thinking that I had a right understanding of what this posting was going to be, I started writing it back in September of last year (2019). I was certain that it was going to be part 3 of "Faith Is A Noun." The title and the text from the King's Book was written down; and then, nothing more. Months have passed, as I continued to wait on our Lord Jesus Christ, for the revelation that would open my mind to the truth that would be set forth in this next posting. I waited and prayed and studied and prayed some more; and the words did not come! When the revelation did come, the title changed from part 3 too: "O ye of little faith."

Whatever part 3 is destined to be; it will have to wait for another day. Our Lord Jesus Christ is always full of surprises! For those of you who might be first time visitors to these postings; it might be helpful to your understanding to once again say: If I am not writing, then I am being prepared to write. Sometimes the preparation takes much longer than I expected. This is one of those longer than expected occasions. Thank you Jesus!

Our opening text reminds us that our "faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." My beloved brethren: please be reminded that whatever wisdom that my natural mind might have - it is not of any value to you or to myself! True faith - saving faith - stands "in the power of God" - not "in the wisdom of men." Thank you Jesus!

But, is it not true, that often in our journey of faith, that we come to a point of doubting the sufficiency of our faith. (Please see series of essays titled: "This Elder Has Been A Deceiver," with first posting being 3/25/2014.) Faith, in many ways is a mystery to us; and sometimes the mystery can be better understood by recognizing what confusion can enter into our lives because of our failure to understand the fullness of the reality of saving faith.

Our Lord Jesus Christ wants to shed some light on our confusion by taking us back to some previous postings. We begin with the following:

"O ye of little faith"                                                                                        September 8, 2011

Hello to All:

As we continue on our journey to "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ," we also continue in our examination, of the text from the King's Book, recorded in Matthew, chapter 16 and verses 6 to 12; where we find written (at verse 8): "...when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves...?"

Perhaps, all followers of Jesus Christ, upon reading this text, will immediately think of the times, when they believed that their own "faith," was a "little faith,"similar to that of the disciples; and not sufficient for the challenges at hand. The word "faith," that is translated from the Greek word that refers to the supernatural faith, that comes to us as a gift from The Lord our God, occurs 244 times in the New Testament. It is never spoken of as a faith that is "little." The Greek word, translated as "little faith," occurs only 5 times; and rightly understood, refers to the natural faith, common to all of humanity. Nonetheless, even though this natural faith is common to all men, we, who are followers of Jesus Christ, often turn to (and depend upon), this natural faith; having become convinced that this natural faith, is what Christ Jesus has given to us; and we are confused, because it never seems to be sufficient. It always seems to be a "little faith."

This was the plight of the disciples. Their reaction, to their circumstances, was based on their natural abilities: "they reasoned among themselves." When Jesus rebuked them for their "little faith," He also rebuked them for having "reasoned among themselves." Our natural ability to reason and our natural faith, are both part of our fallen nature; and these abilities will always cause us to fall short of the fullness that our Lord Jesus Christ has for us!

Our natural reason and our natural faith, are almost in continuous use. As we go about our daily activities: we prepare food, we take a journey, we ride a bus, we drive a car, we fly in an airplane, we climb a stairway, we use an elevator, we enter into a marriage, we start a new job, we form a business alliance; and in all of these things, we exercise our natural abilities to reason and to believe. In all of these things, we have an expectation, based upon our natural reason and our natural faith, that our efforts will be successful and that our goals will be achieved. Sometimes our goals are achieved. Sometimes our goals are not achieved. This is the way it is in the natural realms.

Even as Christians, we often fall short of the mark, that true faith should be able to achieve. This happens because we are, seemingly, so very willing to function only as the natural man. We rely on our natural reason and our natural faith. We do not believe. We never recognize, that we have denied ourselves access to the supernatural faith, that Jesus Christ has given to all, who call on Him for salvation. We are rightly rebuked, as being those, to whom our Lord says: "O ye of little faith." We are rightly rebuked, as being amongst those under: "The Oppression of Unbelief." And, because we rarely get beyond our "little faith;" we do not fully use the great gift of faith: The gift that brings us victory; The gift that moves mountains; The gift that raises the dead; The gift that enables us to lay hands on the sick and see them recover; The gift that heals the lame; The gift that brings site to the blind; The gift that preaches to multitudes and sees them converted; The gift that enables us to be: "Victorious Disciples in Jesus Christ."

If we will continue, in our pursuit of Jesus Christ; if we will come to understand that our discipleship is defined by the reality of Jesus Christ in each of us; and each of us in Jesus Christ: then, and only then, can we have the expectation, that the rebuke of a "little faith," and the "oppression of unbelief," will be lifted from us. Can we say Amen and Amen and Amen!

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

P.S. For additional postings that may be helpful in your journey of faith, please consider the following:

1. "The Oppression of Unbelief" - July 25, 2011.
2. "Beware of the Leaven" - August 27, 2011.
3. "They reasoned among themselves" - August 31, 2011.
4. "Unbelief and Discipleship" - June 17, 2010.

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus