OBTAINING GOD’S PROMISE

image courtesy photobucket.com

While this is not a treatise on the titled subject it is at least something to think about.

A study of this nature should begin with the relationship of GOD and Abraham; for promises that were made not only relate to the Jews but also to the New Testament believers. Promises made to Abraham and to his seed were ultimately fulfilled in the birth, death, resurrection and seating of Christ in heaven.

The Pentateuch consists of the first five books of the OT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, where we find the beginning of the history of the world. Further it plots the course of the Jews until they approach the physical inheritance of the Promised Land.

While they were the children of GOD - - obtaining the promises required an additional step of faith and action.

The book of Joshua gives details, how they exercised faith and fought for that which was theirs. Perhaps it is prudent to point out that they made mistakes and had to pay for them, but this is part of laying hold of the promises of GOD.

When they fell short they picked themselves up and started all over again.

New Testament Christians may have to do the same as the Israelites did in order to obtain what is theirs in Christ.

A caution is apropos at this moment; the Israelites never took possession of all GOD had promised Abraham. In the same way the Christian may fall short of all that is theirs in Christ.

Heb.4:1-2 God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.

The scriptures are full of promises which we shall never obtain. This is due to many reasons; such as misinterpreting the scripture, and trying to apply it in the wrong way.

Without trying to make a list of why we come short of what we perceive to be ours in Christ, let me say the main reason is not combining the promise with faith which makes it dead on arrival. Trying to believe for something and believing for what GOD has promised is not the same thing. This is a distinction some fail to make.

When the HOLY SPIRIT quickens one’s faith concerning needs you can be sure you are on the right track, but without that it is just wishful thinking and disappointment lies ahead. It is best to avoid the want and want to line of thinking and be led by GOD'S spirit and your spirit. Soulical aspirations can inspire but when misplaced are not profitable. These inspirations die quickly while the Spirits leading continues.

Another issue is while each of the Israelites received a portion of GOD’S promise, not all received an equal amount both in quantity and quality. One of the mysteries in Christendom is the inequity experienced by Christians.

One preacher gets to build a cathedral and fill his pockets with gold while another struggles for existence.
One will get healed while another suffers and dies. One will have success in business, love and their social life and another has the opposite experience. One will have to give up their life for their testimony while others live off the fat of the land.

While our minds can come up with many reasons why this is so - - the bottom line is, this is the fact of the matter.

In the final analyses to those who have been given more, much shall be required of them, some will succeed and some will fall short.

In the book of Romans 12:5-8 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another and having gifts, different according to the grace that was given to us; whether prophecy -- 'According to the proportion of faith!” so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Not understanding one’s place in the body can cause you to try - - but fail when trying to minister beyond your ministry gift, for it is crash and burn territory. What is required is to function in the body of Christ where you have been placed and to see to it that your part is not left undone.

We have all received the same salvation, the same HOLY SPIRIT and will receive the same judgment and rewards based on one’s faithfulness.

At that time it will not be as important what we have believed GOD for.

The important thing will be - - who we have believed IN.

Todays post is linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays.  Please visit there!