Yesterday we took a look at faith from Hebrews 11:1. There we saw that faith, which develops from a revelation of GOD'S Word, is the proof of the unseen. This proof becomes the solid foundation, platform, launching pad for our expectations. At this point, we can truly expect to receive what we desire from the LORD. At this point, faith becomes a present reality to be exercised NOW! It might serve us well to add that faith comes by hearing the Word of GOD in our heart. That Word may come as a direct revelation to our spirit, or by way of the written Word. Whatever the case it is important to know that the Spirit will NEVER contradict the written Word. Many times I have received a Word in my Spirit to believe on and act on, only to find later that this "Word" was written within the pages of Holy writ the entire time.
Our Scripture today tells us that by such faith the elders obtained a good report. The Greek word for “obtained” here means “to bear witness, to become a testimony.” Faith connects you to the supernatural! Jesus said that with GOD nothing is impossible. Then HE connects the believer to GOD'S unlimited power by saying that all things are possible to he that believes, or to he that has faith. The elders became a testimony, bearing witness to GOD'S power by the supernatural lives that they lived as they walked by faith. Faith is not a passive thing. Faith is a great motivator because when Bible faith comes alive within you, you can't help but act! The Scripture tells us that "through faith they (the elders) subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions." A group of missionaries came to our school when I was a child. They had just returned from South America. They said that while they were there walking through the thick jungles a mountain lion jumped out in front of them. They said that their Spirit filled guide rebuked the beast in the Name of Jesus and it fled immediately!
The Scripture goes on to say that the elders "Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again!" I have known personally at least seven men who have seen the dead raised in their own ministries and one man who himself was raised from the dead after three days! Through faith women are still receiving their dead raised to life again! Praise GOD! Faith makes conquerors of men! We have seen how faith causes us to conqueror, but the Scripture goes on to show us how that faith helps us to overcome in suffering. Some "had trial of cruel mockings and scouraging, of bonds and impriosonment. They were stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, slain with the sword, they wandered in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. They wandered in deserts, in mountains, in dens, and caves of the earth. Of whom the world was not worthy." I say with tears that we have many, many dear brothers and sisters in Christ going through these things right now in different parts of the world.
How, you may ask, does suffering demonstrate a dominate faith? Hebrews 11:35 says that some "were tormented, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection." They, like Christ, set an example by faith for all who will suffer persecution after them. When they are tried their faith will come forth as pure gold that has been tried by fire. On that great resurrection day these dear saints will shine forth with the radiance of the sun! Oh, how unworthy this wicked world is of such, but it is just such a witness that is capable of converting the hardest of heart. Remember it was the death of Stephan that became the seed to converting the Apostle Paul. Paul saw that just man's face shining like the sun with the glory of GOD. He heard Stephan's gracious testimony of Christ. The hardened Saul heard first hand when Stephan cried out to GOD for the forgiveness of his persecutors. Let's pray heaven that some of these modern day Stephans who are laying their lives down for the LORD make some modern day Pauls who will shake nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! When we activate our faith we become a testimony, bearing witness to the miracle working GOD that we serve! Make up your mind today that you too will obtain a good report through your faith!
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