At the end of chapter 10, the writer of Hebrews describes why the new covenant in Jesus Christ was superior to the old covenant of animal sacrifices He then assured us not to “shrink back,” but to “have faith.” Then he explained what FAITH is, “Now faith is the substance (hupostasis: that which actually exists) of things hoped for, the evidence (elegchos: that by which a thing is proved) of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1). For example “divine healing” does it actually exist? Jesus was: “…wounded for OUR transgressions, He was bruised for OUR iniquities; The chastisement for OUR peace was upon Him, And by His stripes WE ARE HEALED.” (Isa. 53:5) So, healing actually exists and this incident proves it: “…a certain man LAME FROM HIS MOTHER’S WOMB was…laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful…who, seeing Peter and John…asked for alms…Peter said, “Look at us”…Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but WHAT I DO HAVE (faith) I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk…So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—WALKING, LEAPING, AND PRAISING GOD.” (Acts 3:2-8)
Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and IT SHALL BE DONE for you.” (John 15:7) The verse has two parts, a condition and a result. The condition — the “if” clause — is, “If you remain in me, and my words remain in you…” the result — the “then” clause — “then ask whatever you wish, and it SHALL BE DONE for you.” At least 79 verses in the bible speak of our faith. The phrase “fear not” is used at least 80 times in the Bible, because the Lord knows the enemy uses fear to decrease our hope and limit our victories.
GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF fear, BUT OF POWER AND OF LOVE AND OF A SOUND MIND…(2 Timothy 1:7)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham