COVENANT MINDED MINISTRIES

Faith and Hearing

Faith (the theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will).

Hearing (the faculty or sense by which sound is perceived).

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrew 11:1)

Hebrews 11:1 is not the definition of faith, but the description of what faith does. 

The faith to be saved comes by or is obtained by hearing the word of God.  After hearing and then believing what you've heard;

by faith one confesses the Lord Jesus Christ and believes in his or her heart that God has raised Him from the dead, and is saved.

Distinguishing Between the Voices

There are three (3) voices communicating to an individual: (1) his or her own voice, (2) Satan's voice, (3) and Jesus' voice.

Jesus' voice is spoken by the Holy Spirit, either by reading the word of God, being preached or taught the word of God, listening to the word of God through music, hearing God's response from prayer requests, and communicating with God in worship, praise, and thanksgiving. 

Denying oneself (what self or nature is saying) is a requirement for hearing the voice of Jesus, and for following His commandments.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24)

Jesus the True Shepherd

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (John 10:1)

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (John 10:2)

To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:3)

And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. (John 10:4)

Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:5)

Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. (John 10:6)

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. (John 10:7)

All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. (John 10:8)

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:9)

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (John 10:11)

A Hireling

But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. (John 10:12)

The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. (John 10:13)

The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (John 10:14)

As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. (John 10:15)

And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (John 10:16)

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. (John 10:17)

No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” (John 10:18)

Division and Disbelief Among the Jews

Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. (John 10:19)

And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?”  (John 10:20)

Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:21)

The Sheep Know the Good Shepherd

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. (John 10:22)

And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. (John 10:23)

Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt?  If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”  (John 10:24)

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. (John 10:25)

But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. (John 10:26)

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:27)

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:28)

My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. (John 10:29)

I and My Father are one.” (John 10:30)

The LORD Knows Those Who are His

Because some many are teaching the wrong way, there is a tendency to ask how so many could be wrong.

Such doubts and speculations are especially strong when false teachers prophesy, cast out demons, and perform wonders in Jesus' name.

However, it is extremely important to remember that the Word of God is far superior to any miracle; God will honor the faith of a believing person, even if it's through false teachers/prophets.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ (Matthew 7:22)

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:23)

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2nd Timothy 2:19)

Those Who are in Error and Practice Greed

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, (1st Timothy 6:3)

he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, (1st Timothy 6:4)

useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. (1st Timothy 6:5)

The Truth Will Make You Free

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. (John 8:31)

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)

He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” (John 8:47)

Knowing Who's Speaking to Us

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. (51:5)

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. (James 1:14)

Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:15)

Being conceived in sin and shaped in iniquity by nature gives us tendencies to sin, and that we do, as we yield to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

By nature (self) does whatsoever it desires to do to satisfy itself; it speaks to itself and reacts to itself.

Satan, however, who has controlling influence over all who are of the world (unsaved), speaks to one's nature (self) to influence is will in their daily activities.

As long as self is not connected with the Holy Spirit, Satan exercise his controlling influence over self, because self has no companionship with the Holy Spirit.

The consequences of not having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, is the absence of the Holy Spirit continuously in one's life, which gives Satan an advantage of accomplishing his will to kill, and to steal, and to destroy.

Without the Holy Spirit, the two (2) voices an unsaved person hears mostly is their own and Satan's.

However, the voice of Jesus through the Holy Spirit is always calling those of the world to hear the word of God and to be saved from the wrath of God.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, (Titus 2:11)

teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, (Titus 2:12)

looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (Titus 2:13)

who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:14)

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. (Titus 2:15)

Deception From the Ungodly

Another Jesus other than the one of the Holy Bible is one who is man and not God; or crucified but not risen.

A different spirit is one of fear, and not faith; of bondage, and not freedom.

A different gospel is one of law and not grace; of works, and not faith.

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2nd Corinthians 11:3)

For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (2nd Corinthians 11:4)

I Am Not Seminary-Trained

For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. (2nd Corinthians 11:5)

As Paul, so am I, as it relates to being trained in professional rhetoric, which in no way means that I am a poor speaker, but only that I have not been seminary-trained.

However, let it be known to all who may question these things presented to glorify God and build His kingdom:

I do not lack knowledge, understanding, and wisdom; I have received direct revelation from the LORD, in which, I am most thankful and grateful.

The Voices of Corrupt Leaders

Many sheep are being exploited by leaders who have no concern for their welfare.  Their fruits reveal exactly who they are.

These so-called leaders are lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; and have a form of godliness but denies the power. 

These are the modern-day Pharisees and scribes who know the truth, and cannot place a claim on ignorance; but rather greed is their primary motivation.

These are they that deliberately reject the truth, and subplant it with their own philosophies and voicing unauthorized endorsements by Jesus Christ.

These false messiahs, prophets and  teachers are nothing more than hired hands (religious leaders) who are concerned only with their own safety and ease and not with the sheep.

These corrupt leaders have no true connection to the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ, who purchased His sheep with His own precious blood.

Those Sent Out by Jesus

The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers Jesus sends out cares for His sheep as He cares, and processes always in his or her heart the value of Jesus' sheep to Himself.

The voice of Jesus convicts the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; there is nothing at all from Jesus' voice encouraging any type of sinning. 

Do not be deceived.  God does not approve of any sin. All operating in self-pity (pity for oneself, especially, pity that is self-indulgent, exaggerated), as if God understands and it's OK to continue doing what you're doing, will be disciplined or punished.

Those whom Jesus sends out are to make disciples of all nations, feed the sheep and keep them from corrupt doctrines;

so that they (sheep) might be presented to Jesus as a chaste virgin (pure in thought and act person who has crucified his or her life's with Christ's). 

Many churches of today are as loose as can be, with sexual immorality running rampant (growing luxuriantly; spreading unchecked; widespread; rife; flourishing uncontrollablly) as if it's nothing to it! God understands our weaknesses!

And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. (Matthew 10:1)

And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33)

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (Ephesians 4:11)

for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:12)

till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (Ephesians 4:13)

that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, (Ephesians 4:14)

Everything Has Its Time

All events are in the hand of God, who makes everything happen in the time He judges appropriate. We are commanded that there is a time to speak and a time to be silent.

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silent, And a time to speak. (Ecclesiastes 3:7)

The Whole Truth Has It's Place and Timing

The Prophet Samuel rightly feared Saul would kill him if he heard that he anointed another king of Israel as God had commanded.  So the Lord commanded Samuel to say that he had come to the house of Jesse the Bethlehemite to sacrifice a heifer to the Lord.

Now the LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?  Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite.  For I have provided Myself a king among his sons." (1st Samuel 16:1)

And Samuel said, "How can I go?  If Saul hears it, he will kill me."  But the LORD said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' (1st Samuel 16:2)

Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you." (1st Samuel 16:3)

Saul would have killed Samuel if he had known the whole truth about his visit to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse.  Like Samuel, the whole truth about some things are required to be held, if saying such things provoke another to anger to the point that he or she will sin, and even kill you.  We are never instructed to lie, but to answer in the wisdom of God.

Samuel's concern for his life was not unwarranted in light of Saul's suspicious nature and spiritual degeneracy (deteriorated or diminished in moral quality).  God did not instruct or command Samuel to lie, but instead God provided a legitimate opportunity for Samuel to visit with Jesse and his family to accomplish His ultimate will of anointing a new king.

The heart (the whole inner being of a person), fallen man's personality and character is deceitful.  Sin has corrupted human nature so that we cannot trust our motives or minds.  We have no choice if we desire to be just and do God's will but to trust God, because the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.

The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:10)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5)

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6)

Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart fro evil. (Proverbs 3:7)

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 26:12)

He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandments will be rewarded. (Proverbs 13:13)

One who turns away from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. (Proverbs 28:9)

Speech and silence have their prospective places (the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship).  Inappropriate timing on either (speaking or remaining silent), and what and how something is said or held from being said, can turn out good or bad, depending on the principles involved.

Being that none of us are flawless and given to sin from time to time; even something possibly that we may have never thought we would do and/or be caught-up in, when it happens, any and everyone is not to know, because their spiritual degeneracy or complete spiritual absence. 

One who has fallen into temptation and sinned, needs to be restored in the spirit of meekness, which can only be accomplished by those who are spiritually mature with an understanding heart.  Anything cannot just be revealed to anyone because it's on your heart; we need to hear from the LORD before we speak to who we believe we should share certain things with.

There are many things (truths) that our love ones and believed to be friends cannot handle properly and adequately or in a way that's pleasing to God because either, the Holy Spirit has not come unto them, or because they are too spiritually immature. 

The whole truth for some might move them to sin and to do those things that are not pleasing to God; in such cases, we are not obligated to reveal everything we intend, but rather to operate in wisdom, defusing anger that could otherwise produce certain wraths that could be destructive and in some cases very destructive and even deadly.

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (James 1:19)

for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

The Holy Spirit's Ministry

The Holy Spirit's ministry is threefold: (1) to guide us into all truth, (2) tell us of the future, and (3) help us glorify Christ.  He guides us by revealing unto us not only the truths emboided in Jesus' life, but also the glorious future of all who believe and trust in Him.

The source of all truth is the Holy Spirit, who does not compel or carry us into truth; He leads us, and our job or commandment is to follow Him.  All truth necessary to be mature saints and throughly equipped servants comes from the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ by declaring Him or making Him known.  It is the work of the Holy Spirit to throw light on Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God.  He puts Jesus Christ on center stage, which is the will of the Father and the Spirit.  The focus is on Christ because He is the image of the invisible God.

I (Jesus) still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. (John 16:12)

However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13)

He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. (John 16:14)

All things that the Father has are Mine.  Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. (John 16:15)