“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

10. Grace cannot be responsible in the event that saved men should backslide.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

God has a wonderful plan for our lives – for hope and a future. On the other hand, the devil has only evil plans for us. We must all choose between life and blessing or death and cursing. We choose by either serving righteousness or serving sin. God’s plan for each and every person who ever lives is that they would accept His plan and believe in His salvation and end up in heaven and not hell. Even though God’s choice is for us to be saved and end up in heaven, He will not force us to get saved or to stay serving Him and never backslide. Grace is not responsible for the actions of backsliders or the consequences they experience.

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place — unless you repent. Revelation 2:5 NKJV

11. Grace cannot free saved men from condemnation for future sins unless confessed.

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 NKJV

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NKJV

Grace cannot save you from the eternal consequences – condemnation – of the un-confessed sins you commit as a believer. Thank God, when we confess – God forgives and grace springs into action.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Revelation 3:2 NKJV

12. Grace cannot permit God to forgive un-confessed sin.

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 2 Corinthians 7:9 NKJV

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 NKJV

13. Grace cannot guarantee any man eternal life if he refuses to obey.

We are privileged to exercise free will and free choice and can choose between good or evil. However, God will not guarantee eternal life to us if we refuse to obey Him and His word. Obedience activates grace in our lives.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NKJV

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV

Son of man, tell your people: ‘The good things people did in the past will not save them if they become bad and begin to sin. In the same way the bad things people did in the past will not destroy them if they turn from their evil. So remember, the good things people did in the past will not save them if they begin to sin.’ 13 “Maybe I will tell good people that they will live. But maybe those good people will begin to think that the good things they did in the past will save them. So they might begin to do bad things, but I will not remember the good things they did in the past! No, they will die because of the bad things they begin to do. 14 “Or maybe I will tell some evil people that they will die. But they might change their lives, stop sinning, and begin to live right. They might become good and fair. 15 They might give back the things they took when they loaned money. They might pay for the things they stole. They might begin to follow the laws that give life and stop doing bad things. Then they will surely live. They will not die. 16 I will not remember the bad things they did in the past, because now they live right and are fair. So they will live! 17 “But your people say, ‘That’s not fair! The Lord cannot be like that!’ “But they are the people who are not fair! They are the people who must change! 18 If good people stop doing good and begin to sin, they will die because of their sins. 19 And if evil people stop doing wrong and start living right and being fair, they will live. 20 You still say that I am not fair, but I am telling you the truth. Family of Israel, everyone will be judged for what they do! Ezekiel 33:12-20 ERV

The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:19-24 NKJV

1. You worship you know not what.

a.    This sounds like the modern-day church.
b.    As we have traveled around the world, it has been interesting – and in some cases, disturbing – to see what goes on in the “Church” under the guise of “worship”.
c.    Jesus said, in verse 23, that the Father is seeking TRUE worshipers. The Father is seeking people who will worship Him from their mouth AND their heart.
d.    You worship in vain if your mouth worships, but your heart is not submitted to God. Matthew 15:8-9 NKJV – These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
e.    It is unprofitable to offer a sacrifice of worship from a disobedient heart. 1 Samuel 15:22 AMP – Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

2. Being a true worshiper.

a.    Worship is from the heart.
b.    Worship is not a religious act of posture, stance, or tone. It is the heart crying out. Psalms 42:7 – Deep calls unto deep.
c.    10 lepers were healed – only one came back to say thanks. Nine were cleansed, but only one was made whole. Luke 17:15-19 KJV – And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
d.    True worship does not spring forth only in “good times”, it springs forth out of and in the middle of the darkest seasons of life.
–    Jonah in the fish’s belly
–    The three Hebrew children in the fire
–    Daniel in the lion’s den
–    David tending sheep
–    Paul and Silas in prison
–    Jesus in Gethsemane
–    All circumstances don’t have to be the best for worship to be true worship. True worship originates from a heart; whose trust, hope and faith are in the Lord and not in a temporary situation.

3. True worship comes from a pure heart.

a.    A heart that is pure and holy.
b.    A heart that is ablaze – on fire.
c.    A heart full of passion.
d.    A heart full of faith.

4. True worshippers worship the Father in Spirit and in truth.

a.    There is a difference between Old Testament worship and New Testament worship.
b.    OT – God inhabits the praise of His people.
c.    NT – God inhabits His people of praise!
d.    Rejoice and give thanks – always – for all things! Ephesians 5:18-20 KJV – And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
e.    Worship will never stop – for all eternity we will joyfully worship Him!

5. Let this month be a month of worship.

a.    Every day – thank Him and give Him praise for His goodness, mercy, and grace!

It could have been a refreshing relief for the Master to have 1 home in which He could sit and visit, start His sandals, and actually relax. Luke recorded the scene for us in the last few verses of the tenth chapter in his gospel account.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2 KJV

In the East, at this time, there was a general expectation of a king – a Messiah – to be born in Judea who was to rule the whole world. The wisest men believed in this king and expected to see him. Somehow they knew that the star had something to do with Jesus birth and they followed it right to where He was. Daniel had predicted the Messiah’s coming and the crucifixion (or being “cut off”) to be 483 years after the Babylonian captivity and the Lord’s commandment to restore Jerusalem (Daniel 9:24-27) – seven days represents seven year – and that is just when He appeared and the prophecy fulfilled!

Jesus was born to rule. He rules in the hearts of every believer and will reign forever, over everything and everyone, after His second coming:

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:32-33 KJV

Jesus is the Son of the Most High (the Highest) – the Seed of David who would reign forever over a never ending kingdom!

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. 2 Samuel 7:16 KJV

The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. Psalms 132:11 KJV

And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.Isaiah 16:5 KJV

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

“Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” – given to Israel AND to Judah.

It was predicted that Christ would come from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Jesse, David, and Israel as a nation – a king born to rule, not only over them, but over the whole world.

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37 KJV

Jesus was born King of the Jews; He was the King of the Jews when He went to the cross and He is King of the Jews now and forever – not only the Jews, but King of all mankind – King of kings and Lord of lords! The Jews expected the messiah to be a military king, but he came to defeat a greater enemy – the enemy of your soul.

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5-6 KJV

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15 KJV

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5 KJV

For [Christ] must be King and reign until He has put all [His] enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be subdued and abolished is death. 27 For He [the Father] has put all things in subjection under His [Christ’s] feet. But when it says, All things are put in subjection [under Him], it is evident that He [Himself] is excepted Who does the subjecting of all things to Him. 28 However, when everything is subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also subject Himself to [the Father] Who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all [be everything to everyone, supreme, the indwelling and controlling factor of life]. 1 Corinthians 15:25-28 AMP

Jesus Christ will rule and reign as King until ALL things are under His feet.

Rodney Howard Browne talks about how to win the battles in our lives. The battles of life regularly appear overpowering, leaving you with feelings of hopelessness and despair. It is reassuring at these times to read the account of David’s victory over Goliath to grasp that nothing is too large for God. David was a teen who already was soaked in the manners of the Lord because of many nights he invested closely looking for God while shepherding sheep. David’s ready, obedient servant’s angle positioned him for the victory that would catapult him into greatness : his pop wanted him to run an errand and take supplies to the battleground, and David obeyed. But, when David least anticipated it, God opened a monumental door for him.

Rodney Howard Browne points out to David’s story. Notice how David answered in one Samuel 17:45-47. He not only felt forced to battle for what he knew was right but was ardent. He seemed to make a positive religion confession in the face of frightening percentages, and he confirmed the right incentive. Eventually , David answered as we all should in our Goliath life struggles. He depended on the power of God and not on his very own strength. What’s the famous line that echoes from this story?

The battle is the Lord’s. Remember how it started. David had invested numerous hours in intimacy with the Lord. His inexhaustible religion and trust in the Lord came as the battle had long formerly been fought – on his knees.

Rodney Howard Browne explains how to fill your life with the Holy Spirit. 18 And don’t get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery ; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. Nineteen Talk out to each other in psalms and hymns and religious songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making tune with all your heart to the Lord, twenty at any time and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the daddy. Ephesians 5:18-20 To Be crammed with The Spirit you may Be Empty * Empty yourself of yourself. * Empty yourself of sin. * Things of the planet * Wants that are not of God * Deal with the things of the past ; cut them off Colossians 3:5 AMP – So kill ( deaden, deprive of power ) the malevolent desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin] : sexual vice, impurity, sensuous appetites, unholy wishes, and all gluttony and covetousness, for that is idolatry ( the deifying of self and other made things rather than God ).

* after you empty yourself you should deal with filling yourself up.

Rodney Howard Browne teaches us to hunger and thirst for goodness. You have to be Parched * If you hunger and thirst after goodness you’ll be filled, if you draw nigh unto me. * Matthew fifty six AMP – Sanctified and lucky and content and spiritually wealthy ( in that state in which the born-again kid of God enjoys His favor and deliverance ) are people who hunger and thirst for goodness ( uprightness and right standing with God ), for they shall be totally satisfied! * James 4:8a AMP – come near to God and he is going to come close to you.

* As the deer panteth for the water. Psalms 42:1 AMP – As the hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I puff and long for You, O God. You have to be Hungry * Non secular appetitedevelop it * How are you able to be stuffed with the Spirit when you’re full of everything else? * Religious fast food * Isaiah 55:1 ( Message Bible ) Hey there! All who are parched, come to the water! Are you penniless? Come anywaybuy and eat! Come, get your drinks, buy wine and milk.

Rodney Howard Browne explains that we shoule fill ourselves with only what is good. Buy without money everything’s free! Why do you spend your cash on preprocessed food, your gainfully acquired money on cotton candy? Hear me, listen well : Eat only the best ; fill yourself with only the best. Concentrate, come near now, listen punctiliously to my life-giving, life-nourishing words. You may Come Expecting To Be Filled * crammed with the New Wine * crammed with the Holy Spirit filled with God Himself * Ephesians 3:19 AMP – [That you may truly come] to understand [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far transcends mere information [without experience] ; that you could be filled [through all your being] unto all of the fullness of God [may have the wealthiest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body unconditionally filled and flooded with God Himself]! You may permit the Lord To Fill You * With joy shall ye draw forth water out of the wells of Deliverance . * Isaiah 12:3 AMP – So with joy will you draw water from the wells of deliverance. * we’ve all been made to drink unto one Spirit. * one Corinthians 12:13 AMP – For by [means of the private agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit. You have to Give Out so you Can Start the entire Process Again * Empty, parched & hungry, expectancy, permit God to fill you give out.

* But be ye being filled * Continually filled and emptied, filled and emptied * Ephesians 5:18 AMP – And don’t get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery ; but ever be filled and excited with the [Holy] Spirit. STAY HUNGRY & Parched .

Thus we also, since we are trapped by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside each weight, and the sin which so simply ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, two looking unto Jesus, the writer and finisher of our religion, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV In this teaching, Rodney Howard Browne describes the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ one. There’s a day coming when all we, who accept the Lord Jesus Christ, will all stand before Him at His Judgment Seat.

A. The Judgment Seat of Christ is for the follower, not for the sinner. B. Some folks are concerned only with getting their ticket to Heaven ; however, there’s more to Heaven than just getting there. C. Two Corinthians 5:9-10 AMP -, whether we are at home [on earth away from Him] or away from home [and with Him], we are constantly bold and try earnestly to be pleasing to Him. Ten For we must all appear and be disclosed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that every one may receive [his pay] according to what he’s done in the body, whether good or malevolent [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing]. D. The Judgment Seat of Christ isn’t a place of denunciation where your eternal destination heaven or hell is decided, but it is a place where you receive your pay according to what you have done, whether bad. E. Each man and lady will have to give an account for their lives here on the earth. Rodney Howard Browne shows us the way in which the Fire of God works in the life of a Christian two. The fire of God will try your works. A. One Corinthians 3:8-15 NKJV – Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and every one will receive his very own reward according to his very own work. Nine For we are God’s fellow employees ; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. Ten According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a smart master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let every one take heed how he builds on it. Eleven for no actual foundation can anybody lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Twelve Now if anybody builds on this foundation with gold, silver, dear stones, wood, hay, straw, thirteen each one’s work will become clear ; for the Day will declare it, because it’s going to be revealed by fire ; and the fire will test every one’s work, of what sort it is. Fourteen If anybody’s work which he has built on it endures, he’ll receive a reward. Fifteen If anybody’s work is burned, he’ll suffer loss ; but he himself will be saved, yet so as thru fire. B.

Jesus Christ – crucified and raised from the dead – is our foundation the sole foundation on which one can build.

C. You can not earn deliverance with good works – you receive God’s grace and mercy by religion. Once Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you’re going to heaven, but it remains vital to do good works alongside right motives.

This is where you earn your heavenly rewards. D. Your works are classified as either gold, jewels and dear stones or wood, hay and stubble, dependent on what your motives have been. E. Your works will be tested as a foundation for recompense of rewards. They’ll go through fire. F. Two John one : eight Easy-to-Read Version – Be careful! Don’t lose the reward you have worked for. Be careful so you will receive all your reward. Rodney Howard Browne debates the judgment of God three. What is going to be judged? A. Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV – For the word of God is living and strong, and sharper than any two-edged blade, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Thirteen And there’s no creature concealed from His sight, but all things are exposed and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. B. Your thoughts and motives will be judged.

C. Matthew 12:36 AMP – But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for each idle ( inoperative, nonworking ) word they talk.

D. You’ll be judged for your idle, careless words. These are words that are not productive they produce no life gossip, grumbling and moaning, back-biting, judging, criticising, for example.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Foundation Scriptures: Psalms 139:1-16 Vs.1 O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. Vs. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Vs. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Vs. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Vs. 5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Vs. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

 Vs. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Vs. 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Vs. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, Vs. 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Vs. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” Vs. 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

 Vs. 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Vs. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Vs. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Vs. 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

 Sometimes we feel as if God is so far from us that He does not hear us or care, but that is a lie from hell. God always hears us. He knows us even better than we know ourselves. There is nowhere that we can go to hide from Him because He is everywhere—in the darkness, in the light, in the heavens, on the earth and under it! We cannot escape His eyes, or His ears, or His love, or His care. God sees into the darkness as if it were daylight.

God made and formed us in our mother’s womb. In fact, He knew everything about us before we were even conceived. The miracle of birth is indeed that—a miracle. It is very hard to hold onto evolutionary beliefs as you wonder at the miracle of your newborn baby. How could something so perfect and marvelous be a result of chance and a blob of amoebae?

We see an imposing building and we know there was an architect who designed it and a builder who built it. We see an impressive piece of art and we know that an artist somewhere conceived and created it. But the most intricate, specialized creation ever—you and me—some people think just happened by chance. You have to have more “faith” to believe in the evolutionary theories than you need to just believe that there is a Creator and that He did, indeed, create us perfectly—spirit, soul and body.

If God watched over us so carefully as we were forming in our mother’s womb and if He knew our days before we even existed, how much more does He watch over us now! He loves us dearly, cares for us tenderly, and is very near to us all the time. No matter what you feel or see, God is very near to you, watching over you, listening to you, and making your way straight before you. You cannot run away from Him. You might as well surrender and let Him have your life and make something beautiful out of it. He is the Master Planner and He has plans for you!

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Just because you can’t do it – doesn’t mean I can’t do it.

Just because you can’t see it – doesn’t mean I can’t see it.

Just because you won’t do it – doesn’t mean I won’t do it.

Where you see hopelessness – I see hope.

Where you see lack – I see supernatural provision.

Where you see barriers – I see bridges.

Where you see weakness – I see God’s strength.

Where you see darkness – I see a light shining.

Where you see hindrances – I see God’s favor.

Where you see no way – I see a path.

Where you see desert – I see a river of life.

Where you see fear – I see faith in God.

Where you see sickness – I see healing power.

Where you see man’s limitations – I see God’s unlimited resources.

Where you see the curse – I see God’s abundant blessing.

Where you see sin – I see grace and mercy.

Where you see pain – I see restoration.

Where you see confusion – I see wisdom.

The critic says, “Don’t do anything. Just stand there.”

God says, “Don’t just stand there. Do something.”

God gives the grape.

The critic makes vinegar. The believer makes wine.

2 Corinthians 4:18  (NKJ)

18         while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Ephesians 3:20-21  (NKJ)

20        Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

21         to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.   Romans 10:8-17 NKJ

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Doubt and unbelief come from listening to the world’s opinions and ideas and the devil’s lies. Faith means simply ”believing that God will do what He says He will do”. Your faith in God is built on what you know about Him and His plan for you and His will for your life. There is only one place you can go to find what you need to know about God and that is His Word.

Shortly before you were born again, you heard the Word of God and faith rose in your heart. You acted on your faith, believing in your heart that God’s Word was true – that Jesus died for you and that God raised Him from the dead and so you confessed with your mouth that He is your Savior and your Lord and you were transformed. Faith for healing and the blessing of God comes to you the same way – you hear the Word. Your faith is what makes the promise of God as reality in your life. Jesus made this statement regularly, “YOUR faith has made you whole!” At other times He rebuked people for their doubt and unbelief. YOU are the one who chooses to walk either in faith or in doubt.

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them– the children of Israel. “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.  Joshua 1:1-3 NKJ

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:8-9 NKJ

God told Joshua to take the children of Israel across the Jordan because He had given them all the land of Canaan. He told Joshua that He would be with them and would cause them to be victorious over their enemies. Joshua had never fought a battle, never mind led anyone else into battle. He had to use his faith and trust that what God said would be, would be. God gave him some sound advice to build up his faith and give him wisdom. God told Joshua to take the Book of the Law and read it and study it and meditate on it. He needed to get it from his head into his heart. You will never move God’s Word from your head to your heart, unless you meditate on it constantly. It must become part of you so that you see it as your ultimate reality and you believe every word and your faith is established in and on God.

The Hebrew word “meditate” also means to murmur; to ponder; to imagine; to mutter; to roar; to speak; to study; to talk; and to utter. If you want the Word of God to build your faith, you must take time to not only study it, but to speak it out loud to yourself all day. Even if you just take one scripture and mutter it to yourself over and over – the Holy Spirit will cause it to become revelation to you and it will drop down from just being head knowledge into a heart understanding. Knowledge without understanding is not very effective. Faith comes from your heart so you must put God’s Word deep down into your heart.

People want God to just pour faith into them without any effort on their part. Some people wait many years for this to happen, but it never does. God is not going to just douse you in faith. You have to make a decision to fill yourself up with God’s Word and when you do, doubt will never bother you again. You will be saturated in God’s Word and infused with faith in God. So then faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the Word of God!