A Study of the commands from our Lord, Jesus the Christ


Week 33, July 11th

This week's Tour Stop is "Have Faith in GOD."

This command is found in Mark 11:22 (NASB)

The command was given to the disciples as they passed by a fig tree that Jesus had commanded to wither. The account of Jesus commanding the fig tree to wither is found in both Matthew 21:19-22 (NASB) and Mark 11:20 (NASB).

Both passages are about having faith in GOD. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8 that faith is a gift from GOD. But like any gift, you and I must accept it. But what does "faith in GOD" look like?

In the Gospels, Jesus gives us several examples of Faith in GOD:
- The Centurian - Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:2-9
- The paralytic and his friends - Matthew 9:2 , Mark 2:3-12 , and Luke 5:18-26
- The woman with an issue of blood - Matthew 9:20-22 , Mark 5:25-34 , and Luke 8:43-48
- The Canaanite woman - Matthew 15:28
- Bartimaeus, the blind beggar - Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43
- Ten Lepers - Luke 17:12-19

Did you read each passage? There is a common thread. In each instance, these people came to Jesus, GOD, believing Jesus would heal them. There was no doubt in their minds of Jesus' ability to heal them.

Each time, Jesus told them that their faith in GOD healed them. Jesus always pointed back to the Father, our Father. Jesus is the greatest example of "Have Faith in GOD" that we have. That is why Paul wrote in Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. The link, I provided allows you to see the Greek words used for "author" and "finisher". The Greek word for "finisher" is used only once in the New Testament and means Jesus is the "perfector" or the highest example of faith.

But I am NOT Jesus you say; Neither am I.

BUT

We are a disciples of Jesus. We have been called to sit at the Master's feet and learn. And one of the things we will learn is faith because "faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (see Romans 10:17 (NASB)).

That is the take away this week, read the words of Christ. Pray to the Holy Spirit to help you understand them. Then believe them. Obey the commands. Come to Jesus and Live.

Remember, having faith in GOD means that your life reflects your beliefs that is why James said "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder" (see James 2:19 (NASB)).

Why do the demons shudder? Because they believe that Jesus is GOD and thus obey Jesus every time he commands them. Here is a link to every time the word "demon" appears in the New Testament. Every time, the demons obeyed Christ there was immediate external evidence of their obedience.

If Jesus is my LORD then I need to obey his commands. Obedience to Jesus' commands requires me to act. My acts of obedience to the commands of my LORD produces external evidence of my faith in GOD. That is why James says "his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did." (see James 2:19 (NLT)).

So this week, read the words of Christ, obey the commands of our LORD, and demonstrate to the world that you "Have Faith in GOD"

If you have any other questions for me please send me an email.

If this link does not work for you my email address is 'burtonmark@cox.net' with the subject line of 'Week 33'. I would love to hear from you.

The tour continues next week but I am not at all sure which of the commands of our LORD I will be sharing.

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