Drinking Is Not Okay

The Bible is the same "yesterday, today, and forever." What godly Bible teachers said in the past is true today. Dr. Robert Teachout, A Semitic scholar who, in 1979, wrote his doctorate on The Use of Wine in the Old Testament, stated, "Alcohol is never approved by God in any amount for the obedient Christian."

Dr. Samuel e Bacchiocchi, author of Wine in the Bible, 1989, says, Drinking Alcohol is...a moral issue. It is...a transgression of God’s law."

FACTS TO KNOW

1) The Bible does teach total abstinence from alcohol. Both the main Hebrew word for wine and the Greek word for wine can mean either fermented grape juice or intoxicating wine. The English word wine originally had two meanings also - unfermented juice or alcoholic drink.

2) In the Bible, verses to show God approves of wine are speaking about unfermented juice. Verses that expose the evils of wine are speaking about intoxicating wine.

3) The Bible says alcoholic drink is evil. It is not just the amount one drinks that makes drinking a sin. God condemns the drink itself. (Prov 20:1 KJV) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

4) God does not lead us into evil; He delivers us from it. He does not teach us to practice evil in moderation. Jesus did not make, use, approve, commend, or tell us to use intoxicating wine.

5) God made man to have fellowship with Him. Alcohol goes directly to the brain, the communication center of the body. It interferes with God’s purpose for mankind.

Here is something that a believer must always keep in mind. You want hardly find an unregenerate person who believes that it is alright for a Christian to drink.

Lets look at some of the words for wine in Hebrew and Greek. First we will look at the Old Covenant.

"yayin" -- It is a general term for grape beverages and includes all classes of wine, non-alcoholic or alcoholic; unfermented, in the process of fermentation and fermented. (Proverbs 31:4) The context will show whether it is alcoholic wine or not. Yayin, when used properly was always diluted with water.

"shekar" -- It is the word for strong drink, unmixed wine. The 1901 edition of THE JEWISH ENCYCLOPEDIA says, "Yakin, wine, is to be distinguished from Shekar, or strong drink. The former is diluted with water; the later is undiluted." Shekar was not diluted with water." (see Numbers 28:7)

"Tirosh" -- This word refers to fresh grape juice. It is referred to often as new wine or sweet wine. (see Proverbs 3:10; Deuteronomy 7:13) Lets look at the New Covenant

"oinos" is the counterpart to the Old Testament word yayin. It is a general term for grape beverages and includes all classes of wine, non-alcoholic or alcoholic; fermented or unfermented. The context has to be used to determine whether the drink was intoxicating or not. (Luke 10:34; Ephesians 5:18). Oinos, when used properly was always diluted with water.

"sikera" is the counterpart to the Old Testament word shekar. It is the word for strong drink, unmixed wine. (Luke 1:15)

"gleukos" is the counterpart to the Old Testament word tirosh. Dr. Paul Dixon says "It refers to fresh wine, a new wine" or freshly squeezed grape juice.

IN BIBLE TIMES WHAT CHRISTIANS DRANK WS SUB-ALCOHOLIC, BASICALLY PURIFIED WATER
Remember the Hebrew word "yayin" and the Greek word "oinos" that we looked at earlier? These were the companion words for wine whether fermented or unfermented. In fact, whether fermented or not, it was MIXED WITH WATER.

Norman Geisler, former Dean of Liberty Center for Christian Scholarship, Liberty University, has written: "Many wine drinking Christians today mistakenly assume that what the New Testament meant by wine is identical to wine used today. This, however, is false. In fact, todays wine is by Biblical definition strong drink, and hence forbidden by the Bible. What the Bible frequently meant by wine was basically purified water," purified by adding some alcoholic wine. The Holman Bible dictionary says, wine was also used as a medicine and disinfectant.
Geisler goes on to say, "Therefore, Christians ought not to drink wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages for they are actually strong drink forbidden in Scripture. Even ancient pagans did not drink what some Christians drink today."

All alcoholic beverages used in our culture fall under the biblical classification of STRONG DRINK and are therefore forbidden. The least ratio of water to wine mixture used in Bible times was 3 parts water to 1 wine. That produced a sub-alcoholic drink that was 2.5% to 2.75% alcohol. Normally, the ratio was even higher, up to 20 to 1. Their is NO BIBLICAL SUPPORT FOR CHRISTIANS DRINKING THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF OUR DAY! What early believers drank was sub-alcoholic by todays standards. Pastors and deacons were cautioned to steer around even the sub-alcoholic stuff (I Timothy 3:3 & 8).

The right choice is to abstain! What is your choice?

Understanding Faith

I feel that faith is the most important subject in the Bible. It is amazing to me that most churches spend very little time teaching about it. However, I have found that most ministers do not know enough about faith to be qualified as a teacher. It is as if they think that everybody has great faith, when actually hardly anyone has great faith. People who have great faith do great exploits. How many great exploits have you seen lately? We have everything there is to offer, yet we offer very little.

In teaching faith I think that the first thing you need to understand is that God is a faith God. Everything He does He does by faith. When ever God speaks something happens. Because when God speaks He believes that His words will produce what He says.

Isaiah 55:10-11 AMP., For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,So shall my Word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless]” but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing which I sent it.

Hebrews 11:3 NKJ., By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made out of things which are visible.
Romans 4:17 NKJ., (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”)- God, Who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.

Eight times in Genesis Chapter one the Bible states, And God said. God used Words in order to create. He spoke what He desired to come to pass and it came to pass. It never occurred to God that what He said may not come to pass. This is faith: Calling those things that are not and expecting them to come to pass. The following scripture is the Biblical definition of faith.

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

Hebrews 11:1 AMP., Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Hebrews 11:1 NCV., Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.

Hebrews 11:1 NLT., What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot see.

I used four different translations in order that you may develop a clearer picture of what faith is. Faith believes the Word of God when every thing looks to the contrary. Faith is never based on feelings or what things look like in the natural. Faith is looking and speaking into the realm of the unseen in order to bring something into existence. Always base your confessions and decisions on what the Word says. The Word is God speaking to you.

Because God is a faith God, He demands and expects us to be faith people. As a matter of fact you cannot receive anything from God apart from faith. The Bible states in four different places the just live by faith. Carefully mull over the following scripture.

Habakkuk 2:4 AMP., Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him, but the [rigidly] just and the [uncompromisingly] righteous man shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness.

Romans 1:17 AMP., For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:11 AMP., Now it is evident that no person is justified (declared righteous and brought into right standing with God) through the Law, for the scripture says, The man in right standing with God [the just, the righteous] shall live by and out of faith and he who through and by faith is declared righteous and in right standing with God.

Hebrews 10:38 NKJ., Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back my soul has no pleasure in him.

2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP., For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fevor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance.

Romans 14:23 AMP., But the man who has doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating and then eats [perhaps because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his convictions and he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful].

Hebrews 11:6 NKJ., But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

When we talk about the just shall live by faith and we walk by faith not by sight, we are talking about fully trusting in God and His Word. We base our entire life on what the Word of God says. There is something that seems like faith but it is not faith. It talks like faith, it acts like faith, it seems like faith, but it is not faith. It is called mental ascent. Mental ascent says yes I know the Word of God is true. Yes, I know that God can’t lie. Mental ascent will even confess the Word into certain situations for a time. But when the heat is turned up and the answer seems like it is not coming, then mental ascent will cave in and quit. Mental ascent will then start making excuses of why it didn’t work. Well, you know God is sovereign; it must have not been God’s will; or (my personal favorite); Well, you know God sometimes says yes, and sometimes says no, and sometimes say wait awhile. These ideas are embalmed with unbelief. These ideas were created to allow some faithless person of the hook. There is nothing wrong with being a faithless person but it is a sin to stay that way. I refer you back to Hebrews 11:6. Folks hear me. Everybody has the opportunity to develop great faith, but it takes time and effort. Its not going to happen over night, and its not going to happen at all unless you get started. How do you develop faith? You develop faith by hearing the Word of God.

Romans 10:17 AMP., So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).

When you want to develop faith concerning healing, take your Bible and your concordance and look up all cases where people were healed. As you study those stories or while you are looking at those scriptures see yourself there. Hear what Jesus is saying. Faith will come but it takes commitment. It is not something that you can accomplish by a hit and a miss so to speak. As a matter of fact let me give you a couple of scriptures that might help you have some insight into what I am talking about.

Joshua1:8 KJ., This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou may-est observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Proverbs 4:20-22 NK 20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.

By the way, the Hebrew word for health in the scripture above is the same word that is used for medicine, cure, deliverance, healing and remedy. Like I said, it takes commitment but if you are sick of being sick you probably will commit to doing it as soon as you understand what it takes to receive. The same is true for developing faith for anything. You first find the scriptures that speaks to whatever it is that you need then make them a part of your daily life. Do not fall for the Mustard Seed myth.

Rev Wayne Looney remarks.

God has time for you or He wouldn't have called you. So many are troubled about what they should be doing. Let your light shine where you are. Seek the Lord for His direction until you hear from Him. When you hear from Him then move out in faith. When you are operating in faith you can't go wrong. When you are operating in faith God will always get you on the right path. Always remember, a car is easier to steer when moving than it is when sitting still. Meaning that even if your beginning is wrong when it is done in faith God will get you where He wants you. He may have to move a few obstacles but faith always challenges God. Believe me, He is up to the challenge.

4 Kinds of Suffering

This brings us to one last important point. Paul prayed that God would remove the persecutions from him. Yet God answered, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). It was God’s will that Paul be made perfect through suffering persecutions.

Many complain about the message of health and prosperity. They charge that faith ministers deny the role of suffering in the Christian life. Well, I can’t speak for others, but I believe that a Christian should suffer, but only suffer if it’s God’s will.

The problem with much of the teaching on suffering is that it assumes that all suffering is the same. Many do not differentiate between bad suffering and good suffering. The Bible mentions four kinds of suffering: general, sinful, demonic, and Christian.

General suffering is discomfort that everyone goes through. Sinful suffering is punishment for doing wrong. Demonic suffering is unusual misfortune which happens to people because of the work of demons. Christian suffering is adversity which comes only to Christians who are living godly—it’s usually in the form of persecutions, criticism, prejudice—and is normally caused by fallen angels.

Some simply treat the subject of suffering as though all suffering were the same. For example: one believer may be thrown into prison for preaching the gospel and another may be in prison for stealing beer at a convenient store. Both are suffering, but it’s clear that one is suffering for the cause of Christ and the other is suffering for his own sins. You can’t say that both are suffering according to God’s will. Peter writes:

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name…So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good" (1 Pet. 4:15-16, 19).

This Scripture clearly shows the difference between Christian suffering and sinful suffering.

In another case, one lady experiences pain in child birth, and another dies giving birth. They both suffered. The lady who had pain experienced suffering which nearly every pregnant woman goes through. This is called general suffering. It is suffering which everyone goes through, whether they are a believer or not.

However, the woman who died experience unusual tragedy. When someone experiences something unusual, often this kind of suffering is demonic. Demonic suffering is caused by the devil himself through his agency of demons. There is no reason that a Christian woman should have to suffer death when she gives birth. Pain yes, death no.

Paul says, "But women will be kept safe through childbirth, if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety" (1 Tim. 2:15). God promises protection in child birth. He does not promise to exempt her from pain, though.

Some overly zealous charismatics have taught that women don’t have to go through pain in delivery. They say that we are redeemed from the curse. And the curse is having pain in childbirth. "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children" (Genesis 3:16).

They reason that since this is a curse, and we are redeemed from the curse of the Law (see Galatians 3:13), women should not have to have pain in childbirth. The problem with their interpretation is that they confuse the curse in Genesis with the curse of the Law. God does not exempt us from the curse in Genesis; He exempts from the curse of the Law. The curse of the Law is mentioned in Deuteronomy chapter 28, and nowhere does it mention pain in childbirth as a curse. It does mention miscarriage as a curse, but never pain.

You see, some suffering is normal and should not be considered sinful or demonic. It’s just normal. For example, it’s normal to get gray hair when you grow old. You don’t rebuke gray hair, you simply dye it. It’s normal to slow up a bit when you get older. The devil is not slowing you up; age is. However, that does not mean you should be in a wheel chair.

I find it humorous that Christians are fighting what is normal. On the other hand, I find it tragic that other Christians accept suffering which is not normal—like terminal and chronic illnesses. The Bible describes those illnesses as demonic, and believers need to fight those.

So it’s clear that suffering can be God’s will if it is Christian suffering. This is what Paul went through, and God made it clear that through this kind of suffering Paul would be made perfect and strong. We should embrace this kind of suffering, but reject demonic suffering.

Obedience Brings Peace

Isaiah 32:16-20 (New Living Translation)

16 Justice will rule in the wilderness
and righteousness in the fertile field.
17 And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
18 My people will live in safety, quietly at home.
They will be at rest.
19 Even if the forest should be destroyed
and the city torn down,
20 the Lord will greatly bless his people.
Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up.
Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely.

It is left up to us

Folks it is about faith in God. Faith to believe what God has said in His word. The Bible is the written Word of God. Whatever He says we can do, we can do. If God calls us healed, then we are healed. But it takes faith to believe that, especially if we are hurting at the time. Faith doesn't wait until all the circumstances have been taken care of before believing. Faith works only before the answer comes. After you have what you need, you do not need faith. Faith in God's Word assures us of our healing. Having faith in God's Word just simply means that we believe and accept what the Word says. Look at what the Word of God says in the following scripture. Remember this is God's Word to us.

1 Peter 2:24 (New King James Version)24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

Matthew 8:16-17 (New King James Version)16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “ He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.”

Psalm 103:1-3 (New King James Version)1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;And all that is within me, bless His holy name!2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,And forget not all His benefits:3 Who forgives all your iniquities,Who heals all your diseases,

Matthew 8:2-3 (New King James Version)2 And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

The leper did not question the Lord's ability but His willingness. The Lord immediately straighten out his theology with just three words; I am willing. He is always willing simply because He cannot say no to faith. I will explain why later. (More scripture)

Exodus 15:25-26 (New King James Version)25 So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, 26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

Exodus 23:25 (New King James Version)25 “So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.

Proverbs 4:20-22 (New King James Version)20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.

Psalm 107:20 (New King James Version)20 He sent His word and healed them,And delivered them from their destruction’s.

Now let me show you what the Lord told them to do when He sent them out to minister.

Matthew 10:1 (New King James Version)1 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 10:7-8 (New King James Version)7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Mark 3:14-15 (New King James Version)14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:

Luke 9:2 (New King James Version)2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 10:8-9 (New King James Version)8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

What I want you to see is that all of this was done before Jesus went to the cross. There is not one time recorded on the pages of God's Holy Word that He ever said no to someone who came to Him in faith seeking their healing. Folks we are to base our belief system upon the Word of God not what some minister or theologian said. Keep in mind that it was the religious folks that were in opposition to Jesus. Also keep in mind that Jesus was operating under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, the same Holy Ghost that you and I have. You hear the phrase, “back in Bible times” the last time I looked we were still in Bible times. We are suppose to be doing exactly what Jesus did here on this earth by the same power that He was operating under until the Bible times come to an end and He establishes His Kingdom. Let me remind you of what Jesus said in Mark.

Mark 16:17-20 (New King James Version)17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

There are a couple of things that I want to clear up concerning the scriptures above. He is not talking about handling snakes as a test of faith or religious symbolism. The correct translation would mean to cast away serpents. As a matter of fact there is an example given in the Acts of the Apostles.

Acts 28:3-6 (New King James Version)3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

God never intended for people to handle snakes to confirm their faith. He intended for us to grow in faith in order to walk according to His word. Another thing about the scriptures from Mark is verses 19 and 20. Verse 19 says that the Lord sat down at the right hand of God and verse 20 says the Lord worked with them confirming the Word with signs following. The Lord is seated at the right hand of God but He is confirming the Word by the Holy Ghost that is at work in us. He is working with us by virtue of His Spirit working in us.

The reason people aren't healed today as they were when Jesus and the Apostles were doing it is because there weren't preachers and church leaders telling people that it was not so; That Christ doesn't heal people anymore or that healing stopped when He died. In other words, people are bombarded today with doubt and unbelief from church leaders so therefore it creates an atmosphere of doubt and unbelief, because of that, people have to be taught how to receive from the Lord. During the time Jesus and the Apostles were ministering people came to the meetings expecting to receive therefore they were never disappointed. The farther you are removed from an event, the less light you have. Meaning we are about 2000 years removed from the time Jesus walked the earth so we are desperately in need of faith teaching that will prepare us to receive from the Lord. Without faith you cannot please God and what-ever is not of faith is sin. Hebrews 11:6 and Romans 14:23 respectively.

Faith

When discussing healing we must first discuss faith. The Bible has so much to say about faith and the importance of it, that I just can't understand the absence of faith teaching. People (preachers) act like they are afraid of it or that they might be branded a fanatic. Fanatic or not it is a fact that you will not receive anything from God outside of faith. Now lets look at what the Bible says about faith. Let me give you the Biblical definition of faith first. I will give you several different translations of Hebrews 11:1 that you may get a clearer understanding of what faith is.

Hebrews 11:1 (New King James Version)1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (New Living Translation)1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:1(Amplified Bible)1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Now look at the word hope or hoped. It is the Greek word elpizo. The root of that word is the Greek word elpis. The meaning of this word is expectation or confidence. Actually it means to anticipate, usually with pleasure. So you could say Hebrews 11:1 like this.

Hebrews 11:1 (Wayne's Translation) Now faith gives us the assurance that the things we expect to come to pass, will come to pass, even though there is no physical evidence to be felt or seen.

In order to walk in true faith you have to accept the Word of God as final authority on all things. That is, if the Word of God says it, then that is the way it is and that settles it. If your faith is strong then your words will support what you believe. When faith speaks the victory is assured and when fear speaks and defeat is assured. Now let us see what else the Bible says about faith. Four times in the scriptures the Bible says the just shall live by faith.

Habakkuk 2:4 (Amplified Bible)4Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him, but the [rigidly] just and the [uncompromisingly] righteous man shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness.

Romans 1:17 (New King James Version)17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Galatians 3:11 (New King James Version)11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”

Hebrews 10:38 (New King James Version)38 Now the just shall live by faith;But if anyone draws back My soul has no pleasure in him.”

Don't you think that the Lord is striving to get something over to us. Listen, the Lord gave every man the measure of faith where by he may be saved but great faith has to be sought after. The Bible says faith comes by hearing the Word. It doesn't just fall on you, you have to intentionally go after it. As a matter of fact every thing you get from God must be done with purpose. With that said, I would be remiss in my opinions if I failed to mention that there are times when God through His grace gets us out of situations simply because of our having a heart that desires His best.

Now let us look at the word substance as it is used in Hebrews 11:1 in the King James and the New King James translations.

Faith is substance. Substance is taken from the Greek word Hupostasis. This word means:

“ A setting under or support (foundation), assurance, confidence, confident expectation, an assured impression and a mental realizing.”

Some more definitions of faith: A belief, or confident attitude toward God, conviction, trust, belief, reliance on the trust worthiness of God.

Faith is all about resting in God's Word and trusting to the point that your assurance brings peace and a knowing that everything is going to be alright. (Here are some other things that the Bible says about faith.)

2 Corinthians 5:7 (New King James Version)7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Hebrews 11:6 (New King James Version)6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Romans 14:23 (Amplified Bible)23But the man who has doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating, and then eats [perhaps because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his convictions and he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful].

Romans 10:17 (Amplified Bible)17So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).

O:K, so let us bring together what the Bible says about faith.

1. The just live by faith. (Hab. 2:4; Ro. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38)
2. We walk by faith not by sight. (11 Cor. 5:7)
3. Without faith you cannot please God. (Heb. 11:6)
4. Whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin. (Ro. 14:23 Amp.)
5. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. (Ro. 10:17)

Here are some other things that you need to know about faith.

1. Faith always sees into the unseen.
2. Faith always believes before manifestation.
3. Faith is always now. If it is not now, its not faith.
4. Faith always speaks the desired result.
5. Faith always receives based on what you believe.
6. Faith does not co-exist with fear.

I like to put it like this. (Fear knocked on the door and faith answered and no one was there). Paul put it like this.

2 Corinthians 4:13-14 (New King James Version)13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.

If you will look at verse 14, Paul's faith was a knowing faith. He believed what he had heard.
Paul went on to make this statement in 11 Corinthians 4:17-18.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (New King James Version)17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 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.

In verse 18 Paul is talking about looking at things that the natural eye can't see. That is what faith does. Faith is always based on what God has said. When you base your belief system on what God has said you like Paul can have a knowing that everything is going to be alright.

Scriptures Crediting Faith For The Results

What I am going to do now is show you some scripture concerning healing and other miracles where faith brought about the desired results. What I am going to do is give you the key scripture in each incident pointing to faith as the catalyst in bringing about the miracle needed.

Woman with the issue of blood: Mark 5: 25-34

Mark 5:34 (New King James Version)34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

I want you to notice with what attitude she approached Jesus. Verses 27 & 28.

Mark 5:27-28 (New King James Version)27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

That is faith at its finest. She had a knowing in her heart. No doubt was present. Let me show you what the result of her faith was.

Mark 5:29 (Amplified Bible)29And immediately her flow of blood was dried up at the source, and [suddenly] she felt in her body that she was healed of her [distressing] ailment.

Jairus daughter raised from the dead: Mark 5:35-43

Mark 5:35-36 (New King James Version)35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

Look at the word believe. It is taken from the same root word from the Greek that means faith. Faith is a noun and believe is a verb. Without changing the meaning of the scripture, Jesus could have said, “Do not be afraid; only have faith.” This guy has just been told that his daughter is dead. Not even death can stop the hand of Jesus when your faith is based upon what He says. Look at the result of Jairus faith in Jesus.

Mark 5:41-42 (New King James Version)41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.

These are the things that Jesus still desires to do on this earth but finding the ministers who are willing to pay the price isn't easy for the Lord. Lets view some more.

The healing of the paralytic: Luke 5:18-25

Luke 5:18-25 (New King James Version)18 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. 20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

Verse 20 says when He saw their faith and verse 25 tells what the result of their faith was. True faith always has good results.

Two blind men healed: Matthew 9:28-30

Matthew 9:28-30 (New King James Version)28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it. ”

Jesus heals a Centurion”s servant: Matthew 8:5-10

Matthew 8:10 (New King James Version)10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

The Syrophenician woman's daughter is healed:

Matthew 8:10 (New King James Version)10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus: Mark 10:46-52

Mark 10:52 (New King James Version)52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

I trust that those who read this book will go to their Bible and read the entire text. Most of those that I have gave you are just to show you that faith is needed when you are seeking healing from God. Let me give one more scripture that I believe will put the icing on the cake so to speak.

James 5:14-15 (New King James Version)14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Where it says that the prayer of faith will save the sick, I want to call your attention to the word save. It is taken from the Greek word sozo. Sozo means to deliver or protect; to heal, preserve or to make whole. In other words the prayer of faith will heal him and the Lord will raise him up or restore him.

Excerpt From Paul's Thorn

2 Corinthians 12:6-10 (New King James Version)7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
The traditional interpretation of the above scripture are;

That God sent the demon:
The demon made Paul sick:
God refused to heal him;

The demon was a messager sent from satan. God does not use satan's messenger service. (please read Hebrews 1:13-14 and Psalm 103:20). Demons do not have authority over born again believers. (Luke 10:19). God cannot refuse to heal some-one who comes to Him in faith believing. (Matthew 8:16-17; Isaiah 53:4-5; 1Peter 2:24). Healingis as assured as regeneration is.

It was God trying to exalt Paul and the devil was trying to keep Him from doing so. When God exalts you people take notice and they will listen to your message. Lastly, the messager was sent to buffet Paul. To buffet means blow after blow. If you will look in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 you will find Paul's thorn. He tells you what they were in verse 10 in the opening text. I am doing an extended article on this in my book Myths vs Scripture. Oh! Let me add this. For God to refuse to heal anyone that came to Him in faith believing He would have to undo what Jesus did at Calvary.