October 28, 2022 Brethren Letter
Dear Brethren,
“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. 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” (James 5:14-15).
Those verses are quite meaningful! As we can see, real FAITH should be a part of ANY prayer offered to God. Verse 15 makes that plain.
In Ephesians 6, we see a description of God’s spiritual “armor,” the armor needed for the many trials and tests we face in our lives.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13).
When we read the entire section of Ephesians, Chapter 6 where it lists the various parts of our spiritual armor, we see that one of the pieces listed is “The Shield of FAITH.”
“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Verse 16).
“Faith” translated from the Greek is the word “Pistis,” which means: “assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.” That’s the SHIELD God wants us to carry so we can protect ourselves against Satan’s “fiery darts” of spiritual attack.
So, how do we actually gain more of the faith of Jesus Christ? Can we “work it up” by our own human power? NO! We’re told that REAL faith is given to us through Jesus Christ. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Consider these points to grow in true faith. Without it, none of us can truly please God! (Hebrews 11:6)
First, we must understand what God’s overall will is. Mr. Armstrong wrote the following in the Good News magazine of April, 1980, in an article entitled “You Can Have Living Faith!”
Before you ask God for anything, you must first know whether it His will. He tells us His will in the Bible. He has made us hundreds of definite PROMISES – and He absolutely GUARANTEES He will keep them! Among them He has promised to supply every NEED – not desire or want, but every NEED. He has promised to give us wisdom, to deliver us from every affliction, trouble or temptation, to fight our enemies for us and deliver us from their power, to guide and direct us in making right and wise decisions. He has promised to heal us when are sick.
Those are a few of the things we KNOW it is God’s will to do for us – things for which we may ask and be sure we shall get the answer! But THERE ARE CONDITIONS! It is like a contract or agreement. God promises to always do these things for us, IF we do just two things He demands of us!
First, you must OBEY. “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing IN HIS SIGHT” (I John 3:22). Second, you must BELIEVE. “According to your faith be it unto you” (Matt. 9:29).
Many of God’s promises are spelled out for us in our Bible. What does God promise? What exactly is His will? We can understand those answers by studying.
Tonight, I’ll close with these three scriptures: Psalm 84:11, Philippians 4:19 and Luke 12:27-32.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11).
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Consider how the flowers grow. They never work or spin yarn for clothes. But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers. That’s the way God clothes the grass in the field. Today it’s alive, and tomorrow it’s thrown into an incinerator. So how much more will he clothe you people who have so little faith? Don’t concern yourself about what you will eat or drink, and quit worrying about these things. Everyone in the world is concerned about these things, but your Father knows you need them. Rather, be concerned about his kingdom. Then these things will be provided for you. Don’t be afraid, little flock. Your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:27-32 GWT).
Please have a good night’s rest everyone.
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold