Tonight's blog for April 20, 2013

F. F. E. I know it is silly, but I want to teach you three words, that correspond to these letters… Flat Forehead

Experience… If you have been around me very much, you know that I have, on occasion, suffered from "hoof and mouth" disease, and have, on occasion inserted my foot in my mouth by saying things or by assuming things that need correcting! One remedy for "hoof and mouth" disease is to perform an F. F. E., if necessary, even on myself! So, picture me, open palm going to my forehead, then smacking myself to get my attention. That is what those letters mean to me. 

Tonight, I am able to continue a discussion that was in my blog from two nights ago, for April 18. The discussion was about faith, and is it "possible" to be pleasing to GOD if I love people but don't know HIM. I was evasive because I needed help. I need someone to give me a F. F. E. ! So I gave myself one, and am so glad I get to share this with you tonight. Thankfully, the lady who asked the initial question and many others are good enough friends to help me occasionally! 

My mistake, not the first and not the last, I am sure, was in assuming that the verse we were discussing, Hebrews 11:6, " And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." The faith that is being discussed is not about knowing Jesus, or saving faith or belief in Jesus or even whether someone is going to heaven or not. There is an answer for the question that started two nights ago. It has to do with our A.I.M. 

From our small group Bible studies, we are familiar with three other letters, A. I. M. which stands for Author's Intended Meaning. We also know that there is only One Intended Meaning. The book of Hebrews was written to folks who were already believers, but who suffered doubt in some aspects of their faith. They were intent on turning back to the old system of faith. They were in danger of forsaking Jesus and His faith for inferior substitutes. Regardless of the substitute, going back to judaism or into some new age religious experience, or worshiping angels, or just giving up…. each is just a substitute! The author of the book of Hebrews was very clear about the purpose of the book, as we discover in the first few verses of the book! 

"In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs." Hebrews 1:1-4

Believers who don't believe? Is it even possible? Yes, much of the New Testament is written to challenge us to grow, and to add to our faith! We should never forget, even demons believe, but has no hope. (James 2: 19 says as much!)  Hebrews was written to keep us Christians from despair, from giving up. Hebrews 11:6 finishes with two parts that must walk hand in hand: "must believe (1) that he exists and (2) that he rewards those who earnestly seek him!" Demons believe that GOD exists but exist in fear and dread. Joy- filled and hope-filled Christians believe the GOD exists, AND that HE rewards us if we are seeking HIM! Dear ones, that is what my friend taught me from this passage! Thanks and GOD, Bless us all, tonight.. big marv