“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)
The first time I read that scripture, probably around 1980, it disturbed me. And why did Jesus make this statement immediately following a teaching on prayer? “... men ought always to pray and not lose heart?” Would that mean, if we did “lose heart,” that our faith has become feeble? That would of course disable our prayers.
Life on earth in 1980 and life on earth in 2017 has drastically changed. Iniquity and lawlessness abound and love grows cold. And there are a lot more distractions that seek to pull us away from time with the LORD and study in His Word.
What do you think?
Will Jesus find faith on the earth when He returns in the air?
Will He find faith on earth when He returns to Jerusalem?
We, The Church, need to be watching and waiting for Him, determined to run our race all the way to the finish line! One thing fuels our walk with God. That is FAITH!
God will speak to you through this lesson to stir up your faith. Earnest steadfast prayer that never gives up draws its courage from persistent overcoming faith! Prayer is dependant on faith and faith is dependant on the Word.
“Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38)
LIVING BY FAITH
THE MINDSET OF A CHAMPION
The Spirit of Faith
What is the spirit of faith? It is the foundation of our new life in God, for believing in our heart and confessing with our mouth is the only door to enter into salvation. (Romans 10:10)
“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, ‘I believed, and therefore have I spoken’; we also believe, and therefore speak ...” (2 Corinthians 4:13)
We believe, therefore we speak...
Peter wondered how that fig tree which Jesus spoke to had withered away.
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.’” (Mark 11:22-23)
THE AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18)
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus gives us additional insight about how this spiritual realm operates, because The Glorious Church is to dominate that realm!
“... I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven...”
This is vitally important. Your authority, your ruling and reigning in Christ Jesus, (Romans 5:17), is based on you knowing what God has said about you, the new creation in Christ. Knowing this will change your life: Who I Am in Christ Scriptures
DELEGATED POWER
Does The Church fully realize that our authority over all the power of the enemy didn’t come from our earthly birth? This authority is not fleshly or mental power but is power that resides in the inner man where the Holy Spirit lives. (See also Luke 10:19) It is delegated power from the Kingdom of God backed by written documentation and a command to bring His decree into full manifestation!
We see an example of delegated authority in our local police force and our nation’s military. They are carrying out orders from their government. In like manner, we, too, are to administrate rulership in the unseen realm, under the laws of the government of God!
Jesus set up a safeguard against people running amok with this power.
The foundation to operating in faith: (speaking to mountains — taking authority over evil hindrances), can be found in four powerful words: “Have faith in God!”
And faith in God is hooked to what is written in the Holy Scriptures. This is how the system works.
It is exactly the same faith that God gave to you when you were born again, for “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” What a miracle!
Having “faith in God” is a Kingdom key for unlocking supernatural power and authority. We can find many examples of supernatural events taking place in the Old Testament and New Testament.
THE UNSEEN REALM
Do you remember what Father said in Isaiah 55:10-11?
He gave this example. The rain comes down from heaven that it might water the earth and give seed to the sower. His Word (His promise) comes down and shall not return to Him void, but will accomplish and prosper in that for which it was sent.
Can you see the completed circle?
The Word was spoken...that it might be written.
The Word was written...that it might be spoken ...back to Him in faith!
This is the spirit of faith in action. “I believed (what was written) and therefore have I spoken.”
Faith must always have corresponding action or it remains dead as a door nail!
So we see that when Jesus was revealing the operation and power of faith to Peter concerning the dead fig tree, He placed a prerequisite on the power that is resident in His Word. “Have faith in God.” Mountains cannot move without this covenant between Father and child.
And remember, faith will wither under the heaviness of unforgiveness.
Faith is the Substance
Having faith in God means you believe what He said in your heart. That belief is ignited or quickened as you confess it, assured that it will be done. “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” (Hebrews 10:35)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
(Hebrews 11:1) We have an excellent resource on this website that has more information: “How to Exercise Your Faith”
There’s not ONE mountain in your life that you are required to move.
That’s not your job! Your job is to live daily in divine expectation. Give your angels time to work! (Psalm 103:20) Fight the good fight of faith, casting all your care on Jesus, being vigilant to take every thought captive to the Word. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Resist the devil, steadfast in the faith. He WILL flee from you. After all, it is written.
(1 Peter 5:9)
But don’t think you can go off and play in the devil’s playground and see mountains move out of your life. “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”
And not only that but bad company, even on TV, will open the door to unbelief and diminish your faith in God.
Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
Why is it so important to walk and live by faith? Because it opens up spiritual prayer channels for Him to accomplish His will in this dark and suffering world!
2017 —THE END DAYS CHURCH
The Church must move into her position as the Glorious Church without spot, wrinkle, or blemish...NOW! When we walk in faith and holiness, we have fellowship with God and with one another. (1 John 1:7)
And Father is on an earthly timeline to fulfill through His Church what is written: “... the works that I do he shall do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12)
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19)
“... that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church
to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places... (Ephesians 3:10)
Combine this with our beginning scriptures:
“... I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven...” (Matthew 16:19)
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18)
So what are we hearing the Spirit of God say through this lesson?
He wants His Church fully developed in faith, taking the land for time is getting short.
He wants His Church on center stage, doing His will.
Prayer lays track for the Kingdom of God
“Then God Said ...” Genesis 1:3-25
Since everything on this planet came forth by words, everything on this planet is subject to His words that are coming forth from His Ambassadors—us! God’s original intent has not changed. (Genesis 1:26-28)
The creation eagerly waits for God’s children to take their authority.
When you take this knowledge into your prayer closet, accompanied by praying in the Spirit, it will catapult you into the Spirit realm where Holy Spirit can bring Father’s will into manifestation. LET HOLY SPIRIT LEAD THE WAY IN PRAYER!
When you pray, see yourself seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6)
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
Seeing things change is exciting! Pray for one another. Intercede for those leaders who are in authority. That includes Pastors! Pray about the weather. Bless the heavens over your state. Bless the earth that brings forth food.
Suggested Assignment:
Since faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, make sure you are listening to anointed teachers often, if not daily. Fill your house with faith!
Keith Moore: http://www.moorelife.org/
PRAYER WITH PURPOSE
The Glorious Church
The Lost and Elected Leaders: See Current Events
Copyright © 2013 – 2017 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org
The first time I read that scripture, probably around 1980, it disturbed me. And why did Jesus make this statement immediately following a teaching on prayer? “... men ought always to pray and not lose heart?” Would that mean, if we did “lose heart,” that our faith has become feeble? That would of course disable our prayers.
Life on earth in 1980 and life on earth in 2017 has drastically changed. Iniquity and lawlessness abound and love grows cold. And there are a lot more distractions that seek to pull us away from time with the LORD and study in His Word.
What do you think?
Will Jesus find faith on the earth when He returns in the air?
Will He find faith on earth when He returns to Jerusalem?
We, The Church, need to be watching and waiting for Him, determined to run our race all the way to the finish line! One thing fuels our walk with God. That is FAITH!
God will speak to you through this lesson to stir up your faith. Earnest steadfast prayer that never gives up draws its courage from persistent overcoming faith! Prayer is dependant on faith and faith is dependant on the Word.
“Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38)
LIVING BY FAITH
THE MINDSET OF A CHAMPION
The Spirit of Faith
What is the spirit of faith? It is the foundation of our new life in God, for believing in our heart and confessing with our mouth is the only door to enter into salvation. (Romans 10:10)
“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, ‘I believed, and therefore have I spoken’; we also believe, and therefore speak ...” (2 Corinthians 4:13)
We believe, therefore we speak...
Peter wondered how that fig tree which Jesus spoke to had withered away.
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.’” (Mark 11:22-23)
THE AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18)
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus gives us additional insight about how this spiritual realm operates, because The Glorious Church is to dominate that realm!
“... I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven...”
This is vitally important. Your authority, your ruling and reigning in Christ Jesus, (Romans 5:17), is based on you knowing what God has said about you, the new creation in Christ. Knowing this will change your life: Who I Am in Christ Scriptures
DELEGATED POWER
Does The Church fully realize that our authority over all the power of the enemy didn’t come from our earthly birth? This authority is not fleshly or mental power but is power that resides in the inner man where the Holy Spirit lives. (See also Luke 10:19) It is delegated power from the Kingdom of God backed by written documentation and a command to bring His decree into full manifestation!
We see an example of delegated authority in our local police force and our nation’s military. They are carrying out orders from their government. In like manner, we, too, are to administrate rulership in the unseen realm, under the laws of the government of God!
Jesus set up a safeguard against people running amok with this power.
The foundation to operating in faith: (speaking to mountains — taking authority over evil hindrances), can be found in four powerful words: “Have faith in God!”
And faith in God is hooked to what is written in the Holy Scriptures. This is how the system works.
It is exactly the same faith that God gave to you when you were born again, for “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” What a miracle!
Having “faith in God” is a Kingdom key for unlocking supernatural power and authority. We can find many examples of supernatural events taking place in the Old Testament and New Testament.
THE UNSEEN REALM
Do you remember what Father said in Isaiah 55:10-11?
He gave this example. The rain comes down from heaven that it might water the earth and give seed to the sower. His Word (His promise) comes down and shall not return to Him void, but will accomplish and prosper in that for which it was sent.
Can you see the completed circle?
The Word was spoken...that it might be written.
The Word was written...that it might be spoken ...back to Him in faith!
This is the spirit of faith in action. “I believed (what was written) and therefore have I spoken.”
Faith must always have corresponding action or it remains dead as a door nail!
So we see that when Jesus was revealing the operation and power of faith to Peter concerning the dead fig tree, He placed a prerequisite on the power that is resident in His Word. “Have faith in God.” Mountains cannot move without this covenant between Father and child.
And remember, faith will wither under the heaviness of unforgiveness.
Faith is the Substance
Having faith in God means you believe what He said in your heart. That belief is ignited or quickened as you confess it, assured that it will be done. “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” (Hebrews 10:35)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
(Hebrews 11:1) We have an excellent resource on this website that has more information: “How to Exercise Your Faith”
There’s not ONE mountain in your life that you are required to move.
That’s not your job! Your job is to live daily in divine expectation. Give your angels time to work! (Psalm 103:20) Fight the good fight of faith, casting all your care on Jesus, being vigilant to take every thought captive to the Word. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Resist the devil, steadfast in the faith. He WILL flee from you. After all, it is written.
(1 Peter 5:9)
But don’t think you can go off and play in the devil’s playground and see mountains move out of your life. “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”
And not only that but bad company, even on TV, will open the door to unbelief and diminish your faith in God.
Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
Why is it so important to walk and live by faith? Because it opens up spiritual prayer channels for Him to accomplish His will in this dark and suffering world!
2017 —THE END DAYS CHURCH
The Church must move into her position as the Glorious Church without spot, wrinkle, or blemish...NOW! When we walk in faith and holiness, we have fellowship with God and with one another. (1 John 1:7)
And Father is on an earthly timeline to fulfill through His Church what is written: “... the works that I do he shall do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12)
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19)
“... that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church
to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places... (Ephesians 3:10)
Combine this with our beginning scriptures:
“... I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven...” (Matthew 16:19)
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18)
So what are we hearing the Spirit of God say through this lesson?
He wants His Church fully developed in faith, taking the land for time is getting short.
He wants His Church on center stage, doing His will.
Prayer lays track for the Kingdom of God
“Then God Said ...” Genesis 1:3-25
Since everything on this planet came forth by words, everything on this planet is subject to His words that are coming forth from His Ambassadors—us! God’s original intent has not changed. (Genesis 1:26-28)
The creation eagerly waits for God’s children to take their authority.
When you take this knowledge into your prayer closet, accompanied by praying in the Spirit, it will catapult you into the Spirit realm where Holy Spirit can bring Father’s will into manifestation. LET HOLY SPIRIT LEAD THE WAY IN PRAYER!
When you pray, see yourself seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6)
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
Seeing things change is exciting! Pray for one another. Intercede for those leaders who are in authority. That includes Pastors! Pray about the weather. Bless the heavens over your state. Bless the earth that brings forth food.
Suggested Assignment:
Since faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, make sure you are listening to anointed teachers often, if not daily. Fill your house with faith!
Keith Moore: http://www.moorelife.org/
PRAYER WITH PURPOSE
The Glorious Church
The Lost and Elected Leaders: See Current Events
Copyright © 2013 – 2017 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org