17/11/2020 - WHEN THE WORD DOES IS NOT ENOUGH

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For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. Hebrews 4:2

I´ve already used this verse in another message, but as inspiration opened my understanding even more, I will quote it again. We preach the Good News so that people receive the faith. It is essential to be sure of what is hoped for and evidence of what is not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Faith without works is dead; without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Christ’s command to His disciples is to go to all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). In many nations, this is almost impossible, since the leaders forbid the Name of Jesus to be proclaimed. Early in the Church, the high priest told Peter and John not to speak in that Name (Acts 5:28). They replied that they obeyed God, not men (v. 29).

The priests were furious at Peter’s response and organized themselves to kill those messengers. Hate arises because the Name of Jesus gives us salvation, healing and other blessings. If people learn about this invincible Name, they will no longer be enslaved by those who have nothing to offer but lies, religious fantasies and absurd laws. The Lord declared that if we know the Truth, it will set us free (John 8.32). The Gospel fills us with faith!

The Good News today is the same that has been preached since God began to send His servants to warn the world about Judgment, the Truth that sets free and the love of God – an essential gift for someone to be blessed. To love the Lord is to keep His commandments. Whoever loves Him is also loved by Him, who will fulfill His promises in that person’s life. It is worth listening to the Good News!

When we know the Truth, we become familiar with the subject, because the Lord impressed His words on man. Thus, no one can say that they did not understand  Scriptures. During the moment of biblical preaching, the Holy Spirit will confirm it in us. However, without faith, nothing that has been said to us will be useful.

God sends His Word, so that the person knows His will for his life. Then, added to faith, it will bear good fruit. This happened when the Hebrews paid attention to the report made by 10 of the 12 spies who traveled through Canaan, the Promised Land. God raised Caleb and Joshua to tell them the truth, but because they did not hear it with faith, they refused it.

It doesn’t matter how much a person prays to be blessed; without believing what the Lord says, they will receive nothing. When we hear the Word and answer it, faith comes into our hearts. Acting in the Name of Jesus, we will be honored (John 14.13).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares