We began Part 2 thinking it would be the last part of the last chapter of Beyond a Mere Christianity. This, even as the previous chapter, was a strenuous but joyful undertaking, mining God’s Word to find the treasures He has hidden there for us. We will present the remainder of the parts of the arrow He has designed in Part 3.
FAITH
As we saw in the design of His arrows, faith is the shaft, the core of our relationship to Him as He makes us His arrows, revealing through us His power here on earth.
As with all things pertaining to His kingdom and rule in heaven and earth, faith comes from Him. Just as He is love and we love because He first loved us, so He is faithful to us, faithful before we ever knew Him, and by His grace, to bring us to faith in His Son, Jesus Christ in His timing, and to keep us in Him by the power of His Holy Spirit.
GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
“O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.” Psalm 31:23
“For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.” Psalm 89:2
“Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.” Psalm 119:90
“But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.” Psalm 89:24
“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord.” Hosea 2:20
“God is faithful,
by whom ye were called unto the fellowship
of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:9
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” Psalm 9:10
Faith In JESUS CHRIST
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:” Romans 3;22
“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2
“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
“For ye are all the children of God
by faith in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3;26
“For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.” Colossians 2:5
“Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:7
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” Colossians 2:12
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Faith by the Word of God
“So then faith cometh by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17
“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.” Romans 10:8
“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” Galatians 3:8
“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” Colossians 1:23
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Titus 1:9
Faith by the Power of God
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:5
“Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:” 2 Thessalonians 1:11
“Who are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time.”
1 Peter 1:5
Faith by Grace
“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,” Romans 4:16
“For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
Ephesians 2:8
Faith and Righteousness
“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Philippians 3:9
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:” 2 Peter 1:1
Faith and Justification
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28
“Therefore being justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
Romans 5:1
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5
“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:11
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16
The Measure of Faith
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3
Faith and the Holy Spirit
“And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:” Acts 6:5
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”
Galatians 5:22
Increase of Faith
“Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,” 2 Corinthians 10:15
“And the apostles said unto the Lord,
Increase our faith.”
Luke 17:5
“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;” 2 Thessalonians 1:3
The Household of Faith
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” Philippians 1:27
“Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” 1 Timothy 1:4
“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;” Titus 1:1
Faith and Love
“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” Galatians 5:6
“But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8
“Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;” Phiemon 1:5
Faith and Trials
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22“
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:
and this is the victory that overcometh the world,
even our faith.”
1 John 5:4
Strength and Boldness of Faith
“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” Ephesians 3;12
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;” Romans 4:20
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:16
“Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:9
“We should earnestly contend for the faith
which was once delivered unto the saints.”
Jude 1:3
Fatih and Patience
“So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:” 2 Thessalonians 1:4
“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” 1 Thessalonians 1:3
“That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faithand patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
James 1:3
“He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” Revelation 13:10
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12
“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14
Had we known the bountiful supply of the truths and power of God, we would have planned two chapters for this one. We will edit for the book, but here we will conclude our references of the design of the arrow in a third part. It is difficult to cut out parts of His Word just for convenience and time. Instead, we will publish for the sake of His glory and any who will cherish His precious Word gathered here in one place.
Meditation on these truths will strengthen and increase our faith for the work of His kingdom ~ at the same time increasing our joy and fellowship with Him.
Dear Father, what an undertaking you give us for the proving of our faith. And what a blessing to dig deeper into your Word to find the precious nuggets you have hidden there for us. Fill our hearts with faith and love for you as you are always faithful in your promises for us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran
Image: Google
God's Grace ~ God's Glory! 
Hi Francis, when you began this series last year I knew at the onset that this was no ordinary series and even though I have been following each instalment, I also knew that a once over reading would not be sufficient to really absorb all that you have shared with us. I am assuming that Part 3 of “Arrows in the Hands of a Mighty King” will be the concluding instalment. I have added this complete series to my “CHRISTIAN RESOURCES” page under the letter “J” for Journey of Discovery – Francis Rogers (Profound) and once you post the final Part 3, I will showcase this work of yours and the Lord’s Holy Spirit in an individual post with all of the links to this series. As you may know, I am currently about one third way through my own study of God’s Word that He has laid on my heart but when I am finished, God willing, my intend is to go back at the beginning of your series and dive in at the beginning again, because I believe it is that profound. I have never met a Christian woman like you. You are the elder and I am the student. Interesting enough, in my own study, ONE of the objectives is to go through the entire Bible and identify every verse of scripture where God’s attributes and nature are revealed and that is what I have been doing. Quite often, through study and prayer, I have experienced some of which you write about. It’s almost like a fog is lifted and I see what I have not seen before. My utmost prayer is to have more and more of Christ living in me and less and less of me. Lately God has been showing me how temporary and superficial all of what we see here is, which is really something when you consider the wonder and beauty of His work around us. It’s much like the radiant colours that are displayed in a vision, which are so much more clearer and radiant than what we see here in the flesh. I’ve only ever had one vision many years ago but that was enough. I know the study I am currently doing is what I am supposed to be doing but once that is done, again, God willing, yours is next in line. I wanted to thank you for your faithfulness and the light that you give to others. One day we will meet in God’s presence and I so look forward to that. May God’s abundant love, grace and blessings continue to cover you and yours. – Bruce
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Dear Bruce, I am at a loss as to how to respond to your comments. Only to praise the Lord for anything that others may gain through what He has given me is enough. But, I will post a Conclusion to sum up our thougts, plus a testimony by Terri and Bill, Lord willing ~ then on to formatting and a cover before publishing the book. Thank you again for your encouragement and support. You are a blessing. 🙂
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Bruce, Jerry needed to use the computer, so I cut short my first reply to your comments. I wanted to say how your diligent study encourages me. Your approach to study reminds me of my earlier time in God’s Word. The Ultimate Bible Study was based on the same approach that you mentioned. To center all our study on Him is pleasing to Him and is rewarding. I would like to send you a copy of Beyond when it is published. I had not inteded to use so many references in their entirity, but it seemed needful for me and my own study. They will be available to any who desire these for study, memory and meditation. We will never have more of His Word than we need.
My study at this time is a daily memorization and meditation on Jesus’ words. One verse is packed and pressing into it releases the most fragrant blessing to my heart and soul. We cannot get any closer to HIm now than through His Words. I pray the Lord’s continual presence with you and you continue in His Word. Blessings in Him.
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It’s strange how the study I am doing now is painfully slow and yet I am perfectly satisfied that it is so and it seems that it could or should not be any other way. So I understand why it is that you have so many references. It is the way that it is supposed to be and anything less would not suffice. My wife and I both have a bit of a battle going on with physical ailments which partially limit our mobility, not to mention our physical endurance, so everything seems much more difficult now as we both get older. One day at a time seems to be the best approach and trusting that God will complete in us, His good pleasure, before we are called home. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me, it is amazing what God can open before our eyes. God’s continued blessings on you and yours.
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I appreciate the Lord’s plan to sanctify and preserve us through His Word and Spirit. Not to live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God is a powerful truth when we accept His Word and Spirit as the life of Christ within us. The lack of physical ability brings us closer to Him for more of His Spirit and Word. Between the two of us, Jerry and I have three legs. Since that loss over twelve years ago, we have experienced every day His presence and power for all our needs. Growing up with an old hymn, Everyday with Jesus is Sweeter Than the Day Before, has proved true. Those who are filled with grace, Christ Himself, have this witness in them. He has planned more for you and Peggy as a witness of His goodness and glory. Blessings in our Lord.
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Amen:)
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Fran I emailed you just for you to know.
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Thank you, Jim. I got it. 🙂 ~ not had time to open it yet ~ finishing this book.
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Glad to hear that
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