By Dr. James. A McBean D.Th., MCC
Copyright © 2008 Library of Congress
Washington.D.C.20559
M any Christians do not understand what it means to exercise faith. They think faith is a made up mind, a mouth talk or just sit down waiting for something to happen. Some went on even further in using denial for faith.
There are four realms of faith that we will be talking about later, and each realms of faith has different portion. Each realm of faith has its own dimension. Let me use different sets of words. Four realms of faith is like four cups. However, each cup has the ability to hold more water than the others do. You will find four people with the first realm of faith call the (sense faith,) but each has more than the other does.
Christians get hurt because they failed to unravel the principles that faith work by. When faith is preach to some people, it is like giving a loaded gun to a baby, are given your children fire to play with when you are living in a house of straws. One pastor said (Good giving hurts) However, that is not faith. Living above one means is not faith. This is like building a tower and refuses to count the cost.
Understanding the different Realms of faith on how they work.
There are four realms of faith and several categories of faith. You must not confused the realms with the categories of faith. Also you need to understand the word “Faith” Is different from the word “ The faith” The word “The faith” Is talking about the whole body of reveal truth what Christians believe in. The whole body of revelations that was once delivered to the saints.
FOUR REALMS OF FAITH.
Roman 12: 3 say that every man receives a measure of faith. 2 Thes 3:2 say all men do not have faith. Why is this contradiction? As you read, you will get the answer.
Romans 12:3 (KJV) 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.
2 Thes. 3:2 (KJV) and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
(1) SENSE FAITH. ALL MEN HAS SENSE FAITH...
Romans 12:3 (KJV) 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.
Sense faith is the first realm of faith. All human beings have this. This is the foundation for all the other faith to work. Even people who are not Christians have this faith. Even people who claim to be atheist have this faith. Wild savage has this faith. God put this in the spirit of every living thing. You and I do not need to be sitting up all night trying to convince somebody about the existence of God.
Romans 1:19 (KJV) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Romans 1:20 (KJV) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Psalm 19:1 (KJV) To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.
(2) FAITH THAT COMES BY HEARING.
Romans 10:17 (KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:14 (KJV) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
All men are capable of developing their faith by hearing and reading the word of God. Faith that comes by hearing and reading the scriptures are closely related to the first realm of faith. This realm of faith can be increased just by being around people of such faith. It can be watered down and beat down by being around people who lost their faith or people with dead faith. When you look and see what some people use to make a living you cannot help but wake up and try. This kind of faith can be inspired.
(3) FAITH AS A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.
Galatians 5:22 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Only the saints have this realm of faith. Every believer in Christ has this realm of faith because the Holy Spirit planted it in us at the time of our conversion. However, there are different portion of this faith. Some have more than some. This realm of faith make a believer a little more faithful than the regular man. This is like having a extra tank of gas.
(4) FAITH AS A GIFT OF THE SPIRIT.
This dimension of faith is different from the other three realms of faith. This is a supernatural kind of faith that all men do not have. This realm of faith is a gift that is given only to some believers by the Holy Spirit. Not all believers are able to use or exercise this realm of faith on demand.
This is like a automatic transmission, it only shift into this realm when the condition are right. Watch this now! I told you that all believers do not have this realm of faith! All believers have it to their advantage. But not all believers can undergone the conditions that causes this realm of faith to comes on. This is an overdrive dimension. I remember years ago when my wife and I was having things real hard. I had to let the wife and children eat first, then I eat what left. When things get even harder we had to let the children eat first. Driving from District of Columbia, Washington DC. To CT. The belt that runs the water pump and the alternator broke. I had three hundred miles left to go. I search in the trunk of my car and found some old elastic which are in panties waist. I have to use that to make a the belt, to carry me five miles to the next auto part store. This realm of faith remains dormant until the lions are on top of you.
1 Peter 4:12 (KJV) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
For example, every believer goes through some kind of trials. But not all can go through “Fiery trials” Or “Strange trials” I only know one other Christians along with myself go through this kind. I heard of one lady but never met her. This is severe persecutions. This cause the Holy Spirit to confirm upon such believer that realm of faith. There are some believers like Smith wiggle worth who are able to exercise such realm at will.
1 Cor. 12:8-9 (KJV) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
1 Cor. 12:10 (KJV) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
1 Cor. 12:30 (KJV) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
2 Thes. 3:2 (KJV) And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
DO NOT EXERCISE FAITH OUT OF YOUR REALM.
Luke 14:28 (KJV) For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Understanding the different category of faith on how they work.
Lets us look at the different category of faith. Do not confuse the category with the realms. Faith can be dead. The person has it at one time and still has it but it is not functioning or bearing fruits any more, but has become dormant. I called this “Mouth talk faith”
DEAD FAITH.
James 2:17-18 (KJV) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
James 2:20 (KJV) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:26 (KJV) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
FAILED FAITH.
Luke 22:32 (KJV) But, I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
LITTLE FAITH.
Matthew 8:26 (KJV) And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Matthew 14:31 (KJV) And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
GREAT FAITH.
Matthew 15:28 (KJV) Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
BLOOD LINE FAITH.
2Ti 1:5 having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.
When person accept Jesus as their personal savior and lord, and live for him. Even your very DNA is touched by his blood. Your very children look different from others. Just like a stallion that came from a great breed of horses. I called this “Blood line faith”
DERAILED FAITH.
2 Tim. 2:18 (KJV) Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
FAITH CAN BE INCREASE.
Luke 17:5 (KJV) And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Romans 10:17 (KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Christians get hurt when we do not understand the doctrines of how a person gets save and keep save. Christians get hurt when they failed to know that all the instincts that tell the body how to act and react was not change at conversion and will never change until our lord return. But most of all we get hurt because we truly do not understand the doctrines of faith.
Isaiah 5:13 (KJV) Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
Hosea 4:6 (KJV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Jeremiah 5:26 (KJV) For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.
One of my women friends had cancer. Because she is a Christians, she prayed for healing. Then she begin to say she do not have cancer. “I do not have cancer” “I name it and claimed it” I woke up one morning and find out that I had difficulties in passing my water. I went on the need, do a resource, and find out that a prostate problem is developing. The following morning I ran to the doctor. The doctor done a test on me and confirmed that the prostate is inflamed. I take the medication he prescribed, and then the same day I went to an herbalist doctor. This one was expensive with strange method of diagnostic, but correct. He made me look into a camera then take a picture of my eyes. Reading the pictures he show me all that is going on in the body and sold me the herbs for it. Five days later I could shout water across the fence or propel sperm. I cannot believe it I begin to think that I am twenty yearly old again. I did not give the virus time to progress.
YOU FEEL SICK GO SEEK HELP.
Matthew 9:12 (KJV) But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
HOW HEALING FAITH WORK.
First the sick person must call for the elders. The sick person must confess. Notice that it is two parts. When I heard that my woman friend got sick I went o one day of prayer and fasting and drive drove to the hospital where she was. When I begin to pray for her she cry out and say “I feel the healing” She got healed, because when the doctor cut her open and saw the cancer spread all over they close her up back and sent her home to die.
She was completely delivered. One day I drove to her house to see how she was doing, she begins to tell me that it was a drink name “Noni” that heal her. I say my God my friend is going to loose her healing. Confess ((also)) mean that you must give honor to the vessel that God uses. If it was one of that so-call big, TV evangelists come pray for her she would not stop talking about it. I prayed for an Indian man and he got healing, it was years before it leaks out how he got his healing. I prayed for my aunt and she got her healing it was years before it leaks out how she got her healing. No body wants to give honor to the person that God uses.
James 5:14-16 (KJV) Is any sick among you? 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: [15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
HEALING WITHOUT CONFESSION WILL ONLY CAUSE THE SICKNESS TO RETURN.
James 5:16 (KJV) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
HOW DID DAVID KNOW HE COULD KILL GOLIATH?
Hebrews 11:32-33 (KJV) And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: [33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
1 Samuel 17:33-36 (KJV) And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. [34] And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: [35] And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. [36] Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
FAITH IS TO REMEMBER AND APPLIED.
1 Samuel 17:37 (KJV) David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.
Faith is to remember what God has done for you in the past and applied it to your present situation and take courage from it.
Hebrews 13:2 (KJV) Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Years ago in Jamaica. One night my wife, children, and I eat our last meal. We had nothing left to keep us for the following days. However, the morning when I woke up I saw a basket of fruits and food put down on my steps. Since I did tailoring at home at the time, I would be there for the whole day. My wife and children keep marching by over and over again looking at the basket. Finally, I gave her command to take the basket of food in the kitchen and make breakfast and lunch for the children and her self. Days later a man turn up and ask me if I did see the basket of fruits and food that he left for me on my steps. God know we had no food and sent food for us. Every time that I am in some bad way. I remember how God hath deliver me then I applied that memory to my present situation, and I am comforted and also delivered. That is how you exercise faith. God is going to give you a faith walk when you accept Jesus as your lord. You must only exercise faith accordingly to your faith walk experience. David knows he could kill the Giants because of the lion and the bear that he killed.
What kind of lion did David kill? A male. He caught him by the beard. What does a male lion doing by himself hunting? Male lion do not hunt it is the female that hunts. He was beaten up and driven away from the pride. His offspring kill and he is angry and hungry and has a grudge. This was not a sick lion that was easy to kill. David knows he was divinely helped.
Faith is to count the cost. A pastor friend of mine only had about five of us in his church and he say he is asking us to sponsor a radio programmed for him. Some of us were illegal aliens, and have no good job and he is dumping his ambitions on us and calls it faith. Do not make any preacher told you that good giving hurts. What is he giving? Which one of the members has he ever help? Giving what you do not have is living above your means and that is not faith giving. Do not give what you do not have and call it faith, it is stupidity. If you plan to buy a house, first think about your income. Can you income cover the monthly cause?
Faith is not to temp God, by sitting down and wait until things get bad then start to call upon God. Faith show you the hard times up ahead coming. Faith show Noah what was going to happen to the completely ancient world. Faith his not to name it and claim it. Faith is not to tell yourself that you get healing when you are still sick.
The Bearer's Of The "Mind Sword"
