Victorious Faith

The topic for today’s podcast comes from 1 Peter 5:5-10. In verse 7, we are told to cast all of our cares upon Him because He cares for you. As a follower of Jesus Christ, and a child of the living God, we have many wonderful promises of His provision and protection when we choose to stand on His word by faith. This requires diligence and action on our part to actually “do” what the word says so that we may receive His promises. There are many scriptures that reveal we are to be watchful, diligent, and alert to be careful to avoid the traps and snares of the enemy who is prowling about to “devour” those who are passive. When we actively “resist” him, by standing in faith, he must flee! Scripture references: 1 Peter 5:5-10; Psalm 55:22; James 4:7; Romans 14:17.

In Hebrews 4:12 we read, For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…yet do we comprehend that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Word? In this lesson, Karen goes through the scriptures to reveal the essence of the most powerful word that has ever or that will ever be. The Word of God as embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. It is by this Word that we live and it is the Word that will ultimately judge all humanity. Scripture references: Joshua 1:8; John 1:1-5; 6:63; 12:48; Revelation 19:11-16; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 4:4.

The English word for peace doesn’t accurately convey the full meaning of the Hebrew word, Shalom, or the Greek equivalent, Eirene in scripture. In this episode, Karen provides a brief overview of the concept of peace that describes Jesus Christ, our Lord and Prince of Peace. Of particular interest to the conversation is the phrase “set at one again”. The peace of Jesus Christ is first and foremost a peace that is found only in reconciliation to God the Father. In John 17:20, we read Jesus’ prayer for all of those who believe on Him, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Scripture references: Isaiah 9:6-7; John 14:27; Ephesians 2:14; Hebrews 12:14; Romans 5:1-2, 10; Colossians 1:20.

The Christian life is not passive. Your progression in the faith requires continual diligence. You must learn to actively resist the enemy and defend yourself against his tactics. In this episode, Karen shares a 2-part process from scripture to safeguard your soul against the deception of the enemy. Scripture references: 2 Cor. 10:1-6; Eph. 6:10-17; John 8:32; James 4:7; Jeremiah 29:11; Joshua 1:8.

We often hear Christians say things like, “God tells us to use wisdom”… to justify actions that are counter to biblical teaching in the name of “wisdom”. What they are really referring to in this case is not the wisdom of God, but man. God’s wisdom always aligns with truth found in the word of God. In this episode, Karen highlights a passage from the book of Daniel to illustrate the courage of a man who refused to bow to man’s wisdom, even the command of the King himself in order to honor His God. Scripture references: Proverbs 14:12; Daniel 6; Colossians 1:24-2:3; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 2:26.

Throughout the New Testament, Paul and others instruct believers on how to progress in our journey of faith. Our standard is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. In the natural, this is an impossible endeavor. However, for believers having the Spirit of the Lord, we are to “put off” the old man and “put on” Christ, the new man renewed in the knowledge of Him. Scripture references: Hebrews 5:12-6:2 ; Colossians 3:1-14; 1 Cor. 3:1-3; 2 Cor. 3:18; Ephesians 4:13-15; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 4:17.

In this episode, Karen talks about the pitfall and distraction of entering into the sinkhole of another person’s drama. God never intended that we become responsible for “fixing” others. He alone carries our burdens (Matthew 11:28-30). Counsel is worthless unless it points back to the word of God and the freedom and rest that He alone provides. Resist the temptation to become the “fixer”. It’s not your job! Point them to Jesus Christ and His promises and preserve your sanity and peace. Scripture references: Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-3; Philippians 4:8-9.

In Romans 8:1, we read that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. In speaking with believers, many do not understand the distinction between condemnation and conviction. In this episode, Karen shares a personal story to illustrate that conviction of the Holy Spirit reveals the tenderness of God’s grace to align our thoughts and actions with the word of God. Sin always begins as a thought and progresses into words and/or actions (James 1:13-15). When convicted, a believer has the choice to agree with God and turn from the sinful thought, word, or action and escape the entanglement of the flesh (Hebrews 12:1), or she can harden her heart and proceed in rebellion against the will and word of God. Condemnation is to face the judgment of God, without the cleansing blood of Jesus. The believer of God always has hope of the restoration of fellowship with God when she confesses her sin, turns from it, and receives His mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Other scriptures referenced: Hebrews 3:13-14; 1 John 5:18; John 16:5-14; James 1:13-15; 1 John 3:9; Titus 2:1.

Throughout the gospels we read about the compassion of Christ and how He was moved with compassion to act on behalf of people. The gospels provide insight as to the heart of God when we read how He was moved to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, give sight to the blind, feed the hungry and raise the dead. As His new creation, He has placed His heart in us through the Holy Spirit so that we also feel compelled to minister and serve others in His love. Karen shares personal testimony of how His heart of compassion moves us to act when we encounter those in need. With this heart and mind, in the power of His Spirit, we reveal the kingdom of God to the world through tangible acts of love. Scripture references: Jude 20-22; Mark 6:34; Luke 7:13; 10:33; 15:20; John 21:15-19; 1 John 3:16-19.

In Christ, All of God’s promises are yes and AMEN! In the first part of this episode, Karen takes the promises from Psalm 91 and interjects biblical commentary and personal testimony in light of our new covenant reality. In the second part, she reads the declarations without commentary so you can listen and absorb His word into your soul and body. Scripture references: Romans 8:2; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18; Ephesians 6:16; 1 John 5:18; 1 Peter 2:24; Colossians 2:9; Romans 16:20; Salvation: sozo, #4982 from Strong’s concordance - to save deliver, protect, heal, preserve, save, make whole.