Faith

See John 12:37-41. John said that Jesus did many signs among the people of Israel but they still did not believe. In the verses that follow he tells us why. Isaiah had given a prophecy that God would harden their hearts and blind their eyes. If you know your bible you will know that this was necessary so that the Gentiles would have a chance to enter into the kingdom of God. This is known as the Dispensation of Grace for the Gentiles (a Gentile is someone who is not a Jew). Because the Jews could not see the messiah it created a gap or a space for the Gentiles to come into the kingdom of God. If they would have seen Jesus as Messiah they would have asked God to bring them into the fullness of their destiny and God would have heard their prayers and according to John healed them. They would have pulled the gap for the Gentiles closed and the rest of the world would not have had the opportunity to hear the gospel. This is where it gets interesting. God did not blind the gentiles. He invited them to lay hold of the inheritance provided for them through His death on the cross. This still includes you and I today. The fact that we can see makes us accountable. If the Jews had seen they would have asked and received. This was such a problem God had to blind them from seeing truth. We are not blind. Through the cross the power of God has been made accessible to us if we will ask. For far to long we have made excuses as to why we have not experienced the healings and miracles that are an inherent part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jesus rebuked many of the cities of Israel and said that if the miracles performed in them would have been done in Sodom it would still be here today. Sodom would have repented had it seen the works of Christ manifested. There was intercession for the city of Sodom but the power of God was not revealed. This is a good picture of the church of America today. We have interceded yet we have not stepped forward to show forth the power of God. It is time to become Christ like in every way. Not only in character but in power. It was signs and wonders that would have saved Sodom. Is there anyone out there who will step forward and become a modern day miracle worker. This is not to far out there for us to grasp. It is our destiny. It is our call as a believer in Jesus Christ. I believe God is raising up a people today who will do the things Jesus did and even greater things. The power of God is availible. The title of this article is, “If you can see it you can have it”. Who will rise up an lay hold of what God has openly showed us so that we might preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ with signs and wonders following?

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”  Isaiah 6:8

Here is a statement that is not a theory but a reality, “nothing is too hard for God”. It seems that sometimes as Christians we say it but when it comes down to the moment that we really need a miracle we turn everywhere else first. The bible teaches us that without faith it is impossible to please God but with faith all things are possible. What if we as the body of Christ were to take a stand in our city to overcome things like addictions, sickness, depression, fear, broken relationships and even financial hardships. The word of God teaches on faith and believing. The book of Matthew say’s, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed,… Nothing will be impossible for you”. We have an incredible opportunity to make a difference. Lets win our city for Christ. If nothings impossible for us then why wait for some else to do it. Why not us, why not now? If our faith is not followed by action then it is not really faith at all only a good thought or intention. But faith put into action will release the power of God into our lives and into our city. The bible says in Proverbs that hope deferred makes the heart sick. Let us ardently refuse to hold back the incredible hope that we have in our Messiah and our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. I heard a man recently say that the phrase “boring Christian” is an oxymoron. The good news we preach is the most exciting thing on the planet. What could be better than letting everyone know that the creator of the universe is interested in you. His thoughts are constantly on you. Even if you are up to your elbows in sin. Some may be abused and some may be the abuser but regardless God will never stop pursuing after you with his incredible love. He is relentlessly in love with you and has taken extreme measures to prove it by sending his Son to die in our place for our sins. Wow!!! Let me encourage you to make your stand now. Rise up to fulfill your God given destiny, the God ordained plans for your life. Be a part of what God is doing on the earth and in our city. Dedicate your land and your children for his purposes. Give your life to His service daily. Let the fiery baptism of His Spirit change you into an on fire, lively hero for Christ. Now is not a time to shrink back but to make our mark on Gods kingdom. He has given us His word that nothing is too hard for Him. Let us take Him at His word and advance the fight for lost souls in our city. May God richly bless you as hunger and thirst after more of God and His plans for your life. I assure you that you will not be disappointed but will be blown away at the amazing things he has in store for you.

Pastor Shannon Vinsonhaler