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faith, God's love, head knowledge, heart knowledge, intimacy, John Gill, knowing, knowing God, Oswald Chambers, spiritual power, true faith
Christian Love Quote
Indeed, I have just read the best and shortest definition of what faith really is. A few words that explain why so many who only know the Bible are still struggling with getting more faith when they read and reread written promises of God. However, their faith does not really grow and they cannot attain spiritual maturity. Even praying over those aforementioned Scriptures, i.e. promises, alone does rarely help anyone. Why? Here comes the definition.
Faith is a spiritual knowledge of Christ.
(John Gill)
Period. π Faith is not a spiritual knowledge of the Bible. It is not even an acknowledgment of the fact that all Scripture points to Christ. And it is not some mere mental endorsement of man’s need to be saved from his dead and sinful condition by someone who is bigger than anyone who ever lived on earth before God Himself came down from heaven. Faith is more. But faith is not difficult, either. Below is another excerpt from Oswald Chambers where he describes the nature and consequences in the lives of those who have faith.
In the Old Testament, personal relationship with God showed itself in separation, and this is symbolized in the life of Abraham by his separation from his country and from his kith and kin. Today the separation is more of a mental and moral separation from the way that those who are dearest to us look at things, that is, if they have not a personal relationship with God. Jesus Christ emphasized this (see Luke 14:26).
Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading. It is a life of Faith, not of intellect and reason, but a life of knowing Who makes us “go.” The root of faith is the knowledge of a Person, and one of the biggest snares is the idea that God is sure to lead us to success.
(Oswald Chambers)
http://utmost.org/classic/the-way-of-abraham-in-faith-classic/
Oh, what wonderful sentences!!! π I need to repeat them.
Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading. It is a life of Faith, not of intellect and reason, but a life of knowing Who makes us “go.” The root of faith is the knowledge of a Person.
As long as we rely on our intellect and reason to tell us who God is, what He can do and what He certainly won’t do, we still miss the point. We will never be able to understand His guidance. We do not know what lies ahead and He won’t ask us whether we agree with the plans He has had for our own lives. I believe, God knows what is the best for us although I do not understand Him. How often I saw in the past that it was good for me to go through serious trials so that I learned to really trust in Him as soon as I had come to my wits’ end and/or to the end of my rope. Faith begins at the very moment when I realize… I have none (that is, in a certain area of life). Might sound a bit strange at first, however, as long as I was content with what I called faith in the past, I would not need God to give me more faith. It is indeed necessary that God leads us time and again into situations where no one can help us – but HE alone.
As for the definition of knowledge here, I am speaking of knowing in the sense of loving God intimately and thus being able to attain spiritual maturity, not as islands in the spiritual realm, but together with all those who also possess the knowledge of God AND Christ AND of one another (Jn 17:3, 1 Jn 1:3). Since I do not want to be that repetitive, I simply point to another article I wrote recently on that very issue (see https://enteringthepromisedland.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/my-house-shall-be-a-house-of-prayer/).
Finally, the consequences of knowing God as He really is cannot be overlooked by anyone as Jesus told us here.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:34-35 ESV)
As a last word, Galatians 5:6 tells us that LOVE IS ALL WE NEED… π since where there is love, there is faith also.
Entering the Promised Land 
“Faith is a spiritual knowledge of Christ.” Oh, how that quote packs a punch of truth. I appreciate this post, Susanne. I have known those who have Biblical knowledge, an intellectual knowledge that Jesus is the Son of God. But their lives showed little fruit. This has been a very real conundrum in my own soul as I couldn’t understand, I’m not sure I do even now. All I do know is for myself, and I am not an intellectual, nor a student of Scripture. But the risen Jesus has gripped my heart and it continues to slay me and guide me in unknown and powerful ways. What a gift! Truly!
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Wow!! π
I am so glad you liked the post, dear Becky. Indeed, I have always been an intellectual woman. So, you see with God nothing is impossible! π
Oh, and I am happy to hear that the risen Jesus has gripped your heart intensely. Although it is anything but wonderful to be slayed, being raised with Him is glorious beyond anything we could have expected before. Yup, unknown and powerful are His ways, my sister!!!
PS
Oops, now I think I ought to go to bed…. 3:30 am in Germany here π
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Always good to hear others’ stories and the impossibles becoming possible with God. Thank you and I hope you got some good rest β€
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Yup, thank you, dear Becky, β€ got some good rest!! π
Love,
Susanne xoxo
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Becky, Jesus said to the Jewish Bible scholars of 2000 years ago,
“And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness to me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen; and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe him whom he has sent. You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me; yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” (John 5:37-40 RSVA)
He also said that His sheep HEAR His voice and follow Him. They do not follow pastors and Bible teachers. If these men are doing their job they will always point people away from themselves and to Jesus as their ALL in all. Those who live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God have His Word (Jesus is the Word of God) abiding and living in them. Without Christ abiding in us men can study the Bible until the cows come home and it will profit them nothing.
You are doing so well, Becky! It is so good to hear you says, “the risen Jesus has gripped my heart and it continues to slay me and guide me in unknown and powerful ways.” β
Michael
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That has been a comforting verse to me over the course of these last few years. Christ abiding in us, faith being a spiritual knowledge of Him…it’s such a thrill, not always easy – Lord knows. But worth it when more veils are lifted. Thank you for your encouragement, Michael!
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Thank you, Lloyd. I like Chesterton too. π
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SORRY FOLKS! I think our precious Suzie finally went to bed. π
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Hahahaha! π
I really had to laugh out loud when I read this comment of yours, Michael! And indeed, your thoughts were absolutely right! π
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Oh Sue what a golden post–I have a story I use to show the difference between epistemological knowing and ontological knowing–you have a sixteen year old virgin girl who wants to have a baby-she buys a book on how to get pregnant she reads and studies the book and it tells her the truth and she believes it–will she be pregnant? NO–she will only get pregnant by doing what the book tells her to do and she has to come into union with a male and receive his seed into her for new life to be created–the demons are a perfect example–they believe in the bible but they don’t have the life of God in them so there is no divine fruit–despite the knowledge they can only produce satanic fruit.
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Wowee!! Even “a golden post” – I never heard that before, but I love it, dear Kenneth! π Thank you so much for the encouragement!
In fact, your story nails the essence of what has been said right smack on the head. What a beautiful example that even points to the deeper meaning of knowing God as well! Thanks again for sharing your story with me/us on here.
Love,
Susanne
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We are directed to love one another, to live out our faith even when that seems impossible. All of us have mourned the Christians recently martyred overseas. But those men and women were witnesses to Christ in the face of hatred. The value of their sacrifice far exceeds the worldly glory many of today’s televangelists pursue. It is love as expressed through action that draws converts to Christ, not self-righteousness.
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So true, Anna, so true. God seeks the intimacy for His Son that Paul desired when he wrote, “That I may know (ginosko – intimate knowing) Him; the power of His resurectiong, the fellowship of His sufferings and be conformed to His death.”
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Oh, what a beautiful wording of yours, dear Anna! β€ You said,
“It is love as expressed through action that draws converts to Christ…”
Exactly! Nothing else will be able to soften a hardened heart than the unconditional love that shines through Christians into this dark world as you mentioned above.
Love,
Susanne xoxo
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Susanne, I love the quotes and what you’ve shared in this post. I’m reminded of a scripture verse that has been meaningful to me in this regard in 2 Timothy1:12 where Paul says, “for I KNOW WHOM I have believed and am persuaded…” . This is indeed much deeper than saying, “for I know WHAT I have believed and am persuaded…” Knowing “what” has its place, but knowing “Whom” is to know the Faithful One, and that is where unshakeable faith springs from and is solidly anchored. Thank you for confirming this truth in a beautiful way!
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Thank you, Susanne, for bringing out what real faith is. I love that quote that ties faith and knowing Who we believe in together!
“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJ2000)
Another example of the knowledge that Christ is looking for is the difference between the lady behind the post office counter knowing who my wife is and the Dorothy that I KNOW. My knowing of my wife goes far deeper than a casual weekly greeting (read Sunday church going). My knowledge of Dorothy has produced four beautiful children that are gifts from God.
“And [Joseph] KNEW her [Mary] not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:25 KJV)
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out demons? and in your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never KNEW you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJ2000)
The Greek work translated “knew” in these two verses is ginoΜskoΜ. Of this word in W. E. Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words we read:
“In the NT ginosko frequently indicates a relation between the person “knowing” and the object known; in this respect, what is “known” is of value or importance to the one who knows, and hence the establishment of the relationship, e.g., especially of God’s “knowledge,” 1Co_8:3, “if any man love God, the same is known of Him;” Gal_4:9, “to be known of God;” here the “knowing” suggests approval and bears the meaning “to be approved… The verb is also used to convey the thought of connection or union, as between man and woman, Mat_1:25; Luk_1:34.”
Jesus is coming for His Bride, not a college of cardinals and Bible scholars. Intimacy with Christ as your husband is what produces fruit unto righteousness. Thanks Kenneth for your example as well.
Good night, all! My turn to turn hit the hay. π
Michael
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You’re very welcome, dear Michael! π
Indeed, it seems to me you just quoted parts of my (never published) book which I wrote in German and which you have not read, either. Exactly the same Scriptures as you mentioned above and very similar explanations. Isn’t it funny how God leads us all into the truth? π And who has an open ear will hear…..
Thank God WHO made Himself known to us. Without Him revealing the truth of what has been written in the Bible to anyone, no one could have ever known God of their own volition. All happens by grace, doesn’t it…
Thanks so much for your enlightening words, my dear brother.
Love,
Susanne
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Yes, Susanne, it is no wonder that I wrote what you did in your book without ever reading it for we both walk by His Spirit and it is HE who leads all who are Christ’s into ALL Truth. Just as KNOWING Jesus is not a mental exercise, but rather being called into an intimate relationship with Him, so also is coming INTO ALL Truth. The TRUTH, is not a compilation of facts, but rather it is coming into the FULL Light which IS Christ. Truth is not acquired by our brains alone, but rather it is first acquired in our hearts as you have said. David nailed it,
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.” (Psalms 51:6 RSVA).
So this is what Jesus was teaching that Samaritan woman at the well who was all concerned with worshiping God in an outer way, the temple in Jerusalem or in their holy mountain and why He told her that it was not about holy place, but rather spiritual wholeness within…
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24 RSVA)
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light [truth IN Christ] of life.” (John 8:12 RSVA)
Susanne, it is such a joy to be one with you in spirit and in truth as we both abide IN Him together. Oh, what fellowship, oh, what joy divine as we rest together in His everlasting arms. Amen!
In His love,
Michael
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Yes, Michael, following Him who is The Light and worshipping God in my own spirit (that is IN Christ who is The Truth) is the most freeing experience I have made by now. Of course, it has all been Godβs gift, just as it has been Godβs gracious gift to make you and me more and more one in His Spirit. I say AMEN to all you wrote above, my dear brother. You are a blessing, Michael! π
In His love for you,
Susanne
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Thank you, Susanne. Coming to hear His voice more clearly each day and our unity in the Spirit has truly been a wonderful experience.
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AMEN! π
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Oh yes indeed. What a wonderful nugget of truth! Thank you Susanne for sharing this to bless us π
I am personally so grateful that Jesus gently draws me deeper from head-knowledge to heart knowing, on a daily basis. Prizing intellectual and academic life for many years , it is only God that has been able to show me how much more there is to relationship with him, I would not have heard or received this message from anyone else.
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Yes, Penny, it is all coming into our hearts from Him, for all good gifts come down from the Father of Lights. “In Him was life and the LIFE was the LIGHT of men.” Amen.
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What a sweet comment, dear Penny, β€ that was so edifying to read for me! Thank you very much, my sister! π
Actually, I am so happy to hear that Jesus draws you closer, even on a daily basis. That shows how much He loves you and yearns to feel you close to His heart. β€
Yes, it is always God who can show us what true love is all about. Hearing the message and experiencing His love are two very different “animals”.
May you be blessed with every divine blessing in the days ahead!
Love,
Susanne xoxo
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Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments on here, my dear brothers and sisters. π
I will reply to all of you as soon as possible. Since today is another feast day in Germany, I am going to leave for a prayer biking tour now.
Much love to all β€ β€ β€
Your Susanne (aka Suzie, Sue, Susi, Suzanne, Suzy, Susan, Susanna…) in HIM
π
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Cute! But you didn’t mention “aka Lily!” π
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Yes, a cute cat, reminded me of sleepy Suzie… π
Indeed, I forgot to mention Lily, and Sanne, and some others…. Feeeeeew! Sometimes I tend to forget my own name, too.
Oh, blessed self-forgetfulness! π
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Thank you Susanne, and the others who have replied to this post. I am being blessed with the truth that I read.
Love in Him,
Pat Orr
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I am glad you found the truth being witnessed in your spirit once again, dear Jacqui. π
As for me, I have no strength, either, and therefore I had to step back from chatting, emailing, and commenting more and more. But believe it or not, π what the Bible says is true,
ββAnd do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.β So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, βBe quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.β” (Neh 8:10-11 ESV)
βFor thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, βIn returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.β (Is 30:15 ESV)
The day of the Lord (spiritually speaking) is the “day” (rather a period of change) when He allows us to enter His rest. The more we obey Him as to His gentle βnudgingsβ to do this and to drop that, the deeper this rest becomes and the joy of the Lord wells up from the inmost part of our heart and being. I can witness now that this is true and it is not difficult; it is even easy as soon as the Son has set us free to obey Him in all things. Yes, even the fear of man is gone as you so rightly said above. π
Be blessed in all things, my dear sister! β€
Much love,
Susanne xx
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I found your link on FaceBook and it was good to read this again. Thank you! π»
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You’re very welcome, dear Michael! π±
Yes, it was a repost which I needed to read myself again. π
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