Faith... The Substance!

Transcription

1 Faith... The Substance! By Robert.B.Dalton. Menorah Publications. Australia. July, 2017.

2 * Points of distinction and emphasis, are used by our authorship solely to bring light to our dialogue. * Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptural references appearing are quotations from the King James Bible... computer software, E Sword version by Rick Meyers. Copyright July, Australia by Robert.B.Dalton. Apart from the purpose of private study or review for archive retrieval, no part may be reproduced without the expressed and written permission of the authors (and/ or) their agents for Menorah Publications. Menorah TM ==========Publications ===== 2

3 Faith, The Substance Luke 18 Verse 8(b) Nevertheless when The Son of man cometh, shall He find Faith on the earth? Without The Nature and The Character of Jesus Christ, it would be impossible for man to have anything but Religion! There is only one way to train for the ultimate race in Life, and that is by the pursuit of Godliness. I think Paul said it best when he said. 1 Timothy 6 Verses 6-7 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Philippians Verses 8-9 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of The Knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 3

4 (9) 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: And again, Philippians 3 Verses Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (16) Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. (17) Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 4

5 Hebrews 12 Verse 1(b) let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 1 Corinthians 2 Verses 9-12 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but The Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but The Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. God did not give us religion... but He did give us the potential for the intimacy of relationship and that comes only by and through The Person of His Only Begotten Son... The Lord Jesus Christ: 5

6 Faith, is the magnet of Grace that draws you deeper into relationship with Jesus. Jesus lays hold on a man to mold and make him anew. First He renews the heart, then he renews the mind. Romans 12 Verse 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that Good, and Acceptable, and Perfect, Will of God. Malachi 3 Verse 6(a) For I AM The Lord, I change not;... If a man believes, God will grant him wisdom and understanding beyond measure...!!!?? Jeremiah 33 Verse 3 Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. The question of Faith, is a question that arises sooner or later in the heart of every man, woman or child that ever has, or ever will walk the face of this earth! 6

7 Historically, man s approach toward God has always been in one of either two directions, that of indifference, or that of distance; or that Revolt or Revival! But God has said, Jeremiah 33 Verse 3 Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. People do need the right of discovery, the search is one of the heart, but many seem to fail at the onset simply because the search has not become their own: Jesus said, Matthew 11 Verse 29(b) learn of Me; for I AM meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 7

8 Wise is the servant of God, who has learned to invite others into the search rather than tell all, and short cut the system of learning: Previously we have learned that, Repentance, involved a firm decision to want to, turn away, and have a complete change of direction in regard to the way that we had previously lived: That we PUT OFF, the old man and his character and, PUT ON, The New Man and His Nature and Character. That is, The Nature and The Character of The One who dwells within the Heart, The Lord Jesus Christ. 8

9 Faith herself teaches, she teaches that a man who is truly dead to self-seeking, instructs by being a living testimony. In order that others may learn by discovery and take heart by example! Nothing needs to be forced in that sense, people can just see that there is that something there that they just can t quite put a finger on. That is of course till they themselves realise, that it s not something, but someone! There is a substance about Faith that has a very magnetic attraction, it flows like A River of Living Water. 9

10 It draws one deeper into Relationship with The Living God, God, has not given religion, but He has given Relationship. Relationship with The Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is birthed in this Substance called, Faith. It is God s Purpose, that we always walk in Love, Joy, Hope and Peace. We can only do this, when we put our Trust in Him, He in turn Blesses us with, Love, Joy, Hope and Peace. This in itself, is an outworking of The Gift of Faith. God our Father, Loves His Created, His desire, is to take us far beyond the point of our natural understanding. 10

11 Isaiah 55 Verses 8-9 For My Thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My Ways, saith The LORD. (9) For as The Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My Ways higher than your ways, and My Thoughts than your thoughts. It is God s Purpose, that we are happy and influence others with our great joy. Romans 15 Verse 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all Joy and Peace in believing, that ye may abound in Hope, through The Power of The Holy Ghost. God s Word tells us, Romans 10 Verse 17 So then Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by The Word of God. More literally the passage should be rendered, Faith comes by hearing, when you are hearing, and by hearing, a Word from God! 11

12 God Himself tells us in His Word, Isaiah 55 Verse 11 So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My Mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. God s Word will always accomplish what He sent it to do! That s very important for us to understand that is, that we are both seeing, hearing, and doing in relation to The Word from God that has been directed to us personally. Psalm 138 Verse 2 I will worship toward Thy Holy Temple, and Praise Thy Name for Thy Lovingkindness and for Thy Truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy Name. 12

13 Romans 1 Verses For therein is The Righteousness of God revealed from Faith to Faith: as it is written, The Just shall live by Faith. (18) For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) 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: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 13

14 It is very important for us to remember that if we are not hearing from God, then we should read from God! He has given us His Word, and His Word is Sure and True, just as He is Faithful and True and it will do what He sent His Word to do! 2 Peter 1 Verses Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by The Holy Ghost. Faith, is The Very Substance of Creation, God spoke, and it happened! Genesis 1 Verse 1(a) In the beginning God Created Genesis 1 Verse 3(a) And God said, Genesis 1 Verse 7 (a) And God made 14

15 John 1 Verses 1-5 In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. (4) In Him was Life; and The Life was The Light of men. (5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. So we can readily see from this, - What God has done! - What God is doing! - What God will do! 15

16 Elsewhere The Bible tells us, Psalm 107 Verses He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (21) Oh that men would praise The LORD for His Goodness, and for His Wonderful Works to the children of men! Derek Prince once discovered, that often when The Lord speaks to us from His Word He will repeat Himself to us in what is referred to as a Double imperative. In other words, it is vitally necessary that you do what you have been instructed to do! The Can Do ability to achieve comes by and through His Gift of Faith by Grace and His Love and Mercy toward us as His Children. To as many as receive 16

17 So, it is imperative, or vitally important that we give heed to The Word of His instruction that applies to us both individually and corporately! So we understand from scripture that when God speaks to us, He says, In hearing, you shall hear, and in seeing, you shall see! Ezekiel 12 Verse 2 (NKJV) Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which has eyes to see but does not see, and ears to hear but does not hear; for they are a rebellious house. Acts 28 Verse 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 17

18 He doesn t want for us to be a forgetful hearer or a disobedient doer! Makes a lot of sense, when you think about it because often we ourselves have to repeat what we ve said, even to our own children before they get it! Hebrews 11 Verse 6 But without Faith it is impossible to please Him: for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. God, is a God of Creativity, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit are co-equally endowed with the same Creative touch. God loves to Create! This same attribute, has been also passed into His Created... man, we just love to make things! 18

19 Faith comes by, - Seeing! - Hearing! and, - Doing! Luke 1 Verse 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. Faith doesn t make things easy... it makes them possible! When the going gets tough, the tough get going! The impossibility, is with man, but the possibility is with God! Doubt and fear, can freeze us out of the potential that lies ahead in our walk of Faith! But Faith, defrosts Fear! And Doubt melts away as we step up against it!!!... and shall believe in his heart! 19

20 We are called to be The Salt of the earth! And if you live in snow bound country, then you will know that salt applied to the roadway will melt even frozen solid black ice!!! Faith looks fear in the face and says, 1 John 4 Verse 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. Philippians 4 Verse 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. There s that word again, Can Do... the Can Do comes from God, it s called FAITH! Hebrews 11 Verse 1 Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 20

21 There are two vital points, that we often tend to overlook in this regard, i) Faith in itself, is the substance of things. ii) Faith, is the evidence of things. So that when you put it like that, one could reason that Faith being a Gift from God, is a tangible, touchable thing. In other words as The Bible calls it, the substance of things, and the evidence of things: Or, the substance, which brings forth the evidence previously unseen: Paint, is a substance, it is a touchable liquid that changes the colour of things that it comes into contact with. As Faith, is the substance of all that would draw one deeper into relationship with God; then sin, has to have the totally opposite affect! 21

22 The substance of this thing called, sin, pushes one further away from contact and union with Almighty God. It pushes, until we reach a point, where it is no longer believed that we can or could have ever had such a wonderful relationship! (R.B.D.) Faith says, Now is the acceptable time, Faith is compelled by the spark in the heart. Hebrews 10 Verse 22(a) draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of Faith, Faith people, belong to the household of Faith, these Faithful folk, have only one heart motive, and that is to encourage people into deeper relationship with Christ. Faith toward God, is steady, even, unwavering and quietly confident; not proud, arrogant, boastful or self-superior. 22

23 Faith, always points people toward Jesus, it never points them in another direction. The direction of true Biblical Faith will always build and strengthen. And mores to the point, it will always line up with The Word of God! It always brings God s priority of purpose into the now and thereby receives what it believes, it is the base-line of The Gospel in operation... it is, Faith Toward God. The steps that Faith, uses to draw us deeper into relationship with Almighty God are, Romans 5 Verses 1-2 Therefore being Justified by Faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (2) By whom also we have access by Faith into this Grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in Hope of The Glory of God. i)... we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: ii)... we have access by Faith into this Grace wherein we stand,... 23

24 iii)... and rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God. Romans 14 Verse 23(b) for whatsoever [is] not of Faith is sin. The heart, is the mainspring of relationship And what readily resides in the heart is Love? God is Love, and by His Nature at work in us brings us into a place of Perfect Love AND perfect FAITH. FAITH AND LOVE, ARE KIN! Mark 11 Verse 23(b)... and shall not doubt in his heart,... Where the True Love of God reigns supreme in the heart of hearts, there is no room for doubt: A man who is born of God, is brought into an inward affection, an immense loyalty to The Lord Jesus Christ that shrinks from ANY THING IMPURE! It is,... Faith that works by Love... 24

25 His words to us, are Spirit and Life; transforming us and changing us. Any man can be changed by Faith... as it develops into a life of trust, strengthened by relationship. I know that God s Word is sufficient, ONE WORD FROM HIM can change a nation. Deuteronomy 8 Verse 3(b)... man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of The Mouth of The LORD doth man live. This is the food of Faith, The Essence of things hoped for, The Substance, of things unseen; the fruit of The Holy Spirit. Faith, produces Faithfulness. Romans 12 Verse 3 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. Did you notice the emphasis here on the word Think? 25

26 Proverbs 23 Verse 7(a) For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he: Faith, Hope and Love reside in the heart, NOT THE HEAD!!! Jeremiah 31 Verses 33(b) after those days, saith The Lord, I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their GOD, and they shall be My people. (34) And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith The Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Faith toward God comes through the response of trusting, obedience comes through surrender, surrender to self and selfishness; in other words reaching out, in child-like trust producing within us. i) A new (clean and tender) heart. ii) A new ( healthy) mind. iii) Different (godly) interests. iv) God s Law written on the heart. v) Love, toward our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. 26

27 As Love grows so too does trust and obedience and of course our response to it. We grow into, FAITH, leading to FAITHFULNESS toward our God.... times of refreshing in The Presence of OUR GOD; I take this opportunity to thank The Lord, for those who were Faithful enough towards our God and Saviour. Who in response to His Love s promptings Shared and imparted that self-same Love to me! I can only add, that as His servant it has been my yearning to impart to others, HE who has been imparted to me. A wonderful and vibrant relationship with, Jesus Christ, The Word of God made flesh... I want you to know, The Presence of The Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob dwelling in your heart! And He wants that for you! 27

28 Bibliography of reference material. Carter, Howard. Dake, Finis. Jennings. Darby, John Nelson. Francis, Rodney. W. Finney, Charles. G. Henry, Matthew. Hira, Peter. Jones, Russel.A. Kidner, Derek. God of All Grace. Dake s Annotated Reference Bible. Dake Bible sales. P.O.Box Lawrenceville, Georgia U.S.A. ( 11th edit ) Synopsis of the Books of the Bible. L. Hodgett (edit 1995) The General Epistle of James. Gospel Faith Messenger Ministry. Harbour Light Ministries. Hamilton. New Zealand. (1996 edit.) Chrystal Christianity. Whitaker House (1985 edit.) Commentary on The Whole Bible. Hendrickson publications. (1991 edit.) Lay Ministry Study Series. N.Z. (1985 edit.) Victorious Christian Living. The Proverbs. The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Inter-Varsity Press. Leicester, England. (1996 edit.) Lockman Foundation, Amplified Bible. (chapter reference notes.) Zondervan Bible Publishers. (1987 edit.) Marshall, I. Howard The Acts of The Apostles. (Revised edition) The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Inter-Varsity Press. W.B. Eerdmans Publishing. Co. Grand Rapids. Michigan. U.S.A. (1994 edit.) 28

29 Moo, Douglas. J Morgan, G. Campbell. Otis, George.Jnr Payne, J. Barton. Pearlman, M. The Letter of James. (Revised edition) The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Inter-Varsity Press. W.B. Eerdmans Publishing. Co. Grand Rapids. Michigan. U.S.A. (1993 edit.) (a) An Exposition of The Whole Bible. Marshal Pickering (1992 edit.) (b) Handbook for Bible Teachers and Preachers. Baker Book House (1994 edit.) The God They Never Knew. The Theology of The Older Testament. Zondervan Bible Publishers. (1978 edit.) Knowing The Doctrines of The Bible. Prince, Derek. (a) Foundation Series Vol Sovereign World Ltd (1986 edit.) (b) The Fulness of Grace. Sovereign World Ltd Spurgeon, Charles. H. (a) The Soul Winner. Whitaker House (1995 edit.) (b) Lectures To My Students. (c) Gospel of The Kingdom. Strong, James. Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible. Hendrickson publications. (1995 edit.) Thompson, Frank Charles. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. B.B.Kirkbridge Bible Company.Inc. (K.J.V edit.) Torrey, R.A. Tozer, A.W. Vine, W. E. What The Bible Teaches. (a) Pulpit Series. (b) The Knowledge of The Holy. Vine s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Thomas Nelson, inc., Publishers. (1985 edit.) 29

30 TM Menorah Publications Catalogue Series, Discovering Discipleship No.1 - Let us go on 30 Hebrews 6 Verses 1-2 No.2 - The how to, called Repentance: No.3 - The can do, Faith from God: No.4 - Baptism the waters. No.5 - The Laying on of Hands: No.6 - Resurrection of the dead. No.7 - The Eternal Godhead:... Going on to perfection...! The first of a three part series of Bible Studies, these lay the foundation teachings of our Faith based on Hebrews 6 Verses 1-2. Good for young disciples, each lesson is prepared so it can be used as private, group or classroom study material.

31 Series, Growing Discipleship The Be- Attitudes, Love s Divine Attitudes Matthew 5 Verses Blessed are the poor in spirit. 2. Blessed are they that mourn. 3. Blessed are the meek. 4. Blessed are they which do hunger. 5. Blessed are the merciful. 6. Blessed are the pure in heart. 7. Blessed are the peacemakers. 8. Blessed, are they which are persecuted. If you be in Christ, then it stands to reason, that whatever curved balls are thrown to you in this life, you will Be-in-Christ s- Attitude, and not react in an inappropriate manner. As hard as that may be! Blessed are relates to the present tense, to the here and now, not only to the future. But from here, to there and beyond! This second of a three part series of Bible studies, are designed to help understand the development of our Christian Character in our day to day walk. 31

32 Series, Overcomers Discipleship. That ye might be... partakers. 2 Peter 1 Verses ) And beside this, giving all diligence... 2.)... add to your Faith virtue... 3.) and to virtue knowledge; 4.) And to knowledge temperance; 5.) and to temperance patience; 6.) and to patience godliness; 7.) And to godliness brotherly kindness; 8.) and to brotherly kindness charity (or LOVE.) 32

33 Our third in the Discipleship series, is Discipleship that Overcomes, And is titled, That ye might be... partakers. These lessons come from the second letter of Peter and work well alongside the previous series entitled, The Beatitudes which cover the development of our Christian Character. If a man has come to the place of little or no growth, then surely, he has remained as a babe. If he has not given himself over to be dealt with by The Spirit of Grace, then he is marked by the arm of the flesh. He is still a Christian, but a carnal Christian, a babe in Christ. But if he completely surrenders his will to The Holy Spirit, he will rapidly and willingly choose to put down the deeds of the flesh and become what God s Word calls a Spiritual man. 33

34 Series, The Parables of Christ... (Matthew 13 Verses 1-53) The disciples, they had heard His first four parables spoken to the listening crowd... the multitude. Jesus did not use parables in the earlier part of His ministry, and when He began to use them, it was a matter of surprise to his disciples, who asked Him His reason for doing so. Matthew 13 Verses And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? (11) He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of The Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given. 34

35 (12) For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. (13) Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. The whole thing turns on the distinction between earnest inquirers and careless hearers. The earnest inquirer has ears to hear; the other has not. That is, instead of apprehending The Truth, he is only perplexed and confused by it, and instead of going away enriched, he is poorer than ever. The meaning is so simple and familiar, that even a child can understand it. Being of the nature to connect with everyday things, things that are frequently observed. Parables, are the meal prepared for us by The Lord of The Harvest, He prepares a meal for each of His laborers, though they are few, all are well fed. 35

36 He has seen to it, that a young lad now brings to the table, Five loaves and two fish! This is something for us all too well consider, they had twelve baskets full, after the crowd was fed. Jesus took the twelve, and turned the world inside out, to the right side up! Many may bring the Scriptures to the mind, but The Lord alone can prepare the mind to receive His Word: Our Master, our Saviour Jesus differs from all other teachers... they may reach the ear, but only He can instruct the heart! Others may teach what is to be believed, but only Jesus can teach us how to believe! 36

37 Series, The Parables of Christ... (Matthew 13 Verses 1-53) (1) - The Parable of The Sower. (2) - The Parable of The Tares. (3) - The Parable of The Mustard Seed. (4) - The Parable of The Leaven. (5) - The Parable of The Hidden Treasure. (6) - The Pearl of Great Price. (7) - The Parable of The Drag Net. (8) The Scribe and The Householder. 37

38 Series, The Gleanings... Not such a strange word really, but a word which is not often used to day. What does it mean for us to glean? In simple terms, it means to gather together. We gather together that which will draw us deeper into Relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We, are gathering and gleaning in the fields of our kinsman Redeemer King Jesus. The Gleanings, was written out of gratitude for my own Salvation, and the way that He my King has Blessed me by revealing more about Himself as together we build the Relationship that religion cannot offer! Many, many Brothers and Sisters in Christ are desperately hungry and we who feed at His table have a duty of care to share with those around us. This is the reason for this series. To answer questions and have all things in common... the basis of communion, common-union so enjoy, grow deeper into Jesus Christ and be Blessed. 38

39 Acts 2 Verses 44-46(a) And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (45) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (46a) And they, continuing daily with one accord... 39

40 Series, The Gleanings... (1) - What is... Sin? (2) - The how too, called, Repentance. (3) - The Squeeze of Temptation. (4) - The Tongue... taming the unruly member! (5) - The can do, Faith from God: (6) - The Growth of Grace. (7) - Baptism, the waters. (8) - The Holy Spirit. (9) - The Laying on of Hands. (10) - Divine Healing. (11) - The Resurrection. (12) - The Eternal Godhead... 40

41 Series, Ripened Husks... (1) Salt, Light and perfect Sight. (2) Living in Submission. (3) The Christian and Finance. (4) The Growth of Grace. (5) The Law of Love. (6) Prayer and Fasting. (7) Giants in the Land. (8) The Anointing of God. (9) Double portion Anointing. (10) Entering in to Rest. 41

42 Poem: The Garden of My Heart In the garden I the arrived with dawn, the air was crisp, it was still, the birds delighted the morning sun. It was quite, The Lord whispered Oh, my heart look, write, see and hear. I saw the sky, Heaven s blue skirt. The glow of, Your Handiwork, painted in clouds. Then said He in the garden of my heart, In seeing, see, in hearing hear, I was hearing The Voice of our God! Thank You Jesus!!! My hand trembles at His Touch, The Anointing of His Spirit flows I write, please Lord, please tell me more. His reply to my soul, You have much to hear! 42

43 There is a glow in my heart that say s, this is the grain that I want in my storehouse: Jesus used the description of harvested grain as a wonderful way of showing us why it is important for whole grains of wheat to have The Husk removed. If grain that is harvested has the husk intact, then it will not be stored well for later use. As a matter of fact, you are inviting the spread of mould. Grain is normally harvested when ripe, and the ripened husks are winnowed. This is the process whereby the grains themselves, are tossed into the air and as they do, they rub against each other to remove the outer sheaf or husk. God s desire, is that we play an active role to work with The Holy Spirit in and through our lives to remove the excess baggage. To remove the old covering, so that the pure whole grain will remain. And there be no Bushel of self, there be no Bushel of former days! 43

44 A bushel measure, was a standard measure and filled a woven basket made to the bushel size and was used to store that measure in a dry and safe manner till it was required to be used: Matthew 5 Verse 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. You stick a lighted flame under a dry woven basket and it will either smother the flame, or set fire to the house! I must decrease, in order that He increase! Grain, was bought to the threshing floor, and there it was threshed. The sheaves, were beaten with a rod or with a winnowing fork in order to separate the grain from the stork. Once the pile of grain was a reasonable height, it was time to see the leathery husks come off. To achieve the removal of the husk, the grains were tossed into the air to land on a round cane basket. They were then flipped up into the air, until the husk blew off into the breeze. 44

45 Winnowed grain, de-husked, and dry, now ready for proper storage in the garner or granary till the time of use. All the husk, was then burned off. Matthew 3 Verse 12 Whose fan is in His Hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. 45

46 Series, New Beginnings 1. Incline Your Ear 2. Apply thine (Your) Heart. 3. Search for Hid Treasures 4. The Fear of The Lord, (Wisdom s Beginning) 5. The Knowledge of God The Holy Spirit has employed the use of this series to impact our lives as Husband and wife. We have both been intrigued as to the amount of Blessings that many of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ seem to miss out on. We are convinced that the reason is because of our inattention to God s inscribed Word. Praise Him for His Divine tolerance as we continue to grow in Him! Proverbs 1 Verse 5(a) A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; 46

47 Proverbs 9 Verses 9-11 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (10) The Fear of The LORD is the beginning of Wisdom: and The Knowledge of The Holy is understanding. (11) For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. Our format for this series, New Beginnings is based on the unfolding word of instruction as contained in Proverbs 2 Verses 1-5 My son if thou wilt... receive... My words, and... hide... My commandments with thee; (2) So that thou... incline thine ear... unto wisdom, [and]... apply thine heart... to understanding; (3) Yea, if thou... criest after knowledge [and]... liftest up thy voice... for understanding; (4) If thou... seekest... her as silver, and... Searchest for her as [for] hid treasures; (5) Then shalt thou understand The Fear of The LORD and find the knowledge of God. 47

48 We shall see as this lesson unfolds, that God our Father places extreme importance on the area of our hearts, as a point of both contact and (ongoing) communication, this is described by us in our studies as Communion. NO COMMUNICATION NO COMMUNION, NO COMMUNION NO COMMON-UNION, NO COMMUNION... NO UNION! 48

49 Jesus said, Matthew 11 Verses At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26) Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight. (27) All things are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knoweth The Son, but The Father; neither knoweth any man The Father, save The Son, and He to whomsoever The Son will reveal Him. (28) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I AM meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 49

50 Series, Pulpit Ponderings... If there is one thing that I desire in this life that I am living, it s to sit at the feet of our Lord and Savior and soak in what He s been saying to me over the years. It is with much gratitude for Him, that I have compiled this collection, my prayer is simply this, Love Him, listen to His Voice as it echos in your own heart; learn of Him, He has much to give, and we have much to recieve. 50

51 Series, Pulpit Ponderings... (1) Fire in The Bones. (2) Relationship, the Heart to heart. (3) Christ, The Rock. (4) Abraham s Seed. (5) Children of the dust. (6) Family, The Fabric. (7) Bottle-neck Fruits. (8) The Mountain or the mediocre. (9) On Time and Eternity. (10) The Centrality of The Cross. (11) Where is thy sting...death? (12) Except your Righteousness exceeds. (13) The Doves and The Blood. (14) Five smooth stones. (15) Money Changers in The Temple. (16) The religion of Cain. (17) Wisdom... (18) Wisdom builds her house... (19) The Crown of Thorns... (20) I AM... The Gate. (21) Whose you are... 51

52 Copy-right... personal observations. To those Brethren, that have laboured long and hard in The Word of our God... I take time to Bless them publically for their endeavours to pass on that Holy Ghost inspired Word throughout His Church... Hebrews 6 Verse 10 For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Therefore, edify The Body of Christ, encourage and exhort; but remember, if you are tempted to call the work of another your own, you are the one that will in the end be held responsible for your actions. The Spirit of Grace, gave the work to the hand of the scribe, who faithfully put pen to paper. Plagiarism, is not only illegal, it is immoral; above all, we must... Romans 12 Verse 10 [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; So I exhort you in The Name of our Lord and Saviour, to feel quite free to use the material with which The Lord has so blessed us and those before us, bearing in mind that the pre-eminence belongs to The Lord Jesus Christ Himself... Your brother in His service, Robert.B. Dalton. Matthew 10 Verse 8(b)... freely ye have received, freely give. e mail menorahpublications@hotmail.com 52

53 The stronger the foundation, the brighter the future! 1 Corinthians 3 Verse 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Let us join together to, Church the Un-Churched, Teach the Un-Taught, and most of all, Reach the Un-Reached... for Jesus! Go Ye...! Speak Ye...! Do Ye...! 53

54 About the author. Born and raised in inner Sydney, N.S.W. Australia, Robert was a child when the likes of Arthur Stace, Alan Walker and Ted Noffs ministered to Sydney in the nineteen fifties. The Lord spoke to Robert at the age of seven, outside of the old Cleveland Street Congregational Church. For many years, he continued to live for himself. That is, until The Lord again spoke to him in The Bay of Plenty in New Zealand. He received Jesus Christ into his life as Lord and Saviour in February, Being Water Baptised in April, Born Again and Filled with The Holy Spirit in May of the same year. Bob and Nikki married, in October of 1987 and have an awesome family of five plus four of Bob s older children with altogether and to date twenty Grandchildren. Bob has compiled and published materials helpful for growth and development in Christ Jesus. Sadly, but with great joy, Nikki passed into Glory to be with our Lord. 21 st July, Over the years, Bob has ministered as a Pastor/ Teacher and functioned as itinerant Preacher with a strong call to Missions. His desire, is to see more folk, coming out of themselves, and going deeper into personal relationship with our Lord and Saviour, The Lord Jesus Christ. 54