And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion, beseeching Him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of Heaven. But the children of the Kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. (Mat 8:5-13)
During several instances of healing and ministry Jesus was asked to heal simply by speaking the command. So great was the faith of this centurion, who commanded many with his word, that he understood the power of the Word of GOD. He believed that the Messiah could and would simply speak healing and it would be done, and so Jesus accomplished it, just at the centurion had believed. His faith is lauded as commendable.
Those who do not believe, but are trusting in themselves or in their heritage, or nationality, or trusting in their religion or works, will not be received. Nothing or no one else can save you, Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, and we must come to Him in faith.
Our faith is not a blind faith, for it is grounded and built up in the Scriptures. It is in Christ, who He is and what He has done. We believe He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, GOD. Our faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of GOD. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. We know GOD by our faith, and His Word, and we know Jesus Christ is GOD in the flesh, and that He has paid our sIn debt with His own blood on the Cross of Calvary. We are saved because of our faith in His finished and perfect work on that cruel Roman cross.
By faith then, we go and minister to those that are hurting, knowing that GOD will provide. By faith, we disciple one another and build each other up in the faith. By faith, we love as He loves us, and are known as His disciples. By faith we share His grace and the Good News of Jesus Christ, so that others may know Him and forgiveness of sIn in repentance and faith. As we go, we proclaim the Gospel of Salvation that we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of GOD, not of works lest any one should boast, that those who hear may believe, and in believing have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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