Hearing, Believing, Doing, and Receiving

➤ by Pastor Andy Fulson

Do God's Revelations Remain Hidden?

A successful and satisfied Christian life is complete only through fellowship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

God's unalterable promises reveal how this is accomplished and maintained. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also, John 14:3.

Rely on the Scriptures to overcome Satan's temptations (Mt 4:4) by the Holy Spirit with revelations of the Word: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you, Philippians 3:15.

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, Phil 3:15

Scriptural insight is acquired by the necessary renewing of one's mind (Rom 12:2) to understand the significance of being born-again (Jn 3:3). Then, adding to it, the Holy Spirit empowerment (Act 1:8) to demonstrate the works of Jesus (Lk 7:22; Jn 14:12).

On the other hand, worldly stumbling blocks will remain (Jn 16:33) such as:

  • Scientific advancements having preferred recognition.
  • Speculation about creation and the universe, with cosmos research being highly respected.
  • Psychology, attempting to explain the inner workings of the human mind.

And all this contrary to what God has revealed to us in His Word, Genesis to Revelation.

In it, Christ Jesus, the living Gospel, remains unchanged: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever, Hebrews 13:8.

Gaining insight into Scripture leads to a fulfilled life without disappointment (Rom 10:11). It reveals: O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him, Psalms 34:8, whereby God's promises always point to receiving 'more than enough' in every area of life, that our joy may be full (Jn 16:24).

How? By (1) HEARING, (2) BELIEVING, (3) DOING, and (4) RECEIVING, in that order.

The Bible — God's Plan for Success

God has never declared anything that was not fulfilled! What He spoke, came into being (Gen 1:1-31). Through Isaiah, He foretold: 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, Isaiah 55:11.

In another place He said: ... for I will hasten my word to perform it, Jeremiah 1:12.

God the Father and Jesus Christ are one in unity: I and my Father are one, John 10:30.

Of this oneness, Jesus declared: Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise, John 5:19.

Other stumbling blocks for many are Jesus Christ as the Word of God (Jn 1:1-3) and the necessary conditional personal faith (Heb 11:6).

Because all scripture is given by inspiration of God, 2 Timothy 3:16, it should be confidently taken to heart by faith: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God (the Father), and the Word was God (the Father). The same was in the beginning with God (the Father). All things were made by him (Jesus); and without him (Jesus) was not any thing made that was made. In him (Jesus) was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not, John 1:1-5 [brackets added].

Faith has two leanings: either toward “yes” by believing or “no” by doubting. Only one of these leads to the confident acceptance of gaining access to God's promises through the hearing of the Gospel (Rom 10:17).

And what contradicts God's revelations?

Personal unbelief, superstition, intimidation, slander, and complaining as in Israel's 40-year wilderness wandering.

All essentials for this life and the life to come are emphasized in the New Testament. One such instruction for success, God gave to Joshua, as he took over the leadership from Moses (Jos 1:8). Similarly, God speaks to everyone with a personal 'you', as He did to Joshua. It is precisely that which leads to one's personal salvation and personal well-being.

God is specific in His assignments to us:

  • do not be afraid (Lk 12:32)
  • know God as your Creator (Is 44:24)
  • be satisfied with God's promises (Phil 4:19)
  • keep His commandments without compulsion (Jn 14:15)
  • confess God the Father as your personal Father (Jn 20:17)
  • don't consider yourself as all knowing but realize how deficient you really are without Him (Pr 3:7)
  • rely on God's help for your life now (spirit, soul, and body) (Is 48:17)

God's plan for reconciliation was fulfilled through Jesus Christ, leading to the restoration of fellowship with God but only through personal faith (2Cor 5:18).

Faith Accepts Prophecy

Regardless of the our attitude, God's promises remain irrevocable. What God has spoken comes to pass (Is 55:11).

The decisive reason why Israel, after the exodus from Egypt, could not take possession of the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering, was obvious: So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief, Hebrews 3:19.

God constantly revealed Himself to the Israelites as their provider, from the time of Moses until Jesus Christ: ... prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it, Malachi 3:10.

And it continues for us, to this day! By faith, we say 'yes'!

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, Isaiah 55:11

The price of redemption for all human souls through God's grace is profound: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3:16. Believe this promise!

Be confident in trusting this guarantee: 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, Hebrews 11:6.

Noah was not hesitant to believe: By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith, Hebrews 11:7.

These, and those below, reveal the heart of God:

  • Fellowship with Him comes only through the rebirth (Jn 3:3)
  • He is a rewarder of the upright (Heb 11:6)
  • He watches over His Word (Is 55:11)
  • He expects those reconciled to Himself to respect Him with confidence (Heb 10:38)
  • His grace is the source of His eternal love, given without favoring one over another (Rom 2:11)

The question as before remains – will it be believed?

God's Continual Leading Toward Faith

Jesus came demonstrating signs and wonders which He had seen his Father do: for what things soever the Father does, these also does the Son likewise, John 5:19. Similarly, we are instructed: He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, John 14:12.

A “to do so likewise” determination, accesses God's promises through faith: for some 30-fold, others 60-fold, and some even 100-fold success (Mt 13:8), while avoiding a 0 portion through unbelief or contradiction (Jam 1:6-8).

During Jesus' ministry, a man born blind had his sight restored. He, by his faith, went expectantly to the pool, washed his eyes, and became seeing; whereupon he then asked: Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? John 9:36. About Jesus, scripture reveals: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever, Hebrews 13:8.

HEARING, BELIEVING (faith) and DOING (acting on) results in RECEIVING from God's promises!

  • Hearing leads to faith (Lk 7:22; Rom 10:17)
  • Faith stirs action (Mt 9:21-22).
  • Action promotes hope (Heb 11:1).
  • And hope leads to receiving according to the conditional level of faith (Mt 13:8).

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

Jesus spoke to the doubting father whose son suffered from demonic harassment: If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth, Mark 9:23.

Just as Israel did not enter the Promised Land (Heb 3:19) because of their unbelief, we by our level of doubt or unbelief limit our ability to receive from God's promises.

As a believer, count on God's available promises remaining accessible. You are entitled to them: Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full, John 16:24.

Faith directs an outcome: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, Hebrews 11:1.

And regarding hopelessness ... by contradicting God's instructions a person receives nothing: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways, James 1:6-7.

Listen expectantly to how Jesus declared His teaching: For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast, Psalm 33:9.

Your actions fulfill God's prophecies by doing what Jesus did (Jn 5:19). Disappointment, hopelessness, slander, and all kinds of questionable behavior will not be able to set root in you, unless you allow it (Mt 12:4).

How did Jesus defend himself at the time of His temptations? He responded with, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, Matthew 4:4.

And today's believers?

The Call to Hear, Believe, Do, and Receive

At the time of Jesus' ministry, numerous accounts of His healings and miracles were performed among the suffering. The blind were given sight, the lame walked, lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, and the dead were raised up. To the poor, the message of the Kingdom was proclaimed, and received with joy (Lk 8:13).

Among them, a woman (Mt 9:20-23), who had been suffering from hemorrhaging for 12 years, heard of the healings that Jesus performed. Full of expectation, she decided in her heart to touch his robe and went, staying focused on receiving. And touching it, she received her healing.

Jesus related about (1) hearing, (2) believing, (3) doing, and (4) receiving by the parable of moving a mountain — the mountain being any infirmity of sight, infection, cancer, unbearable pain, even anxiety … anything considered as either hopeless or unbearable. To the afflicted, Jesus said: According to your faith be it unto you, Matthew 9:29.

By way of this example, He commanded the mountain to 'be uprooted and be cast into the sea' (Mk 11:23). Hope, even today, comes by way of listening to the Gospel. Hearing it, motivates faith. Faith then imparts the action necessary to achieve results.

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified, Isaiah 61:3

Remain secure and steadfast as oaks of God's righteousness (Is 61:3) rooted in the good soil of the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. Having HEARD, you BELIEVED. Your response by DOING will appropriate the RECEIVING of your salvation from God's promises.

Keep in mind that from having heard and receiving is not a one-step event but rather a taking of several steps. This takes time. For some it's sooner, for others later: According to your faith be it unto you, Matthew 9:29. Ultimately, your faith conviction determines your receiving outcome.

Train yourself to speak confidently as God speaks, being unintimidated and assured as a joint heir of Jesus Christ. Follow His example. Then: all things are possible to him that believeth, Mark 9:23.

From the article, Hören, Glauben, Tun, Erhalten, by Pastor Andy Fulson

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20

Unless stated otherwise, all Bible passages quoted in orange are from the KJV translation.

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