Bible Study (1) - Walking by Faith - Hebrews 11:1-40 - June 1, 2025

 

Bible Study (1) – Walking by Faith – Hebrews 11:1-40 – June 1, 2025

Walking and living by faith begins with being in right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

The right relationship with GOD and JESUS for any person is to be “born-again” Spiritually into GOD’S eternal Family.

This is a radical change for the redeemed person. He/she has been changed by the power of GOD from being a person traveling to Hell to a redeemed person on the path to eternal Life in Heaven through faith in JESUS.

How does a person do that? GOD has HIS redemptive plan through faith in HIS only SON, JESUS. HIS plan is open to all people. Salvation is open to any and all people. A person must believe that JESUS was and is the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD for all sin. The sinless blood of JESUS was shed upon the cross to pay, in full, for all sins for all who place their faith in the passion of JESUS.

The basics of salvation as written in John 3:16-21:

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he (GOD) gave his one and only Son (JESUS), that whoever believes in him (JESUS) shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him (JESUS) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. ¹⁹ This is the verdict: Light (JESUS) has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. ²¹ But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Nothing is hidden!!!

GOD and JESUS already know your heart, so fess up and ask JESUS to forgive you for all of your sins and ask JESUS to come into your heart and save your soul. That is Spiritual Birth or being “Born-again.”

Being born again in your spirit is spiritual birth and it is eternal because the Divine Sperm, The Holy Spirit unites with your human spirit and spiritual conception takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye. In that instant you become GOD’S eternal Son or Daughter and will never experience the physical death of your body. Your “born-again” spirit will exit your physical body before your physical body dies.

How do I know that? You might go to actsclass.blogspot.com and in the upper left corner of the blog you will see a space, type in Mrs. Green.

This is why JESUS came to earth physically as 100% human, yet 100% GOD and subject to sinning. JESUS was tempted in all ways humans are tempted, yet without sin.

For JESUS to be the perfect sacrifice for all sin. JESUS had to be the perfect and acceptable sacrifice to GOD, HIS FATHER for all sin. HE had to be capable of sinning, but HE chose not to sin. So, anyone reading this has the opportunity to be “born-again,” through faith in JESUS. Ask JESUS to forgive you for all your sins and ask JESUS to come into your life believing that JESUS paid your sin debt in full by HIM giving HIS sinless life to pay your sin debt.

The Holy Spirit came upon The Virgin Mary, who was chosen by GOD. Mary conceived JESUS by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came upon Mary and conceived and physically gave birth to JESUS, nine months later. The power of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Virgin Mary, resulted in JESUS. The power of the Holy Spirit coming upon a person asking GOD to forgive him/her for their sins through faith in JESUS and for JESUS to redeem him/her from his/her sins is also a miracle. The result is a person, male or female being “born-again” or “Spirit-born” into GOD’S eternal Family.

Spiritual birth is a miracle which reveals to all people GOD’S power for any person, male or female, of any race to be “born-again” Spiritually. The instant a person asks JESUS to forgive him or her for his/her sins and for JESUS to come into his or her heart, that person is “born-again.” The Divine Sperm of GOD, The Holy Spirit unites with the human spirit (consider the human spirit as the human egg), Spiritual conception takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye.

It is the “born-again”/” Spirit-born” person that is conceived by the Holy Spirit and is GOD’S eternal “Son” or “Daughter.” This conversion is possible for any person, through faith in JESUS. There is no other way to eternal life except through faith in JESUS.

JESUS willingly came to earth to live a sinless life and to give HIS sinless life to atone for all sin. However, each individual must be redeemed from his/her sins by placing his/her faith in JESUS, which was and is GOD’S redemptive plan of salvation for ALL people through faith in JESUS and HIS passion.

JESUS lived a sinless life upon earth. JESUS was capable of sinning, but HE knew HIS FATHER’S redemptive plan rested upon the fact that HE had to remain sinless and HE accomplished HIS purpose for HIS FATHER-GOD and for all people who place their faith in JESUS to be “Born-again” and become eternal citizens of Heaven. Thank YOU, JESUS!!!

JESUS lived a sinless life upon earth, thus becoming the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD to pay, in full, for both the original sin of Adam and Eve and all the sins of humanity. JESUS paid the sin debt for all people by HIS shed Blood. JESUS paid the sin debt in full but each and every person must acknowledge that HE did and accept the fact that HE did by faith.

How about children? There is an age of accountability. Only GOD knows that age for every person from the fetus to the oldest person to ever live. But do not try to get to Heaven on a technicality, ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for JESUS to come into your heart/life and save you from eternity in Hell. Heaven is just that, Heaven!!! And you don’t want to miss it. Eternity is just that – eternal!

GOD and JESUS redemptive plan is just for you. If you had been the only person to accept JESUS as your Savior, JESUS would have given HIS sinless life just for you. Now, that is personal. This was and is GOD’S redemptive plan.

The shedding of blood goes back to the Law as revealed in the Old Testament and repeated in the New Testament in Hebrews 9:22:

According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

The atonement for all sin had to be prefect and acceptable to GOD!!!

JESUS was the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD for all sin for all who will place their faith in JESUS and HIS Passion – physical death upon the cross, shedding of HIS blood, physical death and bodily resurrection, which shows to all people that JESUS conquered death!!!

When any person places his/her faith in JESUS, he or she will conquer eternal death because faith in JESUS is the ONLY way to eternal life.

How do you choose? The choice is yours to make. Choose wisely my friend.

GOD is the architect of salvation as revealed in John 3:16: ¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[a] He gave^[b] his one and only Son (JESUS), so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Faith in JESUS and HIS passion is the only way to eternal life.

What did JESUS’ passion entail? – HIS physical life as a human upon earth, sinless life, physical death to reveal that JESUS was 100% human. GOD resurrected JESUS from physical death to eternal life on the third day and JESUS physically walked upon earth 40 days after HIS resurrection. JESUS is the first fruit from the grave to be resurrected and walk physically and eternally as proof that HE conquered physical death and received eternal life. JESUS is proof to all humans and is their guarantee that any person who places his/her faith in JESUS will be “Born-again” and receive eternal life. It is the Spirit-born person’s “born-again” Spirit that exits the human body before the Spirit-born person’s body dies physically.

As GOD’S Son or Daughter, talk to GOD as you would to your very closest friend to whom you can talk truthfully and plainly. HE already knows you intimately. GOD even knows the number of hairs on your head. You are GOD’S SON or DAUGHTER through faith in JESUS.

Dear FATHER, thank YOU for sending YOUR ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS, to earth to atone for all sin and redeem all from eternal death who place their faith in YOU, JESUS, and YOUR passion.

What does “begotten” mean? Natural born, yet a divine relationship. Yes, JESUS, who lived a 100% human life was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary. GOD chose Mary to give birth to HIS Only SON, JESUS. The immaculate conception of JESUS is a foreshadow of the redemption of all who place their faith in JESUS and are “born-again” in their spirit and redeemed from Hell.

FATHER, for all who read this, open their eyes to YOUR truth of eternal life through faith in JESUS, The Hope of Glory. All who have been redeemed have received one or more Spiritual gifts. Reveal to each person his/her Spiritual Gift (s) and empower them to live by Faith and use their Spiritual Gift or Gifts as YOU lead and direct as he/she grows Spiritually and walks with YOU, as led by the Holy Spirit.

I am praying and considering a series on Spiritual Gifts. Please pray with me.

Once a person is born-again, faith is vital as he/she walks with GOD through faith in JESUS.

What is faith? Let’s explore!!!

Living by Faith – GOD’S Hall of Fame:

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the reality^[a] of what is hoped for, the proof^[b] of what is not seen. ² For by this our ancestors were approved.

³ By faith we understand that the universe was^[c] created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.^[d]

⁴ By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.

⁵ By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away.^[e] For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. ⁶ Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

⁷ By faith Noah, after he was warned about what was not yet seen and motivated by godly fear, Noah built an ark to deliver his family from death. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of righteousness that comes by faith.

⁸ By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed, and set out for a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, even though he did not know where he was going. ⁹ By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. ¹⁰ For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

¹¹ By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she^[f] considered that the one who had promised was faithful. ¹² Therefore, from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and as innumerable as the grains of sand along the seashore.

¹³ These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. ¹⁴ Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. ¹⁵ If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. ¹⁶ But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

¹⁷ By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He received the promises and yet he was offering his one and only son, ¹⁸ the one to whom it had been said, Your offspring^[g] will be traced through Isaac.^[h] 19 He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead; therefore, he received him back, figuratively speaking.^[i]

²⁰ By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. ²¹ By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and he worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.^[j] 22 By faith Joseph, as he was nearing the end of his life, mentioned^[k] the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones.

²³ By faith Moses, after he was born, was hidden by his parents for three months, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they didn’t fear the king’s edict. ²⁴ By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter ²⁵ and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. ²⁶ For he considered reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt since he was looking ahead to the reward.

²⁷ By faith he left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king’s anger, for Moses persevered as one who sees him who is invisible. ²⁸ By faith he instituted the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch the Israelites. ²⁹ By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. When the Egyptians attempted to do this, they were drowned.

³⁰ By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after being marched around by the Israelites for seven days. ³¹ By faith Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed.

³² And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, ³³ who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴ quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. ³⁵ Women received their dead, raised to life again. Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. ³⁶ Others experienced mucking and scourging, as well as bonds and imprisonment. ³⁷ They were stoned,^[l] they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. ³⁸ The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and on mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

³⁹ All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, ⁴⁰ since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.

Faith in JESUS provides full and complete redemption from sin and physical death which was bestowed upon the human race when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. Adam in the Garden of Eden was the first Adam. GOD put Adam in charge of the Garden of Eden, and he failed his calling. GOD had a backup redemptive plan which required a second Adam, GOD’S only SON JESUS. JESUS willingly left HIS eternal home in Heaven to come to earth to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD for all sin and establish the path to eternal life through faith in JESUS for humans seeking salvation.

JESUS lived a sinless life upon earth, yet HE was tempted in all ways as we are tempted, yet without sin. When we, by faith, ask JESUS to forgive us for our sins and for JESUS to come into our hearts, HE does, and we Spiritually become eternal members of GOD’S Family through the miracle of Spiritual birth.

But we sin, then what? We are to confess our sins, repent (stop sinning) and ask GOD to be our strength through our faith in JESUS and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Some may say, “I do not believe in the HOLY SPIRIT.” The HOLY SPIRIT is the third person of the Trinity. Then you have put up your own barrier. If you have been “born-again” rebuke that lie in the Name of JESUS and ask GOD and JESUS to reveal to you what you need to confess to get back in right standing and fellowship with GOD, through your faith in JESUS.

You may need to ask the Holy Spirit to examine your relationship with JESUS and you may need a redo.

Once truly saved, always saved! But we can allow barriers to come between us and faithfully walking with GOD and JESUS, according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Dear FATHER and JESUS, if anyone who is reading this and who has been in fellowship with YOU and JESUS through faith in JESUS but now is in the far country, know that you, GOD, and JESUS are exactly where you left them. Return home and ask for forgiveness as a prodigal son or daughter and ask for your relationship with both GOD, your FATHER and JESUS, your Savior and Brother be restored in a most profound way. I ask that your fellowship be fully restored.

You are precious to both GOD and JESUS. Continue your walk with JESUS because HE has not given up on you. Do not give up on YOURSELF. You are precious to both GOD and JESUS. Welcome home fellow Christian, hold your head high and walk with pride because JESUS gave HIS sinless life just for you.

Satan will come after you and when he does rejoice, because then you will know that you are walking in step with JESUS.

Know that JESUS, WHO is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world. Live in victory!!!

Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - Elisha (5) - GOD'S Hand in Facing Opposition - 2 Kings 6:8-23 - May 25, 2025

Bible Study – Elisha (5) – GOD’S Hand in Facing Opposition – 2 Kings 6:8-23 – May 25, 2025

GOD is more powerful than those who oppose us was the Old Testament message. What is the New Testament message?

We read in 1 John 4:4:

You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one (JESUS) who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (Satan).

Spirit-born believers are eternally secure through faith in JESUS.

But all “Spirit-born” believers’ must keep in mind that, even though, we are secure in JESUS, we still battle Satan and his minions.

“Spirit-born Christians” are to suit up because the battle plans are ready to be put into action. Let’s explore!!!

Let’s read 2 Kings 6:8-23:

⁸ When the king of Aram was waging war against Israel, he conferred with his servants, “My camp will be at such and such a place.”

⁹ But the man of God (Elisha) sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful passing by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” ¹⁰ Consequently, the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had told him about. The man of God repeatedly^[b] warned the king, so the king would be on his guard.

¹¹ The king of Aram was enraged because of this matter, and he called his servants and demanded of them, “Tell me, which one of us is for the king of Israel?”

¹² One of his servants said, “No one, my lord the king. Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in your bedroom.”

¹³ So the king said, “Go and see where he is, so I can send men to capture him.”

When he was told, “Elisha is in Dothan,” ¹⁴ he sent horses, chariots, and a massive army there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

¹⁵ When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So, he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?”

Elisha’s servant asked an excellent question. To whom do we turn to when the enemy surrounds us? WHO is our protector?

As Spirit-born Christians, through the miracle of Spiritual Birth through faith in JESUS, we are eternally born into GOD’S Family, as GOD’S Son or Daughter and he/she become recruits into GOD’S Army.

Does GOD’S Army exist today? YES!!! And all Spirit born people are enlisted in GOD’S Army. There is the visible Army and the invisible Army of GOD, and both work together to accomplish GOD’S will and purpose.

The Apostle Paul gives us an understanding of our involvement in GOD’S visible Army in Ephesians 6:10-20:

Christian Warfare – When a person becomes a member of GOD’S Eternal Family through faith in JESUS, he/she becomes an enemy of Satan. GOD knows that. Thus, when a person accepts JESUS as his/her Savior, The Holy Spirit, GOD’S Divine Sperm, enters the Spirit-born person’s physical body and unites with the human spirit. This union results in a Spiritual conception and instantly takes place. After Spiritual conception, the human body becomes the Temple for this New “Spirit-born,” eternal person to develop, grow and minister in the physical world as led and directed by GOD/JESUS.

GOD seals and equips all of HIS Children with Spiritual Gifts, so they are fully equipped to fight the Spiritual battles that come their way as they live, serve and follow the orders of their Commander-in-Chief, GOD!

Is this true today? YES!!! Even more so, because we are closer to the second coming of JESUS than ever in the history of Christianity.

So, what are Christians to do? Spirit-born believers are to feed on the milk of GOD’S Word, grow Spiritually and mature so they can feed upon the meat of GOD’S Word. They are to ask GOD to help them to grow Spiritually and as they grow Spiritually to obediently serve GOD                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                as directed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Here is where we, as Spirit-filled believers, must pray and ask GOD to help us keep our focus on HIM and not get caught up in the manifestation of a certain Spiritual Gift but use our Gift(s) as directed by our Commander-in-Chief, GOD.

How many Spiritual Gifts are there? There are many. The Apostle Paul lists a few in our next scripture. I want you to focus upon verse 11.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12: ⁴ Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are different ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. ⁷ A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: ⁸ to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, ⁹ to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues,^[b] to another, interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.

These are just a few of the Spiritual Gifts, but pay special attention to verse 11, “distributing to each person as HE wills.”

Many years ago, there was a period in which a number of “Spirit Born” Christians wanted the fulness of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues. This is in no way to put down anyone who has the gift of speaking in tongues. It is a Spiritual Gift. I was caught up with them and tried. It was a teaching and revealing experience. I rejoice that I went through that period in my life. The LORD revealed to me that HE spoke in many different languages, i.e., known tongues, music, art, poetry, the sunrise and sunset, the seasons, etc... There is an unknown tongue that is understood by the person speaking but if spoken where others can hear, there must be an interpreter.

When we seek the fulness of JESUS in our lives, it is easy to desire the Spiritual Gifts rather than the Giver, The Holy Spirit. Yes, there are many Spiritual Gifts to be used as GOD directs through the indwelling Holy Spirit. We who know the truth must ask GOD/JESUS to keep our focus upon what HE desires for us to do. GOD equips us as HE desires. But human nature can rise up and result in us seeking to minister, as we, desire using the more visible and powerful Spiritual Gift(s).

There are times when a cup of cold water is sufficient, when directed by the Holy Spirit.

It is vital that as, Spirit-born believes, we stay open to whatever GOD calls us to do. It is HIS power that is being manifested through us!

We must keep in mind that our enemy is Satan, and he is a deceiver and our enemy.

The Apostle Paul gives us insight into being a recruit in GOD’S Army in Ephesians 6:10-20:

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. ¹³ For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, ¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. ²⁰ For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

All Spirit Born believers hold a vital position in GOD’S Kingdom as revealed in 2 Corinthians 5:20: ²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

Why “ambassadors”? All “born-again” believers in JESUS automatically represent GOD’S Kingdom and become members of GOD’S Army the instant they receive JESUS as their Savior. GOD equips each new believer with at least one or more Spiritual Gift(s) to enable the “Spirit-born” person to be equipped to effectively serve in GOD’S Army and minister within HIS Kingdom.

As a true believer, you are equipped to serve and being equipped to serve as you develop.

Being a “Spirit-born” member of GOD’S Family, you are called to be a warrior in GOD’S Army. GOD’S Army is still fully engaged in the lives of GOD’S chosen today.

Let’s return to our scripture to get an eyewitness account of GOD’S Army that surrounds all who are born-again through faith in JESUS.

¹⁶ Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.”

¹⁷ Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see.” So, the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Oh, YES!!! FATHER, open our Spiritual eyes so we can see that YOUR Children are surrounded by YOUR mighty power and protection.

Can many of us recall times in our lives when YOU have intervened in our lives and kept us out of harm’s way?

Back to our scripture -----

¹⁸ When the Arameans came against him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Please strike this nation with blindness.”^[c] So he struck them with blindness, according to Elisha’s word. ¹⁹ Then Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you’re looking for.” And he led them to Samaria. ²⁰ When they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “Lord, open these men’s eyes and let them see.” So, the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw that they were in the middle of Samaria.

²¹ When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “Should I kill them, should I kill them, my father?”

²² Elisha replied, “Don’t kill them. Do you kill those you have captured with your sword or your bow? Set food and water in front of them so they can eat and drink and go to their master.”

²³ So he prepared a big feast for them. When they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. The Aramean raiders did not come into Israel’s land again.

GOD’S ways are not our ways! Being kind to our enemies, as GOD directs us, changes hearts toward us.

As members of GOD’S Army, we are to stay fit, prepared, and ready for battle. Why? The battle still rages for the souls of both men and women in the world.

In 1 Peter 5:8:

Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

A roaring lion is a hungry lion that is on the prowl to kill and devour the Child of GOD or those considering becoming GOD’S Child.

FATHER, protect all to whom YOU are appealing to become YOUR Child through faith in JESUS. Please say yes and experience the miracle of Spiritual birth into GOD’S eternal Family, never to be cast out.

Being in GOD’S army and Family require us to be Spiritually fit and ready for what comes our way as we journey through life. As GOD’S Child, HE equips us, but we must eat the right Spiritual food and study GOD’S eternal Word, as recorded in The Bible. Exercise by putting into action what GOD, through the leading of The Holy Spirit, guides us to do, according to HIS will and purpose. We need to rest and breath in the freshness of the presence of GOD in our lives. All in CHRIST have been washed clean by the eternal shed blood of JESUS. What does that mean for all “born-again” Christians?

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 2:15:

¹⁵ For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

My, my, you smell so good. Blessings to those who ask JESUS to forgive them for their sins and for JESUS to come into their hearts. Being “Born-again” means you are beginning a new life in CHRIST. Your sins have been forgiven, and you are on the redemptive path which ends when you breath your last breath upon earth to be in the presence of JESUS.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:9:

But as it is written, What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived— God has prepared these things for those who love him.

To GOD be the Glory!

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Elisha (4) - GOD'S Hand in Restoring Lives -2 Kings 5:1-3, 10-19a - Sunday, May 18, 2025

 

Bible Study – Elisha (4) – GOD’S Hand in Restoring Lives -2 Kings 5:1-3, 10-19a – Sunday, May 18, 2025  

GOD restores us as we are obedient to HIM.

Salvation is a growing process. Once a person acknowledges JESUS as his or her Savior, that person is born-again Spiritually. He/she are Spiritual babies and must be fed the nourishing milk of GOD’S Word, pray and apply what they are being taught, as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

When a baby begins to walk and he/she falls, do we pick it up and tell that baby to never try walking again until he/she gets it right? NO!!!

We pick up this precious child and patiently work with that child until he/she not only walks but runs.

The same with those “Born-again,” Spiritually. GOD never ever gives up on you, therefore, never ever give up on GOD! JESUS gave HIS sinless body and life just for you to have The Way To Salvation and that is personal. May the Holy Spirit reveal truth to you as you meet GOD and JESUS through this study.

Our focus scripture is 2 Kings 5:1-3,10-19a:

Let’s read 2 Kings 5:1-3:

Naaman’s Disease Healed

5 Naaman, commander of the army for the king of Aram, was a man important to his master and highly regarded because through him, the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man was a valiant warrior, but he had a skin disease.

We notice that even before Naaman knew the ONE TRUE GOD of the Israelites, GOD was active in his life. GOD had a plan for Naaman and guess what?

GOD has a plan for each of us in HIS Kingdom.

² Aram had gone on raids and brought back from the land of Israel a young girl who served Naaman’s wife. ³ She said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his skin disease.”

In this study, we will see the salvation of Naaman through faith in the ONE TRUE GOD OF ISRAEL, YHWH “I AM”.

⁴ So Naaman went and told his master (the King of Aram) what the girl from the land of Israel had said. ⁵ Therefore, the king of Aram said, “Go, and I will send a letter with you to the king of Israel.”

King of Aram and Naaman as the head of the king’s army had made many incursions into Isarel. On one of these incursions they captured a young girl, who told her mistress about Elisha. So, Naaman armed with impressive gifts to be able to approach Israel’s King and their prophet Elisha. Naaman put his best foot forward to remove all potential barriers.

When we go to GOD for HIS help and/or guidance, do we have hidden issues that need to be revealed before we can receive GOD’S Grace, assistance, help, guidance, etc.?

So, Naaman went to Israel, a former enemy, and took with him 750 pounds^[a] of silver, 150 pounds^[b] of gold, and ten sets of clothing. ⁶ He brought the letter to the king of Israel, and it read:

When this letter comes to you, note that I have sent you my servant Naaman for you to cure him of his skin disease.

⁷ When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a man of his skin disease? Recognize^[c] that he is only picking a fight with me.”

The King of Israel responded correctly. He recognized his limitations and did not try to be something he wasn’t.

⁸ When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why have you torn your clothes? Have him come to me, and he will know there is a prophet in Israel.” ⁹ So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house.

The King of Israel’s response sent a shock wave throughout Israel, which GOD intended for it to do. The Prophet Elisha got the message and sent GOD’S solution to Naaman. No hands on, just based upon the knowledge of Naaman’s need to be healed. The Prophet never laid hands on Naaman; he just told him what he needed to do to be healed.

It was a simple step of faith of obedience to GOD’S message through HIS Prophet Elisha, who never met Naaman physically.

Often, as Christians, we think we have to be present for healing to take place. But we see JESUS being told of a need and that need being taken care of without JESUS completing HIS journey to be in the presence of the person to cure that need. We who have been “born-again” often limit our usefulness to others because we think we have to be present.

Some may say, “that is impossible!” That is true for those who are lacking in their faith in GOD.

¹⁰ Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go wash seven times in the Jordan and your skin will be restored and you will be clean.”

The Prophet Elisha sent Naaman a message. He did not go out to Naaman personally. Why do you think Elisha did not go to Naaman personally? Could it be that Naaman would have been focused upon Elisha and his healing message rather than GOD and HIS healing power?

How did Naaman react? After all, Naaman came himself bearing wonderful gifts.

So, how did Naaman react with this solution to his skin problem?

How do we react when GOD does not respond like we think HE should to the issues we encounter in life? Often, not well when we have already concluded how GOD is going to solve our issue.

1 Samuel 15:23

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”

HIS ways are most often not our ways. GOD knows the best way to solve our issue or issues. We must trust in the dark what we learn in the light.

What was Naaman’s response? He sure went to a lot of trouble to be cured. He had to swallow his pride and his ego by taking gifts to a former adversary. However, the fact that he did reveals how desperate he was to find a cure for his skin disease. The real issue would be how he would respond to the instructions given to him through a messenger?

Let’s read on -----

¹¹ But Naaman got angry and left, saying, “I was telling myself: He will surely come out, stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the skin disease. ¹² Aren’t Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be clean?” So, he turned and left in a rage.

Naaman had it all figured out. However, it did not go according to his plan. So, he got mad and left in a huff. Although he had given up on the GOD of the prophet, GOD had not given up on him.

You know that is the Love of GOD toward all of us, HE never gives up on us, therefore, we are never to give up on GOD/JESUS.

If you have given up on GOD/JESUS, confess it because HE stands exactly where you left HIM. Tell HIM, “I am back, and I ask YOU to forgive me and teach me YOUR truth by saving my soul. I place my trust in JESUS as my Savior, and I want HIM to be the LORD of my life as evidenced by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

¹³ But his servants approached and said to him, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more should you do when he only tells you, ‘Wash and be clean’?”

What a joy when those who care for us reach over the line of protocol to give us GODLY advice. It took courage and revealed that Naaman’s entourage’ respected him and wanted Naaman to be healed.

 ¹⁴ So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the command of the man of God. Then his skin was restored and became like the skin of a small boy, and he was clean.

Doing what GOD reveals to us through GODLY people, results in success.

Naaman and his entourage’ witnessed the power of GOD through the Prophet Elisha.

What impact did this healing have on Naaman and his entourage’?

¹⁵ Then Naaman and his whole company went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “I know there’s no God in the whole world except in Israel. Therefore, please accept a gift from your servant.”

WOW!!! Naaman witnessed the power of GOD, and he went back to Elisha to give his report. The GOD of Elisha is truly GOD WHO did not demand anything except faith and obedience in whom the Israelites worshipped. Naaman witnessed firsthand the awesome power of THE ONE TRUE GOD OF THE ISRAELITES, WHO healed him without fanfare.

¹⁶ But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, in whose presence I stand, I will not accept it.” Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused.

Notice, Naaman was speaking directly to The Prophet Elisha.

What was the impact on Naaman? Salvation through faith in THE ONE TRUE GOD OF THE ISRAELITES. The same GOD WHO sent JESUS into the world to be the SAVIOR of all who will place their faith in HIM (New Testament).

¹⁷ Naaman responded, “If not, please let your servant be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will no longer offer a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the Lord. ¹⁸ However, in a particular matter may the Lord pardon your servant: When my master, the king of Aram, goes into the temple of Rimmon to bow in worship while he is leaning on my arm,^[d] and I have to bow in the temple of Rimmon—when I bow^[e] in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.”

Naaman immediately knew that his life had changed and that he had a personnel relationship with THE ONE TRUE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE.

HE knew that his form of worship had to change. So, Naaman requested enough soil to build his own place of worship when he returned home.

The dirt which is Yahweh’s domain is holy ground. The idea of “holy ground” is an important element of Israelite theology.

Naaman believed that the various gods were territorial and claimed the soil in each country as theirs. Naaman had just discovered the ONE TRUE GOD OF THE ISRALEITES – Yahweh, therefore he wanted to take soil from Israel back with him. HE did what he thought best based upon his knowledge at that time. The important thing is that GOD/Yahweh knew his heart. Yahweh/GOD/JESUS knows our hearts and desires for us to lead and guide us according to GOD’S plan for our lives.

CHRIST in us, the hope of Glory!!!

Life change reveals true conversion.

Yes, Naaman’s life was changed, and he knew he had to go into a pagan temple with his king, and he knew doing so would be against his newfound relationship with THE ONE TRUE GOD OF ISRAEL. Naaman’s life had changed, and his eyes had been opened to truth.

The same is for all today who place their faith in JESUS as their SAVIOR and make HIM the LORD of their lives.

¹⁹ So he said to him, “Go in peace.”

GOD reveals truth in our hearts as revealed in the Old Testament and the New Testament through The HOLY SPIRIT. When HE does, that is HIS invitation for us to ask JESUS to forgive us for our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and for JESUS to come into our lives. JESUS paid for our sin debt, in full, by HIS shed blood. HIS bodily resurrection is the proof that JESUS defeated death. JESUS walked upon earth for 40 days and then bodily ascended into Heaven. HE took HIS seat at the right hand of GOD and intercedes for each person who has been “born-again” (Born-again means to asked JESUS to forgive him/her for all of their sins and uprightness and for JESUS to come into his/her heart.)

Why does a Spirit-born Christian need an intercessor? Because Satan is the “born-again” Christian’s accuser. “Born-again” people will still sin, and Satan is quick to tell JESUS.

What does JESUS tell Satan? Yes, I know but I also know that he or she placed his/her faith in ME, and they are covered eternally by MY shed blood and their faith in ME. They belong to ME, because I laid down MY life for them because they placed their faith and trust in ME. MY SHED BLOOD for all who place their faith in ME and MY passion, receive GOD’S GRACE and are no longer under the Law!

1 John 1:9:1 But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.

Rejoice!!! My brother or sister in JESUS. My prayers are for all who receive JESUS, as their Savior, and for those who have not been living for JESUS and recommitted their lives to JESUS. Welcome back!!!

Do you know that the Angels in Heaven rejoice when a person returns to follow JESUS or accepts JESUS for the first time?

Luke 15:10

I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”

Yes, even Spirit-born people sin. Yes, they are covered by the shed blood of JESUS for eternity, so why do they need to confess? Sin is a barrier between us and GOD/JESUS. JESUS forgives and forgets but our human brain is made to recall and remember, and Satan uses our human design to make us think we are out of fellowship with GOD/JESUS. 

Satan tries to isolate us to keep us quiet and ineffective to work in the Kingdom of GOD. That is why we need to confess our sins, so we do not give a toehold for Satan to distracts us as we serve GOD in this world.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Spirit-born Christians must keep in their minds that Satan desires to neutralize us.

Blessings!!!