Jesus, The Author & Finisher of Faith
Volume 3, Number 2The faith of Jesus, Introduction Part 2:In our last study we examined the Greek word "archegos," translated Author by the King James translators in Hebrews 12:2: "looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of (the word "our" is not in the original) faith, Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." This study will examine the word "Finisher" used in this verse as we learn how it was/is that Jesus "finished" faith.Although the Greek word "archegos," translated "Author" in Hebrews... Continue reading →
Jesus, The Author & Finisher of Faith
Volume 3, Number 1The faith of Jesus, Introduction Part 1:Over the past four and a half years, in Volumes 1 & 2 of Faith Studies, we have examined how the 16 Old Testament Saints named in Hebrews 11 were born witness to by their faith. Now, in Hebrews 12:1 the author, inspired by the Holy Spirit, exhorts the believing Hebrews to whom this book was written to remember the witness of faith of all those mentioned in the eleventh chapter and in Hebrews 12:2 he writes: "looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of (the word "our" is not in the original) faith,... Continue reading →
David vs Goliath - Type of Jesus' Faith
Volume 2, Number 47David's witness of faith vs. Goliath - Jesus Christ vs. Satan (Part 3):In our last study we began to examine how David's witness of faith in facing up to and killing the giant Goliath, 1 Samuel 17, was a type that pointed to the finished work of Jesus. In David's case, Satan was using Goliath to question the truth of God's Word to Israel, thereby trying Israel's faith. For although Goliath was physically bigger and stronger than any individual Jewish soldier, Israel had God's promise they would have victory over their enemies and be invincible as long as they obeyed... Continue reading →
David vs Goliath - Type of Jesus' Faith
Volume 2, Number 46David's witness of faith vs. Goliath/ Jesus Christ vs. Satan (Part 3): Our last study observed Israel paralyzed with fear by Goliath, without God's guidance because their leader King Saul had lost the Holy Spirit and was troubled with an evil spirit after he disobeyed God's Word. Then David, who had no official leadership role over Israel as yet, stepped forward by the power of the Holy Spirit and killed Goliath, saving Israel, 1 Samuel 16 & 17. In today's study we will examine how David's witness of faith, Hebrews 11:32, here was a type of and pointed to Jesus... Continue reading →
david vs Goliath - Type of Jesus' Faith
Volume 2, Number 45Davids witness of faith (vs. Goliath) - Part 2:The Spirit of the Lord came upon David at the anointing by Samuel. It left Saul who then became troubled by an evil spirit, 1 Samuel 16:13 & 14. Saul called David to his court to play the harp when the evil spirit tormented him, so causing it to desist, 1 Samuel 16:23. Then the Scripture records Davids experience with the giant Goliath. Todays study will examine Davids witness of faith therein and our next study will point out how all this was a type pointing to the work subsequently finished by... Continue reading →
David, a Type of Jesus Christ
Volume 2, Number 44Davids witness of faith - Part 1:The Spirit of the Lord came upon David when Samuel anointed him with oil, 1 Samuel 16:13. (According to The Students Commentary by George Williams, page 152, it is generally accepted that David was about 15 years at this time.) The next verse states that the Spirit departed from Saul and an evil spirit began to trouble him, 1 Samuel 16:14. The Scripture then informs that Sauls servants told him they should seek out someone to play the harp when the evil spirit came upon him and this would make him well. Saul told... Continue reading →
Samuel & David - Types of Jesus Christ
Volume 2, Number 43The Sovereignty of God and the Faith of Man:Over the course of these studies we've observed God's miraculous work in the affairs of mankind. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews gives examples of men and women who were chosen for various tasks. Each faced various circumstances when the Word of God communicated to them and each responded by faith and thus was born witness thereby. However they all died not having received the complete fulfillment of God's promise, a Kingdom which is permanent, (everlasting) Hebrews 11:2, 13 - 16, 39 & 40; 12:27 & 28. The last two men mentioned by... Continue reading →
Samuel, Israel's Priest, Judge & Prophet, a Type of Christ
Volume 2, Number 42Samuel's Faith - Part 8:In our studies of Samuel's witness of faith it has been noted that the Lord appointed him to serve as Israel's Priest, Judge and Prophet. In these three offices he was a type of and as such pointed to the faith that was to come, Jesus Christ. In this study we will examine the specifics of Samuel's faith as types pointing to Jesus.First of all, Samuel's conception was miraculous. His mother Hannah had been barren. She prayed for a son, promising his life would be dedicated to God's service. When the High Priest Eli told her... Continue reading →
The Witness of Samuel's Faith
Volume 2, Number 41The witness of Samuel's Faith - Part 7:"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:" - Hebrews 11:32. The last person identified by name in Hebrews 11 is Samuel who was chosen before he was born to be Israel's priest, the last of Israel's Judges and the first great prophet, Acts 3:24 & 13:20. Beginning when he was a boy God spoke directly to him. He obeyed God's Word to the letter. His witness... Continue reading →
Samuel & the Appointment & Blessing of King Saul
Volume 2, Number 40The witness of Samuel's Faith - Part 6:Our last study ended with Israel rejecting God as their ruler and protector because they wanted a king like other nations around them: "And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." - 1 Samuel 8:7. But in spite of Israel's rejection God continued to work in their affairs through Samuel, His chosen prophet, priest and judge, by elevating and making known Saul, the... Continue reading →