When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

When the Son of man comes, will He find faith on the earth? Will He find people listening or finding reasons not to hear in their unbelief of what the Spirit is saying?

Luke 18:8 KJV
(8) I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The Son of man comes in an hour we are not aware of through His servants whom He will send out to preach what they hear the Spirit saying (the witness of Jesus). The faithful and wise servant will be found of Him hearing and entertaining those “strangers”….His servants sent by Him to preach His words of life and spirit. They will be found practicing brotherly love. Without brotherly love, those who will hear in their unbelief will not be able to enter into the understanding of His Word of Truth.

Matthew 24:44-51 KJV
(44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
(45) Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
(46) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
(47) Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.


In unbelief, an evil servant shall begin to “smite” His servants sent to them to preach His words. They will prate against them with malicious words and will be found “sleeping”….forgetting to let brotherly love continue which is the commandment of our Lord. We are to believe in our Lord who commanded us to have brotherly love as He loved us and gave His life for us. By willing to do His will, we shall hear and understand that the words are of God.

(48) But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
(49) And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
(50) The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
(51) And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.


The natural man will hear and not receive the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him. The Holy Spirit teaches by comparing…..that is, MATCHING…spiritual things with spiritual. The Spirit uses all of the Scriptures to highlight spiritual things. Some will see this MATCHING of Scriptures as being “taken out of context”.

1 Corinthians 2:12-14 KJV
(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.
(13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
(14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.


The naturally-minded will scorn just as they did with Isaiah: Whom is He trying to teach knowledge to?

Isaiah 28:9-13 KJV
(9) Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.

To them it will be Scripture upon Scripture….. taking things out of context…..and rule upon rule. A verse here and a verse there…..here a little and there a little. It will just seem like "stammering" to the natural mind that will not enter in to the understanding.

(10) For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
(11) For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.


They just will not hear the words of His rest. This is the rest….this is the refreshing….but they will not hear…..

(12) To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

…for to them it is all taken out of context and will refuse the verse upon verse approach.

(13) But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.


In unbelief (by the way side), the Word will be trodden down by those who will refuse it. The “fowls of the air”….the words of the unbelievers… will devour it. They will speak against what they will hear in their unbelief.

Luke 8:5 KJV
(5) A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

They will not be able to enter in to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God for it is foolishness to them.

Luke 8:10-12 KJV
(10) And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
(11) Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.


What they will hear shall be removed from them by way of evil speaking.

(12) Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

They will not receive the love of the Truth that they might be saved….and so a strong delusion is sent to them so that they should believe a lie that they might be judged who did not believe the Truth but had pleasure in their unrighteousness: speaking evil of those who will preach the Word of God to them in Truth and sincerity.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 KJV
(9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
(10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
(11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
(12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.


They will believe a lie: that they will be doing God service by “killing” with malicious words (the “fowls of the air”) those who will preach the Word of Truth. They will not believe but take pleasure in this unrighteousness and will think that they are actually doing Him service for such things.

John 16:1-3 KJV
(1) These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
(2) They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
(3) And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.


Others will be too busy in worldly matters to hear just as Martha who was cumbered about much serving. They will be too distracted with the affairs of this life worrying about prayer not being allowed in school or worried that their Christian values are not being represented in politics or too busy judging the outside “sinners” of the world because of what they do. God judges those on the outside and that is not our job right now.

Luke 10:38-42 KJV
(38) Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
(39) And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
(40) But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
(41) And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:


One thing is needful for those who are too distracted. We are not to be distracted and troubled about many things but instead cease from our activities in order to sit at His feet and hear His words: this is the rest….this is the refreshing.

(42) But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

All of those worldly things shall pass away….but His words shall not pass away.

Luke 21:33-34 KJV
(33) Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

We are to take heed to ourselves lest we find ourselves too distracted with the cares of this life and be found not paying attention to His words when they come to our ears through the speaking of a “stranger” sent by Him. If He finds us sleeping, the day of His visitation will come upon us unaware and will be found not listening and will miss out. That day will come unawares upon those who are asleep.

(34) And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

It will be like the seed that falls among the thorns. They will hear the Word of God but they will go forth without keeping it and it is choked with the cares of this life or by riches or the pleasures of this life and it brings no fruit to perfection. They will not enter in to know the mysteries of the kingdom because of all the worldly distractions that they are bogged down in.

Luke 8:14 KJV
(14) And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

To be continued…
 
Are we talking about fruit of the Spirit, peace, joy faithfulness or what the Word produces (Through Faith) which is normaly a thing or change of something?

Jesus statement was about those that cry day and night and God having to bare with them. That verses being at peace, and recieving what you have asked for though you don't see it.
 
Hi brother! Thanks for reading. Sorry for the length of my response....but here it goes:


We are to hear what the Spirit is saying unto the “churches”…the “called out”. We are called out of Babylon (out of the flattering tongues of those who lead us astray from having love for one another). We are to hear and overcome in belief of the good Word of God that we shall hear spoken through “strangers” whom He will have sent.

Revelation 2:29 KJV
(29) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

We hear what the Spirit is speaking….that is, being made partakers of the Holy Spirit….that “living water” that flows to our ears. We “taste” with our ears the good Word of God who makes the mysteries of the kingdom made known to us and of which we obtain an inheritance.

Hebrews 6:4-6 KJV
(4) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
(5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,


But some will hear what the Spirit is saying (after having been made partakers of what the Holy Spirit says), and will vilify what is being said and speak malicious words against those sent by Him to speak His living words. They will fall away from doing His commandment to have brotherly love.

(6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

We have the eyes of our understanding enlightened. We are to hear the Word of Truth……the “gospel” (the GOOD NEWS) of our salvation which is a HERE AND NOW thing. We taste of the heavenly gift. The life of Jesus is to be made manifest in our mortal flesh in the here and now in order to display the glory of God to this dark and dying world. They will see a tangible result of what it means to TRULY DO the will of God. All things shall be gathered together in one in Christ.

Ephesians 1:9-19 KJV
(9) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
(10) That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:


We who shall FIRST trust in Christ (having heard and believed the good Word of God as spoken by the Holy Spirit) have an inheritance in this earth as we shall be used to display the glory of God ….to the praise of His glory. The life of Jesus shall be made manifest in our mortal flesh so that we may prove to the outside world what it means to really DO His will.

(11) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
(12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.


Those who will first trust in Him after we have heard the Word of Truth….the good news of our salvation….and have believed in that Word will be sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. We shall speak what we hear the Spirit saying to others so that they may hear and believe and be saved wholly: in soul, spirit and MORTAL BODY in order to display the glory of God to this dark world.

(13) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
(14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glor
y.

We hear the Word of Truth as spoken in the Spirit by the “saints”…those sent by our Lord Jesus. We are to show love towards the saints which is doing the commandment of our Lord Jesus of whom we have faith in for we are doing what He says. We believe in the “name”….the authority…of the Lord Jesus. If He is our Lord, then we do what the Lord says and have brotherly love.

(15) Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
(16) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;


By having brotherly love, we shall enter into the understanding as the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, shall give unto us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

(17) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:


We shall know what is the hope of His calling and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.

(18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
(19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power
,

But, we who shall believe in the good Word of God shall be persecuted by the unbelievers of those churches we leave behind. They will not believe that the life of Jesus is to be made manifest in our mortal flesh in the here and now as they will keep preaching and believing in their covenant with death and their agreement with the grave. They will not believe that we are to display His glory (the appearing life of Jesus in the mortal flesh) in order for this dark world to see His life manifested and be gathered together in one in Christ. They will persecute us for our faith….but we are to endure the contradiction of sinners as Jesus did against Himself. But we are to rejoice in being persecuted for His sake for the glory that is set before us....looking forward to it.

Hebrews 12:1-4 KJV
(1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, 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,
(2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our 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.


We are to consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself lest we become wearied and FAINT IN OUR MINDS and return evil for their evil.

(3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
(4) Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.


Christ is our example and we are to FOLLOW HIM in His steps as He did not sin. When He was reviled, He did not return reviling back. When He suffered, He did not threaten those who persecuted Him but instead committed Himself to Him that JUDGES righteously.

1 Peter 2:21-25 KJV
(21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
(22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
(23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:


Which now brings us to the parable of the “widow”. We shall be persecuted by the unbelieving church goers of men whom we shall leave behind but we ought to always “pray” and FAINT NOT in the face of the persecutions of the adversary. We are to follow Christ in the face of their persecutions and commit ourselves to THE JUDGE who shall judge those adversaries in His righteousness although we may be persecuted for a while. We are the “widow”. We ought to always pray and NOT FAINT in the face of their persecutions.

Luke 18:1-8 KJV
(1) And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
(2) Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:


The widow did not fight with the adversary but instead came to the judge himself.

(3) And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.


We may be persecuted “for a while” but we are to pray and be patient that the Judge shall judge our enemies in His righteousness.

(4) And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
(5) Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
(6) And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
(7) And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?


But all of this (the persecutions of those who will truly BELIEVE) is predicated on finding FAITH in those hearers of the good Word of God. How shall we be persecuted by the unbelievers of the churches if no one believes in what they hear?

(8) I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

We who shall believe in His good Word shall be persecuted but we are to have PATIENCE and FAITH in all of our persecutions and tribulations that we shall endure. the "widow" was persecuted by her adversary but committed her prayer and patience toward the judge who did bear long with her.

2 Thessalonians 1:4-6 KJV
(4) So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
(5) Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:


The Judge shall recompense tribulation to those who trouble us. The “widow” shall be avenged of her adversary.

(6) Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

We are to cast all of our care upon Him…for they will persecute us for our faith in Him. The adversary shall walk about with his followers seeking whom he may devour with their malicious words.

1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV
(6) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
(7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

(8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

We are to resist steadfast in the FAITH knowing that the same afflictions will be accomplished in other believers that are in the world.

(9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

And AFTER we have suffered “a while”…for the judge did not avenge the widow of her adversary for a while….He shall avenge His own elect and make us perfect and establish and strengthen and settle us.

(10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
(11) To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.


But BEFORE all of this happens, we are to hear that good Word of God and produce fruit towards the Lord….the fruits of righteousness. But will He find faith on the earth when His voice is heard? Will He find the fruits of righteousness when He comes to us unexpectedly in the words spoken by strangers?

Will He find us being hospitable….letting brotherly love continue? Will He find the fruit of righteousness in us? Will He find faith on the earth?

Matthew 21:18-19 KJV
(18) Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
(19) And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
 
And just to add one more thought to the previous post…

Faith is EXPRESSED in this earth by producing the fruit of the Spirit: love, peace, joy ,etc. Faith ALONE is dead. Having “leaves” only is having faith without good works. The expression of faith made manifest in this earth is the fruit found on the "tree".

How does the Son of man find faith ON THE EARTH? By the manifestation of love and peace and joy towards Him and those whom He sends to preach what they hear the Spirit saying. Faith alone is like finding the fig tree with only leaves....without fruit.
 
And just to add one more thought to the previous post…

Faith is EXPRESSED in this earth by producing the fruit of the Spirit: love, peace, joy ,etc. Faith ALONE is dead. Having “leaves” only is having faith without good works. The expression of faith made manifest in this earth is the fruit found on the "tree".

How does the Son of man find faith ON THE EARTH? By the manifestation of love and peace and joy towards Him and those whom He sends to preach what they hear the Spirit saying. Faith alone is like finding the fig tree with only leaves....without fruit.

Lack of faith Grows weary in well doing. One of the first things to go when someone is at the end of their faith is Joy, one of the fruits of the Spirit.Faith is a substance of things you hope for, but loosing hope your faith has nothing to focus on, and loosing faith means you don't even see the substance of hope anymore.

Love is also a fruit of the Spirit, and Paul said it's possible to have faith, but not love. It's love that works Faith (Gal 5:6) FAith to move mountains don't move them without love.

So then are we talking about both faith and fruit of the Spirit.
 
Will the Lord find "faith" on earth when he returns? There is no doubt there will be faith on earth, because it will be faith that brings him back!
Instead of the Church walking by faith and speed the coming of the Lord back to this earth, we are all sitting around waiting to see this event happen when we should be first seeing this event by faith, which causes it to happen.

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
2Pe 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives
2Pe 3:12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
 
Great points guys! Thanks for the feedback.

I want to focus on the finding of faith “on the earth”.

Finding faith “on the earth” is finding the outward, visible evidence of that internal faith that we have. We might have all faith but where is it “upon the earth” if we do not express it for others to see?

Yes…..in Galatians 5:6, we find that love is an outward expression of faith. The outward evidence of our faith is the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:6 KJV
(6) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

And yes, if I have ALL FAITH so that I could remove mountains and have NOT LOVE (that expression of faith), then I am NOTHING. We are then like the fig tree that had only leaves and no fruit.

Then what can be said of me is that I have not faith found “upon the earth”….for visible things are upon the earth where we can witness the expression of faith in each other. I might have all faith in my mind …..but not have faith found “upon the earth” as I do not express it through love, peace, joy, patience towards others.

1 Corinthians 13:2 KJV
(2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

So when the Son of man comes, shall He find faith “ON THE EARTH”. Yes, He will find faith…..people saying they believe in one God but will He find them doing His will…..that expression of faith: have love for those whom He may send to speak to them? Will He find a fig tree with just leaves and no fruit?

Luke 18:8 KJV
(8) I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The Son of man speaks of His humanity….His servants whom He will send out to the churches to speak what they hear the Spirit saying. The Son of man will come like an undercover boss with His servants to the churches. They will not recognize Him at first...just as they 2 disciples who walked towards Emmaus and had their eyes withholden so that all they saw was a stranger.

Some will remember to have love towards those “strangers”…..He will find their faith “on the earth”. Jesus found the faith upon the earth of those 2 disciples who walked towards Emmaus for they did invite Him to stay with them and did eat with Him....keeping the feast of brotherly love.

Luke 24:28-31 KJV
(28) And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
(29) But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
(30) And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
(31) And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.


Others will be found not remembering to let brotherly love continue…..found “sleeping”. Even though they will say they have all faith, no faith will be found “upon the earth” as they will not express their faith through love.

We are the “fig tree” that He comes to and looks for that expression of faith: love, peace, joy, etc. The fruits of the Spirit are to be found instead of just leaves only. Having faith only (having leaves only) is equal to not finding faith “upon the earth” for there is no outward expression of that faith (the fruit).

Matthew 21:18-20 KJV
(18) Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
(19) And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
(20) And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!


We may say we have all faith. We may have all faith….but faith without good works (that outward evidence of faith) is dead being alone. Faith without good works is being found of Him with “leaves only” and no fruit. No faith shall be found “upon the earth”.

Then, the Son of man does not find faith ON THE EARTH of us…for we do not show it outwardly. A man may say that he has all faith (having leaves) but not have good works (fruit) to show that faith. He is found only having “leaves” and no fruit.

James 2:17-20 KJV
(17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
(18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.


Faith without good works is dead= faith not being found UPON THE EARTH. The devils even believe there is one God and tremble.

(19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
(20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?


This will be the problem with the church in Sardis. Their works will not be good towards what they hear the Spirit saying through His messengers whom He will send out to speak to them. They have a name that they live (I have ALL FAITH) but they are “dead” for faith without good works is dead just like the body without the spirit. They will be found with “leaves only” and no fruit. Faith shall not be found “on the earth” as their faith will not be accompanied with good works (works complete before God).

Revelation 3:1-2 KJV
(1) And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
(2) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God
.

The church in Sardis was found not having perfect works before God as they trampled upon what they heard and defiled their garments. By good works is our faith made perfect. Faith is shown by our good works and by good works (the fruit of the Spirit) is faith made complete.

James 2:22-24 KJV
(22) Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
(23) And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
(24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.


Jesus is the Author and Completer of our faith.

Revelation 22:12-17 KJV
(12) And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
(13) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.


Blessed are those servants whom He will find doing His commandments. They shall be able to enter in to know the mysteries of the kingdom. They will enter into life NOW. They will be like fig trees that produce fruit when the Son of man comes. He will have found their faith “upon the earth” for they will DO His commandments.

(14) Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

But outside will be those who are found without fruit twice dead as they will not have any evidence of their faith found “upon the earth”.

(15) For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

The Son of man comes at a hour not expected. He comes like an undercover Boss through the messenger whom He sends to testify of these things in the churches. That is why the churches are to have an ear and hear what the Spirit is saying and not be found asleep and having no good fruit. He comes at an hour unexpected in the words of a stranger.

(16) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
(17) And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.


Blessed are those who will do His commandments. They will not be found walking in the counsel of the ungodly who will hear what the Spirit is saying and will resist it with malicious words against those brothers sent to preach to the churches in this coming time. They will not follow after the evil ways of the modern day "Diotrephes" who will resist those brothers sent to them.

Psalms 1:1-6 KJV
(1) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Not only will they delight in His commandments in the inner man….

(2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

….but they will have fruit to show for it also. They will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water (as they will partake of what they hear the Spirit saying and keep it). They will bring forth fruit in due season….as they will be found of Him being hospitable towards those “strangers” whom He will send to the churches to testify of what they hear the Spirit saying. They will remember to have brotherly love always as they will delight in it.

(3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
But the ungodly are not found so. At the hearing of the Spirit, they are like the chaff which the “wind” (the Spirit) drives away. They will resist what they hear the Spirit saying and not do His commandments. They will be found like the fig tree that had leaves only and no fruit.

(4) The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
(5) Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
(6) For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.


Every branch in Him that bears not fruit, He takes away. We must abide in Him who commanded us to have love for one another. Without this love (the outward expression of faith), we can not bear fruit.

John 15:1-12 KJV
(1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
(2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
(3) Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
(4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
(5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
(6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
(7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
(8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
(9) As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
(10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
(11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
(12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.


Not every one who says “Lord, Lord” shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. We may have all faith by saying “Lord, Lord” but without good works (good fruit) we are dead.

Matthew 7:18-23 KJV
(18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
(19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
(20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
(21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
(22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
(23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.


We can not hide behind faith alone....having just "leaves". We can not cover ourselves with "Lord, Lord" and not do His will.

Genesis 3:7-9 KJV
(7) And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
(8) And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
(9) And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
 
Brother Wheelz, I find it very important that as scripture tells us that, "faith works by love". Since God alone is love, then only God himself can do the "works" of faith". Where does that put us his Church? We are the ones with the faith, and it God who works according to our faith that we have. We can not remove mountains, but God can, and he does so according to our faith. As it is written, "For it is God who worketh in us, both to will and to do according to his good pleasure"
Man's work is to believe, and it is God's work to do.
 
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Amen brother!

It is the righteousness of God that we work and not our own works. Jesus worked the works of what He saw the Father doing. We also do His works. As sons of God, we also work the works of God…His righteousness and not our own. The Son/son (as we are all sons of God) can do nothing of himself but that which we see the Father do. God is love…and we are to have love for one another….which is working the righteousness of God.

John 5:17-19 KJV
(17) But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
(18) Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
(19) Then answered Jesus and said unto them, 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.


We seek His righteousness….and not our own works of “righteousness”. The wrath of man works not the righteousness of God…for God is love indeed.

Matthew 6:33 KJV
(33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The Son of man comes seeking that righteousness of God (His works) in each of us when we hear the voice of the Lord. He looks for faith “upon the earth”…that manifestation of our faith in Him (the works of God).

This is the work of God: that we believe on him whom He has sent. Believing is ACTIVE FAITH…for faith without good works (God’s righteous works) is dead.

John 6:28-29 KJV
(28) Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
(29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent
.

The just shall live by faith…as their faith is made manifest “upon the earth”. They walk in faith. They live by it. The righteousness of God is revealed from “faith to faith”.

From “faith to faith”= The inner faith is expressed outwardly in good works (the righteousness of God that we do). The faith is found manifest “upon the earth” by the doing of good works of which He has planned for us to do. Faith is REVEALED "upon the earth"....from "faith to faith" is the righteousness of God revealed.

Romans 1:17 KJV
(17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

It is not our good works but His that we are created in Christ Jesus to do. We are to walk in faith…active faith….from faith to faith…. where the righteousness of God is revealed upon the earth.

Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV
(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


We are healed by active faith. Jesus SAW the faith of those who did bring one sick of the palsy. The faith was made manifest “upon the earth” by their actions. Their faith was not hidden. They did actively believe in Him who was sent by the Father.

Mark 2:3-5 KJV
(3) And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
(4) And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
(5) When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.


Jesus found faith upon the earth….like the faith of the woman whom had her disease healed by coming to Jesus and touching the hem of His garment. She reached out in faith…and her faith made her whole. Her faith was made complete by good works by attaching herself to Jesus who had commanded us to have love for one another. She did believe in the Son who was sent by the Father.

Matthew 9:20-22 KJV
(20) And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
(21) For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
(22) But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.


Jesus saw the faith of the 2 blind men who followed Him and confessed that He is Lord. Faith is made COMPLETE by good works as we are to follow Him in His footsteps. They did believe in the Son whom the Father had sent.

Matthew 9:27-30 KJV
(27) And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
(28) And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
(29) Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
(30) And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.


Paul SAW that the crippled man had faith to be healed as he heard what Paul had to say and did not resist.

Acts 14:8-10 KJV
(8) And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
(9) The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
(10) Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.


Jesus saw faith upon the earth in the woman of Canaan who came to Jesus so that her daughter could be healed. He was witness of her “great faith” upon the earth in the presence of many.

Matthew 15:22-28 KJV
(22) And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
(23) But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
(24) But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
(25) Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
(26) But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
(27) And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
(28) Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.


Without a manifest active faith, it is impossible to please Him. We must seek His reign in our lives and His righteousness. Faith without His works of righteousness being made manifest upon the earth in our lives is dead.
 
Interesting, that Jesus in his human nature could do nothing, and was totally dependent on his Father that was in him to do the "works". Yet, Jesus when speaking from his divine nature said he worked, and he only did what he saw his Father do. Now, that should give us a clue as to how we also should walk. Always having our divine nature in us, which is Christ himself working through us, and fully understanding within our human nature that we can do nothing!

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

John_15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
 
Amen brother!

It is the righteousness of God that we work and not our own works. Jesus worked the works of what He saw the Father doing. We also do His works. As sons of God, we also work the works of God…His righteousness and not our own. The Son/son (as we are all sons of God) can do nothing of himself but that which we see the Father do. God is love…and we are to have love for one another….which is working the righteousness of God.

John 5:17-19 KJV
(17) But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
(18) Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
(19) Then answered Jesus and said unto them, 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.


We seek His righteousness….and not our own works of “righteousness”. The wrath of man works not the righteousness of God…for God is love indeed.

Matthew 6:33 KJV
(33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The Son of man comes seeking that righteousness of God (His works) in each of us when we hear the voice of the Lord. He looks for faith “upon the earth”…that manifestation of our faith in Him (the works of God).

This is the work of God: that we believe on him whom He has sent. Believing is ACTIVE FAITH…for faith without good works (God’s righteous works) is dead.

John 6:28-29 KJV
(28) Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
(29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent
.

The just shall live by faith…as their faith is made manifest “upon the earth”. They walk in faith. They live by it. The righteousness of God is revealed from “faith to faith”.

From “faith to faith”= The inner faith is expressed outwardly in good works (the righteousness of God that we do). The faith is found manifest “upon the earth” by the doing of good works of which He has planned for us to do. Faith is REVEALED "upon the earth"....from "faith to faith" is the righteousness of God revealed.

Romans 1:17 KJV
(17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

It is not our good works but His that we are created in Christ Jesus to do. We are to walk in faith…active faith….from faith to faith…. where the righteousness of God is revealed upon the earth.

Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV
(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


We are healed by active faith. Jesus SAW the faith of those who did bring one sick of the palsy. The faith was made manifest “upon the earth” by their actions. Their faith was not hidden. They did actively believe in Him who was sent by the Father.

Mark 2:3-5 KJV
(3) And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
(4) And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
(5) When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.


Jesus found faith upon the earth….like the faith of the woman whom had her disease healed by coming to Jesus and touching the hem of His garment. She reached out in faith…and her faith made her whole. Her faith was made complete by good works by attaching herself to Jesus who had commanded us to have love for one another. She did believe in the Son who was sent by the Father.

Matthew 9:20-22 KJV
(20) And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
(21) For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
(22) But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.


Jesus saw the faith of the 2 blind men who followed Him and confessed that He is Lord. Faith is made COMPLETE by good works as we are to follow Him in His footsteps. They did believe in the Son whom the Father had sent.

Matthew 9:27-30 KJV
(27) And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
(28) And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
(29) Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
(30) And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.


Paul SAW that the crippled man had faith to be healed as he heard what Paul had to say and did not resist.

Acts 14:8-10 KJV
(8) And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
(9) The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
(10) Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.


Jesus saw faith upon the earth in the woman of Canaan who came to Jesus so that her daughter could be healed. He was witness of her “great faith” upon the earth in the presence of many.

Matthew 15:22-28 KJV
(22) And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
(23) But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
(24) But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
(25) Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
(26) But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
(27) And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
(28) Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.


Without a manifest active faith, it is impossible to please Him. We must seek His reign in our lives and His righteousness. Faith without His works of righteousness being made manifest upon the earth in our lives is dead.

I can see how everything is connected here Wheelz........ You talk a lot about love........ It's love that Works our faith or makes it effective. It's possible to have faith, but have it not working because of lack of love.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. This is where Faith comes from. Hearing the Word also corrects us and reproves us........ (At least it should)

Love though can only be refined by the Word.

1Th 3:12 kjva And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

1Th 4:9 kjva But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

Rom 5:5 kjva And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

So, Jesus asking if He will find "FAITH" on earth, He of course is refering to the keepign of good works through faith. However, the Love part and fruit part is not faith but a nature of someone born again.

1Jn 3:10 kjva In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Neither of these mean someone has faith. It means they are not of God.

You can love people, be faithful in things, have joy, and the fruit of the Spirit working in your life, but have no faith.

Look at the examples Jesus called Great faith, and little faith. Without faith you can't please God.

Compare these.
 
Hi By Faith!

Absolutely, I hear what you are saying.

Faith indeed works by love . Love is the greatest thing. Faith expresses itself through love. Good works of love (which are the works of God) are an expression of our faith in God and His Son for others to see. We are people of faith because of how we walk continuously with Him in our lives and it is made evident “upon the earth”. Our faith in Him is manifested upon the earth by good works....which are God's works for He commands us to have love.

If we are IN Jesus Christ, our faith in Jesus works through love. Faith is active through love. But faith without works is dead for it is not being expressed in the earth through love.

Galatians 5:6 KJV
(6) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

As Jesus says, except we abide IN Him, then we cannot bear fruit of ourselves except we abide in Him. Without Him we can do nothing. If we believe in Him, we are to always do what He says: have love for one another for love is the greatest thing. We walk in the Spirit always. This is a continuous walk. We abide in Him as we have faith in Him so that we may bring forth much fruit.

John 15:4-5 KJV
(4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
(5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.


If we say we abide IN Him, we are to walk as He walked. This walking is continuous. We continue to ALWAYS keep His commandments because we believe on Him. We have brotherly love towards men….especially towards those SENT by Him to preach the good news. We follow peace with all men. We know God because we keep His commandments….always.

1 John 2:3-6 KJV
(3) And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
(4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
(5) But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.


He that says he abides IN Him walks as He walked.


(6) He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

This is His commandment: that we believe on the name (His authority) of His Son Jesus Christ. We believe on Him for we do His commandment to have love for one another….always. The King gave us a commandment to follow and we believe on His authority.

People on the outside obviously have love and peace and joy….but we who believe in Him are to walk this commandment continuously as we seek FIRST His kingdom and righteousness in all matters. We don’t lose sight and forget to keep His commandment.

1 John 3:23-24 KJV
(23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
(24) And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.


If we abide in Him by keeping His commandment always, then all men shall know that we are His disciples.

John 13:34-35 KJV
(34) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
(35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
 
Hi By Faith!

Absolutely, I hear what you are saying.

Faith indeed works by love . Love is the greatest thing. Faith expresses itself through love. Good works of love (which are the works of God) are an expression of our faith in God and His Son for others to see. We are people of faith because of how we walk continuously with Him in our lives and it is made evident “upon the earth”. Our faith in Him is manifested upon the earth by good works....which are God's works for He commands us to have love.

If we are IN Jesus Christ, our faith in Jesus works through love. Faith is active through love. But faith without works is dead for it is not being expressed in the earth through love.

Galatians 5:6 KJV
(6) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

As Jesus says, except we abide IN Him, then we cannot bear fruit of ourselves except we abide in Him. Without Him we can do nothing. If we believe in Him, we are to always do what He says: have love for one another for love is the greatest thing. We walk in the Spirit always. This is a continuous walk. We abide in Him as we have faith in Him so that we may bring forth much fruit.

John 15:4-5 KJV
(4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
(5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.


If we say we abide IN Him, we are to walk as He walked. This walking is continuous. We continue to ALWAYS keep His commandments because we believe on Him. We have brotherly love towards men….especially towards those SENT by Him to preach the good news. We follow peace with all men. We know God because we keep His commandments….always.

1 John 2:3-6 KJV
(3) And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
(4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
(5) But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.


He that says he abides IN Him walks as He walked.


(6) He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

This is His commandment: that we believe on the name (His authority) of His Son Jesus Christ. We believe on Him for we do His commandment to have love for one another….always. The King gave us a commandment to follow and we believe on His authority.

People on the outside obviously have love and peace and joy….but we who believe in Him are to walk this commandment continuously as we seek FIRST His kingdom and righteousness in all matters. We don’t lose sight and forget to keep His commandment.

1 John 3:23-24 KJV
(23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
(24) And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.


If we abide in Him by keeping His commandment always, then all men shall know that we are His disciples.

John 13:34-35 KJV
(34) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
(35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Right, so then God teaches love, His love is shed abroad in our heart, He removes the stoney heart.

It seems the new birth should produce this Love of God in someone.

Faith comes by hearing.

Jesus was not real happy with "little Faith"

but Instead of Jesus finding faith on earth (Which many fall short being fearful of many things)

What about the love of many waxing cold in the last days? Paul said we can have faith to move mountians, but without love........ Those mountains go nowhere.

I think it be better getting caught with fear and unbelief, than getting caught mistreating our brothers and sisters in Christ.

So then we love one another, that is how they know...

It all seems connected, but love is the greater victory.
 
I think you are right….for it is better not to have known the Way of righteousness rather than knowingly turn from the holy commandment delivered to us (that is, the commandment to have brotherly love) and mistreat our brothers and sisters in Christ

2 Peter 2:20-21 KJV
(20) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
(21) For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.


When the Son of man comes preaching to us, He will come as a “stranger” …..flesh and bone people sent by Him to speak the good news of deliverance from the prisons of carnal men. It will be at an hour that we think not as the “undercover Boss” inspects those who profess to know Him by how they respond to the preaching of those strangers…the “least brothers” of His. As He hears, He judges.

Some will be found serving meat in due season…..keeping the feast of brotherly love. Blessed is that servant whom He finds letting brotherly love continue. They will hear His voice and enter into His life….in the here and now.

Matthew 24:44-51 KJV
(44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
(45) Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
(46) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
(47) Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.


But some will think in their hearts that the Lord delays His coming for they will not recognize the “strangers” as sent by Him and will begin to smite with malicious words those “least brothers” of His. They will reject their message in unbelief….and MANY will follow after their pernicious ways. I am thinking that this is when the love of MOST grows cold.

(48) But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
(49) And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;


As He hears, He judges and His judgment is just.

(50) The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
(51) And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.


“When did we see you”….His servants will be mistreated by people who profess to have faith as they think that they are ministering to Him yet will not see Him in the least brothers of His (the Lord delays His coming). His servants will suffer mistreatment and will not be shown love as they will prate against them with malicious words….the “devil and his angels (words)”. They will be found “sleeping”…forgetting the holy covenant of brotherly love as they will not recognize the hour in which the Lord came to them.

Matthew 25:41-46 KJV
(41) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
(42) For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
(43) I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
(44) Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
(45) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
(46) And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.


The “undercover Boss” comes in the presence of those whom He sends out to preach His words which is the “rain” that falls upon our hearts where it should bring forth the fruits of righteousness.

Hebrews 6:7-12 KJV
(7) For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

But some will not show forth their faith in God as they will bear forth evil words….thorns and briers. Their faith shall not be found manifest "upon the earth" even though they profess they know God.

(8) But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.


Yet others will work that “labor of love” towards His name….His authority. They will remember to have brotherly love as they will “minister to the saints” and continue in their good works towards “strangers”.

(9) But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
(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.


Those who shall endure (being followers of them who through faith and patience) unto the end, the same shall be saved. They shall inherit the promises.

(11) And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
(12) That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises
.

Lawlessness shall abound as many will turn from the holy commandment that they had professed to know and keep. They will not bear with what they hear the Lord’s voice saying and will harden their hearts. Many will follow after the pernicious ways of false teachers. But those who shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Matthew 24:12-13 KJV
(12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
(13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
 
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