HomeImagine the last time you bought something at a vending machine. Did you notice the instructions on it? It usually says something along the lines of “Insert Money Into Slot” and “Press Desired Item’s Button”. It’s a really easy principle. Put the money in, do what you’re instructed to do and enjoy your snack. Now when you read the instructions, do you have any doubt that if you follow them, you will get what you want? Of course not. But just believing that the instructions are true doesn’t actually give you the drink. You can even have the money, and press the button, but you will only get the drink if you put the money into the machine before pressing the button. Just pressing the button is of no use. It will only tell you to insert the money. Now let us compare this to the Kingdom of God. The “vending machine” represents all the covenant which contains all the promises God made to us. Healing, blessings, freedom, peace etc. The “products” are the manifestations of those promises. The “money” required is faith while the “instructions” is the Word of God. So what does the Word say about your “money”/faith?
James 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (NKJV)
Faith and money are two very similar things. By itself, money is not worth the paper it is printed on, but if you use it, it is one of the most powerful tools in this world. Similar to money, faith is the currency of heaven. But as James tells us, faith by itself is dead. Just like you have to use money to buy something, you have to use your faith to make it alive. Let me give an example by using a scripture that promises us healing.
1 Peter 2:24 By whose stripes you were healed. (NKJV)
Natural: Put your money in the vending machine.
Spiritual: Put your faith in God’s promise found in Scripture.
Natural: Push the button:
1. Coke
2. Sprite
3. Fanta
Spiritual: Choice of options:
1. Lay hands on the sick
2. Anoint with oil
3. Call for the elders to pray the prayer of faith
Natural: Receive your drink.
Spiritual: Manifest your healing
Many preachers will tell you that you just need to get more and more faith. You don’t need more faith. You just need to act on what you have! You can have $10,000 but you only need to put $2 in the machine to get a drink. The faith you act on will tell you what you actually believe. So if you want to see more promises manifested, check the instruction manual on what to do with your faith. Here are a few basics you can start with:
James 5:13-14 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (NKJV)
Mark 16:18 They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. (NKJV)
Mark 16:17 They will cast out demons. (NKJV)
These 2 verses in Mark 16 cover anything you could possibly need in terms of healing and freedom from oppression. If it’s sickness, heal it. If it’s a demon, cast it out. Just take your faith and do what you’re supposed to do with it!
Matt 7:24 “Therefore whoever HEARS these sayings of Mine, AND DOES THEM, I will liken him to a WISE MAN” (NKJV)
Bless you all,
Cornel Marais
Click here to read a preview of Cornel’s new book, “So You Think Your Mind Is Renewed?” If you’re tired of religion, legalism and the traditions of man, this book will be a great starting block for you to starting living the life you were destined to live in Christ!
October 4th, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Amen brother!
Simply, clear teaching on this often misunderstood issue. We already have enough faith, we only need to act on it! (Also see our teaching on this topic here: http://www.newcovenantgrace.com/enough-faith-1/
Christians are often told to “work up” more faith in order to receive from God, but faith, like all the other gifts from God, were given to us freely.
Thank you for destroying yet ANOTHER religious cow with this powerful message!
In Grace
Andre van der Merwe