A HEARER OF THE WORD OF GOD !

A HEARER OF THE WORD OF GOD ! In Luke, chapter 1, we find a classic example of a man who heard a word from God, but did not receive it. Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth had been desiring a child. In fact, the Bible says they had been praying that they would have a child. But they had not had HIE because his wife Elizabeth was barren. Then an angel appeared to him. "And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord. . . And Zacharias said unto the angel, whereby shall I know this ? For I am an old man and my wife well stricken in years." (Luke 1:12-15-18). If you would notice, the Bible said that they had prayed for their desire: an because Zachariah had seen the angel; Fear fell upon him; and the angel said fear not your prayer has been heard and your wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son and you shall call his name John for he shall be great in the sight of the Lord and thou shall have joy and gladness in many shall rejoice at his birth. And Zacharias said unto the angel, whereby shall I know this ? Now he had just gotten a word from the Lord ! And already he's doubting the word that he had received from the angel. Now, allow me to paraphrase it in our language of today: Zacharias said to the angel, "how do I know you are telling me the truth ? Give me a sign." He was not willing at that point to receive the Word of God without a sign. Isn't that like many of us, we have God's written Word; and many people today will tell you they believe the Bible, but if they do not see anything they will not believe. Notice what I said, they will not believe: so it is an act of the will: and the Bible says "But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."(Hebrews 11:6) your faith or your fear is in what you say about your situation: it is also in what you say about the Word of God. That's why it is important to say what God said; because faith comes by hearing and by hearing the Word of God (Hebrews 10:17). The Scriptures also says, that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (1 Timothy 1:7). So if God didn't give it to you, who then gave it to ?