Messages
Messages - Three Impossibilities
by Graham Jones - The Church at Gun HillEvery Christian can rejoice that all things are possible to the one who believes (Mark 9 v 23), and that is because nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32 v 17). However, there are some things which God, in His grace and mercy has made impossible.
His Unchangeable Word
In Hebrews Chapter 6 v 18 it says that God made a promise and an oath to Abraham, "so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we.....may be greatly encouraged." So let us be encouraged by this great impossibility - God CANNOT lie. Has God promised something for you? Then it is yours and you may possess it. Search the Scriptures: know the will and promises of God. There is salvation from sin and its consequences, healing from sickness and infirmity, comfort and strength for the brokenhearted, deliverance for the depressed and tormented. How do we know? God has promised and He cannot lie. In Old Testament times, Solomon could testify, "there has not failed one word of all His good promise....." (1 Kings 8 v 56). In the New Testament the fact is made sure in that "all the promises of God in Him (i.e. Jesus Christ) are Yes and in Him Amen." (i.e. absolutely certain) 2 Corinthians 2 v 20.The Necessity of Faith
Having discovered the firm basis and foundation of God's promises, we must learn too that the way to possess the promises is through faith alone. They cannot be earned by our attempts to live good lives. In Hebrews again the issue is clarified (Heb. 11 v 6): "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Faith is what we receive from God when we hear His word and His promises. It is the gift of God to convey us into the heavenly blessings which are in Christ Jesus (Read Ephesians), but we must use and move out in that faith. Faith is persistent and diligent because it will not be denied. It is not that feeble sort of 'give-it-a-try' attitude which usually ends up by saying, "I tried it once but it didn't work." Faith receives the promises. But without faith it is impossible to please God. Do you want to be saved from sin, healed, set free from the bondage of some habit, delivered from continual depression? Then, having ascertained God's promises, come to Him through Jesus Christ, in faith. If you think that your faith is weak or even non-existent, then be instructed by Romans Chapter 10 v 17: "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."There is a story of Blondin crossing the great Niagara Falls on a tight-rope. On reaching the other side he found that the crowd was overwhelming in its cheering and applause. He asked whether any believed that he could go back across the rope with a person on his shoulders. The crowd was enthusiastic in its confirmation and agreement. Of course he could. Had they not just seen him do the impossible? Then he threw down the challenge. Who would volunteer to sit on his shoulders for the return crossing? Silence. You see, if we come in faith, it is not just a question of saying we believe, but of committing our whole life to Him who has promised to keep us. Will you come in faith?
Him that Comes unto Me
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14 v 6). Jesus is the only way back to God. If you come to Him in faith, whatever your need, He will not turn you away. It is impossible. "Him that comes unto Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6 v 37)Could you imagine the loving Father turning away his repentant, once lost but now returning son? Of course not. With arms outstretched he ran to meet him while he was yet a long way off. (Luke 15 v 20). And God so longs to bring you fully into His Kingdom.
Do you see that these impossibilities reveal the greatness of God's grace? Come to Him now in true faith, through Jesus Christ, and receive all that He has for you. As you thus lay hold on the promises of God, and that it is impossible for Him to lie, your impossibilities will become wonderfully possible.
