What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (Full Version)

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Little_1 -> What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/21/2008 4:36:12 AM)

Romans 10:8 -10
But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

We confess Jesus at salvation (as the text above teaches) but is confessing God's Word just for this one-off time or is confession of God's Word something continual, e.g. confessing the promises of God over our lives, etc? What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God in your life and the lives of others? e.g.

What are your views about praying the Word of God and speaking the Word of God over life situations? We cannot take the Word of God and use it like it a magic wand but I believe we can pray the promises and speak God's Word over situations according to His Word, e.g.

quote:


PRAYING EXAMPLE:
"Lord you are not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance and this being the case, I pray that you will work your salvation power in the life of xxxxxxx according to Your Word."
--------------------------------------------
CONFESSING OUT LOUD EXAMPLE:
"But I will wait upon the LORD who shall renew my strength; I shall mount up with wings as eagles; I shall run, and not be weary; and I shall walk, and not faint because God's Word says so according to Isaiah 40:31."


I can pray for loved ones knowing in my heart that the Lord is a merciful God; also, I can also trust God's Word to renew my strength as I wait upon Him. Does anyone understand what I am trying to convey? I believe by doing such that this is affirming faith in God's Word. See definition of affirm: dictionary.com



Little_1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/21/2008 5:17:08 AM)

Here's a link to a useful site:

God's Yellow Pages!



colliefan -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/21/2008 12:28:40 PM)

The more I understand, there is more that I don't understand.



SonInMe1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/21/2008 6:36:00 PM)

Never deny Christ before men.



Little_1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/22/2008 4:00:09 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SonInMe1

Never deny Christ before men.


I have added to the OP because I did not make myself very clear in the original OP but this answer is true and necessary. By doing such we affirm our faith in Christ as explained in the OP. Thanks SiM1



Little_1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/22/2008 4:33:55 AM)

UPDATED OP as original not clear enough. Hope this is better? [;)]

quote:

ORIGINAL: Little_1

Romans 10:8 -10
But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

We confess Jesus at salvation (as the text above teaches) but is confessing God's Word just for this one-off time or is confession of God's Word something continual, e.g. confessing the promises of God over our lives, etc? What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God in your life and the lives of others? e.g.

What are your views about praying the Word of God and speaking the Word of God over life situations? We cannot take the Word of God and use it like it a magic wand but I believe we can pray the promises and speak God's Word over situations according to His Word, e.g.

quote:


PRAYING EXAMPLE:
"Lord you are not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance and this being the case, I pray that you will work your salvation power in the life of xxxxxxx according to Your Word."
--------------------------------------------
CONFESSING OUT LOUD EXAMPLE:
"But I will wait upon the LORD who shall renew my strength; I shall mount up with wings as eagles; I shall run, and not be weary; and I shall walk, and not faint because God's Word says so according to Isaiah 40:31."


I can pray for loved ones knowing in my heart that the Lord is a merciful God; also, I can also trust God's Word to renew my strength as I wait upon Him. Does anyone understand what I am trying to convey? I believe by doing such that this is affirming faith in God's Word. See definition of affirm: dictionary.com



Little_1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/23/2008 3:53:39 PM)

I was speaking to a woman at work today whom I don't see very often (she is contracted to 9 hours per week with the organisation I also work for). We were speaking just a short while and yet from what she was saying my spirit witnessed with her that she is a Christian. This was confirmed the more she spoke.

To cut a long story short, we ended up talking about a certain situation which she did not realise involved my husband until I told her. She hugged me and told me she prayed for the situation when she first learnt about it. She told me she would continue to pray for us and she encouraged me to pray and speak the Word of God when things get difficult.

I was amazed that God sent her to encourage me. What's more - I believe God confirmed to me by what she said that speaking and praying God's Word out loud is most relevant for Christians today. I certainly never expected someone at work to encourage me to persist in what I believe the Lord has been teaching me during trials concerning such.



Little_1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/27/2008 2:09:06 PM)

Here is an excellent link which will help anyone wanting to learn about praying the Scriptures:

Praying the Scriptures



DaveW -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/27/2008 2:47:30 PM)

If this is a thin disguise for a WOF thread it should be shut down in favor of a one stop.

That said I believe very definatly in reading praying and confessing the Word.

If it says I am to die to self I pray and say that. It does.
If it says I am to not think of myself more highly than I should, I say and do that. It does.
If it says something I do is sin I confess that I have sinned. I repent.
If it says I am to encounter persecution I accept that. It does.

This may seem overly negative. I say this only to balance out those who pick and choose only the "positive" things to pray and confess. The bible is not a buffet table where you get your choice of promises. If the positive are valid, so are the negative.



SonInMe1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/27/2008 8:08:07 PM)

We should pray to be tempered. Maybe even for tribulation.

Change in us humans rarely comes easily, quickly or painlessly. Being saved is not a magic happy pill where everything in your life becomes ordered and perfect with one prayer.

Sanctification seems to be lost today in this modern christianity. You either are perfected at salvation and anything less just proves you were never saved or there are no real rules or growth and we are too comfortable never really changing.

Confession, before men, of your faith is part of this sanctification. Want growth? Live your life for Christ, breath and sweat and bleed your love for Christ.

To deny Christ before men, Christ will deny you before the Father.....yeah...its THAT serious.



Little_1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (6/28/2008 7:14:46 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DaveW

....... those who pick and choose only the "positive" things to pray and confess. The bible is not a buffet table where you get your choice of promises. If the positive are valid, so are the negative.


AMEN

quote:

-- ORIGINAL Little_1

......What are your views about praying the Word of God and speaking the Word of God over life situations? We cannot take the Word of God and use it like it a magic wand but I believe we can pray the promises and speak God's Word over situations according to His Word......

-----------------------------------------------------------


Heavenly Father
Please lead us in paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake;
Help us to listen to Your voice above all the other voices which clamber for our attention each new day;
We thank You that You call to us, "this is the way - walk in ye it......" and thereby keep us from going astray;
When we confess our sins - You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness;
We thank You that the joy of the Lord is our strength even in the midst of troubles which
threaten to overwhelm us from time-to-time;
Also, when we are weak - then You O Lord show Yourself strong on our behalf.
No-one who puts their trust in You will ever be put to shame
Lord - we appreciate You.
AMEN



JesusFan -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (7/2/2008 3:27:16 PM)

quote:

We confess Jesus at salvation (as the text above teaches) but is confessing God's Word just for this one-off time or is confession of God's Word something continual, e.g. confessing the promises of God over our lives, etc? What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God in your life and the lives of others?


The way I see it is, if someone asks what you believe in, to simply tell them. "I believe Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, etc., etc."



pstrdebi -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (7/2/2008 10:57:22 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DaveW

If this is a thin disguise for a WOF thread it should be shut down in favor of a one stop.

That said I believe very definitely in reading praying and confessing the Word.

If it says I am to die to self I pray and say that. It does.
If it says I am to not think of myself more highly than I should, I say and do that. It does.
If it says something I do is sin I confess that I have sinned. I repent.
If it says I am to encounter persecution I accept that. It does.

This may seem overly negative. I say this only to balance out those who pick and choose only the "positive" things to pray and confess. The bible is not a buffet table where you get your choice of promises. If the positive are valid, so are the negative.


Praise God!
I say this so often. People pick and choose what pleases them and ignore the parts of the Word they choose not to like.

That is why people go to "feel good" churches. They hear a feel good message all coated with sugar and spice... and they're happy. They don't have to hear all that negative stuff about sin and judgement and dying.

Confessing the Word of God, is praying back to God His Word, believing His Word to be true for your life and that of those you pray for, And standing in faith, trusting God for everything in your life.
[;)]



Bridgitt -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (7/4/2008 9:36:43 AM)

IMO, confessing the Word of God is saying the Word aloud and believing it for our life and others' lives.



FROGkissin -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (7/5/2008 10:42:36 PM)

Wow! Looks like we are on the same wave length!

Guess that's because it is always a good idea to read and speak the Word of God.
He says, "My Word shall not return to me void."

Amen?

Amen!



Little_1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (7/6/2008 4:14:39 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DaveW

If this is a thin disguise for a WOF thread it should be shut down in favor of a one stop.

That said I believe very definitely in reading praying and confessing the Word.

If it says I am to die to self I pray and say that. It does.
If it says I am to not think of myself more highly than I should, I say and do that. It does.
If it says something I do is sin I confess that I have sinned. I repent.
If it says I am to encounter persecution I accept that. It does.

This may seem overly negative. I say this only to balance out those who pick and choose only the "positive" things to pray and confess. The bible is not a buffet table where you get your choice of promises. If the positive are valid, so are the negative.


I totally agree with what you say here Dave but this is very definitely NOT a thin disguise for a Words of Faith thread! My personal belief is that there is power in the Word of God and that we can speak and pray the Word of God according to Scripture teaching and examples. I know there is a lot of concern out there re: Words of Faith Movement and rightly so (there seems to be more of it in the USA than over here in the UK). I understand from what I have studied of this particular movement that it is misleading in the sense that some of the people who are caught up in this movement put their faith in 'faith' rather than in God and they also tend to believe they can wave any and every scripture verse over a given situation (particularly sickness and financial gain) and claim it. Very misleading but you will find that wherever there is a true revival of anything to do with God's Word at work in His people, there will always be a counterfeit!

I don't believe we can pick and choose what we believe in the Bible or take Scripture out of context and pray it over our situations like some miracle cure but we can and are encouraged (in God's Word) to use the Scriptures as a sword, shield, belt, breastplate, sandals, etc (i.e see Ephesians 6:10-18). I choose to do the latter - I choose to affirmmy faith in God by His Word and I thank and praise the Lord for teaching me about this because it is powerful when used correctly and in line with Scripture examples. I only hope I can encourage and help others to do the same and this the desire on my heart.



Little_1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (7/6/2008 4:16:51 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: FROGkissin

Wow! Looks like we are on the same wave length!

Guess that's because it is always a good idea to read and speak the Word of God.
He says, "My Word shall not return to me void."

Amen?

Amen!


and AMEN again! [sm=angel.gif]



wawhoo73112 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (7/7/2008 5:25:41 AM)

From an EX-WOF confessionist.....

Confession of scripture is a natural result of the truth alive in our hearts.

it is not some "magical" encantation we can speak aloud like a witch to see if it will "work".


The word rises up from believing hearts and spirits, THEN out of our mouths.

NOT from our heads with manipulation in mind, and then out of the lips.


We "feed" our spirit in prayer and study of the scriptures, and then as a NATURAL RESULT, ......

"out of the abundance of heart the mouth speaks".


Reciting scriptures may help get them into our hearts, and speaking them forth be confessing truth, but it is when we KNOW that we KNOW that we KNOW what we are speaking, that power and faith are brought forth.

Brought forth in a very "matter of fact" way, and NOT in a "hope and see" hopes this does something kinda thing, and not for the purpose of self interests, but God's will.

ANy attempts, IMHO, by self interest, trying to change our own circumstances with some kind of power confession, is witchcraft.

A Christian is to position ourself in reliance upon HIM,

with a humble heart,

being still and letting God be God.....

accepting that all we go through has been allowed by His hand,

and laying aside speaking forth His words to manipulate OUR will,

perhaps to find the joy of hearing His reply with thanksgiving..........

"My grace is sufficient for you".[;)]


But that's just my opinion [:D]

God bless,

Bob~



Little_1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (7/7/2008 1:39:42 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: wawhoo73112

From an EX-WOF confessionist.....

Confession of scripture is a natural result of the truth alive in our hearts.

it is not some "magical" encantation we can speak aloud like a witch to see if it will "work".


The word rises up from believing hearts and spirits, THEN out of our mouths.

NOT from our heads with manipulation in mind, and then out of the lips.


We "feed" our spirit in prayer and study of the scriptures, and then as a NATURAL RESULT, ......

"out of the abundance of heart the mouth speaks".


Reciting scriptures may help get them into our hearts, and speaking them forth be confessing truth, but it is when we KNOW that we KNOW that we KNOW what we are speaking, that power and faith are brought forth.

Brought forth in a very "matter of fact" way, and NOT in a "hope and see" hopes this does something kinda thing, and not for the purpose of self interests, but God's will.

ANy attempts, IMHO, by self interest, trying to change our own circumstances with some kind of power confession, is witchcraft.

A Christian is to position ourself in reliance upon HIM,

with a humble heart,

being still and letting God be God.....

accepting that all we go through has been allowed by His hand,

and laying aside speaking forth His words to manipulate OUR will,

perhaps to find the joy of hearing His reply with thanksgiving..........

"My grace is sufficient for you".[;)]


But that's just my opinion [:D]

God bless,

Bob~


Thanks Bob. It helps to hear from an ex-WOF 'expert' and to have the difference set out hopefully will help many onsite. [:)]



DaveW -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (7/7/2008 3:22:11 PM)

Thank you Bob. I agree with your post. I was an elder in a WOF congregation (helped pull them back from the brink) for several years. I do not consider myself to have ever been a real WOF believer so I cannot call myself an ex.



Little_1 -> RE: What is your understanding of confessing the Word of God? (7/7/2008 6:00:47 PM)

quote:

UNKNOWN

Two unhealthy reactions to faith:

1 Some people have faith in faith and not faith in God. When that happens, it doesn't matter what God wants: it's only what the person exerting the faith wants.
2 Then there's the other end of the scale, which are the people who get uneasy when you speak about 'faith' because it means you are part of a "faith movement".


I find the above quote so frustratingly true! I trust God's Word - His Word is precious to me. God is the Word. But it is concerning that people use God (i.e. His Word) to claim wealth or health.

Almost a year ago, I prayed to God to bring me into a closer relationship with Himself - one that would bring Him glory. I was fed up being a mediocre Christian and really meant what I prayed. I told God "whatever it costs Lord" and within days of this prayer, entered the most difficult period of my life that I have yet experienced. However, it has also been one of the most spiritually blessed times of my whole Christian life. Being honest, I would never have chosen the path for myself but God ultimately knows best. It is His will I seek for my life - it is His desires that are best and are far better than mine. His thoughts are not my thoughts and His ways are far higher than I can ever imagine. God has been 'growing my faith' during this time and one of the most precious lessons He is teaching me is regarding affirming His Word in confession, praise and prayer.

I had a lousy day at work today, but when I came onsite earlier this evening, I started to recite Scripture and within 15 minutes or so was strengthened in my spirit by doing so. I most definitely believe there is life in God's Word. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life......" Jesus is Life and I know that I know that this is fact. Hallelujah. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God and this being so, we need to speak God's Word; we need to hear God's Word - it's the means by which our faith grows.



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