THE DIVINE COMBINATION

The Bible reveals three primary aspects to the Kingdom of God: Faith, Hope and Love. "Now these three things remain--faith, hope and love--and the greatest of these is love" (I Cor. 13:13). The Gospel of the Kingdom was taught and proclaimed by Jesus and the disciples: Jesus fed the multitudes, healed the sick and cast out devils, demonstrating the power of faith. He forgave the woman caught in adultery in front of her religious accusers, telling her to go and sin no more, demonstrating God's unconditional love. Jesus' message to the world also included the future of believers in Heaven for eternity with the Father, imparting God's hope to the hearts of the hearers. Together, these three aspects comprise the message of Christ to the world today, making up what I refer to as The Divine Combination of God's Kingdom; Faith, Hope and Love. In keeping with Jesus' example, and the example given to us by the early church in the book of Acts, the present day Church is proclaiming each of these aspects of God's kingdom in varying forms across the earth.

Some are vividly proclaiming God's message of faith, while God's power for healings, deliverances and other miraculous signs are demonstrated as a result. Others share God's message of hope, imparting faith in the afterlife and establishing the hearers in biblical truths that strengthen them in their walks with Christ. And yet others give God's message of love to a lost and hurting world of humanity, resulting in the compassion and unconditional forgiveness of the Father bringing emotional and spiritual healing to the brokenhearted.

We could describe these three aspects that comprise the Divine Combination as table legs of truth upon which the Gospel of the Kingdom stands. The stabilizing legs of faith, hope and love together is the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. What happens, however, when one of these three table legs is overemphasized above the other two? Will the table stand under pressure, or will it become weak and wobbly, or possibly even break or fall? Let's look to the benefits of each of these stabilizing truths of God's kingdom as well as the potential dangers of each, when not preached in proper balance with the other two.

FAITH

The first component is faith. The Faith message is often confirmed by God with accompanying signs and wonders. The power of God often spills out in such services. Congregations that proclaim the faith message usually teach “now faith", and encourage believers to "expect their miracle today." Additionally, genuine reports of healings, deliverances, and gifts of the Holy Ghost are manifested in this type of congregation. At times, people who arrive in wheelchairs (or on crutches) leave walking upright and free. "By His stripes ye are healed” (Is. 53:5), is often preached with authority from the pulpit. As the word goes forth, the presence of God and faith for miracles and deliverances, in the name of Jesus, occur amidst a sea of expectant worshipers. Many experience much needed spiritual breakthroughs during these services and come to know the "God of Power" in the process. Often, faith increases in those who are blessed and experience God in this manner. The testimonies of God’s ability - and desire - to save, heal, and deliver others flow from the church into the neighborhoods. These congregations are, many times, filled with ex-drug addicts and alcoholics who’ve been delivered from addictions and are now serving the Lord with all their hearts and souls. Ex-Satanists, once bound by the devil, witchcraft and torment, are now able to testify that Jesus set them free. Documented reports of incurable illnesses, cancer and tumors suddenly disappearing mystify the doctors. Lives are extended and testimonies of “Jesus the Healer” are part of many peoples’ experiences.

While the strengths of the faith message usually prove to be a divine blessing, and is indeed part of the faith, hope and love gospel Jesus preached, an unhealthy emphasis on faith alone can result in an imbalance. At times, this can even cause irreparable harm to others, if not preached with the other two stabilizing table legs of God’s hope and Jesus’ love.

One weakness that underscores the faith message can be a lack of unconditional love for those who aren't healed "now." In fact, if an individual isn't healed, delivered or prospered at the same speed of another in the congregation, they are often told they "must not be operating in faith." Faith testimonies that have worked for one member successfully (when that was how God was moving in that person's life), don't always work for another. When this breakdown occurs, the individual often (wrongly) feels rejected by God and the congregation, and feels hopeless and inferior to those around him or her. Others are even told if they're not healed it's because they aren't using the “faith formulas” the Bible has given them! This can turn them upside down in their faith leading to even greater doubt or despair. Their Gospel Table crashes to the floor, broken, and leaving them confused or even shipwrecked in their faith.

Examples of negative results borne out of an unbalanced emphasis on the faith leg of the gospel can be: discouragement, disillusionment, rejection, condemnation, etc... An unhealthy performance spirit can also manifest, bringing a "works mentality" to replace God's message of grace. Congregants may feel pressured to perform certain acts of spirituality. Falling under the power can be overemphasized as a required act to receive a genuine touch from God. Speaking with Tongues can be made a requirement for the next level of so-called achievement amidst these well-meaning people. Misuses of prophecy and other manifestation gifts of the Spirit may even be commonplace. Nonetheless, the faith leg is a genuine and much needed leg on God's table of faith, hope and love. God is continuing to use His message of faith around the world. Some reports indicate that the majority of all new converts are coming to Christ through such faith outreaches in third world countries, pioneering and planting in previously unevangelized areas. Subsequently, these new converts are discipled and taught in hope and love congregations that settle in the area.

HOPE

The second aspect is hope. God often uses His Hope message to bring a revelation of the future joy we will all experience with Jesus in Heaven in the "sweet bye and bye." The hope of eternal life and streets of gold are framed in most of the services. A mansion in Heaven and the River of Life are common themes. "It will all be better when this life is over" is often well-preached. "Dying grace" is proclaimed, taught and prayed for over those who are suffering with illness, chronic sickness and terminal disease. God honors this leg of the gospel preached and these individuals usually die with grace and honor as they step onto the other side with Jesus waiting to take them to glory. Hear John's vision on the Isle of Patmos:

"And I heard a loud voice from Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, God Himself will be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful!"(Rev. 21:3-5)

The congregants catch God’s vision and hope is deeply and effectively imparted to stand firm in Christ unto the afterlife. Men, women, and children are comforted to know they'll see their loved ones on the other side, knowing they died with grace and are in the arms of Jesus. Jesus' words in the Gospel of John are also quoted, releasing hope:

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (Jn. 14:1-3).

Hope often releases faith in the heavens for salvation, producing faithful saints who share God’s message of hope with others, bringing the same wonderful results. This life-changing message of hope is a blessing to many and an encouragement and word of comfort to others. It imparts hope for the future and eternal rewards for God's faithful, who are "building up for themselves treasures in heaven," knowing that this present world is "passing away."

A primary weakness that frequently cripples an overemphasized message of hope alone can be a genuine lack of God's power in the services. In many of these dear and needed congregations of hope, there is seldom an authoritative healing prayer spoken that results in healing for the sick. In a word, while they may die gracefully, they usually do die (possibly years before their time)! Rarely do genuine healings, miracles or significant measurable gifts of the Holy Spirit manifest during a service. In fact, they are sometimes even quenched! Although the “feel good” message of hope in the afterlife is true and is our eternal goal, Jesus promised that we "would have life," and "have it more abundantly" in the present world (Jn. 10:10). If the faith message puts too much emphasis on the "here and now", the hope message often places too little emphasis on this dimension of Christ's message. Rarely is the message of hope alone operating in sufficient "power" to deliver the unsaved from oppression of the adversary...out of Satanism, witchcraft, disease, sicknesses and addictions into lasting victory through Christ. Instead, the hope of deliverance in the future is usually emphasized, leaving the person in the same sad state in the present.

The negative effects borne out of an unbalanced message of God’s hope can be a defeated Church, somewhat anemic and limited in power. A Church whose adherents are often at the doctor, marriage counselor or secular advisor for answers to their problems when God’s word directs them to first seek Christ and the promises of Scripture. Most hope congregations do well imparting hope for the afterlife, and discipling and strengthening members in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. However, it could glean some lessons from the other table legs of faith and love God has given us in His word. The Divine Combination encompasses His total character, love, and power.

LOVE

Lastly, we examine love. God’s message of love is usually marked by an incredible unconditional love for those who show up on the doorstep of the Church. Food programs, nurseries, prison out- reaches, clothing banks, and a number of things to help the homeless, lost, and downcast. They demonstrate a genuine willingness to accept "all who come to Christ" as the Bible teaches. They "don't judge anyone" just as Jesus commanded (Mt. 7:1-2). Moreover, they truly know how to uplift and love the unlovable, bringing many to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. “Now these three remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor 13:13)

The gospel message of God's unconditional love is seen throughout Jesus’ life. He was called a "friend of sinners", and was seen ministering to the prostitutes and tax collectors (Mt 11:19). Jesus never judged sinners, but loved and forgave them. The religious elite despised the fact that Jesus allowed society’s outcasts near him, let alone spent time with them. While faith and hope congregants can be a little uppity and even judgmental at times, the love congregants "judge no man" and "accept everyone" (quite a refreshment against the backdrop of a sometimes legalistic Body that comprises other two table legs). Moreover, they are often used by God to heal emotional damage incurred by certain well-intentioned faith congregants. Many are desperately in need of this powerful leg of the gospel. “But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13).

One of the weaknesses that may plague the love only message can be a lackluster ability to minister "tough love" at times when "tough love" is necessary. For example, congregants may demonstrate unconditional love for the alcoholic, drug addict, fornicator or homosexual offender, while failing to ever preach the life-changing truth that will set them free. They may fear “offending” or “judging” anyone. Love without faith for deliverance from sin is an unbalanced table of God's truth. If we truly love someone we'll desire to see them set free and delivered from sin, not just love them while they wallow in it. The Bible clearly states, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Cor. 6:9). “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Pr. 27:6). We can't truly have the love of God flowing through us and fail to warn people of the dire consequences of perpetual sin (1 Cor. 6:9-10, 18-20).

THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

Truly the greatest of these is love. The love of Christ "suffers long, and is kind, it does not envy; nor parade itself, is not puffed up, nor behave rudely, does not seek its own. It is not easily provoked, nor thinks any evil. Doesn't rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails...” (1 Cor. 13:4-8).

God is transforming His Church into the Bride of Christ. A Bride filled with faith (power for miracles), hope (vision for the future and eternal life in Heaven with Jesus) and love (bearing one another's burdens without judgment or self-seeking, while still preaching the truth to deliver from sin). The Divine Combination balanced equally on all three legs of the Gospel; a Church that has diversity with unity, comprised of "all the body parts" with Christ as our Head (1 Cor. 12:12). Jesus desires that we share all of Him with the world, not just one facet of His character, love or power. Consider the 3-fold deliverance of God for every Believer: He is the God who has delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us: in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us (2 Cor. 1:10). He is the God of total deliverance (past, present and future). His character and attributes cover every need in our lives, yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). He forgives, heals and delivers. He has a mansion prepared for us in Heaven and awaits our arrival, ready to "wipe away every tear from our eyes." He loves us unconditionally and receives us just the way we are. His ultimate desire is to "prepare us as a Bride, without spot, blemish or wrinkle unto the Father" (Eph. 5: 27), and He is preparing us as we speak.

The faith congregations are beginning to gain a greater revelation of God's hope and love message as we speak. Hope congregations are beginning to experience more faith and love in their local bodies. While the love congregations are receiving more of God's faith and hope to see men and women delivered and set free from sin, while the balm of agape love heals their wounded spirits and souls.

THE POWER IN KNOWING HIS MULTI-FACETED NAME

God has revealed and demonstrated the Divine Combination of His message of faith, hope, and love to you personally. The Bible from Genesis to Revelation gives us a clear depiction of over three hundred Names, Titles, Offices, Attributes, authority and character of the Godhead; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If we lack hope all we need to do is tributes, AND Characteristics of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (coming in November). These represent His power and love to every believer who will call upon His name in their time of personal need. He revealed himself in Genesis 1:1 as Creator. He revealed Himself to Abraham as the Provider (Gen. 22:14). He revealed himself to the Israelites as their Deliverer, then their Healer (Ex. 15:26), and then their Shepherd (Ps. 23:1). God continued to reveal his character and power throughout the Bible until revealing himself two thousand years ago as the Savior of the World (in the Person of Jesus Christ). Colossians declares that "in him [Christ] dwells all the fullness of the godhead in bodily form" (Col. 2:9). That "all power and authority in Heaven and earth has been given to Jesus" (Mt. 28:18), and that Jesus has "delegated this authority to the Body of Christ (His Church)" (Mt. 28:19-20)(Mk. 16:15-20)(Jn. 14:12-14)(Mt. 16:18-19). All of God’s power, love, and provision is available to us when we call on Him in Jesus’ Mighty Name!

THE DIVINE COMBINATION

The Bible declares that it's our mission to carry the divine combination of the faith, hope and love gospel of Jesus to all peoples. If we need to visit other congregations to pick up a few tools to help equip us for the task, we should do that. If necessary, we must lay down our pride and learn from the table leg of truth we lack in. If we lack love, let's visit a congregation strong in love. If we lack hope, let's visit a congregation strong in hope. If we lack in faith, let's visit a congregation strong in faith. We don't have to agree with everything they say, do, or teach, but if our heart is right, God will use them to help better equip us for service. “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” (Eph. 4:13). (In the world of business, this is called networking. And, what are we doing? – God’s business. We should consider doing some spiritual networking too.)

We first need to learn how to be made whole in spirit, soul and body ourselves. Then, we can share the fullness of the gospel to help make others whole in spirit, soul and body. Faith congregations help make the body (outer man) whole, Hope Congregations help make the soul (mind, will and emotions) whole, and Love congregations help bring wholeness to the spirit (heart) of man. All three are sorely needed. All three have their strengths. Each (without the other two) has its particular weaknesses. We need all three legs of the God's truth to prepare a table that will stand in the day of adversity.

CONCLUSION

If we truly have faith, we will love our brothers and sisters through to their miracle. And if God’s timing is such that it doesn't occur in this life, we will be able to lean on God’s leg of hope for the “sweet bye and bye” and pray for “dying grace” to carry them to the other side. If we truly have hope, we should also trust God by faith and love to stand with them (trusting God at his word) for their need in this life (as well as the one to come). And if we truly have love, we'll also preach hope for deliverance from sin as well as the faith to help them get delivered (even when it includes a dose of "tough love").

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 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, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long, and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, Love never fails...And now these three remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love" (1 Cor. 13:1-13).

PRAYER FOR BALANCE

Father, I have seen the need for balance in my message to a lost and dying world. God, protect me from overemphasizing one leg of the gospel message over the others. At times, I have been uncomfortable with the manner in which some are used by you. I stand convicted today. I ask your forgiveness if I’ve spoken harshly against them or judged them unfairly. I ask for balance and an impartation of the full message of Jesus Christ, that I may be made whole in spirit, soul and body, and that I may take your message of the complete Divine Combination of faith, hope, and love to others in like manner, until the earth is filled with your glory. Amen.