Worthy Brief - 11/9/2022
Friend, experience it!
Genesis 22:1 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested (Hebrew word len-a-sot, to try) Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am."
John 6:5-6 Then Jesus lifted up [His] eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" But this He said to test (Hebrew word, lenasot, to try) him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials (nisayon (noun form of lenasot)), knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have [its] perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
The testing of Abraham's faith was repeated by YHVH throughout the patriarch's entire life. The tests grew greater as his life advanced, and through everyone, whether Abraham passed or not, YHVH proved Himself to be his friend over and over again. Every test or "trial" involved a serious challenge or threat in which Abraham had to trust that the LORD knew what He was doing, asking, or requiring, and that His goodness and faithfulness were unquestionably reliable.
This type of testing or trying of faith is displayed throughout the Scriptures. In an entirely different setting, Yeshua (Jesus) asked His disciple Philip a question, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" The purpose of the question was simply to try Philip's faith. The Hebrew, "lenasot" "to try, or test", in the Greek is "pi-ras-mos", which carries an interesting connotation: "proving by experiment".
James, the Lord's brother, speaks of the "testing of our faith", as well. Though we often think of this testing in negative terms, James exhorts us to "count it all joy", never mind that it's virtually certain there will be little pleasure in the experience of any trial. The fact is that trials function as experiments, and experiences, which serve to prove and improve our faith. In the Hebrew New Testament (Brit Chadasha) the word for "trial" is "ni-sa-yon", which also happens to be the word for "experience" and "experiment".
So the trials we experience are literally, experiments upon our faith. And while it is clear that God Himself does not tempt us, we also know that He allows our faith to be proven by experience, and experimentally verified. Faith is not based on experience; it is based on revelation from God. But it's genuineness is tested by experience. And it ought to be growing through every trial, producing a deeper comprehension of God's faithfulness.
Friend, your faith is being proved to be genuine through testing and trial; experimentally and experientially, just as was the faith of Abraham, Philip, and every true saint of the Lord. For while faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen -- it will be proven in, by, and through the very hard experiences and realities of your life. This is not accidental but very much in the plans and purposes of the Lord.Daniel 2:21-22 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Going to Christian College in Dallas, Texas)
Driving up I-95 for a conference in Washington D.C. this weekend
Join us on an epic, life changing journey through Israel, through the eyes of those who are well acquainted with the culture, the people and the Land. This is not your average Israel tour— bring your family, bring your friends, and experience the REAL ISRAEL with George and Baht Rivka as your personal hosts.
We are planning our Winter Tour across the United States so if you would like us to minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.
Check out our unique Worthy App, which allows you to follow our news instantaneously and directly access over 50 news sources with 24/7 coverage. Download from Apple App Store (for Iphones) or download our Android version.
U.S. Talks With Russia Over Nuclear Escalation (Worthy News Radio)
The United States says it has talked with high-level Russian officials to prevent the armed conflict in Ukraine from escalating into nuclear warfare. Tuesday's announcement comes after Ukraine said it would not negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin following reports that Washington asked Kyiv to signal it is open to peace.
Massive Outages As Kyiv Fears More Russian Strikes (Worthy News Radio)
Authorities urged residents in Ukraine’s capital to make plans to leave after the president warned of more Russian air strikes that could cut off Kyiv’s power supplies.
19 Killed In Tanzania’s Worst Plane Crash In Decades
At least 19 people died when a passenger plane crashed into Lake Victoria in Tanzania on Sunday as it approached the airport, the country’s prime minister said.
Major conflict with China ‘is coming,’ outgoing Strategic Command chief warns
China is increasing its nuclear forces more rapidly than American analysts anticipated, according to the outgoing commander of the Pentagon’s Strategic Command, who warns that Beijing is in the midst of a “breakout” buildup of forces.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Mysterious strikes in Syria hit fuel convoy from Iraq; Iranians killed
Late night airstrikes in eastern Syria along the border with Iraq targeted Iran-backed militiamen, inflicting casualties, Syrian opposition activists said Wednesday. According to two paramilitary officers in Iraq, some of those killed in the attack were Iranian nationals.
Israel joins Mideast nations, including Iraq, Lebanon, to agree on climate action
Israel’s environmental protection minister attended a regional meeting Tuesday alongside Iraqi and Lebanese leaders at the global climate conference taking place in Egypt, the minister’s office said, where the group pledged to work together to tackle climate change.
Inside the United States
Republicans Seek To Take Congress As Christians Pray
U.S. Senate incumbents, including Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and senior Republican John Thune, won re-election in Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections during heightened political and social turmoil.
Abortion-Related Ballot Measures: A Disheartening Night For Pro-Life Americans
While abortion was indirectly on the ballot for many voters across the nation in Tuesday’s midterm election, it was also the subject of specific ballot measures in five states – with results disappointing for pro-lifers.
Nail-biter: Control of Senate hangs in the balance
The fate of the Senate remained in limbo late Tuesday night as election workers counted ballots to settle hard-fought matchups in swing states.
Less than a third of Americans believe Bible should determine right and wrong
A new study published Tuesday shows that less than a third of US adults believe the Bible should be America’s guide to determining right and wrong, the Christian Post reports. The study was the fourth installment of America’s Values Study carried out by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University.
Attacks on pro-life centers far outnumber those on abortion clinics, report shows
A new report shows that since the leak in May of the US Supreme Court draft decision to reverse Roe v Wade and repeal the decades-long federal right to abortion, there have been 135 attacks on pro-life individuals and groups, compared to just six attacks against pro-choice people and entities, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Christian News
Jailed Canadian Pastor acquitted of breaching COVID-19 restrictions on church services
A pastor in Canada who was jailed for breaching COVID-19 restrictions on in-person worship services was acquitted this week of charges that he violated public health orders, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Indonesia: Two government officials sign Islamist petition to block church building, violation of Indonesian constitution
In an apparent violation of Indonesia’s constitutional protection of religious freedom, two local officials in Java Island joined forces with Islamist organizations to block the construction of a Christian church building, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Church of England Evangelicals reject Bishop’s proposal to allow blessing of same-sex marriages
Church of England Evangelicals have rejected a theological essay published by the Bishop of Oxford which argues Anglican clergy should be able to bless and marry same-sex couples if they choose, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The Church of England does not allow the blessing of civil partnerships or the marrying of same-sex couples.