Rees Howells: Intercessor (PDF): http://www.inspirationalchristians.org/downloads/rees-howells-intercessor-ebook.pdf
Page 8 contains a misunderstanding of Hebrews 12:1-2.
The author of this book about the life of Rees Howells was mistaken concerning
Hebrews 12:1-2. He was saying, on page 8 of the PDF, that we actually are surrounded by the spirits of people such as Moses and Elijah, but that is not what Hebrews 12 is teaching. This verse is speaking figuratively about how the believers who have gone up to Heaven have lived. They lived by faith and overcome the enemy through God's power. Their lives are an inspiration to us and a witness of God's power working through our faith.
This is not saying they actually are on earth observing us. The previous chapter in Hebrews, Hebrews 11, was speaking of the way past believers lived and trusted in God. Their lives were a witness of God's power manifested as they put their faith in God. This is to encourage us here on this earth to trust God in the same way they trusted in God. That is their witness, which is found in the scripture. But, this was a minor point I wished to bring your attention to.
See Hebrews chapters 11 and 12. Hebrews 11 gives the context for Hebrews 12:1-2.
Hebrews 11:6-8
6 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.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Hebrews 11:23-29
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- This can be a helpful book with powerful scripture references and inspiring examples from the life of a man who desired to serve God and do God's best will for his life. He saw miracles happen in answer to prayer and the course of World War 2 changed by way of his and others' prayers. This is a book to seek God through, but it does have errors, as most Christian books do. So, we Christians need to be Bereans (Acts 17:10-11). Use caution and discernment when reading this book.
I am certain that not everything Norman Grubb or Rees Howells said is true or biblically correct. Rees depended much on a voice he heard, but he needed to meditate on God's Word (the Bible) more.
- When we are grounded in God's Word (Acts 17:10-11), and as we seek to know God as our Abba Father in a personal relationship (Galatians 4:6-7), we will have better discernment to know what is of God and what isn't. Abba God does speak to us by His Spirit (John 16:13), but He does not tell us to do anything that is contradictory to His Nature as revealed through the Bible. God does not teach us to perform for Him or earn anything from Him (Romans 4:1-8). God does not teach us to go through agony in prayer (John 14:27). He gives us peace (John 14:27, John 16:33, John 20:19-23).
- There are more errors than I have been able to write about. So, again, we Christians need to be Bereans (Acts 17:10-11). I myself have been misled at times, so I offer this article with a desire to point out why God is a loving, caring, compassionate, patient, gracious, longsuffering Father. And, I offer this article to point out truth from God's Word (the Bible).
Page 8 contains a misunderstanding of Hebrews 12:1-2.
The author of this book about the life of Rees Howells was mistaken concerning
Hebrews 12:1-2. He was saying, on page 8 of the PDF, that we actually are surrounded by the spirits of people such as Moses and Elijah, but that is not what Hebrews 12 is teaching. This verse is speaking figuratively about how the believers who have gone up to Heaven have lived. They lived by faith and overcome the enemy through God's power. Their lives are an inspiration to us and a witness of God's power working through our faith.
This is not saying they actually are on earth observing us. The previous chapter in Hebrews, Hebrews 11, was speaking of the way past believers lived and trusted in God. Their lives were a witness of God's power manifested as they put their faith in God. This is to encourage us here on this earth to trust God in the same way they trusted in God. That is their witness, which is found in the scripture. But, this was a minor point I wished to bring your attention to.
See Hebrews chapters 11 and 12. Hebrews 11 gives the context for Hebrews 12:1-2.
Hebrews 11:6-8
6 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.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Hebrews 11:23-29
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
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