"It Can Happen Again"
Bishop David Ibeleme
1 Cor. 10:11
As we consider the experiences of people in the Bible two questions come to mind;
1) Why did they happen?
2) Why were they recorded?
Answers:
1) They happened for our example (ensample - KJV).
2) They were written or recorded for our admonition or education.
We can summarize that these things took place and were recorded for our proper development in Christ - 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
What is an example?
A fact or event that represents a general rule;
A person or quality that is worthy of being copied;
A thing that is considered representative or typical of a particular group or set.
Described by Rev. Knowledge as A sample of the exam you are going to face.
It is designed primarily for two reasons;
1) As a deterrent; showing you what you are not supposed to do - 2 Pet. 2:6. This is often referred to as a bad example.
2) As a direction or guide; points out the way you should go or follow - Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:7; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Pet. 5:3. This is described as a good example.
We will focus on the concept of good examples.
You follow an example - 2 Thess. 3:9
To Follow = To Imitate.
Why do you follow an example?
1) You will encounter the same or a similar situation.
2) To guarantee you victory so you will not fail when you do encounter the situation.
You will encounter the same or a similar thing - Hebs. 4:1-2; Jam. 5:16-18.
"You are bound to encounter it (same or a similar thing)".
"If it happened before then it can happen again".
We are dealing with the same God - Rom.10:12.
He never changes - Hebs. 13:8.
His principles never change (they are constant) though they produce change.
God is not the respecter of persons - Rom. 2:11, 3:22-24; Acts 10:34.
The example shows me what they did to get what they got so I can do the same and get the same results.
One of the greatest success principles ever is to "Learn From The Experts (Examples)".
If you want to be a big success in any area of life, find out what other successful people in that area are doing or have done, and do the same things, until you get the same results.
The example limits the devil to that which is common to man - 1 Cor. 10:13.
Emphasizes the concept of "nothing new under the sun" - Ecc. 1:9.
This means you will not be examined outside the scope of the example.
If you are, then the exam will be unfair - 1 Cor. 10:13.
The example gives you an "Inside Information" - 2 Cor. 2:11.
This means there is no room for satanic surprises.
The Example is to guarantee you victory - 1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 2:14.
Remember if it has happened before then it can happen again.
It guarantees that the question or exam can be answered or passed.
The example is designed to eradicate ignorance - Hos. 4:6.
Hence it is to foster life not death.
It guarantees that I will or can understand how to solve the problem.
It guarantees that I can perform properly under the same or similar condition(s).
It guarantees that success is now possible.
Success is now achievable, it is no longer elusive.
This is because "Success Always Leaves Tracks" - Is. 60:12
Every success always leads to another.
A success is a "Good Turn".
All you need is one good turn - that good turn will automatically deserve (or qualify you for at least) another (one).
Victory is therefore a "Do-Able" reality.
What has God done before in the Bible?
Has God healed, delivered, prospered, promoted e.t.c. anyone before?
Whatever God has done before He is able to do again in the now.
Whatever I find in the Bible serves as an example for me.
If it’s in the Word/Bible then it can happen again in the now.
The example gives me possibility thinking capabilities.
Possibility thinking is now the order of the day for me.
What have people experienced before in the Bible?
Has anyone in the Bible experienced healing?
Has anyone in the Bible experienced deliverance?
Has anyone in the Bible experienced restoration?
Has anyone in the Bible experienced prosperity?
Has anyone in the Bible experienced any sort of breakthrough?
Remember that God is not a respecter of persons - Rom. 2:11
So if it has happened before then it can happen again.
Can I find a possible solution to my problem or situation in the Bible?
If I can then that is my example.
If it has happened before then it can happen again.
All I need is to believe that it can happen again, and this time in my life.
All things are possible to him that believeth - Mk. 9:23.
Copyright 2005 Bishop David Ibeleme
Victorious Faith Ministries, P.O. Box 4378, St. Ann’s, Port of Spain. Trinidad & Tobago
(868) 625-6863 / 623-1020; E-mail: vfmwo@hotmail.com
