I have recently been guided to really look at my obligation and opportunities to add significant Works to my life. That inspite of “feeling my age” God can multiply the strength of my actions through His wisdom so that the real value of my seemingly smallest contributions will be significant.
This my prayer, inspired by what you have written. Thank you.
Yep, that's an omission on my part. Biblical prophecy is extremely important as a confirmation that God is who he says he is. It's also why the Bible demands harsh penalties for false prophets.
Thanks for that clarification David. I agree that it is an extremely important confirmation, as you state. But, in addition to providing internal confirmation that God is who He says He is, prophecy also confirms the trustworthiness and authority of the Bible. And, if ‘rightly divided’, enables a believer to understand the flow of history; to recognize ‘the signs of the times’, understand their significance, and know what, in general, believers should do… I would say that is extremely valuable indeed in the time we are living in.
1 Chronicles 12:32a (NKJV)
“32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…”
With the indwelling Christ, we HAVE His faith imputed to us. We don’t need more faith, we need to kill unbelief. When Peter walked on the water, he sank when unbelief took hold. Live FROM the faith of Christ. It changes your prayer life.
Good outline here. This is long, but detailed and leads to the conclusion of a mature faith. Our faith is based on a logical progression, like stepping stones.
I would add, my faith is also based on evidence I have seen happen in my own life, as well as observing others.
Yes, your own experience and that of those around you is absolutely part of your faith journey, too. I probably should have spent more time on that, too. As you learn to trust God, step out in faith, and see God show up, you'll naturally grow your faith. Likewise with the people around you.
Thank you for this well-written piece. I have recently been asking Christ to share some of His faith with me...I pray He will. I will not let go of my faith in God and His Son, too much evidence in my life that They are real, but sometimes it is very difficult. No other Ones to follow, though! Blessings to you.
My pleasure. Thanks for the kind words. God makes it clear that our faith actually comes from him. By ourselves, we’re not even capable of having faith. I always think of the father of the sick child described in Mark 9:24: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” That prayer is a great way to build your faith. It’s full of a deep acceptance of our dependence on him.
David, thank you. That prayer from the father of the sick child, "Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief" is one of my prime prayers (besides "HELP!!!"). I appreciate the reminder that we are not capable of having faith without Him. I am utterly and completely dependent on God for my very survival. Bless you, David.
Great post. It makes think of many things but in particular when people want to say that believing in God is crazy (while positing that believing in make believe figure heads or human centric end goals sound more reliable). We all put our faith in something.
All I know is that from the moment I said, "I give up, I believe," there has never been a time when I was not aware of His presence in my life. Knowing God, believing God is all that matters.
I have recently been guided to really look at my obligation and opportunities to add significant Works to my life. That inspite of “feeling my age” God can multiply the strength of my actions through His wisdom so that the real value of my seemingly smallest contributions will be significant.
This my prayer, inspired by what you have written. Thank you.
I’m surprised you left out fulfilled prophecy David. What is your perspective on Biblical prophecy?
Thanks and God bless, Mike
Yep, that's an omission on my part. Biblical prophecy is extremely important as a confirmation that God is who he says he is. It's also why the Bible demands harsh penalties for false prophets.
Thanks for that clarification David. I agree that it is an extremely important confirmation, as you state. But, in addition to providing internal confirmation that God is who He says He is, prophecy also confirms the trustworthiness and authority of the Bible. And, if ‘rightly divided’, enables a believer to understand the flow of history; to recognize ‘the signs of the times’, understand their significance, and know what, in general, believers should do… I would say that is extremely valuable indeed in the time we are living in.
1 Chronicles 12:32a (NKJV)
“32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…”
God bless, Mike
Yep, I agree.
With the indwelling Christ, we HAVE His faith imputed to us. We don’t need more faith, we need to kill unbelief. When Peter walked on the water, he sank when unbelief took hold. Live FROM the faith of Christ. It changes your prayer life.
Good outline here. This is long, but detailed and leads to the conclusion of a mature faith. Our faith is based on a logical progression, like stepping stones.
I would add, my faith is also based on evidence I have seen happen in my own life, as well as observing others.
Thanks for putting all this together.
Yes, your own experience and that of those around you is absolutely part of your faith journey, too. I probably should have spent more time on that, too. As you learn to trust God, step out in faith, and see God show up, you'll naturally grow your faith. Likewise with the people around you.
As long as we all know that faith is both a noun and a verb.
This could be a great post @davidroberts
Thank you for this well-written piece. I have recently been asking Christ to share some of His faith with me...I pray He will. I will not let go of my faith in God and His Son, too much evidence in my life that They are real, but sometimes it is very difficult. No other Ones to follow, though! Blessings to you.
My pleasure. Thanks for the kind words. God makes it clear that our faith actually comes from him. By ourselves, we’re not even capable of having faith. I always think of the father of the sick child described in Mark 9:24: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” That prayer is a great way to build your faith. It’s full of a deep acceptance of our dependence on him.
David, thank you. That prayer from the father of the sick child, "Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief" is one of my prime prayers (besides "HELP!!!"). I appreciate the reminder that we are not capable of having faith without Him. I am utterly and completely dependent on God for my very survival. Bless you, David.
Great post. It makes think of many things but in particular when people want to say that believing in God is crazy (while positing that believing in make believe figure heads or human centric end goals sound more reliable). We all put our faith in something.
True dat.
All I know is that from the moment I said, "I give up, I believe," there has never been a time when I was not aware of His presence in my life. Knowing God, believing God is all that matters.