STEEMCHURCH - GROWING IN FAITH
My humble greetings to the great Parishioners of steemchurch and increasing grace to you all.
My warm appreciation goes to @Sirknight for giving us the opportunity to share the gospel here on the blockchain (through Steemchurch - the first church of the blockchain) and to the Apostles for their helping hands.
I've prepared a different topic this time. One which is important for our spiritual growth, for the aim is that we may continue to grow in the revelation of God's Word. Enjoy the read!
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WHAT IS FAITH?
The book of Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1 describes faith as the the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things that are not seen. It is a supernatural gift of God which enables us to believe without seeing (or doubting) what God has said or revealed.
It is an important tool for the growth of every Christian or believer. It was through this essential element that our fathers
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THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH
By Faith, we become sons of Abraham and we reap the blessings that proceeds therein. Through this substance, we believe that the world was created by the Word, that is, the seen was birthed out of the unseen.
The Scripture also stated that Abraham believed God and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. Hence, it was emphasized that the just shall live by Faith (Habakkuk 2:4). For this reason, it is written "without faith, we cannot please God".
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
Hebrews 11:6.
Our salvation is fully dependent on Faith because "we are saved by Grace through faith for it's the gift of God".
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life
John 3:15-16.
Hence, we can conclude that in the absence of faith, our foundation is threatened, hence such individuals perish. When we believe, we shall have everlasting life.
Furthermore, John 3:18 says that
he that believeth in God is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
When we believe in His name, condemnation is far away from us. When we believe in His name, we shall be saved, for there's no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus.
Believing ushers us into His family, we become the body of Christ when we believe. We are empowered when we believe.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name
John 1:12.
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OVERCOMING FEAR
We are more than conquerors, overcomers in this world, we are made victorious through our faith in God. If our victory is contingent on our faith and it's absent, what then is left of us?
Fear depicts the absence of faith. It's "False Evidence Appearing Real". In the presence of fear, we cannot experience joy for it threatens our faith and our salvation.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Therefore, we must learn not to cast away our confidence
2 Timothy 1:7.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. On the other hand, fear comes by hearing, but hearing by the words of the devil.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God
Romans 10:10-11, 17
Think positively. Talk positively (in accordance to His Word). For as a man thinkeths in his heart, so is he. The Scripture says "be it unto you according to your faith".
Finally, we must learn to grow in faith. Growth in faith is only possible when we build Intimacy with God's Spirit and study His Word often.
I leave us with this rhetorical question to ponder upon.
Luke 18:8 Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?