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Our Ever Expanding Faith
"We
thank
God for you, brethren, because your
faith grows exceedingly”
(2Thessalonians_1:3). God wants our faith
to grow. Let us notice some practical keys to growing in faith.
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FAITH’S PURPOSE.
“But without faith it is impossible toplease Him, for he
who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is
arewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb.
11:6). God is seekingfaith—pure, simple, humble faith. We
can trust God if we decide to, for that is what faith is. It
is a decision. How simple a matter it is to put all of
ourtrust in a trustworthy God. This is whatpleases Him.
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FAITH’S PROMISE.
There are many great promises tied tofaith. “But we are
not of those whodraw back to perdition, but of those who
believe to the saving of the soul.”(Hebrews_10:39).
“Receiving the endof your faith--the salvation of your
souls.”( 1Peter_1:9).
We are promised salvation if we have faithin God. We
are also promised help inthis life (Matthew_21:22).
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FAITH’S PERSON.
Jesus is the author and the finisher of ourfaith
(Hebrews_12:2). Faith should beviewed as God’s gift to man,
not man’s gift to God. “For to you it has been granted on
behalfof Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to
suffer for His sake”(Philippians_1:29). This gift is for
everyonewho will receive it. Faith comes byhearing the
gospel (Romans_10:9-17). Those who will hear and accept the
truth ofwhat God has revealed through Christ will receive
the gift of faith. If we remember that faith is something
Godgives us, we will remember to pray, “Lord, help my
unbelief!” (cf. Mark_9:24). This attitude will cause
ourfaith to grow, for God will respond faithfully to the
request.
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FAITH’S POWER.
There is eternal security in Christ for those who continue
to have faith. Christians are those “who are kept by the
power of God through faith for salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time.”(1Peter_1:5). Faith is what
we need more than anything else!
Remember that God wants our faith to grow
and He is always willing to help those who will look to Him for
the help they need.
Bryan Dunaway—(Grace and Peace Ministries) Edited Bill Watkins
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