How do I find the faith?

[RJ]

You don't, you allow God to give you the faith, then everything falls into place.

I have given this some thought and, I know, many will disagree, but here are some verses and why I feel this way.

• Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. I know, this one has been quoted a many times, but this doesn't make it any less true. By God's gift ( which is free by the way), you have been saved. Both your salvation and faith are both given to you by God.
• 1 Corinthians 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, the unique spiritual gift of faith
• Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Grace has been given to you and, at the onset of your salvation, God gives you a measure of faith.
• Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Your faith is then enhanced and grows by hearing the word of God.

I see many that say they just don't have the faith. I think one of the issues is that they think faith is something they have to manufacture. The opposite is what is true, they don't produce anything, that would be a personal work work and they could brag about it.
Even, if you don't believe or have any faith right now you need to learn more about God / Jesus. You need to get involved, go to a church and hear the word of God, read the Bible more and allow God to do "His" work in you!

 

[robaston]

i feel it's right of you to preach this. In reply to many many sermons focussing on us, eg not healing because one doesn't haven't enough faith. Balance i think is important, we believe in the faith/guarantee of His word.

My fav verse is usually Ephesians 2:8-9 where we see balance is the issue

well done bro!

 

[RJ]

Glad you appreciated it. All the glory goes to God, it is all of him and none of us, how else could he perfect a mistake free path to the promised land and defeat the devil at the same time!

 

[Waggles]

"How do I find The Faith?"
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Romans5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

1Corinthians 12:
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

2Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight)

Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ,
that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 3:
2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I understand these scriptures to indicate strongly that when a person believes the Gospel of Salvation and submits in obedience to fulfilling it scriptually, then Jesus gives that person faith to believe and follow through with what is required, and the Holy spirit reinforces faith daily (one's walk).

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The only way you will ever build up your faith is by the written word of God.
"Hearing is the Key"
God Bless
James W

 

[RJ]

"Hearing is the Key"

Hearing is certainly important, reading and allowing the Holy Spirit to give understanding is not too bad either.
How would you apply this verse?:
Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

Hearing is certainly important, reading and allowing the Holy Spirit to give understanding is not too bad either.
How would you apply this verse?:
Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Howdy Brother RJ,
I hope your Thanksgiving was a very peaceful and joyful one at that.

Rj before I answer your question I want to bring attention to something you said in this reply....
Hearing is certainly important, reading and allowing the Holy Spirit to give understanding is not too bad either.

You speak as if Hearing is important as if not the main source and Holy Spirit giving understanding is not to bad either again spoken as if it's good but not the main deal....Really ? You could have fooled me ! lol

Ok for you question on Romans 12:3
To start lets look at God has given or alotted a measure of Faith to each man.
Ok sir we know this is when we became born again God gave us all a "Measure" of faith and in such the very same way God has placed His spirit in us at that time for if we look at 1Peter:23 we read ....Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

So now we have a measure of faith and we also have a measure of understanding for we are babes at this point. Now then what is it we are to do with this "Measure of Faith" ?

God has also shown us what to do with this easure of faith so we can "BUILD UP" this Measure of Faith so we can operate in His kingdom as He has set forth for us to do.

Ok we know in Romans 10:17 God tells us ....So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Ok then the question would be How do we do this and How does this happen...........and we find these answers here...........

Romans 12:2 ....
And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God

(( Get His word in you each and every day and speak His word each and every day ))

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4... For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to pulling down strong holds
5... Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

(( Begin to practice the words you speak and thoughts you think for our thoughts and words to control how we act or react and believe. Our own words do more do influence our thinking then most of everything else. ))

Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh

(( The more you do the first two the more you will begin to walk in the Spirit and you will be amazed to say the least. ))

All done through the Grace of God who maketh all grace abound to me. ( 2 Corinthians 9:8 )

Now then Brother RJ this is how we build up our faith so we can operate in the Kingdom of God as He has set forth for us to do. With out this we wont be seeing victory to victory. Nor will we be able to stand Joyfully in the Lord especially when tragidy comes our way and so forth.

This measure of Faith that is being spoken of is UN-DEVELOPED Faith - It was used in Romans 12:3 as something one teaches babes in Christ - dont let your self get all puffed up thinking you are a know it all and better then others and so forth.

Have a wonderful and blessed day
God Bless
James W

 

[RJ]

Thank you, I trust your Thanksgiving was as fine as mine!

You speak as if Hearing is important as if not the main source and Holy Spirit giving understanding is not to bad either again spoken as if it's good but not the main deal....Really ? You could have fooled me ! lol

You have a real knack for implication. I just simply spoke, wasn't trying to fool anyone. It was your words that seemed to imply singularity: "Hearing is the key". I suppose that reading, with the help of the Holy Spirit is a "sort" of "hearing", provided you are listening to him, LOL! Before I was Born Again, the word of God meant nothing to me. After being saved, I had a God given thirst for his word and it was quenched many ways ( still does), TV, Radio, Internet, Reading etc.... I am sure all are a form of hearing. Nonetheless, as long as we apply the word, is true growth and God is to be given the glory for all of it, including our own understanding!

So now we have a measure of faith and we also have a measure of understanding for we are babes at this point. Now then what is it we are to do with this "Measure of Faith" ?

"To each a measure of Faith" means to me that this varies according to God's purpose. I recon you do and I know I do recognize this initial faith is a gift of God's grace and , in part, helps to prevent pride and encourages sober judgement. I agree, I was a Babe, I knew nothing until I immersed myself in God's word. Jesus is the vine and we are the branch, it all comes from him.

(( Get His word in you each and every day and speak His word each and every day ))

The most profitable way!

 

[Chad]

Good post brother. Faith is indeed a gift from GOD. Nothing we create or achieve on our own.

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

Good post brother. Faith is indeed a gift from GOD. Nothing we create or achieve on our own.

However it needs to be built up. To many people think well God gave me faith so that is all i need and then wonder why they cant stand during trials and fall short in the victory they were standing on.
God Bless
James W

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

Thank you, I trust your Thanksgiving was as fine as mine!


You have a real knack for implication. I just simply spoke, wasn't trying to fool anyone. It was your words that seemed to imply singularity: "Hearing is the key". I suppose that reading, with the help of the Holy Spirit is a "sort" of "hearing", provided you are listening to him, LOL! Before I was Born Again, the word of God meant nothing to me. After being saved, I had a God given thirst for his word and it was quenched many ways ( still does), TV, Radio, Internet, Reading etc.... I am sure all are a form of hearing. Nonetheless, as long as we apply the word, is true growth and God is to be given the glory for all of it, including our own understanding!


"To each a measure of Faith" means to me that this varies according to God's purpose. I recon you do and I know I do recognize this initial faith is a gift of God's grace and , in part, helps to prevent pride and encourages sober judgement. I agree, I was a Babe, I knew nothing until I immersed myself in God's word. Jesus is the vine and we are the branch, it all comes from him.


The most profitable way!

No sir it is not implication but taking your words for what they say.
Two it is the same measure in each of us.

Again I have not ever said Faith was not a gift..........I SAID this measure of Faith must be built on and this is done through His word. God said Faith comes by hearing and Hearing the word of God...... why say this if nothing had to be done with the measure of faith God gives us...........

Blessings
james

 

[RJ]

To many people think well God gave me faith so that is all i need

Why is this such typical response from you. You do this so often, that the "implication" ( there you go again, implying) is that I am one of those persons....I have never said it or implied it and I know no other Brother that has either!?

 

[RJ]

Good post brother. Faith is indeed a gift from GOD. Nothing we create or achieve on our own.

Thanks...some just can't allow themselves to believe this basic truth!

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

Why is this such typical response from you. You do this so often, that the "implication" ( there you go again, implying) is that I am one of those persons....I have never said it or implied it and I know no other Brother that has either!?

RJ it is about time your grasp something. This WILL FIX this thing of yours hear.
If I James W was talking about or referring to RJ then I would SAY RJ you this or RJ why do you.
So if I have not directly said RJ - Do Not ASSUME brother...........

Now will you please stop thinking this way.....
rofl and God Bless
James

 

[RJ]

RJ it is about time your grasp something. This WILL FIX this thing of yours hear.
If I James W was talking about or referring to RJ then I would SAY RJ you this or RJ why do you.
So if I have not directly said RJ - Do Not ASSUME brother...........

Now will you please stop thinking this way.....
rofl and God Bless
James

OK, fair enough, YOUR not referring to me, but answer this for me:

• Why did your comment follow someone saying:" Faith is indeed a gift from GOD. Nothing we create or achieve on our own."
• Do you believe some people think that "God gave me faith and that is all I need"?
• Do you believe some people think that that once saved, they can still sin all they want "?
• If you believe this, who are these people and where have you heard this?

God's Blessings

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

OK, fair enough, YOUR not referring to me, but answer this for me:

Why did your comment follow someone saying:" Faith is indeed a gift from GOD. Nothing we create or achieve on our own."Do you believe some people think that "God gave me faith and that is all I need"?Do you believe some people think that that once saved, they can still sin all they want "?If you believe this, who are these people and where have you heard this?

God's Blessings

RJ with all my heart I say Thank YOU !! It gets hard on either of us when we think the other says one thing and they actually said another.


Brother RJ Yes I have seen and heard people claim these things right here in this forum. There are many actually. I wrote what I did to add to and not take away from. Reason being is that neither you nor myself really ever knows who reads what we write and how they take it.


Everything we have is a gift of God (( not including bad things like sickness and such  ))

Salvation - Faith and so forth are Gifts of God - I was adding that Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God becuase it does need to be built up. We grow in our Love and faith and every single part of our walk in Christ.


I am NOT going to name names here but there are those who insist all you need is faith in God or that Jesus is Gods son and anything else about faith is wrong and so forth. I have talked with some who believe one faith fits all. Some claimed there is a faith for believing God and a faith for believing for food and a faith for this and a faith for that as in there are different types of faith and we can not cause our faith to grow. So Yes sir I do believe there folks like this - I simply hate the fact that they are blinded in a spiritual blindness that hinders growth - so I added to what you said.


If I worded it poorly please forgive me - BUT Please in the future try to remember that when a person writes and is explaining something that many others may read - the use of the word "you" does not mean YOU whose post was replied on. I try not to use this word or explain that you is any one in general but sometime I don't think to make such a disclaimer especially talking with a brother in which I know has some very good spiritual insight.


I hope this helps to understand brother.........

RJ you are blessed and highly favored of the Lord........remember this

God Bless

James W

 

[RJ]

Brother RJ Yes I have seen and heard people claim these things right here in this forum

This is one of the things that divides us. I for one, have been on TJ's for 11 years now and I have yet heard what you claim. Additionally, I have never heard this at church, around town or any where else! What I have seen on TJ is you and others claiming you have heard this....I wonder why this is? Is it possibly a theological thing between salvation totally by Grace or the inclusion of works?

 

[B-A-C]

Yes I have seen and heard people claim these things right here in this forum. There are many actually. I wrote what I did to add to and not take away from. Reason being is that neither you nor myself really ever knows who reads what we write and how they take it.

Everything we have is a gift of God (( not including bad things like sickness and such  ))

Salvation - Faith and so forth are Gifts of God - I was adding that Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God becuase it does need to be built up. We grow in our Love and faith and every single part of our walk in Christ.


I am NOT going to name names here but there are those who insist all you need is faith in God or that Jesus is Gods son and anything else about faith is wrong and so forth. I have talked with some who believe one faith fits all.

James W

It's not nearly as bad as it used to be.

antimonianism

Contemporary Judaizers

 

[B-A-C]

If faith only comes from God... He must have a reason for giving so many people "little faith".
Why wouldn't He give them enough faith to accomplish some spiritual things?
( Matt 6:30; Matt 8:26; Matt 14:31; Matt 16:8; Matt 17:20; Luke 12:28; etc... )
It doesn't say they have no faith, it says they have little faith. Many of these people appear to be followers
of Christ... some are even his disciples. ( Matt 16:8; Matt 17:20; etc... ) Did his disciples have no faith?

Faith is an obedience... Rom 1:5; Rom 16:26;
God has alloted everyone a measure of faith... Rom 12:3; (yet everyone isn't saved).
If you have faith... but don't have love... you are nothing. 1 Cor 13:2;
In fact out of faith, hope and love... it isn't faith that's the greatest of these... it's love.
Of course... some have wandered away from the faith... 1 Tim 6:10; 1 Tim 4:1; Did God give them faith just for a little while?

I suppose it could be said the Lord gives and He takes away... ( Job 1:21; )
But does he take away faith?

The faith that is reckoned as righteous requires obedience.
Everyone who's faith was approved by God required an act of obedience in order to be approved ( Heb 11; )
Noah built an ark, Abraham was going to sacrifice his son,
Sarah had a baby, Joseph believed in the exodus, Moses left his royalty in Egypt, Rahab hid the spies, etc...

Faith has to be tested... Heb 11:17; 1 et 1:7; Rev 2:10; etc... )
Why would God test His faith?

When things happen or don't happen in the Bible... it's because of "your" faith.
Matt 9:22; - "your" faith.
Matt 9:29; - done according to "your" faith.
Matt 15:28; - "your" faith is great, it shall be done.

Matt 17:20; - because of the little of "your" faith, you were not able to cast out the demon. (Was God's faith too small?)

Mark 5:34; - "your" faith has made you well.
Mark 10:52; - "your" faith has made you well.
Luke 7:50; - "your" faith has saved you.

Luke 8:25; - Jesus asks the disciples... were is "your" faith. Did God take it away from them?

Luke 8:48; - "your" faith has made you well.
Luke 17:19; - "your" faith has made you well.
Luke 18:42; - "your" faith has made you well.

Luke 22:32; Jesus tells Peter, he prayed for him... so that "your" faith will not fail. (Is it God's faith that fails? Or ours?)

Over 60 times in the New Testament alone... it talks about "your" faith.

It may be that all faith initially comes from God.... but to say that God gives some faith, and withholds it from others
is a false demonic doctrine. It is God's will that all be saved. ( 1 Tim 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9; etc... )
It is not God who stops some people from being saved.... it is their choice... it is their faith... ( or lack of it )
that keeps people from being saved.

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

It's not nearly as bad as it used to be.

antimonianism

Contemporary Judaizers

That is always going to be a good thing to hear !! Thanks
James W