Wednesday, November 03, 2004

How to have a saving faith in GOD

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

How does the Bible define faith?
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Heb. 11:1.

When coming to God, what is it necessary to believe concerning Him?
"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." Heb. 11:6.

How may we know that God exists?
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork." Ps. 19:1 (Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:).

How may we have faith in Him?
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom. 10:17.

Are the promises of God of any value to those who do not believe them?
"I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not." Jude 5 (Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;).

In whom must we believe in order to be saved?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

When we believe on the Son of God, what evidence do we have that our sins are
forgiven?
"He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son." 1 John 5:10.

What is the nature of this witness?
"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Rom. 8:16.

When we have this witness, what does it do for us?
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

Upon what conditions has God promised the forgiveness of sin?
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." "If we confess our sins, He
is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:7, 9.

Does the Bible warrant one in believing that he receives what he asks for, before
he is conscious of possessing it?
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24.

How may one learn to develop patience in waiting on God?
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." James 1:2, 3.

When in affliction, what ought all to believe?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Rom. 8:28.

What kind of faith is that which is unaccompanied with works?
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith
without works is dead also."
James 2:26.

If one knows the he is constantly disobeying God, can he have real living faith?
"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:21, 22.

How much may one hope to receive, who asks with a doubtful mind?
"Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord." James 1:7.

What was the cause of Peter's sinking after he had started to meet the Saviour on
the stormy sea?
"And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Matt. 14:31.

What may one constantly have, by growing into the fullness of faith?
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." Rom. 15:13.

Dear friends, I encourage you to write down you experinces in answered prayer or anytime you see God working. I have a prayer journal tha I use to make notes about specific prayer requests including God's promises that I have claimed regarding the specific request, it includes the date I first asked and any additional dates on which I talked to God about it. Then I review these and when I realize that God has answered the prayer, I enter the information to help me remember. So when the enemy would try to discourage me, I can go back and see how God has let me in the past, and it makes my faith stronger.

You are invited to visit the Church that I attend.