Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please God ....

 

Today Christians are subjected to an attack against their faith. It is being produced by people who are constantly searching for arguments against the Bible and religion, especially Christianity. This anti-Christian offensive is mainly atheist, and is causing many Christians to deny their faith (1 Timothy 4:1). In some parts of the world, especially in some European countries,  it is rare to proclaim yourself as a Christian.

 

In our society, Christians are classified as uneducated, with low credibility and a psychologically weak. Currently, we are taught that science leads to atheism and that there is no compatibility between science and God. Young children are increasingly taught the weak theory of evolution, completely rejecting the hand of our Creator God. By thinking to be wise, they are becoming fools (Romans 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools...)

 

All these events and influences induce Christians to feel helpless. They are under a social pressure that causes them to hide their faith, for fear of being reprimand by the so-called "intellectuals" of today. The pressure which we are subject to is very high in some areas of our society, especially in: (high society / scientific environments, universities etc ...).

 

On this topic, we will not go into detail about all the arguments that atheists have against Christians. They are many and joyfully all of them can be scientifically 100% refuted (as it should be since God invented science, not men, Isaiah 40:14) What we are really going to discuss in this topic, is the importance of a life in faith and how to ignore those doubts that come to mind. These doubts are nothing but tricks that Satan sends to us so we lose our faith.

 

Ephesians 6:16

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

 

Introduction of the faith

 

Hebrews 11:1

 1 It is, therefore, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

The author of Hebrews devotes an entire chapter to summarize the meaning of faith and present some examples of God's servants who were justified by faith.  Faith is not just something we have at certain times, but a daily attitude. Our faith will not only confirm our confidence and salvation in God, but it will also cause us to have peace in the storm. We will rely on God and not man, and very importantly, our faith can help comfort other brothers and help them grow with their faith.

 

Walking in faith all our days may seem a little complicated but not difficult. We may have moments of weakness when we are being attacked by the enemy (Ephesians 6:16), but what is more important is that we are in constant prayer and awareness to keep our faith. This attitude of awareness, prayer, trust in God and perseverance is what Paul called in Timothy 1st and 2nd as the good fight of faith.

 

1 Timothy 6:12

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life to which you were called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 

2 Timothy 4:7

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

 

In the Bible, we have many examples that show us that a Christian life is not an easy life. A total dependence in God is needed to keep moving forward. This dependence implies trust and faith in God regardless of the situation we are in (even though it seems that everything is against us). A life of holiness, in prayer, searching, repentance and faith will put us on the right track, waiting for the providential solution that our God has prepared for us.

 

Job, for example, went through many trials that could have taken his faith away. However, contrary to what was said about him and his wife's invitation to curse God, he acted as a good servant while searching, and worshiping in faith expecting God's answer. Paul had many troubles as a Christian (persecution, beatings, prison etc ...) yet never gave up his faith. These examples prove that faith can not be lost if we truly love God, and that we have a mighty God who is faithful and always willing to help us maintain our faith.

 

Example of Peter in the Bible (Matthew 14:22-36)

 

In Matthew 14: 22-36 we are told of the incident that happened when Jesus' disciples were in a boat on the sea. Jesus came walking on the water towards the boat where the disciples were. Peter asked Jesus Christ, as confirmation, to let him go to him walking on the water. Because of the wind Peter was afraid and began to sink, then he cried out to Jesus and He rescued him.

 

The spiritual lesson we draw from this event is that we should walk in our lives by faith. Even if it seems impossible (like walking on water), yet we must do it by faith and follow our journey to get to Jesus Christ. In this journey we will have strong winds in from of enemy attacks which will attempt to disturb our faith. If we allow these winds to carry us away we will lose our faith and sink. Instead if we are followers of Jesus, as Peter was, Jesus Christ in his mercy he will rescue us.

 

We must remember that Peter was a disciple of Jesus Christ. This indicates that he had communion with Him, and followed Him every day. Peter was close to Jesus and knew His will. In this event recounted in Matthew 14, we could say that Peter was a Christian who had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and how His mercy helps us in times when we lose our faith. This does not mean that we should always stay in the same situation waiting for Jesus to rescue us, because what He wants are men and women of faith to who He does not have to say over and over again -  

man of little faith why did you doubt?.

 

Examples that show the importance and benefits of our faith :

 

Our life of faith will glorify God in many ways:

 

• We will be saved: Romans 3:21-22, Acts 20:21, Ephesians 2:8

• We will be healed Matthew 9:22, Matthew 9:29, Matthew 15:28, Luke 7, Acts 3:16 etc. ...

• We will be blessed: John 20:29

• We will please God: Hebrews 11:6

• We will be righteous: Romans 1:17, Romans 4:5

• We will be justified: Romans 3:26, Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:24 and so on ...

• We will be examples to others: 1 Timothy 4:12

• Our faith will bear witness to others: Romans 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 1:8

• We will demonstrate obedience: Romans 1:5, Romans 16:26

• It will help us go through the tribulations related with the life as Christians: Acts 14:22

• It cast out demons: Matthew 17:20

• It will calm the storm in our lives: Mark 4:35-41

• It will make the promises of God be fulfilled in our lives: Romans 4:19-21

• We will have peace: Romans 5:1

• We will remain firm: Romans 11:20, 2 Corinthians 1:24, Colossians 1:23

• Our faith is founded on the power of God and not in the wisdom of men: 1 Corinthians 2:5

• We will be at one with the brethren: Philippians 1:27

• We will have no doubts about our future: Matthew 6:25-34

 

The importance of our prayer for our faith and for those around us:

 

Prayer for our faith is an important weapon to help us stand firm along with those around us:

 

• We ask for faith to the Lord all the days of our lives: Luke 17:5

• We pray for the faith of others as did Jesus Christ: Luke 22:32

• We will give comfort to the other brothers: Romans 1:12

• We will pray that we stand firm: 1 Corinthians 16:13

• We will pray to keep our faith: 1 Timothy 1:19

• We will support and respect, we will encourage our faith: 1 Thessalonians 3:2-5

 

Luke 17:5

5 The apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith.

 

Faith tested

 

Our faith will be tested, therefore it must be firm, so the enemy may not steal it.

 

Romans 5:1-5

 1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the 

    glory of God.

 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

 4 and perseverance, character, and character, hope;

 5 and hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the 

    Holy Spirit given to us.

 

Conclusion

 

Our life of faith reflects the degree of confidence that we really have in God. We must be firm and remain there, because this will lead us to have more communion with God and can help other brothers when they are losing faith. 

 

When things go wrong, as we go through tests or we are being attacked by the enemy, we will remain faithful in His truth and trust in God. We will be blessed and always be pleasing servants of God. Remember that life is long, that test are necessary and the battle is hard, but as good soldiers of God, we shall fight the good fight of faith and win with the help of our God. We will celebrate the victory with Jesus in Paradise!

 

John 20:29

29 Jesus said to him: Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they who have not seen and have believed.

 

Note: If you have any doubts on what you have read or any questions about anything that was not clear, please contact us, we will answer all your questions and give you all the information you require.

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