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Week Two:
The Foundation of Faith:
At salvation everthing we've built over our life upon has be placed in the sea of forgetfulness. Now, a new foundation is laid in Christ, and we begin building upon it each and every day with our deeds motives. As someone who worked in Housing Rehabilation, with any building project, we have a choice about which material to use, according to what will be most effective. They may all look good on the surface, but the real test of their quality will be revealed according to what we have done and the outcome, whether good or bad.“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV). The same is true with our living faith which can grow adn be active in good and bad times. Therefore, we should carefully consider what we are using as building materials, because the world offers us many philosophies from which to choose and stand on various belief systems. We are told that we can mix a little worldly insight and knowledge, a bit of Scripture and come up with spiritual wisdom that we give us good ground to create and grow a suitable Christian life and lifestyle. But, Paul warns that if anyone thinks he is wise in this age, he is a fool. God will destroy everything we use that is derived from the world system foundational principles, rather than from the truth and unadulterated of God. “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall” Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV).
Building a solid house of faith on the foundation of Christ is the only thing that will maintain and sustain our faith during the fiery darts of the enemy, raging storms of life and whirlwinds of chaos, because it all must come from a lifelong process. Through prayer and meditation on Scripture, we will learn to know and love our heavenly Father and understand what pleases Him in our daily walk of obedience to His will for our lives. As He transforms our life through His Spirit, our actions and attitudes become increasingly faithful, godl, obedient and persistent in the journey; with so much at stake, our goal should be to estalish our life on the foundation of Christ in which righteous actions and attitudes are empowered by the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Now, our faith house will stand firm in this life and be worthy or reward in the next. “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” Philippians 1:27 (NKJV).
Growing Faith in God's Faithfulness:
Because God is faithful, we can have peace of mind in any circumstance, even in the face of death. Although, we will change with time and the seasons of life will come and go, our faithful God is always the same. Since we belong to Him through Christ, He will never forget, neglect or abandon us. He has promised to preserve us “complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” and He will do it.
There are several different ways we can grow in our faith:
1. Ask God to increase your faith.
If you are struggling in your faith, ask Him for more of it. You need to ask Him to bestow it through the Holy Spirit.
2. Focus on obeying God.
No one is perfect and we all make mistakes, but if you focus on following God’s word and commands, your faith will grow naturally.
3. Spend time reading and hearing God’s word.
Spend time every day reading God’s word and soak it into your heart and mind. If your lifestyle is busy, listen to a sermon or a Christian podcast. Putting His word into your heart and soul will fortify your faith in the rough times.
4. Spend time with other believers.
We are meant to worship together, pray together, and share our faith with each other. Hearing about others journeys in faith can be encouraging. Also study the Bible together, encouraging each other in godly disciplines.
5. Spend time in fervent prayer.
Scheduling a specific time each day to spend with God in pr ayer makes a huge difference. This is your time alone with Him to discuss anything that is on your heart and mind. Be still and listen carefully and your faith will grow in abundance.
God expects us to have faith and to grow in faith according to His Word. And if we really believe God and live according to that faith, then God will be pleased. And we’re going to be blessed, without lacking in faith and failing to live by faith which displeases the Lord. Do you have a enough faith on your current foundation? Do you have the right type of faith to grow your heart's desire? How can you know what faith is? and how do you show it and increase it?