How does one actually know whether or not we should have faith in something or not?
Having a strong faith in God and what he can do/has done, is a good thing, but is there such a thing as "good" faith and "bad" faith?
Thankfully, God answers our questions, in His Word. God has put it in our conscience, to know the difference between good and bad, and right from wrong. He even went so far as to say that we shall have no excuse before him, that "we did not know" these things. What does Romans 12:3 say about faith?
It is always good to ponder these things about God, that we say we believe in. It is a good exercise in faith, for all. We need to examine these things carefully, to see what we really believe. It is crucial that we not only know what we believe, but more importantly, why. If we don't know what we believe, we might fall for anything, and when it comes to spiritual matters, knowledge is key, as it determines our eternal destination. Nothing is more important than protecting our soul and preparing it for eternity. This is why studying the Bible is so important. There are all types of faith and beliefs, but are they right, and who determines that?
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 you, (according to his grace and mercy.)
This passage, found in Romans 12:3, encourages a balanced view of oneself within the context of faith. It urges believers to avoid pride, arrogance, and self-importance...instead, emphasizing a humble and sober assessment of their abilities and role in the body of Christ, based on the faith that God has given them.
God has made it crystal clear in his Word. He did not give man the authority to set spiritual rules for this world. He, alone, has that power and authority, and it is pure pride and arrogance on man's part, to think or say otherwise. Man has made the fatal mistake of thinking he can take God's place. That's why the Bible says to study God's Word, to show ourselves approved before God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. Scripture says that if one wants to know the truth, they need to go to the source of Truth, which the Bible says, is God. We either believe God or we don't. It makes all the difference in the world.
It's not WHAT, but WHOM we have our faith in, that is crucial to our eternal destination. Faith is to believe in what you do not see. A man who believes in God, though he, today, cannot see his physical body, has faith in God and His promises. However, we can see the evidence of God in his magnificent creations, miracles, and supernatural transformation of souls by the Holy Spirit, and their testimonies. But where does faith come from, is what we are pondering today.
As always, the answers are in God's Word and I'm very thankful for that, because God didn’t and doesn’t want us to guess about spiritual matters and choices we need to make, in order to protect our soul. God says in His Word, that faith comes from God, as a gift to us. It is spiritual in nature, its purpose, to enable individuals to trust in and believe in God. The Bible says for that reason, everyone who is born, is given a "measure of faith". Faith is not something humans generate on their own, but is a sovereign gift from God. It is also not something earned or created by humans. Several passages in the Bible such as Hebrews 12:2 and Philippians 1:29, illustrate that faith is a gift from God. He extended faith to individuals, rather than individuals striving or creating it for themselves. God gives faith because of his grace and mercy...because he loves us (Ephesians 4 - 5). It comes to us as a gift.
Faith is understood as a response to God's Word and message, rather than a purely human experience. An example of faith in God, would be Abraham, who trusted God even when faced with difficult circumstances.
The Bible says that faith comes from hearing, and hearing, through the word of God, meaning that God is the source of this understanding. Romans 10:17 highlights the connection between hearing the word of God and the development of faith. This emphasizes that God uses His word to communicate and empower individuals to believe.
The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace, meaning it's a gift God freely gives, not something earned. Faith, being essential for salvation, is also presented as a gift from God, received through his grace. However, faith is not merely a belief in truth, but trust in God and His promises. It's a response of the heart, not just the mind. Abraham's faith demonstrates that faith is a dynamic relationship with God.
While faith is a gift from God, it is inherently good and cannot be "bad" in itself. However, it has the potential to be misused or misdirected, leading to negative consequences. An example of that would be false teachers and leading others astray and away from God. Faith is meant as a tool for spiritual growth and transformation, leading individuals towards a closer relationship with God and a more meaningful life. Even in the face of suffering or hardship faith can help individuals see a higher purpose in God's plan, allowing them to endure difficult circumstances with grace and resilience. It's important, therefore, to read your Bible so that you know how to discern what is acceptable and not harmful to yourself. It tells us whom it is safe to put our trust in.
The Bible says to put your full trust in Jesus and not believe everyone who comes along and claims to know and love God, because there are false teachers out there. The Bible tells us how to distinguish between good and false teachers. It warns that if what they tell you does not match 100% with what God says in His Word, then leave them, as there is no truth in them. Do not blindly follow false teachers. Read your Bible, so you know how to detect them, then turn away.
The Bible also warns against false prophecies and visions, and of course, these come from false teachers. They will lie and tell you that faith must be accompanied by good works, but that is not what God's word says. Such teachers lead individuals away from genuine spiritual guidance. Even in extreme cases, faith can be used to justify harmful actions or policies from misguided individuals. And sadly, some try to lead us to cults, which are used as a tool to control or manipulate individuals, rather than a source of empowerment and liberation through Christ. They distort and misinterpret scripture, leading to misunderstanding of God's truth. This is why the Bible says to test the spirits, and see if they are of God.
God is described in the Bible as both love personified, and sinless. That is, incapable of sin. It is not in His character. Ultimately, the "badness" of faith, definitely lies not in its origin (God), but in the actions, beliefs, and interpretations that misguided individuals attach to it. We all have the responsibility to choose either bad or good actions, and sometimes we simply make bad choices.
In conclusion, while bad choices can be seen in relation to faith, particularly when considered in the context of free will and divine guidance, they can lead to negative consequences, but they can also be opportunities for growth, repentance, and a deeper relationship with God. Making good decisions is an expression of our faith.
Conversely, bad choices can be seen as a failure to exercise faith, or a turning away from God's guidance. These choices can have negative consequences, impacting relationships, personal growth, and spiritual well-being.
While bad decisions can be painful, they can also be opportunities for learning and growth. Experiencing the consequences of our choices can lead us to recognize our needs, seek forgiveness, and make better choices in the future. It is an opportunity to strengthen our faith, deepen our understanding of God, and ultimately lead us closer to him.
God and His Word are the best guide and source of wisdom. The Bible says that if any lack wisdom, we can ask God and he will gladly give it. Seeking his guidance through prayer and scripture, can help us make better decisions/choices. When we know better, we do better, and Jesus is definitely a positive and wonderful Guide, as he always has our best interest at heart. Seeking his wisdom and trusting in his plan, can help us make decisions that are aligned with our faith and his will. Likewise, following God and trusting in him and his word, will ultimately help us detect and exercise good, over bad choices.
Thankfully, God answers our questions, in His Word. God has put it in our conscience, to know the difference between good and bad, and right from wrong. He even went so far as to say that we shall have no excuse before him, that "we did not know" these things. What does Romans 12:3 say about faith?
It is always good to ponder these things about God, that we say we believe in. It is a good exercise in faith, for all. We need to examine these things carefully, to see what we really believe. It is crucial that we not only know what we believe, but more importantly, why. If we don't know what we believe, we might fall for anything, and when it comes to spiritual matters, knowledge is key, as it determines our eternal destination. Nothing is more important than protecting our soul and preparing it for eternity. This is why studying the Bible is so important. There are all types of faith and beliefs, but are they right, and who determines that?
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 you, (according to his grace and mercy.)
This passage, found in Romans 12:3, encourages a balanced view of oneself within the context of faith. It urges believers to avoid pride, arrogance, and self-importance...instead, emphasizing a humble and sober assessment of their abilities and role in the body of Christ, based on the faith that God has given them.
God has made it crystal clear in his Word. He did not give man the authority to set spiritual rules for this world. He, alone, has that power and authority, and it is pure pride and arrogance on man's part, to think or say otherwise. Man has made the fatal mistake of thinking he can take God's place. That's why the Bible says to study God's Word, to show ourselves approved before God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. Scripture says that if one wants to know the truth, they need to go to the source of Truth, which the Bible says, is God. We either believe God or we don't. It makes all the difference in the world.
It's not WHAT, but WHOM we have our faith in, that is crucial to our eternal destination. Faith is to believe in what you do not see. A man who believes in God, though he, today, cannot see his physical body, has faith in God and His promises. However, we can see the evidence of God in his magnificent creations, miracles, and supernatural transformation of souls by the Holy Spirit, and their testimonies. But where does faith come from, is what we are pondering today.
As always, the answers are in God's Word and I'm very thankful for that, because God didn’t and doesn’t want us to guess about spiritual matters and choices we need to make, in order to protect our soul. God says in His Word, that faith comes from God, as a gift to us. It is spiritual in nature, its purpose, to enable individuals to trust in and believe in God. The Bible says for that reason, everyone who is born, is given a "measure of faith". Faith is not something humans generate on their own, but is a sovereign gift from God. It is also not something earned or created by humans. Several passages in the Bible such as Hebrews 12:2 and Philippians 1:29, illustrate that faith is a gift from God. He extended faith to individuals, rather than individuals striving or creating it for themselves. God gives faith because of his grace and mercy...because he loves us (Ephesians 4 - 5). It comes to us as a gift.
Faith is understood as a response to God's Word and message, rather than a purely human experience. An example of faith in God, would be Abraham, who trusted God even when faced with difficult circumstances.
The Bible says that faith comes from hearing, and hearing, through the word of God, meaning that God is the source of this understanding. Romans 10:17 highlights the connection between hearing the word of God and the development of faith. This emphasizes that God uses His word to communicate and empower individuals to believe.
The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace, meaning it's a gift God freely gives, not something earned. Faith, being essential for salvation, is also presented as a gift from God, received through his grace. However, faith is not merely a belief in truth, but trust in God and His promises. It's a response of the heart, not just the mind. Abraham's faith demonstrates that faith is a dynamic relationship with God.
While faith is a gift from God, it is inherently good and cannot be "bad" in itself. However, it has the potential to be misused or misdirected, leading to negative consequences. An example of that would be false teachers and leading others astray and away from God. Faith is meant as a tool for spiritual growth and transformation, leading individuals towards a closer relationship with God and a more meaningful life. Even in the face of suffering or hardship faith can help individuals see a higher purpose in God's plan, allowing them to endure difficult circumstances with grace and resilience. It's important, therefore, to read your Bible so that you know how to discern what is acceptable and not harmful to yourself. It tells us whom it is safe to put our trust in.
The Bible says to put your full trust in Jesus and not believe everyone who comes along and claims to know and love God, because there are false teachers out there. The Bible tells us how to distinguish between good and false teachers. It warns that if what they tell you does not match 100% with what God says in His Word, then leave them, as there is no truth in them. Do not blindly follow false teachers. Read your Bible, so you know how to detect them, then turn away.
The Bible also warns against false prophecies and visions, and of course, these come from false teachers. They will lie and tell you that faith must be accompanied by good works, but that is not what God's word says. Such teachers lead individuals away from genuine spiritual guidance. Even in extreme cases, faith can be used to justify harmful actions or policies from misguided individuals. And sadly, some try to lead us to cults, which are used as a tool to control or manipulate individuals, rather than a source of empowerment and liberation through Christ. They distort and misinterpret scripture, leading to misunderstanding of God's truth. This is why the Bible says to test the spirits, and see if they are of God.
God is described in the Bible as both love personified, and sinless. That is, incapable of sin. It is not in His character. Ultimately, the "badness" of faith, definitely lies not in its origin (God), but in the actions, beliefs, and interpretations that misguided individuals attach to it. We all have the responsibility to choose either bad or good actions, and sometimes we simply make bad choices.
In conclusion, while bad choices can be seen in relation to faith, particularly when considered in the context of free will and divine guidance, they can lead to negative consequences, but they can also be opportunities for growth, repentance, and a deeper relationship with God. Making good decisions is an expression of our faith.
Conversely, bad choices can be seen as a failure to exercise faith, or a turning away from God's guidance. These choices can have negative consequences, impacting relationships, personal growth, and spiritual well-being.
While bad decisions can be painful, they can also be opportunities for learning and growth. Experiencing the consequences of our choices can lead us to recognize our needs, seek forgiveness, and make better choices in the future. It is an opportunity to strengthen our faith, deepen our understanding of God, and ultimately lead us closer to him.
God and His Word are the best guide and source of wisdom. The Bible says that if any lack wisdom, we can ask God and he will gladly give it. Seeking his guidance through prayer and scripture, can help us make better decisions/choices. When we know better, we do better, and Jesus is definitely a positive and wonderful Guide, as he always has our best interest at heart. Seeking his wisdom and trusting in his plan, can help us make decisions that are aligned with our faith and his will. Likewise, following God and trusting in him and his word, will ultimately help us detect and exercise good, over bad choices.
