text: You Can Have
  Living Faith
  THIS PUBLICATION IS NOT TO BE SOLD. It is a free educational service in the public interest, published by the United Church of God, an International Association.
  You Can Have
  Living Faith
  1999,United 2012 United Church of God, International Association Association ©©2007 Church of God, an an International
  Contents
  Introduction “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).
  3 Introduction
  Jesus asked a question with profound implications for each of us: “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Faith is growing increasingly rare in our secularized society. How can you have living faith?
  O
  ur they will see
  6 What Is Faith?
  Since most people don’t read the Bible, they know little about God. Many aren’t even sure whether God is real. What about you? What kind of faith do you have? Do you want to have more? Do you understand what faith really is?
  17 Examples of Living Faith
  An excellent way to understand the meaning of faith is to consider the examples of the Bible—men and women who trusted and obeyed God, placing their lives in His hands. Who were they, and what can we learn from them?
  28 Growing in Faith God expects us to grow in faith, and he tells us it is impossible to please Him without it. So how can we grow in faith? Scripture gives us several keys to building and growing in faith. What are they, and how do we utilize them?
  Even for professing Christians, religion is often superficial. Many lack a basic knowledge of the teachings of the Bible or their denomination’s beliefs.
  Designpics
  3
  Introduction
  You Can Have Living Faith that nothing matters beyond their feelings. Instead of relying on God, they trust only themselves to solve their problems. Then, because emotions are so subjective, people are left confused and grasping for anything that offers hope.
  4
  Introduction
  You Can Have Living Faith
  Religious unbelievers
  worship Him. Only by understanding these concepts can we develop the sure, unshakable faith spoken of in the Bible. among their members. Only a third of adults surveyed said they have a life-transforming relationship with God and are dedicated to serving their fellow man (“What Makes Faith Mature?” Eugene Roehlke-partain, Christian Century, May 9, 1990, pp. 496-499). If the United States, said by some to be the most religious Christian-professing nation, is having such problems, what does that tell us about the rest of the world? Lack of faith—that is, of an active, living trust in and
  A perpetual problem
  Generations come and go, but chronic problems persist. Lack of faith has been around a long time. Nearly 2,000 years ago Jesus spoke a parable that illustrated our need to have and practice living faith. He described a widow who was having difficulty obtaining justice. She persevered in her quest for righteous judgment, however, and eventually the judge decided to help her because he grew weary of her constant pleadings (Luke 18:1-5). Jesus used this example drawn from everyday life to illustrate
  The results of a survey of 11,122 people across six Christian denominations indicate that churches are not doing their job when it comes to inspiring faith among their members.
  Photos: Designpics
  “I am quite confident you will agree that Americans are religious people. Personally, I am less persuaded that we are truly a Christian people, regardless of our self-perceptions.”
  5 gives assurance that God will answer His people’s. And, as we will see, it is vital to eternal salvation in the Kingdom of God. When Jesus Christ concluded His parable, He asked a question with profound implications for all of us: “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (verse 8). Faith is all too rare today, but it can be developed in us if we understand the keys to faith. In the following pages we’ll see what the Bible says about how you can have living faith.
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  What Is Faith?
  You Can Have Living Faith
  What Is Faith? the Word ‘Faith’” on page 9). Although translators choose whether “faith” or “belief” is intended based on
  “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, New International Version).
  D
  Much of society today is secular-oriented and virtually devoid of faith. their understanding of the context of each passage, the meaning is usually much broader than either word alone. Defining faith
  Designpics
  7 Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15). Faith is belief. But let’s not make the age
  8..
  the apostle James noted: “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons [fallen angels] believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19). We obviously must go beyond the level of belief exhibited by demons.. Indeed, many biblical figures provide wonderful examples of living faith—the kind of belief required for salvation. Living,
  Right understanding leads to action.
  The Meaning of the Word “Faith”
  M
  NASA
  Faith is evidence.
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  What Is Faith?
  You Can Have Living Faith
  any people think of “faith” as either a feeling or a collection of ideas that represent one’s convictions. Although both of these concepts involve elements of faith, the full definition is much broader. The New Testament Greek word translated “faith” is pistis, the same word also rendered “belief.” It basically means “firm persuasion” and “conviction based upon hearing.” Notice the definition from a respected Bible dictionary: “The main elements in ‘faith’ in its relation to the invisible God, as distinct from ‘faith’ in man, are especially brought out in the use of this noun and the corresponding verb,
  pisteuo [“believe”]; trusting belief, conviction and conduct based on a right relationship with God. It is not static, but grows in strength and depth as we nourish that relationship with our Creator throughout our lives.
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  You Can Have Living Faith download or request a free copy of our
  Faith Puts the Law on “Firmer Footing”
  A
  comment by the apostle:20). Faith thus enbles obedience! (This sidebar was adapted from our free book The New Covenant: Does It Abolish God’s Law. Be sure to request or download it to learn more about the relationship between grace, faith and works.)
  What Is Faith?
  11). (For a better understanding of repentance, be sure to download or request our free, ‘Lord,
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  What Is Faith?
  You Can Have Living Faith
  13.
  Although his fellow apostles told him of meeting the resurrected Jesus face to face, Thomas refused to accept their statements. In spite of the evidence reported to him, he didn’t believe His Master had risen from the grave as He said He would.
  After Jesus Christ was resurrected, His disciple Thomas said he wouldn’t believe Jesus had come back to life unless he could see the nail
  The Book of James: An “Epistle of Straw”?
  M
  Designp ‘Firmer Footing’ on page 10.) ‘Epistle of Straw’?” on page 13).
  Living faith among the faithless
  art, ‘Lord,?” beginning on page 34).).
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  You Can Have Living Faith
  marks in His hands and feel the spear wound in His side. He wanted tangible, visible proof that Jesus had been resurrected. Christ reassured
  Many of the Wonderful Things That Happen Through Faith
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  aith is vital to the entire Christian life—from first understanding who God is up through salvation and eternal life.: “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” We have access into God’s grace. Romans 5:2: “. . . Through whom [Christ] also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” The Word of God works in us. 1 Thessalonians 2:13: “. . . The word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” We are made wise for salvation. 2 Timothy 3:15: “From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” We are redeemed through Christ’s blood, receiving forgiveness of sins.” (compare Ephesians 1:7). We are justified—reconciled and made right before God. Romans 3:28: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (speaking of initial justification, but deeds follow to remain justified—see Romans 2:13; James 2:14-24). We are saved from past sins. Ephesians
  2:8: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” We are raised into new life following baptism. Colossians 2:12: “. . . Buried with Him [Christ] in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” We receive the Holy Spirit. Galatians 3:14: “. . . That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (see also John 7:39; Ephesians 1:13). We become God’s children. Galatians 3:26: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (see also 1 John 5:1). Christ dwells in our hearts. Ephesians 3:17: “. . . That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love . . .” Our hearts are purified. Acts 15:8-9: “God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit . . . purifying their hearts by faith.” We are sanctified—set apart. Acts 26:15-18: “And He said, ‘I am Jesus . . . I now send you [Paul] . . . to open their eyes . . . that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me’” (see also 2 Thessalonians 2:13). We stand accepted among God’s elect. Romans 11:5, 19: “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace . . . Because of unbelief they [disobedient Israelites] were broken off, and you stand by faith” (see also 2 Corinthians 1:24). We establish God’s law—its validity to us and the ability to keep it. Romans 3:31: “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the
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  What Is Faith?
  Thomas, by providing those tangible proofs, that God and His plan of salvation were real and encouraged him to believe (John 20:24-29). law” (see “Faith Puts the Law on ‘Firmer Footing’” on page 10). We obey God. Hebrews 11:8: “By faith Abraham obeyed . . .” We are made righteous—in line with God’s law. Philippians 3:9: ). We live our lives to God. Hebrews 10:38: “Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him” (see also Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11). We live yielded to Christ conduct ourselves as God directs— not according to our own perception. 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” We come confidently before God. Ephesians 3:12: “. . . In whom [Christ] we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” We receive what we pray for. Matthew 21:22: “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” We expect and experience miracles. Matthew 17:20: “For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (see also Mark 9:23). We are healed. Acts 3:16: “And His [Jesus’] name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong . . . Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (compare Mark
  5:34; James 5:15). We are filled with joy and peace. Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” We enter God’s rest—His Sabbath in anticipation of the future rest of God’s Kingdom. Hebrews 4:3: “For we who have believed do enter that rest . . .” (see all of Hebrews 3-4 and our free booklet Sunset to Sunset: God’s Sabbath Rest). We have courage to endure trials and receive God’s promises. Hebrews 11:33-34: “. . . Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong . . .” We overcome the world. 1 John 5:4: “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” We inherit the promises of God. Hebrews 6:12: “. . . That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” We are kept by God’s power for salvation. 1 Peter 1:5: “. . . Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” We ultimately receive salvation. 1 Peter 1:7-9: “. . ..” We are given eternal life. John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (see also verse 15).
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  You Can Have Living Faith” beginning on page 14)..
  Examples of Living Faith
  17
  Examples of Living Faith “Now these things became our examples . . .” (1 Corinthians 10:6).
  W). He wrote, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come” (verse 11).), God called a man named Abram, whom He renamed Abraham (Genesis 17:5). Abram’s life, with that of his wife Sarai, renamed Sarah
  Examples of Living Faith
  You Can Have Living Faith
  (verse 15), deserves our attention because he was “the father of all those who believe” (Romans 4:11). Scripture recognizes Sarah as an outstanding example for wives (1 Peter 3:6).). In an early account involving Abraham, we note his obedience. When God asked him to move out of his native country to an unfamiliar land, “Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him” (Genesis 12
  When God asked him to move out of his native country to an unfamiliar land, “Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him.”
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  someone her age giving birth (Genesis 18:9-12).). King David’s example Illustrations, from left: © Providence Collection/licensed from GoodSalt.com, © Gino D’Achille/Private Collection/The Bridgeman Art Library
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  Hundreds of years later, another man of faith arrived on the scene. Much has been written about David, both as a young man and
  As a youth facing the giant Goliath, David had faith that God would help him.). God called David “a man after My own heart, who will do all My will” (Acts 13:22).; Hebrews 13:8),)
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  You Can Have Living Faith
  answer you in this matter . . . Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not
  Our Faith in Christ or His Faith Within Us?
  M
  any?
  The translation issue
  the original King James Version, Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith OF the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” The italicized words are rendered in the New King James Version as “faith IN the Son of God.” A literal translation from the Greek would be “God’s Son’s faith”—but the subjective/ objective question applies here too. Helping us is the context. Paul is writing of Jesus living within and through him (by the Holy Spirit) instead of him just living his own life. So in then summing this up by saying he lives by faith involving Christ, it would be illogical for Paul to mean his own faith in Christ. It makes much more sense contextually for him to mean that Christ’s faith operates within him as Christ lives His life within him. Remember his point: “. . . yet not I, but Christ . . .” We should therefore understand Paul’s parallel phrases only four verses earlier, in verse 16, to likewise mean “faith OF” Christ. And it makes sense that parallel construction elsewhere should be viewed the same way. Thus, Romans 3:21 should say “faith OF Jesus Christ,” and Philippians 3:9 should also read “faith OF Christ,” as the original King James Version translates these. Even the New King James Version translates Revelation 14:12 as stating that Christians have “the faith OF Jesus” (though that’s because “faith” here is viewed by the translators as the belief system and not the belief itself—yet both derive from Him).
  A few of these instances are found in Galatians 2. Verse 16 in the original King James Version states that we are justified—made right with God—by having the “faith OF Jesus Christ” and the “faith OF Christ” (emphasis added throughout). The New King James Version translates these phrases as “faith IN Jesus Christ” and “faith IN Christ.” Which version is correct? To understand, we’ll have to go into some grammar and translation issues. In the original Greek there is actually no word for “of” or “in” in the phrases. Rather, the question revolves around the case ending of the name. There is no question that the genitive or possessive case is used here in the original Greek. In English we would typically designate this with apostrophe s—that is to say, “Christ’s faith,” faith that belongs to Him. But there is controversy over whether the subjective genitive or objective genitive is intended. Is Christ in these phrases the object of faith—that is, the faith belongs to Him because it is directed TO Him (from us)? That would justify the translation “faith IN Christ.” Or does it belong to Him because it is inherent within Him—the faith He Himself has? This would mean that “faith OF Christ” is the proper translation—and that, seemingly, His faith is Faith toward Christ and help to believe somehow instilled into us. Of course, we certainly do need to have faith “Not I, but Christ lives in me” IN Christ. Paul himself stated in Acts 20:21 Let’s look now at verse 20. As rendered in that we must have “faith toward our Lord
  Examples of Living Faith
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  serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18). Rather than violate their commitment to obey God, they put their lives Jesus Christ” (parallel to “faith toward God” in Hebrews 6:1). Paul’s wording clearly refers to our faith directed TO Christ. We must believe in who He is and what He has done for us as well as all that He teaches through the whole Bible. Of course, even here we are not truly alone in our efforts. For God helps us to have faith. We are like the man who cried out desperately to Jesus, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)—and the apostles who implored Him, “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). Indeed God will help us to have faith even before we are spiritually converted through the Holy Spirit. However, just our own belief in God and Christ is not enough to bring us in line with God’s way and ultimately lead us to salvation. We must have the “faith OF the Son of God.” Jesus is expressly stated to be “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). So our faith is obviously from Him.
  Jesus’ own faith—or building up ours? But what does this actually mean? Does Jesus really give us His own faith—putting His own trusting belief into our hearts and minds? Or does He build His degree of faith within us over time —a development process wherein He strengthens our own faith (which is thus His by authorship)? We should understand that both aspects are at work in the life of a true Christian. Some advocate solely the latter. If a man said he was going to attain the “strength of Samson,” no one would think he meant that Samson’s own strength would somehow be given to him. They would just think he was speaking of become as strong as Samson—probably over time. Likewise, receiving “the faith of Christ” is taken by some to mean only developing, over time, as much faith as Christ had or has. And indeed, it is true that our thinking is transformed over time to be like Christ’s—including in what we believe.
  But there is more to it than that. For in a person obtaining the “strength of Samson,” it would not be because Samson lived within and through him. With the faith of Christ, the matter is quite different. When a person receives the Holy Spirit after repentance with faith and baptism, God the Father and Jesus Christ supernaturally live in that person through the presence of the Holy Spirit (John 14:23; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 John 3:24)—Christ as the active agent to live through the person, as we saw in Galatians 2:20. His thoughts and actions direct our own supernaturally to the degree we yield to Him. Thus we exhibit His character, experiencing a measure of faith as fruit and a gift of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22, KJV; Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 12:9). Indeed, we experience “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Yet we should recognize that when God gives us supernatural help through the Spirit to see as Christ sees and act accordingly, we should not view this as Christ having and exercising faith for us or in place of us. Rather, He lives through us—bringing transformation to our own minds over time so that we ourselves gradually come to think and live more and more like Him. Thus, there is supernatural intervention and empowerment by Christ, but this is transformative of our own being through a process of conversion—a process that requires our own ongoing cooperation. And in this way, Christ’s faith becomes our faith. As the apostle John stated, “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4). It truly is ours as well. Again, we must certainly have faith IN Christ. But on top of that, the faith OF Christ being established and built within us is the only way that we can remain in God’s way of life over the course of our Christian lives and receive eternal salvation.
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  Examples of Living Faith
  You Can Have Living Faith).Nego reminds us that God can and does intervene in the lives of those who trust Him (Psalm 37:4-7; 118:6-8; Proverbs 3:5).
  Reflecting on these examples
  A principle of faith in the preceding examples is obedience. Godly belief inevitably leads to doing. This is why we read in James that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). Living faith comes by doing what
  Enemies of Faith ave you ever wondered why we don’t see more evidence of faith? Jesus Christ identified four tendencies that undermine faith in statements where He chided others with the phrase “O you of little faith.” These are: • Worry. Jesus said God would take care of our needs, cautioning: “Do not worry . . . Now if God so clothes the grass of the field [splendidly], which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more cloth you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:25-33). • Fear. While on a boat in the middle of a storm, the disciples woke Jesus and pleaded that He save them from drowning. He answered, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He rebuked the sea and it immediately grew calm (Matthew 8:23-26). • Doubt., ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (verse 31). • Human reasoning without spiritual understanding. Jesus warned His disciples, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6). He was cautioning them against the wrong teachings of these religious leaders (verse 12), but the disciples initially thought He was talking about the physical leavening of bread since they had not brought any bread with them (verse 7). Jesus responded, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread?” (verse 8). He then said that they wouldn’t have missed His point if they’d kept in mind that He could miraculously provide physical bread if there was a need, having done so to feed thousands on two occasions (verses 9-11).
  Even though God allowed Shadrach, Meshach and AbedNego to be tied up and thrown into the furnace, the blazing heat didn’t affect them at all. They walked out unharmed.
  © Pacific Press/licensed from GoodSalt.com
  H
  23, King James Version), which God gives us when we repent and are baptized (Acts 2:38). (For more information about these subjects, request or download our free booklets
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  You Can Have Living Faith
  entirely on our own. In fact, the Bible tells us we must have “the faith of Christ” (Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9, both King James Version). (See “Our Faith in Christ or His Faith Within Us?” on page 20.) As we noted in the previous chapter, believing in God means more than mere acknowledgment of His existence. Faith involves a relationship with God that deepens and matures over time.
  When It Seems God Doesn’t Hear or Answer
  F
  ew attitudes are more disheartening and destructive to faith than the notion that God doesn’t hear our prayers, doesn’t answer or doesn’t care. It is easy to come to such conclusions when God doesn’t respond when or how we want. Paul’s grievous trial wanted this hindrance removed so he could Notice Paul’s account of this trial: “There continue to spread the gospel effectively and was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger care for the congregations God had raised up of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded through him. with the Lord to take it away from me” (2 CorinGod’s answer to Paul thians 12:7-8, New International Version). Paul could have concluded that God had not What was this trial, this messenger of Satan, that tormented Paul? Comments in Paul’s writ- heard his pleas. But this is not the case. God ings hint it may have been a problem with his simply gave Paul a different answer: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made eyes. To Church members in Galatia, Paul wrote: perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Whether God directly spoke these words to “As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. Even though Paul or whether Paul gradually came to this my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat understanding of God’s will isn’t clear from me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you wel- the Greek wording. What is clear is that Paul comed me . . . I can testify that, if you could came to a deeper spiritual understanding that have done so, you would have torn out your eyes strengthened his faith and commitment. Paul came to see that the credit belonged to and given them to me” (Galatians 4:13-15, NIV). Writing about his illness, Paul said that some of God the Father and Jesus Christ rather than to the members there would have given him their himself and that his weakness drew him closer to
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  Examples of Living Faith More examples of living faith that source of power and strength. He stated: ). Paul’s experience stands as an important spiritual lesson for us. Sometimes God’s answer for us is “no” or “not yet.” God never intended our physical bodies to last forever. In this era, He has allotted us a physical. “God is faithful,” Paul wrote, and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. “But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13,” (verses 35-40). God does not always answer our prayers to our immediate satisfaction and instantly deliver us from our trials. But He will always do what is best for us.
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  You Can Have Living Faith
  healed after saying to Jesus, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean” (Matthew 8:2-3). ).). Scripture tells Christians, when they fall ill, to call the elders of the Church to receive prayers and anointing with oil as a symbol of God’s Holy Spirit (James 5:14-15).
  Examples of Living Faith
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  and the book of Acts, is called “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14). And Jesus Himself acknowledged the need for physicians in caring for our health (Matthew 9:12). The use of medicine is also spoken of approvingly (Proverbs 17:22).” beginning on page 24.)).” (verses 39-40). We can share being “made perfect” with these remarkable people of faith. The next chapter will help you understand how this can take place.
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  Growing in Faith
  You Can Have Living Faith
  Growing in Faith
  tinue. As his struggle continued, he wished he had never lived (verse 14). Jeremiah’s life was an endless struggle. His was not the smug, sunny faith of a man impervious to doubt. The Bible instead records the alltoo of the righteous.
  “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).
  I. Jeremiah’s example
  Jeremiah’s captors lowered him into a “dungeon”—an abandoned cistern. His situation was so dire that he nearly died, but Jeremiah triumphed through faith in God and was delivered from the dungeon and from death.
  © Providence Collection/licensed from GoodSalt.com
  The prophet Jeremiah was just such a man. He was one of the people listed in the faith chapter who suffered “chains and imprisonment” (Hebrews 11:36; compare Jeremiah 37:15-16). Jeremiah’s captors not only imprisoned him, but they lowered him into a “dungeon”—an abandoned cistern that was deep with mud at the bottom  con-
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  live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). We need to). Jesus,
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  You Can Have Living. for it often (Luke 18:1). Prayer for faith should be an integral and regular part of our lives.
  How Faith Empowers Obedience—and More Faith
  I
  n the book of Hebrews, disobedience is equated with disbelief (see 3:18-19). How are these two are so closely related? We saw earlier in this booklet that, as the apostle Paul explained in Romans 3:31, faith enables God’s law to stand (see “Faith Puts the Law on ‘Firmer Footing’” on page 10).
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  Growing in Faith from Scripture: ). Read the Bible regularly
  In prayer we talk to God. When we read the Bible, we let God talk to us through His Word. (Galatians 2:20),). Only this will produce ongoing obedience to God’s commandments in the full spirit and intent. This is living faith—faith accompanied by
  righteous works. God initially declared the patriarch Abraham righteous on the basis of his faith (Genesis 15:5-6). Yet the apostle James explains of Abraham’s later obedience, “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” (James 2:22).increasing faith]; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:17). The next verse in James 2 says that this perfecting of faith through works is actually how “the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness’” (verse 23). May this be said of us too!
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  Growing in Faith
  You Can Have Living Faith with. (Download or request our free booklets Is the Bible True? and How to Understand the Bible. They can help you learn more from your study of the Bible, strengthening and building your faith.)
  well as the way of life we now want to live (drawing near to God and becoming. (See “How Faith Empowers Obedience— and More Faith” beginning on page 30.) The faithful men and women of the Bible had this in common. However, heartfelt obedience to God requires a good understanding of His law. To learn why God gave us His law and to
  A bricklayer knows a wall doesn’t spring up in a moment. He must build it a little at a time, brick by brick. In the same way, we develop and enrich our faith through frequent, regular contact with God.
  Obey God that we could never earn this
  understand the fundamental principles found in the Ten Commandments, download or request your free copy of the booklet The Ten Commandments. You’ll walk with God
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  To know what God says to us, we must read the Bible, God’s revealed words to man. It tells us how He wants us to live. priceless gift by our own efforts. At the other extreme are those who want God to accept them just as they are and have no intention of making any changes in their lives. Heartfelt obedience is a statement—an expression—of faith. It is empowered by faith—being, with the help of God’s Spirit, our grateful response to all that God has done and promises He will yet do for us as
  33 described in just such terms.
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  You Can Have Living Faith
  When your faith is tested
  Everyone who has faith is tested. The Bible says such tests of our faith, which is “more precious than gold,” are necessary (1 Peter 1:6-7). Although gold will ultimately perish, our faith will forever be a part of us
  Is Belief All That’s Required for Salvation?
  I
  s belief all that God requires of us for salvation? Some, reading Acts 16:31 and Romans 10:9, think that’s the final word on the subject. But we must look at all the Bible says on the subject to come to a proper understanding. Certainly belief in God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, as They are described in Scripture, is crucial. As Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” So belief in God and having living faith in Him is vital to pleasing God and receiving His gift of salvation. And salvation is God’s gift by grace, as Ephesians 2:8-9 explains. It is His gift, unearned and undeserved on our part. No one will ever be able to boast that he or she has earned or deserves the gift of eternal life. But it doesn’t stop at simple belief and grace. We can do things—or not do things—that disqualify us from receiving that wonderful gift from God. self-addressed stamped envelope, he would be offering you a gift. Simply believing that he would send you the money would not actually get you the money. And if you failed to send the envelope, you likewise would not receive it. of salvation—eternal life.
  What must we do? In Matthew 7:21 Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Jesus made it clear that merely acknowledging Him as Lord and Master—saying “Lord, Lord”—is not sufficient. To inherit the Kingdom, we must do something. We must do the will of the Father, as He clearly stated. Jesus wants us to understand that there is more to receiving eternal life than just belief or mental acceptance. Our conviction that He is our Savior must be more than just a warm, comforting thought or intellectual concept. Jesus warns that simply calling on His name or recognizing Him as “Lord” is not enough. At one point a wealthy young man asked Jesus how he could receive eternal life. “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”.
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  Growing in Faith
  when we are resurrected at the return of Jesus Christ. Trials and problems are not pleasant. When they hit us, they may at first seem terrible, traumatic and even devastating. But trials are opportunities to build faith and grow spiritually. As the apostle James points out, belief is pointless unless it is backed up by action and obedience: “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble” (James 2:19). He goes on to explain that faith—belief and trust in God?”  by Christ’s ministry, ‘Lord,., New Living Translation, 1996).! To better understand this commitment, and the wonderful rewards it brings, request or download our free booklet Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion.
  Growing in Faith
  You Can Have Living Faith him, Daniel had to put his trust in God. He knew that, even if God did not deliver him from the lions right then, God would nevertheless deliver him ultimately, as He nevertheless requires that we go forward in faith. In times of testing we must seek His wisdom even more earnestly. We must pray for Him to show us His will. We should seek wise spiritual counsel (Proverbs 24:6). Then, with His courage and faith within. Faith in the promise of the Kingdom of God and last forever (Daniel 2:44). download or request your free copy of The Gospel of the Kingdom.) We will inherit the Kingdom in the resurrection to eternal life at Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15:50-52). Our belief in this coming
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  Kingdom is, in itself, an act of faith. This is because we do not now).
  Before God delivered him, Daniel had to put his trust in God. He knew that, even if God did not deliver him from the lions right then, God would nevertheless deliver him ultimately.
  Briton Riviere/Private Collection/© Bonhams, London, UK/The Bridgeman Art LIbrary
  36!
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  You Can Have Living Faith it up in the pages of your own Bible and prove for yourself what it really teaches! We’ve put together many other booklets that discuss crucial biblical topics in much greater detail. All are yours free for the asking when you visit our website at or contact one of our offices at the end of this booklet. As always, there is never any cost or obligation, and no one will call on you. • To discover the incredible biblical truth of what the Bible reveals about God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, request Who Is God? • Many believe that the New Covenant does away with any need to obey the Ten Commandments and other laws of God. But is this true? Be sure to read The New Covenant: Does It Abolish God’s Law? • Who was Jesus Christ, really? What did He teach? What was His message? Who and what did He claim to be? Discover the truth in Jesus Christ: The Real Story. • For more information about repentance and conversion—and the incredible purpose of human life—request your free copy of Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion. • To understand which day is the biblical Sabbath—the day set aside in the Bible for regular weekly rest and worship services— request your free copy of Sunset to Sunset: God’s Sabbath Rest.
  You’ll also learn why God wants His people to assemble together and why this most neglected of the Ten Commandments is so important to our relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. • Did you know the Bible tells us to observe seven festivals that teach us about God’s plan for mankind? To learn more, request your free copy of God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind. •. • The foundation of right human behavior is found in the Ten Commandments. But why are they so important? Do they have a deeper meaning that most people miss? Be sure to request your free copy of The Ten Commandments. •! • If you would like to learn more about the people behind the publication of this booklet, request This Is the United Church of God. All publications are provided free as an educational service in the public interest. Download or request them at.
  WORLDWIDE MAILING ADDRESSES North, South and Central America United States: United Church of God P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027 Phone: (513) 576-9796 Fax: (513) 576-9795 Website: E-mail: info@ucg.org Canada: United Church of God–Canada Box 144, Station D, Etobicoke, ON M9A 4X1, Canada Phone: (905) 876-9966, (800) 338-7779 Fax: (905) 876-0569 Website: Website: Website: Website: Ghana: P.O. Box AF 75, Adenta, Accra, Ghana E-mail: ghana@ucg.org Malawi: P.O. Box 32257, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi Phone: 01 660 8: 8033233193 Website: Website: Website: Website: Website: E-mail: info@ucg.org.ph Singapore: United Church of God, P.O. Box 37, MacPherson Road, Singapore 913402 Website:: Noel Hornor, Camilo Reyes, Randy Stiver, Tom Robinson, Scott Ashley Editorial reviewers: Roger Foster, Paul Kieffer, Burk McNair, John Ross Schroeder, Mario Seiglie, Donald Ward Cover: Digital Stock LF/1205.
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  Inside this Bible study aid: -- Introduction: You Can Have Living Faith -- What Is Faith? -- The Meaning of the Word "Faith" -- The Book of...
  Published on Jul 9, 2013
  Inside this Bible study aid: -- Introduction: You Can Have Living Faith -- What Is Faith? -- The Meaning of the Word "Faith" -- The Book of...