Table of Contents
In my journey of faith, I’ve come to understand that it does not hinge on the ever-changing tides of our feelings or the unpredictable circumstances we face.
Rather, faith anchors itself in the unshakable truth of God, as depicted in the Bible. It’s a realization that provides a steadfast hope, regardless of the emotional storms or the trials that may come our way.
I’ve noticed, during personal reflections and communal worship, that our human emotions can often be fickle, shifting from high to low on the mere whims of life’s moments.
In contrast, circumstances can be equally fleeting, sometimes bright and at other times dim. Yet, through these oscillations, the Word of God, as recorded in the Scriptures, remains constant, offering a solid foundation for my beliefs.
Now, let’s examine some scriptural affirmations from the King James Version (KJV) Bible that relate to this concept of faith being grounded not in our transient feelings or situations but in God’s enduring truth.
I’ve created a table that outlines the actions inspired by these biblical truths, alongside the benefits gained from living out these actions.
| Action | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Trusting in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5) | Gaining guidance and direction |
| Walking by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) | Living with confidence in God’s plan |
| Believing God’s promises (Romans 4:21) | Experiencing peace and assurance |
| Abiding in God’s word (John 15:7) | Receiving what we ask in prayer |
| Seeking God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) | Receiving provision for our needs |
| Relying on God’s strength (Isaiah 41:10) | Finding help and support |
| Putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) | Standing firm against spiritual challenges |
| Renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) | Transforming our perspective |
| Being led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14) | Living as children of God |
| Holding fast to confession of hope (Hebrews 10:23) | Remaining steadfast amidst wavering circumstances |
These biblical principles encourage me to focus my faith on what God has said, knowing that His word stands firm through all times. The actions informed by this conviction bring a multitude of benefits that fortify my walk and belief in Him.
Faith Comes by Hearing
In the realm of Christianity, the concept of faith is foundational and it’s often emphasized that faith is nurtured by what we hear, specifically the Word of God. The Bible speaks of the importance of hearing as a part of growing in faith.
In Romans 10:17, it declares, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
This connects deeply with the idea that our faith is strengthened not through our variable feelings or shifting circumstances but by the unchanging truth of God’s promises and character as revealed in scripture.
The Bible presents various examples and directives about the role of hearing God’s Word and its impact on believers.
Below, I’ve created a table outlining different scriptural actions related to hearing God’s truth and the associated benefits as presented in the King James Version of the Bible.
| Action of Hearing | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hear and be wise (Proverbs 1:5) | Increase in learning |
| Hearken to the word of the Lord (Jeremiah 7:2) | Understanding of the path to salvation |
| Incline your ear unto wisdom (Proverbs 2:2) | Gaining knowledge of God |
| Hear and fear the Lord (Deuteronomy 31:12) | Learning to respect and follow God’s commandments |
| Hear that your soul may live (Isaiah 55:3) | Invitation to an eternal relationship with God |
| Hearken unto His commandments (Exodus 15:26) | Health and well-being as promised by God |
| Hear the word at His mouth (Ezekiel 3:17) | Guidance on how to live a righteous life |
| Give ear to His laws (Psalm 78:1) | Understanding and wisdom |
| Hear God’s sayings (Luke 9:35) | Identification and following of Jesus as God’s chosen one |
| Attend to the words of the Eternal (Proverbs 4:20) | Life and health to the whole body |
Example Bible Stories:
- The Story of Lydia: In Acts 16:14, Lydia’s heart was opened to heed Paul’s words, demonstrating faith coming from hearing the gospel.
- The Ethiopian Eunuch: In Acts 8:26-39, he understands Isaiah’s prophecy and believes in Jesus after Philip explains it, showing faith through understanding God’s word.
- The Conversion of Cornelius: Acts 10 recounts Cornelius hearing Peter’s message, leading to his and his household’s faith.
Faith is Not Based on Feelings
In my relationship with God, I’ve come to understand that faith is a steadfast trust in His truth, rather than a fleeting emotion governed by my feelings.
Feelings can be influenced by numerous external factors, but faith stands on the immutable foundation of God’s word. It’s akin to building a house on solid rock rather than shifting sand.
The Bible is filled with God’s unchanging truth, and it offers guidance on how my faith should not be dictated by how I feel at any given moment.
To illustrate this, I’ve referenced key verses and outlined their respective actions and benefits in a format that’s easy to digest.
| Action Based on Faith | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Trust in the Lord with all my heart | I will gain understanding |
| Walk by faith, not by sight | I will be pleasing to God |
| Believe in God and His Word | I will have peace beyond understanding |
| Put on the shield of faith | I will be able to quench fiery darts of the wicked |
| Be steadfast, unmovable | I will abound in the work of the Lord |
| Pray without wavering | I will receive what I ask for in faith |
| Abide in the Word | I will know the truth, and the truth will set me free |
| Hope for what is unseen | I will wait with perseverance |
| Have faith as a grain of mustard seed | I can move mountains |
| Rest in the Lord | I will be fed in due time |
Example Bible Stories:
- Job’s Trials: Despite immense suffering and emotional turmoil (Job 1-2), Job maintains his faith in God, not based on his feelings.
- Elijah’s Despair: In 1 Kings 19, Elijah feels despondent and alone, yet his faith is not determined by these emotions.
- Peter Walking on Water: In Matthew 14:22-33, Peter starts sinking when his fear overcomes his faith, indicating that faith should not depend on fluctuating feelings.
Faith Does Not Arise from Visions or Dreams
In my exploration of faith, I’ve come to understand that it isn’t spawned from our dreams or visions. These experiences, while they can be profound and moving, are not the rock upon which faith is built.
My faith is grounded in the truth of God’s Word as presented in the Bible — a solid foundation unshaken by the shifting sands of feelings or circumstances.
Scriptural Insight Table
| Action (KJV Scripture) | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” | Walking by faith keeps us reliant on God’s truth rather than our visual perceptions. |
| Romans 10:17 – “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” | Hearing the word of God generates and strengthens our faith. |
| Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” | Faith gives substance to our hopes, serving as evidence for the unseen blessings of God. |
| Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” | Our salvation comes through faith as a gift, not through our own visions. |
| James 1:6 – “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” | Asking in faith without doubt assures us of a steadfast connection to God’s will. |
| Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” | Trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly fosters faith deeper than our rationality or dreams. |
| 1 Corinthians 2:5 – “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” | Our faith stands firm in God’s power, superseding human wisdom or dreams. |
| Matthew 17:20 – “And Jesus said unto them, … If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” | A small measure of true faith can accomplish that which seems impossible. |
| 1 John 5:4 – “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” | Our faith, cultivated through God’s truth, is the key to overcoming the world. |
| Mark 11:22 – “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.” | Direct faith in God shapes a resilient belief system beyond personal experiences. |
Example Bible Stories:
- Thomas’ Doubt: In John 20:24-29, Thomas insists on physical evidence of Jesus’ resurrection, yet is reminded that faith shouldn’t depend on seeing.
- Israelites and the Golden Calf: Exodus 32 shows Israelites creating a visible idol for worship, contrasting with the faith in the unseen God.
- Saul’s Conversion: Acts 9:1-19 narrates Saul’s dramatic vision leading to conversion, but it’s his subsequent hearing and understanding of the Gospel that solidifies his faith.
Faith is Not Influenced by the Preacher’s Eloquence or Character
I’ve often reflected that faith rests on the solid ground of God’s truth, not on the variable skills or personality of any preacher. No matter how compelling or charismatic a preacher might be, it’s the truth of God’s word that anchors our faith.
The eloquence of a preacher might captivate an audience, and their character can inspire trust, but ultimately, faith is a personal matter between an individual and God.
In the Bible, Paul mentions that his preaching was “not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4, KJV).
This suggests that the transformative power of faith doesn’t hinge on a preacher’s gloss but on the Spirit of God.
Here, I’ve gathered ten statements from the King James Version Bible that illustrate this point further by showcasing the actions we should focus on and the benefits they bring.
| Action (Based on KJV Bible) | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17) | Faith comes by hearing, not by the oratorical skill of the speaker. |
| Praying for understanding (James 1:5) | Gaining wisdom directly from God. |
| Studying the scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15) | Being able to rightly divide the word of truth without human bias. |
| Obeying God’s commandments (1 John 2:3) | Knowing Him better, regardless of human leadership. |
| Putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) | Standing against the wiles of the devil, not relying on human charisma. |
| Walking by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) | Trusting in God’s promises above human perceptions. |
| Believing in Jesus Christ (John 3:16) | Having eternal life, not determined by preacher’s persuasion. |
| Seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) | God’s provision and righteousness are added unto us. |
| Loving God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39) | Fulfilling the great commandments on which all laws hang. |
| Abiding in Christ (John 15:4) | Bearing fruit in faith, independent of external influence. |
Example Bible Stories:
- Jonah and Nineveh: In Jonah 3, despite Jonah’s reluctance and minimalistic preaching, Nineveh repents, showing faith’s response to God’s message, not the messenger’s eloquence.
- Jesus and the Samaritan Woman: John 4 illustrates that the woman’s faith was stirred by Jesus’ words, not His societal status or eloquence.
- Paul in Corinth: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul emphasizes that his preaching was not with persuasive words, but the Corinthians’ faith rested on God’s power.
Faith Includes Understanding God’s Word
As I explore my faith, I’ve come to realize that a significant part of it is understanding God’s Word. Reading the Bible isn’t just an exercise in spirituality; it’s a way to get to know the character of God and the principles He wants us to live by.
The words in the Bible serve as a guidepost, offering direction for how to strengthen my faith beyond just my emotions and the changing winds of circumstance.
Here are ten actions and their benefits from the King James Version of the Bible, presented in a table format to illustrate how engaging with God’s Word impacts my life:
| Action from God’s Word (KJV) | Benefit of the Action |
|---|---|
| Studying scripture diligently (2 Timothy 2:15) | Increases knowledge and equips me for good works. |
| Applying my heart unto understanding (Proverbs 2:2) | Helps me to gain wisdom and a clearer perspective. |
| Keeping God’s commandments (John 14:15) | Strengthens my relationship with God. |
| Praying for insight and wisdom (James 1:5) | Leads to receiving wisdom generously from God. |
| Meditating on His laws day and night (Psalm 1:2) | Makes me like a tree planted by rivers of water, fruitful in my endeavors. |
| Teaching others (Matthew 28:19-20) | Aids in spreading God’s truth and fulfilling the Great Commission. |
| Hearing the Word at church or in fellowship (Romans 10:17) | Increases my faith and fosters a sense of community. |
| Confessing Scripture as truth (Romans 10:9) | Leads to salvation and assurance in God’s promises. |
| Remembering God’s words in times of need (John 14:26) | Comforts me and guides me through difficult times. |
| Obeying the truth (1 Peter 1:22) | Purifies my soul and leads to sincere love of the brethren. |
Example Bible Stories:
- The Bereans: Acts 17:11 describes the Bereans who received the gospel with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily, showing faith combined with understanding.
- Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch: As mentioned earlier, the eunuch’s understanding of Isaiah’s prophecy, explained by Philip, led to his faith.
- Jesus Explains the Scriptures: In Luke 24:13-35, Jesus explains the Scriptures to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, leading to their recognition and faith in Him.
By intertwining these actions with my daily life, I come to embrace God’s wisdom and learn to rely not only on what I feel but on the eternal and unchanging truth of His Word. This understanding is foundational to developing a strong and resilient faith.
