In order to be pleasing to God we find that Faith is essential.
In studying the Bible we read that there are varying degrees of faith. We find that the Apostles in the night, while they were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, saw Jesus approaching them walking on the water. They were terrified. They thought He was a ghost. Jesus told them not to be afraid that it was He. Peter said, “Lord if it is you tell me to come”. The lord said, “Come”. Peter got down out of the boat and began to walk toward Jesus but when he saw the wind he began to sink and he cried out for the Lord to save him. The Lord reached out and caught Peter and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they climbed into the boat the wind died down. So we see that Jesus described Peter’s faith as being little.
Matthew 14:25-33
But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
9 “For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
10 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.
Matt 8:8-10
Jesus spoke of the centurion as having great faith.
In the Bible we have many examples of varying degrees of faith ranging from little faith to great faith. We also find that without faith we cannot please God. We are also told what faith is and how to acquire it. Please see the scriptures below.
What is faith?
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
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Our Faith Can Be Dead.
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
James 2:17
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We must have faith in order to please God.
And 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 seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
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How is Faith Acquired?
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Romans 10:17
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Our faith comes by hearing and studying the words of Christ. Faith we read about in the Bible is an obedient faith. You can acquire and increase your faith by studying your Bible. We invite you to study the Bible with us. You can call or write to us at the Blyth Road Church of Christ. We offer a great Bible study course by correspondence. It is free and we are sure you will enjoy the study. You will grow and increase your faith.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
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