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Faith Roles In God First PriorityFaith roles In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 Doubt overcome by faith Later the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision, “Abram, don’t be afraid! I will protect you and reward you greatly. ”But Abram answered, “Lord All-Powerful, you have given me everything I could ask for, except children. And when I die, Eliezer of Damascus will get all I own. Faith roles in You have not given me any children, and this servant of mine will inherit everything.” The Lord replied, “No, he won’t! You will have a son of your own, and everything you have will be his.” Then the Lord took Abram outside and said, “Look at the sky and see if you can count the stars. That’s how many descendants you will have.” Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord was pleased with him. Genesis 15:1-6 Continuity of family faith You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourselves, and tell your children and grandchildren as well. Faith roles in Do you remember the day you stood in the Lord’s presence at Mount Sinai? The Lord said, “Moses, bring the people of Israel here. I want to speak to them so they will obey me as long as they live, and so they will teach their children to obey me too. ”Deuteronomy 4:9-10 Stand still, see what God will do Just stand here and watch the Lord show his mighty power.1 Samuel 12:16 Sure of Divine goodness Your way is perfect, Lord, and your word is correct. You are a shield for those who run to you for help.2 Samuel 22:31 Concern about army more than faith After David had everyone counted, he felt guilty and told the Lord, “What I did was stupid and terribly wrong. Lord, please forgive me.”2 Samuel 24:10 Opening eyes to God’s provision Don’t be afraid,” Elisha answered. Faith roles in “There are more troops on our side than on theirs. ” Then he prayed, “Lord, please help him to see.” And the Lord let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:16-17 Failure to give proper emphasis Some time before the death of King Jehoash, Elisha the prophet was very sick and about to die. Jehoash went in and stood beside him, crying. He said, “Master, what will Israel’s chariots and cavalry be able to do without you?” “Grab a bow and some arrows,” Elisha told him, “and hold them in your hand.” Jehoash grabbed the bow and arrows and held them. Elisha placed his hand on the king’s hand and said, “Open the window facing east. Faith roles in” When it was open, Elisha shouted, “Now shoot!” Jehoash shot an arrow and Elisha said, “That arrow is a sign that the Lord will help you completely defeat the Syrian army at Aphek.” Elisha said, “Pick up the arrows and hit the ground with them.” Jehoash grabbed the arrows and hit the ground three times, then stopped. Elisha became angry at the king and exclaimed, “If you had struck it five or six times, you would completely wipe out the Syrians. Now you will defeat them only three times.” 2 Kings 13:14-19 Faith and works Be brave and fight hard to protect our people and the towns of our Lord God. I pray he will do whatever pleases him. Faith roles in ”1 Chronicles 19:13 Those who seek, those who forsake At once, Azariah went to Asa and said: Listen to me, King Asa and you people of Judah and Benjamin. The Lord will be with you and help you, as long as you obey and worship him. But if you disobey him, he will desert you. 2 Chronicles 15:2 Evil counsel to people of faith I am King Sennacherib of Assyria, and I have Jerusalem surrounded. Do you think you can survive my attack? Hezekiah your king is telling you that the Lord your God will save you from me. But he is lying, and you’ll die of hunger and thirst. Didn’t Hezekiah tear down all except one of the Lord’s altars and places of worship? And didn’t he tell you people of Jerusalem and Judah to worship at that one place? You’ve heard what my ancestors and I have done to other nations. Faith roles in Were the gods of those nations able to defend their land against us? None of those gods kept their people safe from the kings of Assyria. Do you really think your God can do any better? Don’t be fooled by Hezekiah! No god of any nation has ever been able to stand up to Assyria. Faith roles in Believe me, your God cannot keep you safe! 2 Chronicles 32:10-15 No need for King’s protection Beside the Ahava River, I asked the people to go without eating and to pray. We humbled ourselves and asked God to bring us and our children safely to Jerusalem with all of our possessions. Faith roles in I was ashamed to ask the king to send soldiers and cavalry to protect us against enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king that our God takes care of everyone who truly worships him, but that he gets very angry and punishes anyone who refuses to obey. Faith roles in So we went without food and asked God himself to protect us, and he answered our prayers. Ezra 8:21-23 Unwavering faith In spite of everything, Jobdid not sin or accuse God of doing wrong. Job 1:22 Job replied, “Don’t talk like a fool! If we accept blessings from God, we must accept trouble as well.” In all that happened, Job never once said anything against God. Job 2:10 God may kill me, but still I will trust him and offer my defense. Job 13:15 Advocate in heaven Even now, God in heaven is both my witness and my protector. Job 16:19 Classic faith statement I know that my Savior lives, and at the end he will stand on this earth. My flesh may be destroyed, yet from this body I will see God. Job 19:25-26 Faith roles in Sure faith You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears. Psalm 27:1 Proof positive Discover for yourself that the Lord is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad. Psalm 34:8 Let God fulfill His purpose I pray to you, my protector. Psalm 57:2 Lineage of faith God gave his Law to Jacob’s descendants, the people of Israel. And he told our ancestors to teach their children, so that each new generation would know his Law and tell it to the next. Then they would trust God and obey his teachings, without forgetting anything God had done. Faith roles in They would be different from their ancestors, who were stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful to God. Psalm 78:5-8 God blesses small, great alike All who worship the Lord no matter who they are, will receive his blessing. Psalm 115:13 God’s eternal faithfulness His love for us is wonderful; his faithfulness never ends. Shout praises to the Lord! Psalm 117:2 Faith better than trusting man When I was really hurting, I prayed to the Lord. He answered my prayer, and took my worries away. The Lord is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me. Faith roles in With the Lord on my side, I will defeat all of my hateful enemies. It is better to trust the Lord for protection than to trust anyone else, including strong leaders. Psalm 118:5-9 Faith present, future People of Israel, you must trust the Lord now and forever. Psalm 131:3 Certainty of God’s promises Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say. Psalm 145:13 Faith greater than physical strength Faith roles in The Lord doesn’t care about the strength of horses or powerful armies. The Lord is pleased only with those who worship him and trust his love. Psalm 147:10-11 Faith formula With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. Proverbs 3:5-6 Humility, faith key to success Respect and serve the Lord! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor. Proverbs 22:4 Faith roles in Promised security Don’t fall into the trap of being a coward trust the Lord, and you will be safe. Proverbs 29:25 The Lord is good. He protects those who trust him in times of trouble. Nahum 1:7 Stand firm or not at all Damascus is just the capital of Syria, and King Rezin rules only in Damascus. Faith roles in Samaria is just the capital of Israel, and King Pekah rules only in Samaria. But in less than sixty-five years, Israel will be destroyed. And if Ahaz and his officials don’t trust me, they will be defeated. Isaiah 7:8-9 Poised faith The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. Isaiah 26:3 Faith under fire The three men replied, “Your Majesty, we don’t need to defend ourselves. Faith roles in The God we worship can save us from you and your flaming furnace. Daniel 3:16-17 Humble faith Please show mercy to your chosen city, not because we deserve it, but because of your great kindness. Daniel 9:18 Faith in stolen idol All who live in Samaria tremble with concern for the idols at sinful Bethel. Faith roles in The idol there was the pride of the priests, but it has been put to shame; now everyone will cry. Hosea 10:5 Righteous live by faith I, the Lord, refuse to accept anyone who is proud. Only those who live by faith are acceptable to me. ”Habakkuk 2:4 Faith in God the greatest strength Then every clan in Judah will realize that I, the Lord All-Powerful, am their God, and that I am the source of their strength. Zechariah 12:5 Faith touches God’s willingness Suddenly a man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus. He said, “Lord, you have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to. Faith roles in” Jesus put his hand on the man and said, “I want to! Now you are well.” At once the man’s leprosy disappeared. Jesus told him, “Don’t tell anyone about this, but go and show the priest that you are well. Then take a gift to the temple just as Moses commanded, and everyone will know that you have been healed.” Matthew 8:2-4 Faith makes things happen Faith roles in Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.” Right then his servant was healed. Matthew 8:13 Confidence in Jesus’ power While Jesus was still speaking, an official came and knelt in front of him. The man said, “My daughter has just now died! Please come and place your hand on her. Then she will live again.” Jesus and his disciples got up and went with the man. Faith roles in A woman who had been bleeding for twelve years came up behind Jesus and barely touched his clothes. She had said to herself, “If I can just touch his clothes, I will get well.” Jesus turned. He saw the woman and said, “Don’t worry! You are now well because of your faith.” At that moment she was healed. When Jesus went into the home of the official and saw the musicians and the crowd of mourners, he said, “Get out of here! The little girl isn’t dead. She is just asleep.” Everyone started laughing at Jesus. But after the crowd had been sent out of the house, Jesus went to the girl’s bedside. Faith roles in He took her by the hand and helped her up. Matthew 9:18-25 Peter’s faltering faith Right away, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later that evening, he was still there. Faith roles in By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves. A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples. When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming. At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.” Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him. Faith roles in But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Right away, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, “You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?” Matthew 14:22-31 Faith supersedes racist tradition Jesus left and went to the territory near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. Suddenly a Canaanite woman from there came out shouting, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is full of demons.” Jesus did not say a word. Faith roles in But the woman kept following along and shouting, so his disciples came up and asked him to send her away. Jesus said, “I was sent only to the people of Israel! They are like a flock of lost sheep.” The woman came closer. Then she knelt down and begged, “Please help me, Lord!” Jesus replied, “It isn’t right to take food away from children and feed it to dogs.” “Lord, that’s true,” the woman said, “but even dogs get the crumbs that fall from their owner’s table.” Jesus answered, “Dear woman, you really do have a lot of faith, and you will be given what you want.” Faith roles in At that moment her daughter was healed. Matthew 15:21-28 Too stubborn for faith Jesus said, “You people are too stubborn to have any faith! How much longer must I be with you? Why do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy here.” Matthew 17:17 Faith removes mountains Jesus replied: It is because you don’t have enough faith! But I can promise you this. If you had faith no larger than a mustard seed, you could tell this mountain to move from here to there. And it would. Everything would be possible for you. Matthew 17:20-21 Faith roles in But Jesus said to them, “If you have faith and don’t doubt, I promise that you can do what I did to this tree. And you will be able to do even more. You can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. If you have faith when you pray, you will be given whatever you ask for.” Matthew 21:21-22 Faith roles in Finally, Jesus said: What is God’s kingdom like? What story can I use to explain it? 31 It is like what happens when a mustard seed is planted in the ground. It is the smallest seed in all the world. 32 But once it is planted, it grows larger than any garden plant. It even puts out branches that are big enough for birds to nest in its shade. Mark 4:30-32 Supportive faith Jesus went back to Capernaum, and a few days later people heard that he was at home. Then so many of them came to the house that there wasn’t even standing room left in front of the door. Jesus was still teaching when four people came up, carrying a crippled man on a mat. Faith roles in But because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they made a hole in the roof above him and let the man down in front of everyone When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the crippled man, “My friend, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:1-5 Disciples lacked faith That evening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the east side.” So they left the crowd, and his disciples started across the lake with him in the boat. Faith roles in Some other boats followed along. Suddenly a windstorm struck the lake. Waves started splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink. Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. His disciples woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re about to drown?” Jesus got up and ordered the wind and the waves to be quiet. The wind stopped, and everything was calm. Jesus asked his disciples, “Why were you afraid? Don’t you have any faith?” Now they were more afraid than ever and said to each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:36-41 Faith of others required for healing Faith roles in But Jesus said, “Prophets are honored by everyone, except the people of their hometown and their relatives and their own family.” Jesus could not work any miracles there, except to heal a few sick people by placing his hands on them. He was surprised that the people did not have any faith. Jesus taught in all the neighboring villages. Mark 6:4-6 Faith’s unlimited potential Jesus replied, “Why do you say ‘if you can’? Anything is possible for someone who has faith!” Right away the boy’s father shouted, “I do have faith! Please help me to have even more.” Mark 9:23-24 Childhood faith Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him. Faith roles in When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. I promise you that you cannot get into God’s kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does.” Then Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them by placing his hands on them. Mark 10:13-16 Active faith of blind Bartimaeus Jesus and his disciples went to Jericho. Faith roles in And as they were leaving, they were followed by a large crowd. A blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus son of Timaeus was sitting beside the road. When he heard that it was Jesus from Nazareth, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” Many people told the man to stop, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!”Jesus stopped and said, “Call him over! ” They called out to the blind man and said, “Don’t be afraid! Come on! He is calling for you.” Faith roles in The man threw off his coat as he jumped up and ran to Jesus. Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you? ” The blind man answered, “Master, I want to see!” Jesus told him, “You may go. Your eyes are healed because of your faith. ” Right away the man could see, and he went down the road with Jesus. Mark 10:46-52 Certainty of answered prayer Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith. Mark 11:24 Centurion’s faith After Jesus had finished teaching the people, he went to Capernaum. In that town an army officer’s servant was sick and about to die. Faith roles in The officer liked this servant very much. And when he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish leaders to ask him to come and heal the servant The leaders went to Jesus and begged him to do something. They said, “This man deserves your help! He loves our nation and even built us a meeting place.” So Jesus went with them. When Jesus wasn’t far from the house, the officer sent some friends to tell him, “Lord, don’t go to any trouble for me! I am not good enough for you to come into my house. And I am certainly not worthy to come to you. Faith roles in Just say the word, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, ‘Go!’ and he goes. I can say to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes. I can say to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he will do it.” When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “In all of Israel I’ve never found anyone with this much faith!” The officer’s friends returned and found the servant well. Luke 7:1-10 Small faith in a great God But if I use God’s power to force out demons, it proves that God’s kingdom has already come to you. Luke 11:20 Faith roles in The apostles said to the Lord, “Make our faith stronger!” Jesus replied: If you had faith no bigger than a tiny mustard seed, you could tell this mulberry tree to pull itself up, roots and all, and to plant itself in the ocean. And it would! Luke 17:5-6 Frailty of human faith Jesus said, “Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks. But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others. Faith roles in “”Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to jail and even to die with you. ”Jesus replied, “Peter, I tell you that before a rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say three times that you don’t know me.” Jesus asked his disciples, “When I sent you out without a moneybag or a traveling bag or sandals, did you need anything?” “No!” they answered. Jesus told them, “But now, if you have a moneybag, take it with you. Also take a traveling bag, and if you don’t have a sword, sell some of your clothes and buy one. Do this because the Scriptures say, ‘He was considered a criminal.’ This was written about me, and it will soon come true.” The disciples said, “Lord, here are two swords!” “Enough of that!” Jesus replied. Luke 22:31-38 Taking Jesus at His word Jesus then said, “Your son will live. Go on home to him.” The man believed Jesus and started back home. John 4:50 Trusting Moses Don’t think that I will be the one to accuse you to the Father. You have put your hope in Moses, yet he is the very one who will accuse you. John 5:45 Faith at time of death Faith roles in Jesus then said, “I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die. And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die. Do you believe this? ”John 11:25-26 Great faith This suggestion pleased everyone, and they began by choosing Stephen. He had great faith and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and also Nicolaus, who worshiped with the Jewish people in Antioch. Acts 6:5 Resurrection the central message Faith roles in So as usual, Paul went there to worship, and on three Sabbaths he spoke to the people. He used the Scriptures to show them that the Messiah had to suffer, but that he would rise from death. Paul also told them that Jesus is the Messiah he was preaching about. Acts 17:2-3 Living by faith The good news tells how God accepts everyone who has faith, but only those who have faith. It is just as the Scriptures say, “The people God accepts because of their faith will live.” Romans 1:17 No one can please God by obeying the Law. The Scriptures also say, “The people God accepts because of their faith will live.” Galatians 3:11 Faith roles in The people God accepts will live because of their faith. But he isn’t pleased with anyone who turns back.” Hebrews 10:38 Faith of Abraham Well then, what can we say about our ancestor Abraham? If he became acceptable to God because of what he did, then he would have something to brag about. But he would never be able to brag about it to God. Faith roles in The Scriptures say, “God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith in him.” Romans 4:1-4 Never doubt, question But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God. Romans 4:20 Justified by faith By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God. Christ has also introduced us to God’s undeserved kindness on which we take our stand. So we are happy, as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 Confident of the unseen And this hope is what saves us. Faith roles in But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping. However, we hope for something we have not yet seen, and we patiently wait for it. Romans 8:24-25 Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen. 2 Corinthians 4:18 Conflicting faith, works Faith roles in What does all of this mean? It means that the Gentiles were not trying to be acceptable to God, but they found that he would accept them if they had faith. 31-32 It also means that the people of Israel were not acceptable to God. And why not? It was because they were trying to be acceptable by obeying the Law instead of by having faith in God. Faith roles in The people of Israel fell over the stone that makes people stumble, just as God says in the Scriptures, “Look! I am placing in Ziona stone to make people stumble and fall. But those who have faith in that one will never be disappointed.” Romans 9:30-33 I want to know only one thing. How were you given God’s Spirit? Was it by obeying the Law of Moses or by hearing about Christ and having faith in him? How can you be so stupid? Do you think that by yourself you can complete what God’s Spirit started in you? Have you gone through all of this for nothing? Is it all really for nothing? Faith roles in God gives you his Spirit and works miracles in you. But does he do this because you obey the Law of Moses or because you have heard about Christ and have faith in him? Galatians 3:2-5 Faith that doesn’t lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead! James 2:17 Faith given, not generated No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ. Romans 10:17 Measured faith I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Faith roles in Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. Romans 12:3 Faith as standard of conduct But if you do have doubts about what you eat, you are going against your beliefs. And you know that is wrong, because anything you do against your beliefs is sin. Romans 14:23 Enoch had faith and did not die. He pleased God, and God took him up to heaven. That’s why his body was never found. 6 But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him. Hebrews 11:6 Joy, peace in believing I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. Romans 15:13 Faith is ultimate intelligence Don’t fool yourselves! If any of you think you are wise in the things of this world, you will have to become foolish before you can be truly wise. This is because God considers the wisdom of this world to be foolish. Faith roles in It is just as the Scriptures say, “God catches the wise when they try to outsmart him.” The Scriptures also say, “The Lord knows that the plans made by wise people are useless.” So stop bragging about what anyone has done. Paul and Apollos and Peter all belong to you. In fact, everything is yours, including the world, life, death, the present, and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.1 Corinthians 3:18-23 Living by faith, not sight Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. Faith roles in While we are here on earth, we sigh because we want to live in that heavenly home. We want to put it on like clothes and not be naked. These tents we now live in are like a heavy burden, and we groan. But we don’t do this just because we want to leave these bodies that will die. It is because we want to change them for bodies that will never die. God is the one who makes all of this possible. He has given us his Spirit to make us certain that he will do it. So always be cheerful!As long as we are in these bodies, we are away from the Lord. But we live by faith, not by what we see.2 Corinthians 5:1-7 Self-examination Test yourselves and find out if you really are true to your faith. If you pass the test, you will discover that Christ is living in you. But if Christ isn’t living in you, you have failed. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Abraham, the church The Scriptures say that God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith. And so, you should understand that everyone who has faith is a child of Abraham. Long ago the Scriptures said that God would accept the Gentiles because of their faith. Faith roles in That’s why God told Abraham the good news that all nations would be blessed because of him. This means that everyone who has faith will share in the blessings that were given to Abraham because of his faith. Galatians 3:6-9 Love validates faith If you are a follower of Christ Jesus, it makes no difference whether you are circumcised or not. All that matters is your faith that makes you love others. Galatians 5:6 Faith as shield Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 Spiritual need fulfilled in Christ Christ is exactly like God, who cannot be seen. Faith roles in He is the first-born Son, superior to all creation. Everything was created by him, everything in heaven and on earth, everything seen and unseen, including all forces and powers, and all rulers and authorities. All things were created by God’s Son, and everything was made for him God’s Son was before all else, and by him everything is held together. He is the head of his body, which is the church. He is the very beginning, the first to be raised from death, so that he would be above all others. God himself was pleased to live fully in his Son. And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God. Faith roles in You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent. But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. It was preached to everyone on earth, and I myself have become a servant of this message. Colossians 1:15-23 Salvation, living You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. Colossians 2:6 Faith put into practice We thank God for you and always mention you in our prayers. Faith roles in Each time we pray, we tell God our Father about your faith and loving work and about your firm hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thessalonians 1:2-3 Faith, love together But we belong to the day. So we must stay sober and let our faith and love be like a suit of armor. Our firm hope that we will be saved is our helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Faith continuity in persecution That’s why we brag about you to all of God’s churches. We tell them how patient you are and how you keep on having faith, even though you are going through a lot of trouble and suffering.2 Thessalonians 1:4 Shipwrecked faith You will be faithful and have a clear conscience. Some people have made a mess of their faith because they didn’t listen to their consciences.1 Timothy 1:19 Mystic secret And they must have a clear conscience and hold firmly to what God has shown us about our faith. 1 Timothy 3:9 Here is the great mystery of our religion: Christ came as a human. Faith roles in The Spirit proved that he pleased God, and he was seen by angels. Christ was preached to the nations. People in this world put their faith in him, and he was taken up to glory.1 Timothy 3:16 Fight the good fight Fight a good fight for the faith and claim eternal life. God offered it to you when you clearly told about your faith, while so many people listened. 1 Timothy 6:12 Unwavering faith That’s why I am suffering now. But I am not ashamed! I know the one I have faith in, and I am sure that he can guard until the last day what he has trusted me with. 2 Timothy 1:12 More faith From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. Faith roles in I encourage God’s own people to have more faith and to understand the truth about religion. Titus 1:1 Common faith Titus, because of our faith, you are like a son to me. I pray that God our Father and Christ Jesus our Savior will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! Titus 1:4 Jesus seen by faith What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels. Because of God’s wonderful kindness, Jesus died for everyone. And now that Jesus has suffered and died, he is crowned with glory and honor! Hebrews 2:9 Failure to combine hearing, believing The promise to enter the place of rest is still good, and we must take care that none of you miss out. We have heard the message, just as they did. Faith roles in But they failed to believe what they heard, and the message did not do them any good. Only people who have faith will enter the place of rest. It is just as the Scriptures say, “God became angry and told the people, ‘You will never enter my place of rest!’ ”God said this, even though everything has been ready from the time of creation. Hebrews 4:1-3 Abandoned faith Let’s grow up, if God is willing. But what about people who turn away after they have already seen the light and have received the gift from heaven and have shared in the Holy Spirit? What about those who turn away after they have received the good message of God and the powers of the future world? There is no way to bring them back. Faith roles in What they are doing is the same as nailing the Son of God to a cross and insulting him in public! Hebrews 6:3-6 Assurance, confirmation, title deed Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 Faith Believe and look up It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God. Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God’s command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. Because Abel had faith, he offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. God was pleased with him and his gift, and even though Abel is now dead, his faith still speaks for him. Faith roles in Enoch had faith and did not die. He pleased God, and God took him up to heaven. That’s why his body was never found. But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him. Because Noah had faith, he was warned about something that had not yet happened. He obeyed and built a boat that saved him and his family. In this way the people of the world were judged, and Noah was given the blessings that come to everyone who pleases God. Abraham had faith and obeyed God. Faith roles in He was told to go to the land that God had said would be his, and he left for a country he had never seen. Because Abraham had faith, he lived as a stranger in the promised land. He lived there in a tent, and so did Isaac and Jacob, who were later given the same promise. Abraham did this, because he was waiting for the eternal city that God had planned and built. Even when Sarah was too old to have children, she had faith that God would do what he had promised, and she had a son. Her husband Abraham was almost dead, but he became the ancestor of many people. In fact, there are as many of them as there are stars in the sky or grains of sand along the beach. Faith roles in Every one of those people died. But they still had faith, even though they had not received what they had been promised. They were glad just to see these things from far away, and they agreed that they were only strangers and foreigners on this earth. When people talk this way, it is clear that they are looking for a place to call their own. If they had been talking about the land where they had once lived, they could have gone back at any time. But they were looking forward to a better home in heaven. Faith roles in That’s why God wasn’t ashamed for them to call him their God. He even built a city for them. Abraham had been promised that Isaac, his only son, would continue his family. But when Abraham was tested, he had faith and was willing to sacrifice Isaac, because he was sure that God could raise people to life. This was just like getting Isaac back from death. Isaac had faith, and he promised blessings to Jacob and Esau. Later, when Jacob was about to die, he leaned on his walking stick and worshiped. Then because of his faith he blessed each of Joseph’s sons. And right before Joseph died, he had faith that God would lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. So he told them to take his bones with them. Because Moses’ parents had faith, they kept him hidden until he was three months old. They saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s orders. Faith roles in Then after Moses grew up, his faith made him refuse to be called the king’s grandson. He chose to be mistreated with God’s people instead of having the good time that sin could bring for a little while. Moses knew that the treasures of Egypt were not as wonderful as what he would receive from suffering for the Messiah, and he looked forward to his reward Because of his faith, Moses left Egypt. Moses had seen the invisible God and wasn’t afraid of the king’s anger. His faith also made him celebrate Passover. He sprinkled the blood of animals on the door posts, so that the first-born sons of the people of Israel would not be killed by the destroying angel. Because of their faith, the people walked through the Red Sea on dry land. Faith roles in But when the Egyptians tried to do it, they were drowned. God’s people had faith, and when they had walked around the city of Jericho for seven days, its walls fell down. Rahab had been a prostitute, but she had faith and welcomed the spies. So she wasn’t killed with the people who disobeyed. What else can I say? There isn’t enough time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Their faith helped them conquer kingdoms , and because they did right, God made promises to them. They closed the jaws of lions and put out raging fires and escaped from the swords of their enemies. Although they were weak, they were given the strength and power to chase foreign armies away. Some women received their loved ones back from death. Many of these people were tortured, but they refused to be released. Faith roles in They were sure that they would get a better reward when the dead are raised to life. Others were made fun of and beaten with whips, and some were chained in jail. Still others were stoned to death or sawed in two or killed with swords. Some had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear. They were poor, mistreated, and tortured. The world did not deserve these good people, who had to wander in deserts and on mountains and had to live in caves and holes in the ground. Faith roles in All of them pleased God because of their faith! But still they died without being given what had been promised. This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us. Hebrews 11:2-40 Faith beyond doubt But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. James 1:6 P ersevering faith You have faith in God, whose power will protect you until the last day. Then he will save you, just as he has always planned to do. 1 Peter 1:5 Overcoming faith Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 1 John 5:4 Jesus Roles Conceived By Holy Spirit Imprisonment Roles Placed With King's Prisoners
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