GROWING IN CHRIST WITH FAITH
Christians are
Christ followers who are expected to behave in Christ-like manner. Faith is the basis of Christianity; no wonder the
Bible says that the just shall live by faith. Hence it is a sin not to live in
faith (Hebrews 10:38). The dictionary defines faith as an unquestionable
confidence or believes in divine truth without proof. As a matter of fact,
Faith is a living thing, so it has the capacity to grow
(Hebrews11:1).
Effects of
not growing in Christ with faith
·
Stagnancy
·
Non experience of miracles
·
Limitations from all sides
·
Spiritual deafness and dumbness
Stages of
the growth of faith in Christianity
·
Beliefs: this is a feeling that
something is real and true. An important example was the man at the pool for
38years (John5:3-7). This man had the belief that unless he is being assisted
into the pool, there is no other means of healing. The problem of this stage of
faith is that it may be totally wrong at times, just as it is in this case.
·
Reluctant faith: this is a kind of faith
whereby a Christian reluctantly believes what he hears. Prayers rarely get
answered in this case except God is determined to do it notwithstanding one’s
belief. The healing of Naaman, the Syrian army was a typical example (2Kings5:11-15).
·
Religious faith: this is the kind of the
Pharisee’s kind of faith that promotes self-righteousness and man induced
doctrines above the will of God.
·
Staggering faith: this kind of faith
that is not consistent due to disturbing external factors. This level of faith
does not give a consistent good result. Peter’s case is a perfect example (Matthew14:29).
·
Mountain moving faith: the Roman
Officer’s faith (Luke7:6-8)
·
Persistent faith: this is the kind of
faith that a Christian put into practice constantly notwithstanding any
disturbing external factors. Christians at this stage of faith do not care if things
seem to be going on well or otherwise, they just belief all the way and their
faith often make them whole (Matthew15:21-28).
·
Violent faith: this is the highest level
of faith that can be exercised by a Christian. Such people at this stage
violently ask and often receive. A good example was Bartimaeus of the Bible
(Mark10:47-52) and the paralyzed man who was taken to the presence of Jesus via
the roof top (Luke5:17-24).
= how can we grow our faith in
Christ?
Our faith in Christ can be improved through the
diligent practice of the following
·
Reading, meditating and using
the word of God consistently
·
Always mind your company of
friends: move with optimists, discard the pessimists
·
Constantly get accustomed with
Testimonies; share your own and listen to other people’s Testimonies.
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