Grow Your Faith

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 "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the 
word of God." - Rom. 10:17 (NKJV)
  Some time back we would occasionally sing a song that went like this: 
"Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith.
Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith.
You don't need a whole lot,
Just use what you've got.
Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith."
The song was a hit among many including myself, but the theology of the song is a little weak. It is true that we only need faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains (see Matt. 17:20), but Scripture is clear that we are to grow in our faith. 

  The Romans verse mentioned above is in relation to faith. As a matter of fact, the whole chapter deals with faith in God, through Jesus Christ, that comes as revelation of the Word of God: i.e., the Bible. Now, focus for a moment on what Paul says in verse 17, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." The Bible is the beginning point of our faith. The Bible points to Jesus, who is our salvation. In addition, the Bible reveals sin and judgment, as well as love, mercy, and grace. Faith begins as a culmination of the Word of God and the energizing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of an individual, but faith does not stop there. Salvation is the starting point of faith, not the finish life. As I consider the fact that faith begins with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, I realize that faith is fueled and grows by the same: the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
   
  As a pastor I have seen the pattern repeated time and time again. An individual begins by abandoning the Word of God, prayer follows, then church attendance, until finally the individual appears to have walked away from everything of God. The Word of God is not optional to the believer, it is a crucial part of our spiritual nourishment. Once the Word of God takes a back seat to other of life's pursuits, it is only a matter of time before faith wanes and ultimately crashes. The good news is that one of the quickest way to replenish the spiritual tank is through regular reading of the Bible. It is amazing to me how much more effective and fervent my own life is when I spend copious amounts of time in the Word. The more I read (and study) the more I want to pray to, live for, and obey the LORD. The consumption of the Word increased my faith.  

  If you are struggling in your walk with Christ, there can be a number of issues. Sin is usually at the forefront, but discouragement, pain and suffering, and even fatigue can all drain your faith. However, I have found that the quickest way to get back "on my feet" is to feast on the Word of God. Try it for yourself and see. It may take you a few days, but you will soon begin to reap spiritual life. (see Gal. 6:8-9) Faith comes by hearing...the Word!

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