1-- 'faith' Bible Study Tool

'Faith' KJV Bible Study Tool (by Bill Stevenson) First Questions: About how much of the time during an average day do you think about the following: God the Father, Jesus Christ, your pastor, your teachers, your friends, your favorite politicians, your favorite athletes or movie stars? • How much faith do you have in each of the just mentioned? • Why is knowing more about faith important? •

Does this sound familiar? Psalms 12:1-4 & 8 “1 Help, Lord; for the Godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the children of men. 2 They speak vanity (or idly) every one with his neighbor; with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. 3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things: 4 who have said, ‘With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us?’ 8 The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest are exalted.” Proverbs 20:6 “6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?” What is Jesus Christ coming back for? Where and how well is His bride, the church of believers in Him? Looking around at, reading about, listening to, and being involved in various ministries, I do wonder about this question. I know a lot of dogmatic Christian leaders are going to be made unexpectedly ashamed when Jesus Christ judges their selfish ministry efforts. In Christian churches and Christian schools, I have rarely heard and seen examples of agapèo love, but I have heard and seen a lot of examples of hatred, lying, name calling, gossiping, speculating, unconstructive criticizing, condemnation, strife, fraud, deceit, taking advantage, people-pleasing, etc. I have met only a few individuals who are really striving for Biblical holiness and who are not ashamed of being properly old-fashioned, in other words completely faithful true Christians. Romans 8 and Galatians 5 indicate there are only two lifestyles: one requires faith in God and the Bible and the other does not. Psalms 31:23 “23 O love the Lord, all ye His saints, for the LORD preserves the faithful, and plentifully rewards the proud doer. 24 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye who hope in the LORD.” Psalms 101:6-7 God said, “6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with Me: he who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve Me, “7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within My house; he who tells lies shall not tarry in My sight.” Proverbs 11:13 “13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.”

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Proverbs 14:5 “5 A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness will utter lies.” Proverbs 28:20 “20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Note: I was surprised that there were only 2 Old Testament verses that have the word “faith”, and they were both negative uses. There were 229 New Testament uses of that important word, but I was shocked that not one was in the Gospel of John. I also searched for “faithful”, “faithfully”, and “faithfulness”. Surprisingly there were54 verses in the Old Testament and 51 verses in the New Testament. What do you make of the two surprises? I did not include verses of the second search which referred to God’s faithfulness for His children or referred to individuals just being responsible or irresponsible. Also in doing this Bible study, I make slight changes to the KJV punctuation, some of the words, and lack of capitalization What is no faith in the following three Scripture passages? Deuteronomy 32:15-21 (from “the Song of Moses”) “15 But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked: thou art grew fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God Who made him, and lightly esteemed The Rock of his salvation. 16 They provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they Him to anger. 17 They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. 18 Of The Rock Who begat thee thou art unmindful, and have forgotten God that formed thee. 19 And when the Lord saw it, He abhorred them, because of the provoking of His sons, and of His daughters. 20 And He said, ‘I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be; For they are a very froward [perverse] generation, children in whom is no faith. 21 They have moved Me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities; and I will move them to jealousy with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.’” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 “1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, for all men have not faith.” Matthew 17:14-21 “14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to Him a certain man, kneeling down to Him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic and sore vexed; for often times he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

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17 Then Jesus answered and said, ‘Oh faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me.’ 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil, and he departed out of him, and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, ‘Why could not we cast him out?’ 20 And Jesus said unto them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for verily I say unto you, 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.” 21 Howbeit this kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting.’” 2 Timothy 2:11-13 “11 It is a faithful saying: ‘For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us: 13 If we are faithless, yet He remains faithful, He cannot deny Himself.’” How do individuals go against the teaching of Christian faith in today’s world? Acts 13:5-8 “5 And when they [Barnabas and Saul] were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had also John to their minister. 6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus, 7 who was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man, who called for Barnabas and Saul and desired to hear the Word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.” But why should we be faithful to God and His Word? Lamentations 3:22-24 “22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. 24 The LORD is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 “13 There has no temptation (or test) overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-24 “21 Test all things: hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

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And the very God of peace sanctify you completely; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He Who called you, Who also will do it.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 “3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.” Titus 1:9 “9 Holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the opposers.” Who are the sources of Christian faith? Isaiah 25:1 “1 O LORD, Thou are my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou has done wonderful things, Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” 1 John 1:6-10 “6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” Deuteronomy 7:9-11 God said, “9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, Who keeps covenant and mercy with them who love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations; 10 and repays them who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack to him Who hate Him; he will repay him to his face. 11 Thou shall therefore keep the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.” Revelation 3:14 “14 And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says The Amen, The faithful And True Witness, The Beginning of the Creation of G od:” Revelation 1:5-6 “5 And from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the kings of the Earth. Unto Him Who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and hath made us kings and priests to God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

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Revelation 19:11 “11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and He Who sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and make war.” Hebrews 2:14-3:6 “14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He himself had suffered being tempted, He is able to aid them who are tempted. 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the Heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus, 2 Who was faithful to Him Who appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.” 3 For this Man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He Who had built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by some man, but He Who built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a Son over His own house, Whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Galatians 2:16-21 “16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law, for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the Law am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of The Son Of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God,

for if righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Revelation 2:12-13 “12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He Who has the sharp sword with two edges: 13 “I know thy works, and where thou lives, even where Satan's seat is.

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And thou hold fast to My name and has not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you where Satan dwells.”’” 1 Corinthians 12:6-11 “6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God Who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of The Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by The Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues; 11 But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.” What are the requirements of effectual faith? 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 & 14-26 The Apostle Paul wrote: “1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:” “14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ Whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain: ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then comes the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even The Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”

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James 1:1-8 “1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: greeting. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into various temptations, 3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all men liberally and without reproach, and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” What is the importance of the words “by”, “of”, and “through” before the word “faith”? What are these two passages of Scripture saying about having faith? Ephesians 3:10-21 “10 to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 in Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. 13 Therefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 of Whom the whole family in Heaven and Earth is named, 16 that He would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man: 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 and to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now unto Him Who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Philippians 3:8-11 “8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; 11 if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”

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Romans 9:30-10:17 “30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the Law of righteousness, hath not attained to the Law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the Law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed. (Isaiah 8:14 & 28:16) 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to every one who believeth. 5 For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the Law, that the man who doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise: ‘Say not in thine heart, “Who shall ascend into heaven?” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 “Or, Who shall descend into the deep? ”’ (Deuteronomy 30:12-13) (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what says it? ‘The word is near thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart; (Deuteronomy 30:14) that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, ‘Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed.’ (Isaiah 28:16) 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of The Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!’ (Isaiah 52:7) 16 But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who hath believed our report?’ (Isaiah 53:1) 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

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Romans 12:1-6 “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;” Note: Take a few minutes to skim the rest of this course to see the words “in”, “by”, “of”,

“through”, and “your” before the word “faith” and notice any time the mentioning of Jesus Christ follows. Then come back to this place and continue reasoning about the rest of the Bible study. *** Evident because of agapè compassion Why does divine agapè love require faith? 1 Timothy 2:13-15 “13 For Adam was first formed then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith and [agapè] love and holiness with sobriety.” Galatians 5:5-6 & 22-23 “5 For we through The Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by love.” “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; 23 against such there is no law.” Galatians 6:9-10 “9 And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Ephesians 1:15-17 “15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and love unto all the saints, 16 cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:” Titus 2:1-2 “1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.”

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1 Corinthians 13:1-2 & 13-14 “1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (agapè love), I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (agapè love), I am nothing.” “13 And now abides faith, hope, charity (agapè love), these three, but the greatest of these is charity (agapè love).” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 “13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all your things be done with charity (agapè love).” Ephesians 6:23-24 “23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” Colossians 1:3-8 “3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5 because the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel, 6 which has come unto you, as it is in all the world, and brought forth fruit, as it doth also in you since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: 7 As ye also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8 who also declared unto us your love in The Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 1:1-8 “1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in The Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father and The Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of God and our Father; 4 knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us and of The Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of The Holy Ghost: 7 so that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad,

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so that we need not to speak any thing.” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10 “1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God and our fellow laborer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith, 3 that no man should be moved by these afflictions, for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass and ye know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you and our labor be in vain. 6 But now when Timothy came from you unto us and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: 7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: 8 for now we live if ye stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 “8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” Revelation 2:18-19 “18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says The Son of God, Who has eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass: 19 “I know thy works, love, service, and faith, thy patience, and thy works, the last to be more than the first.”’” What is wrong faith? Habakkuk 2:1-5 “1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 2 And the Lord answered me, and said, ‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

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Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith. Yea also, because he transgresses by wine, he is a proud man, neither keeps at home, who enlarges his desire as Hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathers unto him all nations, and heaps unto him all people;’”

How would you tell a teenager what God-pleasing faith is? Hebrews 11:1 “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Consider the following from the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary: FAITH, n. [L. fides, fido, to trust; Gr. to persuade, to draw towards any thing, to conciliate; to believe, to obey. In the Greek Lexicon of Hederic it is said, the primitive signification of the verb is to bind and draw or lead, as signifies a rope or cable. But this remark is a little incorrect. The sense of the verb, from which that of rope and binding is derived, is to strain, to draw, and thus to bind or make fast. A rope or cable is that which makes fast. Heb.] 1. Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth. “I have strong faith or no faith in the testimony of a witness, or in what a historian narrates.” 2. The assent of the mind to the truth of a proposition advanced by another; belief, or probable evidence of any kind. 3. In theology, the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ, founded on the testimony of the sacred writers, is called historical or speculative faith; a faith little distinguished from the belief of the existence and achievements of Alexander or of Caesar. 4. Evangelical, justifying, or saving faith, is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth of the Gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation. • “Being justified by faith.” Romans 5 • “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11 • “For we walk by faith, and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5 • “With the heart man believes to righteousness.” Romans 10 • The faith of the Gospel is that emotion of the mind, which is called trust or confidence, exercised towards the moral character of God, and particularly of the Savior. • Faith is an affectionate practical confidence in the testimony of God. • Faith is a firm, cordial belief in the veracity of God, in all the declarations of his word; or a full and affectionate confidence in the certainty of those things which God has declared, and because he has declared them. 5. The object of belief; a doctrine or system of doctrines believed; a system of revealed truths received by Christians. “They heard only, that he who persecuted us in times past, now preaches the faith which once he destroyed.” Galatians 1 6. The promises of God, or his truth and faithfulness. “Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” Romans 3 7. An open profession of Gospel truth. “Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” Romans 1.

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8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

A persuasion or belief of the lawfulness of things indifferent. “Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God.” Romans 14 Faithfulness; fidelity; a strict adherence to duty and fulfillment of promises. “Her failing, while her faith to me remains, I would conceal.” “Children in whom is no faith.” Deuteronomy 32 Word or honor pledged; promise given; fidelity. He violated his plighted faith. “For you alone I broke my faith with injured Palamon.” Sincerity; honesty; veracity; faithfulness. We ought in good faith, to fulfill all our engagements. Credibility or truth. [Unusual.] “The faith of the foregoing narrative.”

FA'ITHFUL, a. 1. Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duties of religion. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2 2. Firmly adhering to duty; of true fidelity; loyal; true to allegiance; as “a faithful subject.” 3. Constant in the performance of duties or services; exact in attending to commands; as “a faithful servant.” 4. Observant of compact, treaties, contracts, vows or other engagements; true to one's word. “A government should be faithful to its treaties; individuals, to their word.” 5. True; exact; in conformity to the letter and spirit; as “a faithful execution of a will.” 6. True to the marriage covenant; as “a faithful wife or husband.” 7. Conformable to truth; as “a faithful narrative or representation.” 8. Constant; not fickle; as “a faithful lover or friend.” 9. True; worthy of belief. 2 Timothy 2 FA'ITHFULNESS, n. 1. Fidelity; loyalty; firm adherence to allegiance and duty; as “the faithfulness of a subject.” 2. Truth; veracity; as “the faithfulness of God.” 3. Strict adherence to injunctions, and to the duties of a station; as “the faithfulness of servants or ministers.” 4. Strict performance of promises, vows or covenants; constancy in affection; as “the faithfulness of a husband or wife.” What did you not know from Noah Webster’s definitions? ***Little Faith What is little or no faith according to Jesus Christ as indicated in the following four Scripture passages? What are the key requirements of God-pleasing faith indicated? Matthew 6:30-34 [from Jesus’ “Sermon of the Mount”] “30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or, ‘What shall we drink? or, ‘Wherewithal shall we be clothed?’ 32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your Heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Luke 12:28-32 [from Jesus’ “Sermon of the Mount”] “28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field and tomorrow is cast into the oven;

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how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after; and your Father knows that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” Matthew 8:23-27 (This report is also in Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25.) “23 And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but He was asleep. 25 And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us: we perish.’ 26 And He says unto them, ‘Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?’ Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marveled, saying, ‘What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!’” Matthew 14:24-33 “24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a spirit’; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.’ 28 And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.’ 29 And He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, ‘Lord, save me.’ 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?’” 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they who were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, ‘Of a truth Thou art The Son Of God.’” Matthew 16:5-12 “5 And when His disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said unto them, ‘Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.’ 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘It is because we have taken no bread.’ 8 Which when Jesus perceived, He said unto them, ‘O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? 9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spoke it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?’ 12 Then understood they how that He bade them not beware of the leaven of bread,

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but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” According to the Apostle Paul who has little faith and what are the symptoms? 1 Timothy 5:8-15 “8 But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he had denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man. 10 Well reported of for good works, if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 11 But the younger widows refuse, for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they will marry, 12 having damnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.” What does the following passage say to you? Who has no excuses for not believing in the Gospel? Romans 3:1-4 “1 What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 Certainly not! Indeed let God be true but every man a liar; as it is written, ‘That Thou may be justified in Thy sayings, and blameless when Thou judge.’” (Psalm 51:4) How would you teach the following Scripture passages? Luke 17:5-10 “5 And the Apostles said unto the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ 6 And the Lord said, ‘If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamore tree, “Be thou plucked up by the root and be thou planted in the sea, and it should obey you.” 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, “Go and sit down to eat?” 8 And will not rather say unto him, ‘Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shall eat and drink? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do.’”

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Luke 18:1-8 “1 And He spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint, 2 saying, ‘There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man; 3 and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, ‘Avenge me of mine adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, “Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” 6 And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge says. 7 And shall not God avenge His own elect, who cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the Earth?’” Luke 22:31-34 “31 And The Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto Him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death.’ 34 And He said, ‘I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shall thrice deny that thou knows Me. ’” How should a Christian relate to someone of weaker faith? Romans 14:1, 13, & 19-23 “1 Him who is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eats with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Happy is he who condemns not himself in that thing which he allows. 23 And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because he eats not of faith, for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” ***Great Faith How had Abram/Abraham shown great faith? Nehemiah 9:7-8 “7 Thou are the Lord The God, Who didst choose Abram and brought him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gave him the name of Abraham, 8 and found his heart faithful before Thee, and made a covenant with him to give the land

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of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his descendants. You have performed Thy words, for Thou are righteous.” How would you explain being “full of faith” and “obedient to faith”? Numbers 12:5-8 “5 And The Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forth. 6 And He said, ‘Hear now My words, If there be a prophet among you, I The Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even plainly and not in dark sayings; and the form of The Lord shall he behold. Why then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?’” Acts 6:1-8 “1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, ‘It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 whom they set before the Apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Acts 11:22-24 “22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem; and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man and full of The Holy Ghost and of faith; and much people was added unto The Lord.” Romans 1:1-17 “1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God, 2 (which He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 and declared to be The Son Of God with power, according to The Spirit Of Holiness, by the resurrection from the dead;

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by Whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name; 6 among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: grace to you and peace from God our Father and The Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, Whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” (Habakkuk 2:4) Romans 16:25-27 “25 Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began, 26 but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” 2 Thessalonians 1:1-8 “1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace unto you, and peace from God our Father and The Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all toward each other abounds, 4 so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure, 5 which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God

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to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them who know not God, and who obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Why do you think that Jesus complimented the centurion so highly? What did he know that Jesus’ disciples at that time did not apparently know? Matthew 8:5-10 (This is also reported in Luke 7:1-10.) “5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, ‘Lord, my servant lies at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.’ 7 And Jesus says unto him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, ‘I am not worthy that Thou should come under my roof, but speak the word only and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, “Go, and he goes”; and to another, “Come, and he cometh”; and to my servant, “Do this, and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to them that followed, ‘Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” What else is required for having great faith? Matthew 15:22-28 “22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son Of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.’ 23 But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she cries after us.’ 24 But He answered and said, ‘I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ 25 Then came she and worshipped Him, ‘saying, Lord, help me.’ 26 But He answered and said, ‘It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.’ 27 And she said, ‘Truth, Lord; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.’ 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, ‘O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt.’ And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” Matthew 21:18-21 “18 Now in the morning as He returned into the city, He hungered. 19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, ‘Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever.’ And presently the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, ‘How soon is the fig tree withered away!’ 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, ‘Be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.’”

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Mark 11:19-26 “19 And when even was come, He went out of the city. 20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter calling to remembrance said unto Him, ‘Master, behold, the fig tree which Thou cursed is withered away.’ 22 And Jesus answering says unto them, ‘Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, ‘Be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea’, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he says. 24 Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father also Who is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father Who is in Heaven forgive your trespasses.’” Galatians 1:21-24 “21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 and was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 but they had heard only, that ‘he who persecuted us in times past now preaches the faith which once he destroyed.’ 24 And they glorified God in me.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8 “6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Finally there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that Day, and not to me only, but to all them also who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 1:1-5 & 13-14 “1 Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 to Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that in thee also.” 13 Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by The Holy Ghost which dwells in us.” 1 Timothy 3:8-13 “8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved, then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

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Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they who have served the office of a deacon well obtain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 4:17 “17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved son and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.” James 5:13-15 “13 Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” ***Other examples of healing faith Did touching the hem of Jesus robe heal the woman? Did Jesus touch her? What does this say about the meaning of faith? Mark 5:22-34 (The report is also written in Matthew 9:18-22 and Luke 8:40-48.) “22 And, behold, there comes one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw Him, he fell at His feet, 23 And besought him greatly, saying, ‘My little daughter lies at the point of death; I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed, and she shall live.’ 24 And Jesus went with him, and much people followed Him and thronged Him. 25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse. 27 When she had heard of Jesus, she came in behind Him and touched His garment. 28 For she said, ‘If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.’ 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned Himself about in the crowd, and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ 31 And His disciples said unto Him, ‘Thou see the multitude thronging thee, and say thou, “Who touched me?”’ 32 And He looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before Him, and told Him all the truth. 34 And He said unto her, ‘Daughter, thy faith has made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.’” Luke 17:12-19 Why was the thankful healed leper more blessed than the other nine? “12 And as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men that were lepers, who stood afar off: 13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’ 14 And when He saw them, He said unto them, ‘Go show yourselves unto the priests.’ And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

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15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving Him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?’ 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19 And He said unto him, ‘Arise, go thy way; thy faith has made thee whole.’” In the next Scripture passage, did Jesus heal the blind men immediately? Did He ask them what they wanted? Did He say that He healed them by touching their eyes? What does this say about the meaning of faith? Matthew 9:27-29 “27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying and saying, ‘Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.’ 28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to Him; and Jesus says unto them, ‘Believe ye that I am able to do this?’ They said unto him, ‘Yea, Lord.’ 29 Then touched He their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith be it unto you.’” How did Bartimaeus indicate that he had faith in Jesus Christ? Why do you think that Jesus ignored him for a while and then ask him what he wanted? Who or what healed him? Mark 10:46-52 (This is also reported in Luke 18.35-43.) “46 And they came to Jericho; and as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, ‘Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.’ 48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace but he cried the more a great deal, ‘Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.’ 49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they called the blind man, saying unto him, ‘Be of good comfort, rise; he calls thee.’ 50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?’ The blind man said unto him, ‘Lord, that I might receive my sight.’ 52 And Jesus said unto him, ‘Go thy way; thy faith has made thee whole.’ And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” Why was the faith of the friends of the man sick of the palsy great? What was the lack of the scribes and the Pharisees? Mark 2:1-12 (And another version of this testimony is in Matthew 9:1-8 and Luke 5:17-26) “1 And again He entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house. 2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door; and He preached the word unto them. 3 And four came bringing one sick of the palsy. 4 And when they could not come near unto him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof above where He was, and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

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5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, ‘Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.’ 6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 ‘Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?’ 8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said unto them, ‘Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee’, or to say, ‘Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?’ 10 But that ye may know that The Son Of Man hath power on Earth to forgive sins, (He said to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, “Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.”’ 12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all, insomuch that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw it on this fashion.’” Matthew 23:23 Jesus Christ said, “23 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Why were there miracles after Jesus Christ had ascended back to Heaven? Acts 3:11-16 “11 And as the lame man who was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. 12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, ‘Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, had glorified His Son Jesus, Whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But ye denied The Holy One and The Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed The Prince of life, Whom God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses. 16 And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.’” Acts 14:4-11 “4 But the multitude of the city [Antioch in Pisidia] was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the Apostles [Barnabas and Saul]. 5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully and to stone them, 6 they were aware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lies round about: 7 And there they preached the Gospel. 8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked; 9 the same heard Paul speak, who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, ‘Stand upright on thy feet.’

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And he leaped and walked. 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, ‘The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.’” ***Faith resulting in Salvation and good works What are the main requirements for Christian Salvation? 1 Peter 1:18-25 “18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 who through Him do believe in God, Who raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God. 22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falls away: 25 But the word of The Lord endures forever. And this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you.” Hebrews 4:1-5 “1 Therefore, since a promise being left us of entering into His rest, let us therefore fear lest any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For to us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them, but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter into rest, as He said, ‘As I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest, although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.’ (Psalm 95:11) 4 For He spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, ‘And God did rest the seventh day from all His works.’ (Genesis 2:2) 5 And in this place again, if they shall enter into my rest.” Galatians 3:1-14 “1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was evidently set forth as crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, received ye The Spirit by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? Having begun in The Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain-- if it be yet in vain? 5 He therefore Who ministers to you The Spirit, and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the Law or by the hearing of faith?

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6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they who are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the Gospel unto Abraham, saying, ‘In thee shall all nations be blessed.’ (Genesis 12:3, 18:18, 22:18, 26:4, 28:14) 9 So then they who be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse, for it is written, ‘Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them.’ (Deuteronomy 27:28) 11 But that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident, for ‘The just shall live by faith.’ (Habakkuk 2:4) 12 And the Law is not of faith, but ‘the man that does them shall live in them.’ (Leviticus 18:5) 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, ‘Cursed is every one that hung on a tree’; (Deuteronomy 21:23) 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of The Spirit through faith.” Romans 3:19-31 “19 Now we know that whatever things the Law says, it says to them who are under the Law; that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight, for by the Law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them who believe, for there is no difference: 23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law. 29 Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, Who shall justify the circumcision by faith and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the Law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the Law.” Colossians 1:23-2:12 “23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, which ye have heard and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister. 24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His Body's sake, which is the church:

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Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God, 26 even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: 27 to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 to this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. 1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, both of The Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of The Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in Him, Who is the head of all principality and power, 11 in Whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, Who hath raised Him from the dead.” Galatians 3:21-29 “21 Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid, for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

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But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Acts 24:24-25 “24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, ‘Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Ephesians 2:8-10 “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God had before ordained that we should walk in them.” James 2:14-23 “14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith and have not works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you say unto them, ‘Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled’; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 But someone may say, ‘Thou has faith and I have works.’ Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believes that there is one God, thou doest well. Even the devils also believe and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 See thou how faith working with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness.’ (Genesis 15:6) And he was called the friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works when she had received the messengers and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Philemon 1:5-7 “5 Hearing of thy love and faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all saints, 6 that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

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James 2:1-13 “1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye pay attention to him who wears the fine clothing and say unto him, ‘Sit thou here in a good place’, and say to the poor, ‘Stand thou there’, or ‘sit here under my footstool’, 4 have ye not shown partiality among yourselves and have become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He has promised to them who love Him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy Name by the which ye are called? 8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself’, ye do well. (Leviticus 19:18) 9 But if ye show partiality to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the Law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He Who said, ‘Do not commit adultery’, said also, ‘Do not kill.’ Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou have become a transgressor of the Law. 12 So speak ye and so do as those who shall be judged by the Law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy; but mercy can triumph over judgment.” What does “through the righteousness of faith” mean and how does Abraham exemplify saving faith? Romans 4:1-5:5 “1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what says the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him who works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him who works not but believes on Him Who justifies the unGodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputes righteousness without works, saying, 7 ‘Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.’ (Psalm 32:1-2)

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Come this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them who believe, though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, who he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed, through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they who are of the Law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: because the Law works wrath, for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the Law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, (As it is written, ‘I have made thee a father of many nations’,) (Genesis 17:5) in the presence of Him Whom he believed, even God, Who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were; who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, ‘So shall thy seed be.’ (Genesis 15:5) And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And therefore ‘it was imputed to him for righteousness.’ (Genesis 15:6) Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him; but for us also to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope makes not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by The Holy Ghost Who is given unto us.”

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How do each of the following three Scripture passages show how proper faith leads to Christian Salvation? Luke 18:42-43 “42 And Jesus said unto him [Bartimaeus], ‘Receive thy sight; thy faith hath saved thee.’ 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” Luke 7:44-50 “44 And He turned to the woman and said unto Simon, ‘See thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gave Me no water for My feet, but she hath washed My feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gave Me no kiss, but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint, but this woman hath anointed My feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.’ 48 And He said unto her, ‘Thy sins are forgiven.’ 49 And they who sat at the meal with Him began to say within themselves, ‘Who is this that forgives sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, ‘Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.’” Acts 15:7-11 “7 And when there had been much disputing [about circumcism], Peter rose up, and said unto them, ‘Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. 8 And God, Who knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them The Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; 9 and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.’” ***Courageously living by faith in God What are the requirements or needs for spiritual courage? 1 John 5:4 “4 For whosoever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory who overcomes the world-even our faith.” Hebrews 11:4-40 “4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts, and by it he being dead yet still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death, and was not found because God had translated him, for before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God. 6 But 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 them who diligently seek Him.

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By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his family; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise, for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful Who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the Earth. For they who say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, a Heavenly, wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He hath prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac; and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, ‘That in Isaac shall thy seed be called’, (Genesis 21:12) accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which also he received him in a figurative sense. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph, and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel, and gave commandment concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

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32 And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and of Barak and of Samson and of Jephthae; of David also and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again; and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36 and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment; 37 they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (of whom the world was not worthy) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the Earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” Revelation 2:8-10 “8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says The First And The Last, Who was dead and is alive: 9 “I know thy works, tribulation, and poverty (but thou are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shall suffer; behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, so that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what The Spirit says unto the churches, he who overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.”’” Romans 11:20-23 “20 Well, because of unbelief they (Israel) were broken off, and thou stand by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear; 21 for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness; otherwise thou also shall be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.” 2 Corinthians 1:23-24 “23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy, for by faith ye stand.”

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2 Corinthians 5:5-10 “5 Now He Who hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, Who also hath given unto us the earnest of The Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ: that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Hebrews 10:19-23 “19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He had consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say His flesh; 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for He is faithful that promised; 24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:38-39 “38 ‘Now the just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.’ (Habakkuk 2:4) 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition,

but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Revelation 13:7-10 “7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. And power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the Earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Book of Life of The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear: 10 he who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” Revelation 14:9-13 “9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of The Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever, and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.

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12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are they who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from Heaven saying to me, ‘write: “Blessed are the dead who die in The Lord from now on.” “Yes”, says The Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.”’” Revelation 17:12-14 “12 And the ten horns which thou saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength to the beast. 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and they who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Why is “the shield of faith the most important of the spiritual armor? Ephesians 6:11-17 “11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of The Spirit, which is the Word of God.” What does “offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith” mean? How does true Christian faith relate to suffering and endurance? Philippians 2:17-18 “17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.” that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 1 Peter 1:1-9 “1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ, grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away, reserved in Heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

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Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations, that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

1 Peter 4:12-19 “12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye, for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you; on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or as a thief or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God, and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them who obey not the Gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them who suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” (See Jude 24-25.) 1 Peter 5:5-9 “5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour, 9 whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”

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***Related to Christian teaching What in the following passage is taught in the New Testament? How? 1 Samuel 26:21-25 “21 Then said Saul, ‘I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in your eyes this day. Indeed, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.’ 22 And David answered and said, ‘Behold the king's spear! And let one of the young men come over and fetch it. 23 The Lord repay to every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the Lord delivered thee into my hand today, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against The Lord's anointed. 24 And indeed, as thy life was valued much this day in my eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of The Lord, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation.’ 25 Then Saul said to David, ‘Blessed be thou, my son David. Thou shall both do great things and also shall still prevail.’ So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.” Why does the word “ faith” sometimes mean Christian teaching? What does that mean should be the emphasis of the just mentioned? Acts 26:15-18 “15 ‘And I [the Apostle Paul], said, “Who art thou, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus Whom thou persecuted. 16 But rise and stand upon thy feet, for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them who are sanctified by the faith that is in Me.’” Hebrews 12:1-2 “1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him Who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”

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Acts 14:19-28 “19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city; and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the Gospel to that city and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on Whom they believed. 24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they told all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.” Acts 16:1-5 “1 Then came he [the Apostle Paul] to Derbe and Lystra, and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess and believed, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium, 3 and him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters, for they knew all that his father was a Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the Apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem. 5 And so were the churches established in the faith and increased in number daily.” Acts 20:17-21 “17 And from Miletus he [the Apostle Paul], sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him he said unto them, ‘Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews; 20 and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shown you and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, 21 testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.’” Hebrews 6:1-2 & 9-12 “1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead,

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and of eternal judgment. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end, 12 that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 13:7 “7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God whose faith follow, considering the end of their conduct.” 2 Peter 1:1-11 “1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them who have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 according as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain unto life and Godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who had called us to glory and virtue, 4 whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge; 6 and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience Godliness; 7 and to Godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 9 But he that lacks these things is shortsighted and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure, for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall, 11 for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Revelation 21:1-8 “1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.’

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5

And He Who sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ 6 And He said to me, ‘It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, The beginning and The end. I will give to him who is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the fearful and unbelieving, and abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the Lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the Second Death.’” Revelation 22:1-7 “1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of The Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it and on either side of the river was there the Tree of Life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him; 4 and they shall see His face, and His name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light, and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6 And he said unto me, ‘These sayings are faithful and true, and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show to His servants the things which must shortly be done. 7 “Behold, I come quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”’” ***Advice about proper faith What does “should not stand in the wisdom of men” mean? How does power relate to faith? 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 The Apostle Paul wrote: “4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power: 5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 “11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfills all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and The Lord Jesus Christ.” What are the ways to maintain proper faith? What indicates improper faith? 2 Timothy 2:15-26 “15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase unto more unGodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer, Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and they overthrow the faith of some.

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19

Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure having this seal: ‘The Lord knows them that are His.’ (1 Corinthians 3:11) And, ‘Let every one who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’ (Nahum 1:7) 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and useful for The Master's use, and prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, [agapè] love, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, 26 and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” Titus 1:10-16 “10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, ‘The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.’ 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to them who are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure, but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:8-17 “8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further, for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, 11 persecutions, afflictions which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou has learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them, 15 and that from a child thou has known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

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16 17

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

How does living in proper faith relate to Gospel grace? 2 Corinthians 8:6-9 “6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith and utterance and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” How would you respond to this charge if it were given directly to you in a church or in a mission post? 1 Timothy 1:1-7 & 12-20 “1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, Who is our hope; 2 unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than Godly edifying which is in faith, so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 desiring to be teachers of the Law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord Who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor, and injurious, but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them who should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting. 17 Now unto The King Eternal, immortal, invisible, The Only Wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

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18 19 20

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them might war a good warfare; holding faith and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck, of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

Titus 1:10-16 “10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, ‘The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.’ 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to them who are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure, but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” 1 Timothy 4:1-13 “1 Now The Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God had created to be received with thanksgiving of them who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 for it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou has attained.” 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto Godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits little, but Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, Who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe. 11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”

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1 Timothy 6:6-12 & 20-21 “6 But Godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, Godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.” In relation to doing the Great Commission, what will increased faith result in? 2 Corinthians 10:13-18 “13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure (as though we reached not unto you), for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the Gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 to preach the Gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But ‘he that glories, let him glory in The Lord.’ (Jeremiah 9:24) 18 For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.” How is faith “earnestly contended for? And how is it the “most holy faith”. Jude 3-4 “3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, unGodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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Jude 17-23 “17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own unGodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference, 23 and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Proverbs 27:6 “6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” ***Unity of faith How is proper faith unifying? 1 Peter 5:12 “12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.” 1 Timothy 2:5-7 “5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher and an Apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.” 2 Corinthians 4:11-14 “11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death works in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, ‘I believed, and therefore have I spoken’; (Psalm 116:10) we also believe and therefore speak; 14 knowing that He Who raised up The Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:5-11 How is true Christian faith important to proper spiritual unity? “5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong; and this also we wish, even your perfection.

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10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Titus 1:1-4 “1 Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledging of the truth which is after Godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, Who cannot lie, promised before the world began, 3 but has in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior; 4 to Titus, mine own son after the common faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God The Father and The Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.” Ephesians 4:1-7 & 11-16 “1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 11 And He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 until we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, Who is the head, even Christ: 16 from Whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

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Philippians 1:25-30 “25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel; 28 and in nothing terrified by your adversaries, which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake; 30 having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”

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