Making Faith Tangible: A Practical Guide To Spiritual Growth

Faith is a gift from God, and it's important to question whether your faith is real. According to the Bible, a person with real faith will lead a changed life exhibiting good works. Faith is not just an intellectual assent, but it involves knowing with your mind, trusting with your heart, and experiencing in life. It implies trust and requires action. Faith is a verb – a call to action. It is the way we relate to God, the world, and each other. It is a framework through which we interpret everything.

- Pray often and follow God's teachings in your everyday life.

- Dedicate yourself to a life following God's teachings.

- Make time each day to talk to Jesus and build a relationship with him.

- Study Bible passages that deal with people going through hardships.

- Turn to Jesus for strength in hard times and ask him to show you the lessons in your hardships.

- Spend time with other people who share your faith.

- Live your life according to scripture.

- Seek God's will and direction and follow His direction.

- Believe and trust in God's provision, comfort, protection, leadership, and wisdom in all things.

Pray often and follow God's teachings

Praying often and following God's teachings is a great way to make your faith real. Here are some ways to do that:

Pray with sincerity and without ceasing

Praying is probably the most important thing a follower of Jesus needs to do. However, Jesus warned his followers against praying with empty words or praying to impress others. Praying should be done with sincerity and earnestness, and it should be a dialogue of love with God. Praying is also a mental attitude of prayerfulness, a continual personal fellowship with God, and a consciousness of being in His presence throughout each day.

Pray with persistence

Jesus emphasised that his followers should be persistent in prayer. In Luke 11:5-13, Jesus tells the parable of the man who wakes his neighbour at midnight to ask to borrow some bread. In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the widow who demands justice from a judge. In both parables, Jesus says that we should keep praying and never give up.

Pray with faith and expectancy

Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24). Pray with faith and expectancy, believing that God will answer your prayers. This does not mean that God will answer all your prayers the way you want, but it means that He will answer according to His will and in His perfect timing.

Follow God's teachings in your everyday life

Following God's teachings involves living your life according to Scripture and seeking God's will and direction. This includes obeying His commandments, such as loving God and loving others. It also means trusting in God's provision, comfort, protection, leadership, and wisdom in all things.

Study the Bible

The Bible contains God's Word and teachings, and it is a source of guidance and instruction for believers. Reading and meditating on Scripture can help you recognise God's voice and understand His will for your life. It can also provide encouragement and strength during difficult times, as it contains stories of faithful believers who struggled with their faith.

Turn to God in both good times and hardships

God is always present and willing to help you make the right choices in life. He wants to have a relationship with you and be involved in every area of your life. Turn to Him in prayer and seek His guidance, strength, and comfort, whether you are facing challenges or experiencing blessings.

Study the historical context around Jesus' life

Studying the historical context around Jesus' life can help make faith in him more accessible. While there is no direct archaeological proof that Jesus existed, many historical experts believe that he was a real man.

Jesus was a Galilean Jew who lived in the 1st century AD. He was a Jewish preacher who taught that he was the path to salvation, everlasting life, and the Kingdom of God. He was baptised by John the Baptist and was crucified by the order of the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate.

Jesus' teachings and actions had a unique social and political impact. He was a charismatic healer who preached a message of forgiveness and love. He called disciples and had a brother named James. He was also a Jewish messiah, an apocalyptic prophet, and a rabbi.

Jesus' teachings and actions were so powerful that his followers continued to spread his message even after his death. This ultimately led to the creation of a new religion, Christianity.

Recognise that you have sinned and ask for forgiveness

Recognising your sin and asking for forgiveness is a crucial step in your journey of faith. The Bible says that everyone has sinned, whether it be a small fib or something more serious. However, God still loves you and wants you to live a full life honouring Him.

To ask for forgiveness, you must first admit that you have sinned. Pray to God and ask for forgiveness. You can say something like: "Dear Lord, I know that I have made mistakes, and I will never be perfect. I want to turn away from sin and follow the teachings of Jesus. Please forgive me for everything I've done wrong, and help me to be a better person and grow every day."

After you have confessed your sins and received forgiveness, it is important to make a genuine effort to overcome the sins that you struggle with. This is called repenting, and it is an important step in your journey of faith. Remember, becoming more like Christ is a lifelong process, so allow God to lead you and help you improve each day.

Even after you have been forgiven, you will still wrestle with sin. That is why it is important to continue bringing your confession to Jesus and repenting of your sins. This will help you to live in a restored relationship with God and experience the abundant life that He offers.

Dedicate yourself to a life following God's teachings

Dedicating yourself to God and following His teachings is a crucial aspect of strengthening your faith and living a life that honours Him. Here are some ways to dedicate yourself to God and His teachings:

Recognise and Overcome Sins

Firstly, recognise that everyone has sinned, and that includes you. A sin can be something as minor as a small lie or as serious as committing murder. To become a follower of Jesus Christ, you must admit your sins and make a conscious effort to repent and overcome them. This is an important step in your journey as a Christian. Remember, becoming more Christ-like is a lifelong process, so allow God to guide you as you improve.

Study the Bible

Spend time studying the Bible and gaining a deeper understanding of God's teachings. The Bible contains valuable lessons and stories of faithful believers facing difficult times. These stories can provide comfort and strength during challenging periods. Additionally, studying the historical context surrounding Jesus' life can make it easier to have faith in Him.

Pray and Communicate with God

Make time each day to pray and communicate with God. Through prayer, you can praise Jesus, ask for guidance, and strengthen your faith. Share your struggles and concerns with Him, and He will provide comfort and peace. Remember, prayer is a dialogue, so ensure you take time to listen for God's responses and guidance.

Live a Life Pleasing to God

Examine your life and identify areas where you can live more in alignment with God's teachings. This may involve making difficult choices and sacrifices. For example, removing yourself from relationships that pull you away from God or trusting God to provide for your needs when leaving an unhealthy situation. Have the courage to stand up for your beliefs and live according to God's will, even when it is challenging.

Serve Others

Serving others is a vital aspect of dedicating yourself to God. Look for opportunities to help those in need and share God's love with others. This can be done through volunteering, acts of kindness, or simply being there for someone who needs support. Remember, serving others is not just about grand gestures but also the small, everyday actions that make a difference.

Find a Faith Community

Surround yourself with like-minded believers who can support and encourage you in your faith journey. Consider joining a local church or a Bible study group. These communities can provide fellowship, wisdom, and accountability as you dedicate yourself to God.

Spend time with other people who share your faith

Spending time with other people who share your faith is an important way to strengthen your faith and give you a community to rely on when times are hard. You can learn from the wisdom of your fellow believers, and you can also share your own experiences to help others.

Local churches are a great way to meet other believers. If a more traditional church service seems uncomfortable, try a contemporary church. Even if you don't attend church, you can look online to find Christian gatherings in your area, like a weekly Bible study at a coffee shop or a monthly dinner.

Bible passages can also help you feel connected to a long line of believers who have had to struggle through similar hardships. For example, the apostle Paul was tormented by an unknown affliction, as described in 2 Corinthians. While his specific struggle is never named, he refers to it as a "thorn in his flesh," and his humility and faith are an example of strength that still resonates today.

The books of Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Hebrews are letters written by early Christians who were often arrested and even killed for their faith. They show that these believers were afraid, yet still gathered together to share and grow their faith.

Jesus himself was betrayed by one of his closest friends, and the night before he was killed, he stayed up all night praying. His steadfast faith and determination to fulfill his destiny, described in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, can be a powerful inspiration if you're facing a difficult task.

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