Christ, Our Faith's Nourisher: Walking With Him

how does christ nourish our faith

Faith is like a seed that God plants in our hearts, and Jesus nourishes it so that it grows into a powerful, deeply-rooted tree that supports us on our journey. Just as a plant needs sunlight, air, and water to grow, our faith needs nourishment to flourish. We can nourish our faith by reading and reflecting on the scriptures, praying, serving others, and obeying God's commandments. Through our faith, we can access God's protection, wisdom, and strength to face life's challenges and trials. Our faith in Jesus Christ gives us confidence and trust in Him and His teachings, enabling us to make sacrifices, endure suffering, and experience miracles in our lives.

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Reading and studying the scriptures

The Bible is a very long book, but you can start nearly anywhere. It is usually a good practice to start your Bible study in the New Testament. For example, if you want to learn about Jesus, you can start with the gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Studying the Bible by Chapters

In the Bible, there are 1,189 chapters in the Old and New Testaments. In a little over three years, a person could make an intensive study of the whole Bible, taking a chapter a day.

  • Read through the chapter carefully.
  • Seek to find its main subject or subjects.
  • Give each chapter a title that suggests its main content.
  • Reread the chapter and make a simple outline.
  • Take note of any practical or theological problems in this chapter.
  • Look up the key words in those verses and find out what other portions of the Bible say about this question or problem. Compare Scripture with Scripture to find its true meaning.

Studying the Bible by Paragraphs

A paragraph is several sentences of thought in writing. When an author changes the subject of emphasis in writing, they usually begin a new paragraph. The beginning of a paragraph in the Bible is indicated by a boldface verse number.

  • Read the paragraph carefully for its main thought or subject.
  • Rewrite the text to find the relation of the important words and sentences in this paragraph.
  • Make a simple outline.
  • Look up important words in the concordance.

Studying the Bible by Verses

Many verses in both the Old and New Testaments are rich with great Bible truths that will demand more detailed study.

  • Study it by the verbs in the verse.
  • Study a verse through the personalities revealed.
  • Study a verse by looking for the great ideas revealed in it.

Studying the Bible by Books

There are several methods of Bible book study. One is called the inductive method. This is a method of studying in detail the contents of a Bible book and then drawing from these details general conclusions or principles concerning the contents and purpose of the book.

Another method of book study is called the synthetic method. By this method, one reads the Bible book several times to receive the general impressions of the main ideas and purpose of the book without attention to the details.

  • Read the book through to get the perspective and the general emphasis of the book.
  • Reread the book many times, each time asking yourself a relevant question and jotting down the answers you find as you read.
  • Remembering the theme of the book, see how it is emphasized and developed.
  • Look for any special problems or applications.
  • What does it tell me about the author and his circumstances when he wrote this book?
  • What does the book tell me about the people to whom the book was written and their circumstances, needs, or problems?
  • What are the main divisions of the book? Is there any outline apparent in the logical organization and development of the book?
  • Look for other facts and/or information that your earlier readings have suggested.

Studying the Bible by Words

Certain words have special significance in certain Bible books. For example, after studying the Gospel of John as a book and by chapters, you’ll find it instructive and inspiring to trace the words “believe” and “belief.” They occur almost 100 times.

  • Read the book hurriedly and underline each passage where the words occur.
  • Understand why Bible scholars contend that the purpose of the Gospel of John is expressed by the author.

Studying the Bible by Topics

Closely related to the method of study by words is the study according to great topics or subjects: Bible prayers, Bible promises, Bible sermons, Bible songs, etc.

  • Look up the word in your concordance.
  • Look up every form of these words and related words.
  • Study them and bring together all the teachings on the topic.

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Praying for protection

The Bible tells us that our faith is like a shield, guarding us from the lies and attacks of the enemy. By praying for protection, we put on the full armor of God, which includes the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:10-18). We recognize that our faith is not just an abstract concept but a powerful weapon in the spiritual realm.

Additionally, we can nourish our faith by studying and applying Scripture to our daily lives. Just as a plant needs sunlight, air, and water, our faith thrives when fed by the spiritual meat of God's Word. Reading and meditating on Scripture equips us with wisdom and helps us grow in our understanding of God's character and promises.

Moreover, obedience to God's commands and surrounding ourselves with fellow believers also play a crucial role in strengthening our faith. Obedience demonstrates our trust in Christ, and fellowship with other Christians sharpens our faith, as iron sharpens iron.

In conclusion, praying for protection is a vital aspect of nourishing our faith in Christ. It aligns us with God's will, fortifies us against spiritual attacks, and reminds us of His faithfulness and power. By actively seeking God's protection and studying His Word, we can walk in the light of faith, filled with assurance and hope.

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Obeying God's commandments

Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. It is a gift from God, and it is kept alive by obedience. We can nourish our faith by reading and pondering the scriptures, fasting and praying, serving the Lord, and obeying God's commandments.

  • Jesus Calls Us to Obey: As followers of Christ, we are called to obey His commands. Our motivation for obedience stems from our love for Him. John 14:15 highlights this connection: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
  • Obedience Is an Act of Worship: True Christian obedience flows from a heart of gratitude for the grace that God has given us. Romans 12:1 illustrates this act of worship: "Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him."
  • God Rewards Obedience: Throughout the Bible, we find that God blesses and rewards obedience. Genesis 22:18 assures us, "Through your descendants, all the nations of the earth will be blessed because you have obeyed me."
  • Obedience Demonstrates Our Love for God: Obedience to God's commandments is a tangible expression of our love for Him. 1 John 5:2-3 states, "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments."
  • Obedience Demonstrates Our Faith: When we obey God, we demonstrate our trust and faith in Him. 1 John 2:3-6 emphasizes this point: "We can be sure that we know Him if we obey His commandments. If someone claims, 'I know God,' but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth."
  • Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice: In 1 Samuel 15:22-23, Samuel explains that obedience is more important to God than sacrifices or offerings. "Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols," he says.
  • Disobedience Leads to Sin and Death: Adam's disobedience introduced sin and death into the world. However, Christ's perfect obedience restores our fellowship with God. Romans 5:19 explains this contrast: "For as by the one man's [Adam] disobedience, the many were made sinners, so by the one man's [Christ] obedience, the many will be made righteous."
  • Obedience Allows Us to Experience the Blessings of Holy Living: As we obey God and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, we grow in holiness and experience the blessings of a life aligned with God's will. Psalm 119:1-8 describes the joy of those who follow the Lord's instructions: "Joyful are people of integrity who follow the instructions of the Lord... They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths."

In conclusion, obedience to God's commandments is a fundamental aspect of nourishing our faith in Christ. It demonstrates our love, trust, and faith in God, and it opens the door to experiencing the blessings of holy living. As we obey, we follow Christ's example and draw closer to God, strengthening our relationship with Him.

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Cultivating a personal relationship with God

Spending Time in Prayer

Adding just five more minutes to your daily prayer time each week can make a significant difference. Gradually increase the duration until you reach thirty minutes to a full hour each day. Spending dedicated time in prayer allows us to deepen our connection with God and align our thoughts and actions with His will.

Studying the Scriptures

Nourish your faith by regularly reading and reflecting on the Scriptures. The Bible is God's Word, and it contains the truths and teachings that form the foundation of our faith. Make it a spiritual discipline to study the Scriptures, applying their wisdom to your daily life. This practice will keep your faith strong and healthy.

Seeking Support from Fellow Believers

Fellowship with other Christians can strengthen your faith. Iron sharpens iron, and being around faithful brothers and sisters in Christ can inspire and encourage you. Seek out individuals who share your beliefs and can support you on your spiritual journey. Their presence and testimony can help reinforce your own faith.

Obeying God's Commandments and Living a Righteous Life

Faith without action will wither. To nourish our faith, we must strive to obey God's commandments and live according to His teachings. This includes serving others, sustaining our Church leaders, and following moral principles in our daily lives. Our obedience demonstrates our trust in God and strengthens our relationship with Him.

Listening to Christian Testimonies

Hearing the stories and experiences of other Christians can be powerful. Listening to how God has worked in the lives of your fellow believers can build your faith and inspire you to trust God more deeply. Seek out opportunities to engage with other Christians and learn from their spiritual journeys.

Praising and Worshipping God

Engaging in praise and worship helps us focus our minds on God's power and goodness. In moments of pain or difficulty, choose to praise and worship God. This act of faith can bring comfort and strength, reminding us that God is greater than any problem we face.

Reflecting on God's Past Works

Like the biblical figures Caleb and Joshua, who frequently recalled God's past glorious deeds, we can strengthen our faith by reflecting on God's faithfulness in our lives and in history. Remembering how God has worked in the past gives us confidence that He will continue to guide and provide for us in the future.

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Listening to other Christians' testimonies

When we listen to the testimonies of other Christians, we are reminded of the power of Jesus to work in the lives of those around us. We hear stories of God's faithfulness, grace, and redemption, and we are encouraged to see how He has worked in the lives of others. This can be especially impactful when we hear testimonies of people who have overcome difficult circumstances or struggles similar to our own. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey and that God is always at work, even in the midst of our trials.

Additionally, listening to the testimonies of other Christians can provide us with a sense of community and connection within the body of Christ. We realize that we are not alone in our faith journey and that others have faced similar challenges and experiences. This can help us feel supported and encouraged as we navigate our own spiritual path.

Furthermore, hearing the stories of how God has worked in the lives of others can also inspire us to step out in faith and trust God in new ways. When we hear how God has provided, guided, and transformed the lives of our fellow believers, it can give us the courage to take risks, step out in faith, and trust God in new and deeper ways.

Listening to Christian testimonies is also a way to worship God and give Him glory. As we hear how He has moved in the lives of others, we can praise and thank Him for His faithfulness and power. It reminds us of His goodness and love for His people and draws us into a deeper worship and adoration of Him.

Lastly, listening to the testimonies of other Christians can provide us with practical examples of how to live out our faith. We can learn from the experiences of others and gain wisdom and insight into how to apply our faith in our daily lives. Their stories can teach us how to trust God, obey His Word, and follow His leading in our daily lives.

In conclusion, listening to the testimonies of other Christians is a powerful way to nourish our faith. It reminds us of God's faithfulness, connects us with the body of Christ, inspires us to step out in faith, draws us into worship, and provides practical examples of how to live out our faith. As we listen to the stories of how God has worked in the lives of others, our own faith is strengthened and deepened, drawing us closer to Him.

Frequently asked questions

Christ nourishes our faith through the word of God, by studying the scriptures and applying them to our daily lives. The scriptures fill us with the wisdom of God, keeping our faith healthy and growing.

We can strengthen our faith by surrounding ourselves with other faithful followers of Christ. We can also strengthen our faith through obedience, by putting our trust in Christ and believing in His will and promise.

We can protect our faith by praying for protection and living by God's standards, not the world's. We must believe without seeing, and ask God for protection from spiritual war waged by the enemy.

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  • Seti
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