Living By Faith: Ron Dunn's Spiritual Journey

In his book Faith Crisis, Ron Dunn explores the concept of living by faith, arguing that true faith is not about name it and claim it but about a deep trust in God and His providence. Dunn suggests that faith is not just about feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit, but about taking action and carrying out God's instructions. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and hope, and highlights the need to have faith in the One true God, not in our own abilities or other false gods. Dunn's teachings provide a concrete understanding of faith, encouraging believers to step out and trust God, even in the unknown.

The mystery of faith

In his sermon, "What Does It Mean to Live by Faith?", Ron Dunn explores the concept of faith and its significance in the Christian life. He acknowledges that while Christians often use the word "faith," they may not fully understand its meaning or implications. Dunn defines faith as a matter of leaving, losing, and letting go, requiring believers to surrender their desires and trust wholly in God. This definition is supported by Dunn's book, "Faith Crisis," which clarifies the differences between true and counterfeit faith.

Dunn suggests that the mystery of faith lies in its abstract nature, often leaving Christians unsure of how to live by faith. He compares this to mathematics, where understanding abstract concepts can be challenging without concrete examples or step-by-step explanations. Similarly, Christians may struggle to grasp the concept of faith without tangible evidence or a clear understanding of its practical application.

A Concrete Example: Abraham's Journey

To shed light on the mystery of faith, Dunn uses the example of Abraham, a man of great faith in the Bible. God instructed Abraham to leave his country, family, and sense of security, promising to bless him and make him a blessing to others. This narrative illustrates the essence of faith as letting go of one thing to make room for God's provision. Abraham's willingness to obey God, even without knowing his destination, demonstrates the trust and dependence that characterize a life of faith.

Practical Implications: Walking by Faith

Dunn emphasizes that walking by faith involves more than just words or feelings. It requires action and obedience to God's instructions. He highlights the importance of preparing for the expected miracles and answers to prayers. Additionally, Dunn stresses that faith is not about the amount but the object of our faith—believing in the One true God. This faith should be evident through our actions, leading others to Christ, and bringing glory to God.

Overcoming Adversity with Faith

Dunn's teachings on faith provide valuable insights for navigating difficult situations. He encourages believers to deepen their communion with God and focus on worship during desperate times. By spending more time in God's presence, we can receive the encouragement and revelation needed to persevere. Dunn's own experiences, such as his marriage struggles and career uncertainties, serve as a testament to the power of faith in overcoming adversity.

In conclusion, Ron Dunn's teachings on faith offer Christians a deeper understanding of this mysterious yet crucial aspect of their spiritual lives. By exploring the nature of faith, using concrete examples, and providing practical implications, Dunn helps believers navigate the unknown and trust in God's providence. Ultimately, living by faith means surrendering our desires, obeying God's instructions, and relying on His presence and power in both calm and turbulent times.

Walking with God

So, what is faith?

Faith is about trusting and believing in God, even when you don't know what's going on or where He's taking you. It's about letting go of the things that give you security and identity so that God can give you something better. It's about obeying God, not because of the rewards or promises, but because He is worth obeying and loving.

Living by faith is not always easy. It requires preparation and action. You need to get ready for the expected miracle and not just sit back and hope it will happen. It's about deepening your relationship with God and spending more time in His presence, listening to what He has to say. It's about having faith in the One true God, not in your own abilities or other false gods.

Faith is expressed through your actions. It's not just about how you pray or worship in church, but how you live your life and carry out the instructions God has given you. It's about leading others to Christ through your works and your words. It's about having an eternal perspective and standing for truth, even when it's difficult.

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. He wants us to depend on Him totally and trust in His providence and promises. Faith is about anticipating what God has in store for us and knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Trusting God

Faith is a word that gets thrown around a lot, especially in church. But what does it really mean? According to Ron Dunn, faith is what puts man in a place of total dependence on God. It is both exciting and terrifying because it involves a lot of uncertainty. You don't know what the future holds, but you trust in God's providence and promises.

An untried faith is worthless. True faith is tested and proven through difficult situations. It is easy to believe in God when all your needs are met and life is going well. But what about when your source of income is threatened or your expenses go up? Do you still believe that God will provide? That is when you know you have faith.

Ron Dunn says that preparation is an act of faith. If you truly believe that God is going to do something, you will get ready for it. Hope and faith go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other. When you have hope and faith, you move God to do the impossible.

The rewards of faith are not necessarily earthly blessings, but rather the experience of God's presence. When you have faith, you don't need to see the destination or know all the details. You simply need to keep your eyes on God and trust that He will lead you where you need to go.

To grow in faith, you must be willing to let go of the things that are holding you back. This could be your plans, your dreams, or your possessions. You must be open to change and willing to follow God wherever He leads, even if it is into the unknown.

In conclusion, trusting God is an act of faith that involves total dependence on Him. It is proven through difficult situations and displayed through preparation and hope. The rewards of faith are not always earthly blessings, but rather the experience of God's presence. To grow in faith, you must be willing to let go and follow God into the unknown.

Faith and action

In his book, "Faith Crisis", Ron Dunn delves into the concept of faith, exploring what it means to truly live by faith and trust in God. He highlights the difference between genuine faith and counterfeit faith, emphasizing that real faith always achieves its goal and opens the door to God's promises. Dunn encourages readers to understand the nature of true faith to avoid deception and master the art of living by faith.

Understanding Faith

Dunn acknowledges the "air of mystery" surrounding faith, even for those deeply rooted in the church. He emphasizes the importance of comprehending what it means to walk with God, live by faith, and step out in trust. This understanding is crucial for believers to fully experience the power of their faith.

Faith in Action

According to Dunn, faith is not just an abstract concept but something that should be lived out in our daily lives. He asserts that faith is a matter of leaving, losing, and letting go so that God can bring us to a place of total dependence on Him. This involves letting go of our own plans, dreams, and visions to embrace God's will and follow His direction, even when it leads into the unknown.

The Role of Preparation

Dunn emphasizes that preparation is an act of faith. When we truly believe that God is going to do something, we actively get ready for it. He cautions against the deception of believing without taking corresponding actions, arguing that our faith should be expressed through our deeds and not just our words or worship.

Overcoming the World

Dunn asserts that it is not the amount of faith we have but the object of our faith that matters. He highlights the story of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal, demonstrating that true success and victory come from faith in the One true God.

Faith in Desperate Times

In desperate situations, Dunn suggests that we need more than just effort; we need a deepening communion with God and more intense worship and fellowship. He encourages believers to seek God's presence, listen to His guidance, and trust in His providence and promises during challenging times.

Living by faith, as Dunn explains, involves a willingness to let go of our own security and embrace the unknown, trusting that God will lead us to our intended destination. It requires active preparation and obedience, even when we don't understand the full picture. By following these principles, we can experience the power of genuine faith and deepen our relationship with God.

Faith in adversity

In his book, "Faith Crisis", Ron Dunn explores the concept of living by faith and how it can be challenging to understand what this truly means. Dunn shares his own experiences and struggles with faith, highlighting that even those who have grown up in the church may not always be certain about what certain words and phrases mean. He emphasizes that faith is not just about knowing and using religious language, but it's about a deep trust in God and his promises.

Understanding Faith

Dunn provides a compelling definition of faith, describing it as "a matter of leaving and losing and letting go so that God may give us what He has for us." It is about fully surrendering to God, depending on Him, and obeying Him because He is worth obeying and loving. This definition is further supported by one of Dunn's quotes: "Faith puts man right where God wants him—in the place of total dependence." This total dependence on God is a key aspect of living by faith.

Faith in Action

Dunn also emphasizes that faith without corresponding action is incomplete. He states, "Your faith in God is expressed through your actions and not only in how well you pray or worship in church." True faith leads to obedience and a desire to carry out God's instructions. It is not enough to simply feel the presence of the Holy Spirit; we must allow Him to empower us to take action and fulfill our God-given purposes.

Testing Our Faith

Additionally, Dunn acknowledges that our faith is often tested through difficult situations and adversity. He writes, "Difficult situations exist to test the realness of your faith and reveal how rooted you are in God’s word." When faced with challenges, we must trust in God's providence and promises. Dunn encourages believers to prepare for the expected miracles while also recognizing that God's answers may not always align with our expectations.

Living by faith, according to Dunn, requires us to let go of our own plans, dreams, and visions, fully surrendering them to God. It demands total dependence on Him, obedience to His instructions, and a willingness to take action. Through adversity, our faith is refined and strengthened as we learn to trust in God's faithfulness and providence.

Frequently asked questions