I teach Sunday school to teenagers and am also a co-leader in the children's program at BSF. (Biblestudyfellowshipinternational.org) If you are anywhere near a class I encourage you to go! It is the most amazing and in depth study of God's Word you will find anywhere. God has totally changed my life through BSF.
Ok, now that I have encouraged you to look into BSF.....I find it amazing how much I learn as I study and prepare for my Sunday school or BSF class.
I was typing up lesson questions to use in SS and one of the questions was "What is faith in Jesus Christ?"... I'm thinking Hebrews 11:1 .... confidence in what I hope for and assurance about what I do not see...specifically for me the promises Jesus made and continues to fulfill.
The next question "Where does faith in Jesus Christ come from?" As I was typing this up and looked at the answer, it took me by surprise. This answer referenced Ephesians 2:8-9.
Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
Eph 2:9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
I have read these verses so many times, have memorized them, but somehow overlooked faith being a gift. Somehow my quirky brain always thought this was referring to grace being the gift of God.
Now I know faith doesn't come through me or anything I can do..and thinking about it yes, it is a gift of God. I guess I just hadn't really thought that deeply about it before. We know our faith in God grows stronger as we walk with Him and trust Him in our daily lives. I know that. To think of it as a gift just seems to make me stop and really think more about it.
So I'm curious....what do you think? Please leave a comment and we will talk more about faith....
Have a great night! Worship the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind tomorrow as you attend your own church services!
Love,
Barb
Funny thing you talk about our wAlk with God you went along the path of faith and it being a gift from God, my study tonight was being strong and courageous on my path with God as Joshua had to be. I feel we have to have that faith gift from God in order to be strong and courageous. Thanks for your lovely post
ReplyDeleteDidn't God tell Joshua to be strong and courageous that He would always be with him? Faith seems to go along with trust don't you think? I trust God to keep His promise to always be with me. I dont have to fear because I am trusting my Lord. In doing so my faith is growing.
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