Growing in Faith – Feast of light

There are certainly more ways we can grow in our faith that is in Christ Jesus, but I will only consider seven principles. My prayer is that, this article will bless you and add to you spiritually in Jesus Name. Amen!

1. Faith Comes from Hearing God’s Word:

Verse: Romans 10:17 (ESV) – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Hearing God’s Word is essential for our faith journey. It’s not merely passive listening; it’s an active engagement with the living Word that transforms our hearts and minds.
Be a doer of His word; James 1:22 (NKJV) admonishes us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Hearing God’s Word, therefore, should lead to active obedience and application
Desire His word: 1 Peter 2:2 (NKJV) encourages us to “desire the pure milk of the word” like spiritual infants.
To grow spiritually, we must zealously embrace opportunities to hear and study the Word

2. Diligent Prayer:

Verse: Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) – “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Continual diligence in the place of prayer is key: Romans 12:11-12 encourages us: “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” Diligence in prayer involves consistency, fervency, and perseverance.
Diligent prayer keeps us connected to God, strengthens our faith, and helps us navigate life’s challenges with hope and patience

3. Dependence on God’s Grace:

Verse: 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
God’s grace enables our faith to grow: Every grace, including faith, hope, love, and patience, can grow and increase in our lives. It is God’s work to cause this growth, and it is owing to His grace.
As believers, we should actively participate by using means that God blesses: prayer, studying His Word, and reflecting on His promises.

4. Abiding in Christ:

Verse: John 15:5 (ESV) – “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Some Practical Steps for Abiding in Christ is seen below;
Read God’s Word: Abiding involves allowing His Word to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections (Psalm 119:11).
Prayer: Regular communication with God deepens our relationship (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Dependence: Trust Jesus for everything—our needs, desires, and purpose (John 15:7).
Obedience: Obey His commands (John 15:10).
Love: Abide in His love (John 15:9).
What are the Benefits of Abiding in Him? Let’s consider 3 benefits;
Jesus promises that if we abide in Him, we can ask whatever we wish, and it will be done (John 15:7).
Abiding leads to bearing much fruit and glorifying the Father (John 15:8).
It’s a transformative process that aligns our character with Christ’s.

5. Perseverance Through Trials:

Verse: James 1:2-4 (ESV) – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Strengthened Character: Trials refine our character and build endurance.
Bible Verse: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
Heavenward Focus: Like athletes pressing toward a goal, we persevere toward our heavenly prize.
Bible Verse: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

6. Seeking God’s Kingdom First:

Verse: Matthew 6:33 (ESV) – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Sense of Purpose: Seeking God first instils life with a deeper purpose beyond worldly pursuits. God’s plans for us are hopeful and future-oriented: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Eternal Perspective: Seeking God’s kingdom reminds us of our eternal destination. It shifts our focus beyond the temporal: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2).
Contentment: Prioritizing God leads to contentment, recognizing that our worth isn’t defined by worldly achievements: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6).

7. Accountability and Community:

Verse: Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…”
The verse above refers to “Mutual Encouragement and Support” that we receive from the family of believers. This can help deepen your faith in Christ Jesus
Confession and Healing is another benefit of aligning ourselves with the family of believers
James 5:16: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
We receive physical, mental, and spiritual healing by the words of encouragement, prayers, love in action and acts of service we render to one another. And all these help us to grow in Christ Jesus.

These 7 principles will surely help guide you on the path of growing in your faith in Christ Jesus. God bless you.

Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name“

Prayer: Father-Lord, give me the grace to increase in faith and in the knowledge of Christ Jesus on a daily basis, in Jesus Name

Feast of Light Word Ministry