Building Firm Faith
This page is based on a chapter in the book, Firm Faith, which is a smaller summary of Core Bible Verses. The book includes, A Brief Summary of Christianity; 12 Core Bible Verses; Four Core Virtues; 10 Core Christian Beliefs; Christian Wisdom Guide; a Christian Daily Prayer, and more.
The following faith building practices loosely aligns with the Armor of God (Eph 6:14-17). Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Ro 10:17). In an honest and good heart, hear the word, keep it, and bear fruit with patience (Lk 8:15). Blessed are those who trust in the Lord (Jer 17:7).
This page includes…
- Declaration of Faith
- Belt of Truth (wisdom getting)
- Breastplate of Righteousness (relationship building)
- Discipleship
- Shoes of the Gospel (giving)
- Shield of Faith (fasting)
- Helmet of Salvation (meditation)
- Sword of the Spirit (prayer)
Declaration of Faith
Building firm faith starts with a sincere common prayer to accept Jesus. It goes something like this… Lord Jesus, I am a sinner, I repent of my sins, and I believe you died for my sins. I declare you are my Lord and savior and that God raised you from the dead (Ro 10:9). I have faith in you, and in the power of your crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, and I invite you into my heart and into my life.
Belt of Truth (wisdom getting)
If I had to choose one Bible verse that reflects what it looks like to build firm faith it would be Luke 8:15… In an honest and good heart, hear the word, keep it, and bear fruit with patience.
Sanctify them through truth; Your word is truth (Jn 17:17). People do not live on bread alone, but on every word of God (Mt 4:4). The Bible is inspired by God and it is helpful (2 Tim 3:16). With an honest and good heart, hear God’s word, keep it, and bear fruit with patience (Lk 8:15).
Wisdom is better than might (Ecc 916) or gold (Pro 16:16). Envy and strife in the heart are indicators of earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom. Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to intreat, merciful, fruitful, and without partiality and hypocrisy (Jas 3:14-17).
Breastplate of Righteousness (relationship building)
Of all the practices for building firm faith, relationship building is probably the most important. Of all our relationships, probably the most important is our relationship with the Holy Triune. I’ve found starting my days, and/or ending them with reading the Bible, prayer, and meditation has been priceless.
You have received the Spirit of adoption, where we cry, Abba, Father (Ro 8:15). You are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God (Eph 2:19). Have fellowship with each other and with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ (1 Jn 1:7). As you have opportunity, do good to all, especially to those of the faith (Gal 6:10).
Guard your heart, life flows from it (Pro 4:23). You will know them by their fruit (Mt 7:16-17). Fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Gal 5:22-23). Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers offenses (Pro 10:12). Do to others as you would have them do to you (Mt 7:12). Discipleship could be considered as renewing your mind (Ro 12:2), to walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16), put on the armor of God (Eph 6:11), and let your light shine (Mt 5:16).
Discipleship
Jesus called on twelve disciples and empowered them (Mt 10:1) to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mk 3:14-15). After being discipled for a while Jesus sent them out on their first mission. After Jesus was crucified, the disciples continued His ministry, and set the foundation for Christianity.
One interesting experience was when, John told Jesus, Master, we saw someone casting out devils in your name, and he does not follow us, so we tried to stop him, because he does not follow us. Jesus said, Forbid him not; for no one who does a miracle in my name can speak evil of me. For who is not against us is for us (Mk 9:39-40). This could be considered the first instance of different denominations. It is also important to note that whoever that person was, they didn’t have as much experience with Jesus as the disciples, but they were still empowered.
Jesus wanted His life and ministry to unite people and strengthen them collectively. In His High Priestly Prayer to God (Jn 17) Jesus said… I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in truth; your word is truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you. That they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me (Jn 17:15-21).
Shoes of the Gospel (giving)
Similar to sacrifice, we humbly give our allegiance to God with repentance (Isa 59:2 & Act 3:19), worship (Lk 4:8 & Jn 4:24), and praise (Ps 117:1). We give our time and treasure to help the church (Ro 12:3-8 & 2 Cor 9:7), to help those in need, especially orphans and widows (Jas 1:27). We give forgiveness to other people (Mt 6:12 & Lk 17:4). Who sows much shall reap much (2 Cor 9:6). There are more important matters than to tithe material things (Mt 23:23).
Shield of Faith (fasting)
Fasting can help us focus on God and supplement our prayer (Mk 9:29, Dan 9:3, Neh 1:4, & Act 13:3). Plus, science (natural laws) has proven that intermittent fasting from food is healthy for most people.
Helmet of Salvation (meditation)
My understanding of meditation from a Christian perspective is basically thinking about God’s word, and memorizing it. Blessed are those who don’t walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful; but their delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law they meditate day and night (Ps 1:1-2).
Isaac went out to the field to meditate near the evening (Gen 24:63). In an honest and good heart, hear God’s word, keep it, and bear fruit with patience (Lk 8:15). Plus, science (natural laws) has proven that focusing on even breathing, or rhythmic breathing, along with positive thoughts (God’s love for us and gratitude for our salvation) is often referred to as mindful meditation. This is healthy, as it improves our heart mind coherence, or emotional balance and mental calm and clarity.
Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (prayer)
Pray with sincerity of heart, not as a logical vain repetitious duty. Jesus modeled the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. What you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive (Mt 21:22). Sometimes we ask and do not receive because of sin (Isa 59:2), or because we ask for our desires of the flesh (Jas 4:2-3), or it is not in God’s timing (Isa 55:9 & 2 Cor 12:8-10).
If you found this helpful, you might also enjoy the following pages and posts, Spiritual Growth, 12 Core Bible Verses, and Christian Resources.
One more offer for the book, Firm Faith. Chapters include A Brief Summary of Christianity; 12 Core Bible Verses; Four Core Virtues; 10 Core Christian Beliefs; Christian Wisdom Guide; and a Christian Daily Prayer. It is a smaller summary of the book, Core Bible Verses.