Faith And Progress

1 sermons

Faith is the cornerstone of the Christian life, serving as both the foundation and the driving force behind spiritual progress. As believers, we are called to walk by faith, not by sight, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 5:7. This journey of faith often involves navigating developmental hazards that can challenge our trust in God’s promises. In Romans 5:3-4, Paul teaches that suffering produces perseverance, character, and ultimately hope, illustrating that our struggles are not in vain but integral to our spiritual growth. Jesus himself exemplified faith in action, urging us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, as seen in Matthew 5:44. Such acts of faith not only reflect our obedience to God but also contribute to our transformation into Christ's likeness. Furthermore, Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, reminding us that true progress in our spiritual lives often requires trusting in what is not immediately visible. As we embrace these biblical truths, we learn that faith is not merely a passive belief but an active pursuit of God’s will, leading us to grow deeper in our relationship with Him and to fulfill the purpose He has set before us.

Developmental Hazards

bakht-singh

Bakht Singh discusses the advancements in science and technology since Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, highlighting the benefits and hazards of development. He draws parallels between the safety of bullock carts in the past and the high rate of road accidents with modern vehicles

2 Corinthians 5:7

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

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Romans 5:3

“Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;”

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Matthew 5:44

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

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Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.”

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2 Corinthians 5:7

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Hebrews 11:7

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. This is why the ancients were commended. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones. By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.”

Hebrews 10:22

“let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

James 1:2

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”