Digging For Truth : Faith (Separate page)

Seeing the failure of his efforts to crush out the truth by persecution, Satan had again resorted to the plan of compromise which led to the great apostasy and the formation of the Church of Rome. He had induced Christians to ally themselves, not now with pagans, but with those who, by their devotion to the things of this world, had proved themselves to be as truly idolaters as were the worshipers of graven images. And the results of this union were no less pernicious now than in former ages; pride and extravagance were fostered under the guise of religion, and the churches became corrupted. Satan continued to pervert the doctrines of the Bible, and traditions that were to ruin millions were taking deep root. The church was upholding and defending these traditions, instead of contending for "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Thus were degraded the principles for which the Reformers had done and suffered so much. Great Controversy, page 298.2 Read entire Chapter 16

F a i t h i s . . .

The phrase Faith is . . . appears 1,061 times in the writings of EGW

+ faith is a voluntary act ( )

+ Faith is an active working power ( 3 )

+ Faith is an element of prevailing prayer ( 2 )

+ Faith is an increased knowledge of truth ( 2 )

+ Faith is essential ( 11 )

+ Faith is imparted ( )

+ Faith is inspired by the Holy Spirit ( 4 )

+ Faith is the living power ( 4 )

+ Faith is Tested ( 9 ) > Faith is Tried ( )

+ Faith is Trusting God ( 6 ) ► Faith is Trusting in God ( 3 )

Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith or patience than did ancient Israel. When brought into strait places, they murmur at the process by which God has chosen to purify them. Though their present needs are supplied, many are unwilling to trust God for the future, and they are in constant anxiety lest poverty shall come upon them, and their children shall be left to suffer. Some are always anticipating evil or magnifying the difficulties that really exist, so that their eyes are blinded to the many blessings which demand their gratitude. The obstacles they encounter, instead of leading them to seek help from God, the only Source of strength, separate them from Him, because they awaken unrest and repining. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 293.2

"I will preach, discuss, and write; but I will constrain none, for faith is a voluntary act. See what I have done. I stood up against the pope, indulgences, and papists, but without violence or tumult. I put forward God's word; I preached and wrote -- this was all I did. And yet while I was asleep, . . . the word that I had preached overthrew popery, so that neither prince nor emperor has done it so much harm. And yet I did nothing; the word alone did all. If I had wished to appeal to force, the whole of Germany would perhaps have been deluged with blood. But what would have been the result? Ruin and desolation both to body and soul. I therefore kept quiet, and left the word to run through the world alone."--Ibid., b. 9, ch. 8. Great Controversy, page 190.1 Read Chapter 10 about Reform in Germany

f a i t h i n . . .

+ Blind faith in . . . ( ) see favorite below

++ Faith in Christ ( 755 ) > Sufficient faith in Christ ( 3 )

+ Real Faith in God

+ Faith in the atoning blood of Christ ( 6 )

+ Faith in the Bible ( 27 )

+ Faith in the word of God ( )

True, there had been a failure as to the expected event, but even this could not shake their faith in the word of God. When Jonah proclaimed in the streets of Nineveh that within forty days the city would be overthrown, the Lord accepted the humiliation of the Ninevites and extended their period of probation; yet the message of Jonah was sent of God, and Nineveh was tested according to His will. Adventists believed that in like manner God had led them to give the warning of the judgment. “It has,” they declared, “tested the hearts of all who heard it, and awakened a love for the Lord’s appearing; or it has called forth a hatred, more or less perceivable, but known to God, of His coming. It has drawn a line, ... so that those who will examine their own hearts, may know on which side of it they would have been found, had the Lord then come—whether they would have exclaimed, ‘Lo! this is our God, we have waited for Him, and He will save us;’ or whether they would have called to the rocks and mountains to fall on them to hide them from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. God thus, as we believe, has tested His people, has tried their faith, has proved them, and seen whether they would shrink, in the hour of trial, from the position in which He might see fit to place them; and whether they would relinquish this world and rely with implicit confidence in the word of God.” — The Advent Herald and Signs of the Times Reporter, vol. 8, No. 14 (Nov 13, 1844). Great Controversy, page 406.1 Read entire chapter 22

o u r f a i t h

The phrase Our faith appears 2,941 times in the writings of Ellen G. White

+ Our Faith ( 2,941 )

+ Ashamed of our faith ( 7 )

+ Foundation of our faith ( 87 ) > Foundations of our faith ( 10 ) See . . . of the faith

+ In keeping with our Faith ( )

+ Pillars of our Faith ( ) > under construction

+ Reasons of our faith ( )

+ God tests our faith ( 4 )

. . . o f f a i t h

+ Evidences of faith ( ) > Evidence of our faith ( )

+ Fight of faith ( ) > Fight the good fight of Faith ( 265 )

+ Heroes of Faith ( )

+ Lack of Faith ( 192 ) > Great Lack of Faith

+ Lesson of Faith ( 18 ) > Lessons of Faith ( 21 )

+ Look of Faith ( 8 )

+ Profession of Faith ( 204 ) > Profession of Faith in Christ

+ Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ ( 4 )

+ Rule of Faith ( 53 ) > only rule of faith ( 11 ) > rule of faith and practice ( )

+ Test of Faith ( 24 )

The mighty conflicts and victories, the great sorrows and special joys, by which individuals and nations are carried forward in the path of reform and salvation, are of too great importance to be permitted to pass from the memory. Such experiences cost the heroes of faith too much to be often repeated in history; they should not be lightly regarded. Those struggles for freedom of conscience, should be a lesson to all, that no truth which involves self-denial and sacrifice will be favorably accepted by the world. A costly effort is required of every soul that will go in an opposite direction from the multitude. All that stand in Christ's name in defense of the truth must have a history of conflicts and sacrifices. They cannot advance in reform, as Christ leads the way, except at the risk of liberty and life. {ST, July 26, 1883 par. 17}

f a i t h t h a t . . .

+ Faith that is essential ( )

+ a faith that can endure . . . ( 9 ) > a faith that can not be . . .

The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger -- a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God's promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God -- how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God. Great Controversy, page 621.2

f a i t h f u l ( 23 PHRASES on separate page )

( separate page with 22 phrases related to Faithful and Faithfulness )

Ministry of Jesus:       Lessons about Faith
                                         Faith of the Centurion           Luke 7: 1 - 10
                                          Jesus appears to Doubting Thomas   John 20: 25 - 29
                                          Faith of blind Bartimaeus     Mark 10: 46 - 52

My personal favorites

It is the privilege of every one connected with our denominational institutions to be connected in close relationship with God; and if they fail to do this, they show themselves unfitted for their work of trust. The provision made for us all through Christ was a full and perfect sacrifice, -- a sinless offering. His blood can cleanse the foulest stain. Had He been but a man, we would be excusable for our lack of faith and obedience. He came to save that which was lost. We are not qualified for the great work for this time, except when we labor in God, when our prayers, earnest and fervent, are continually ascending to the throne of grace. {LS 246.2}

The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger -- a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God's promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God -- how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God. Great Controversy, page 621.2

To His children today the Lord declares, “Be strong, ... and work: for I am with you.” The Christian always has a strong helper in the Lord. The way of the Lord’s helping we may not know; but this we do know: He will never fail those who put their trust in Him. Could Christians realize how many times the Lord has ordered their way, that the purposes of the enemy concerning them might not be accomplished, they would not stumble along complainingly. Their faith would be stayed on God, and no trial would have power to move them. They would acknowledge Him as their wisdom and efficiency, and He would bring to pass that which He desires to work out through them. Prophets and Kings, page 576.1 Read entire chapter 46

Faith is trusting in God -- believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership, and accepts its blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, are pointed out as secrets of life's success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these. Every good impulse or aspiration is the gift of God; faith receives from God the life that alone can produce true growth and efficiency. {FLB 90.3} Favorite Text for January 2012

Favorite text for March 2013

I have frequently seen that the children of the Lord neglect prayer, especially secret prayer, altogether too much; that many do not exercise that faith which it is their privilege and duty to exercise, often waiting for that feeling which faith alone can bring. Feeling is not faith; the two are distinct. Faith is ours to exercise, but joyful feeling and the blessing are God’s to give. The grace of God comes to the soul through the channel of living faith, and that faith it is in our power to exercise. { EW 72.1}

Turn to the Lord, ye prisoners of hope. Seek strength from God, the living God. Show an unwavering, humble faith in His power and His willingness to save. From Christ is flowing the living stream of salvation. He is the Fountain of life, the Source of all power. When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully change, the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of His name. {8T 12.1}

We must not think of defeat, but of victory. However forbidding may be the circumstances, lay hold on the promises of God. They are for us. We are none of us of ourselves adequate for the work. In our connection with God lies our success. Faith, living, active faith, must be brought into our labors as never before. Faith is the medium of connection between human weakness and divine power.-- Letter 24, 1888, p. 3. (To Elder S. N. Haskell, Jan. 24, 1888.) {3MR 279.4}

Fellow Christian, Satan knows your weakness; therefore cling to Jesus. Abiding in God’s love, you may stand every test. The righteousness of Christ alone can give you power to stem the tide of evil that is sweeping over the world. Bring faith into your experience. Faith lightens every burden, relieves every weariness. Providences that are now mysterious you may solve by continued trust in God. Walk by faith in the path He marks out. Trials will come, but go forward. This will strengthen your faith and fit you for service. The records of sacred history are written, not merely that we may read and wonder, but that the same faith which wrought in God’s servants of old may work in us. In no less marked manner will the Lord work now, wherever there are hearts of faith to be channels of His power. Prophets and Kings, page 175.2 Read entire chapter 13

"Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase in vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power." Desire of Ages, page 347 par. 1

Christ’s purpose in the parables was to warn the rulers and instruct the people. But He needed to speak even more plainly. The people were enslaved through their blind faith in a corrupt priesthood. These chains Christ must break. “The scribes and the Pharisees,” He said, “sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.” { HH 283.3 }

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Faith (Separate page)

f a i t h ( 85 RELATED PHRASES )