People who have strong faith in Jesus Christ speak their conviction in positive and strong terms. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible” (Heb. 11:1-3,
Faith assures us that what we hope for is true; we are convicted that what God says is utterly trustworthy. Some other examples of speaking faith:
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good…” (Rom. 8:28).
“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands…” (2 Cor. 5:1).
“for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).
“let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).
“and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (2 Peter 1:8).
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1
Such speech encourages my heart to have greater confidence and trust in whatever God says in His Word, the Bible.
Speak faith, not doubt. Speak confidence, not fear. Speak hope, not despair. Speak to eternity, not simply the here and now. Speak with conviction, and do not be afraid of “absolutes.” God is, after all, absolutely good, true, and loving. Speak faith.
Then there is doubtspeak. Doubtspeak is full of maybes, possibilties, could be's, and uncertainties. No one can know for sure about anything. Respect for others (especially the scholars) means that no one should assert anything with any judgmentalism.
The devil would love nothing more than to create doubt in the hearts of believers about every essential Christian teaching. Read Genesis 3:1-7 once again. The devil frequently uses this formula:
1. Ask a question that creates doubt.
2. Contradict what God says
3. Produce and alternate truth.
A fourth thing the devil loves to do is to punish and persecute anyone who disagrees with his perverted plan. He is not content to disagree with God; the devil hates God and the light and the people who follow God. His tool of doubt works quite well on the uninformed and the misinformed. Many people fall prey to doubting the truth.
I want faithspeak in my life, but not doubtspeak.
brotherly,
Phil
4 comments:
Amen!
Blessings
Neva
what about my faith growing through doubt? Seems like lots of Bible characters experience that kind of growth.
People often experience doubt and ask serious questions. This is a normal means of growth. We are not suggesting that one should not find answers to doubts.
We are suggesting that people not be afraid to speak their faith in such a way as to encourage others.
This post is very encouraging. I like the way you wrapped up the faithspeak portion with the paragraph that begins with "Speak faith, not doubt". Very poetic! And it was good to have a reminder about the way Satan works.
I think every Christian can appreciate Mark 9:24 -- "I believe; help my unbelief!" Jesus tolerates some of our doubt, but he calls us to grow in our faith. Faithspeak helps!
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