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The Stages of Our Faith – Dr. Charles Stanley

In Touch Ministries・49 minutes read

Faith in God is crucial through life's struggles, tested and strengthened in storms, with a focus on unwavering trust in His promises leading to perfect faith. Trusting in God's power, promises, and timing, without hesitation or doubt, is essential for developing and maintaining great faith and receiving His rewards, ultimately leading to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Insights

  • Faith is a progressive journey through stages, with the ultimate goal of unwavering trust in God and His promises, impacted by struggles that arise from various human influences and doubts.
  • Great faith is characterized by unwavering trust in God's power and promises, demonstrated through persistent focus on Him amidst obstacles, leading to a mature and unshakeable belief that eliminates doubt and questioning, ultimately requiring trust in Jesus for salvation.

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Recent questions

  • How can faith help in dealing with difficult situations?

    By focusing on God's power, unconditional love, promises, and unchanging nature, faith can provide strength and guidance in navigating challenging circumstances. Trusting in God's faithfulness and believing in His ability to see us through trials can bring comfort and peace even in the midst of adversity.

  • What are some common struggles in maintaining faith?

    Struggles in faith can arise from various sources such as human reasoning, living by sight, surrendering to feelings, negative counsel, guilt, neglecting God's word, continuing in sin, and falling prey to Satan's tactics. These challenges can test one's belief and trust in God, requiring a conscious effort to overcome doubts and remain steadfast in faith.

  • How does faith progress through different stages?

    Faith progresses through stages starting with little faith, characterized by uncertainty and struggle in belief. The goal is to advance in faith, moving from one stage to the next, growing stronger in belief and trust in God. Understanding and navigating through these stages can lead to a deeper, unwavering trust in God and His promises, ultimately strengthening one's faith.

  • What is the key word in faith according to the teachings?

    The key word in faith is "focus." By focusing on God, His power, promises, and unwavering love, individuals can cultivate a strong and unshakeable faith that transcends challenges and obstacles. Keeping the focus on God allows for a deeper connection and trust in His divine plan, leading to a more profound faith experience.

  • How can perfect faith be achieved?

    Perfect faith involves focusing on God, trusting in His power and promises, and not being deterred by obstacles or doubts. By believing in God's promises, thanking Him in advance, and maintaining patience in His timing, individuals can reach a state of perfect faith where doubts are replaced with unwavering trust and gratitude. Perfect faith eliminates the need for questioning or struggling, allowing for a deeper connection with God and His divine purpose.

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Summary

00:00

"Growing Stronger: Navigating the Stages of Faith"

  • To deal with difficult situations, focus on God who has all power, loves unconditionally, keeps promises, and remains unchanging.
  • Great faith is unwavering and centered on God, as seen in the stages of faith in Jesus' teachings.
  • Faith is tested in life's storms, revealing its strength, as God honors faith that believes in Him.
  • Jesus emphasized faith to His disciples, reproaching their unbelief even after His resurrection.
  • Faith impacts every aspect of life, including prayer, giving, health, relationships, and success.
  • Struggles in faith arise from human reasoning, living by sight, surrendering to feelings, negative counsel, guilt, neglecting God's word, continuing in sin, and Satan's tactics.
  • Doubting God divides allegiance, hindering faith, while faith is essential to please God and receive His rewards.
  • Faith progresses through stages: starting with little faith, characterized by uncertainty and struggle in belief.
  • The goal is to advance in faith, moving from one stage to the next, growing stronger in belief and trust in God.
  • Understanding and navigating through the stages of faith can lead to a deeper, unwavering trust in God and His promises.

15:07

"Faith: Focus on God's Power"

  • The key word in faith is "focus."
  • In Matthew 8:23-27, Jesus calms a storm while his disciples panic.
  • The disciples' focus was on the storm and their fear, not on Jesus.
  • Focusing on God, who has supernatural power, can bring peace in storms.
  • In Mark 9:17-24, a man struggles with faith, torn between belief and doubt.
  • Great faith is mature, growing, and unwavering, standing on God's promises.
  • The Centurion in Matthew 8:5-13 displays great faith by trusting in Jesus' authority.
  • The Syrophoenician woman in Matthew 15:21-28 shows great faith by persisting despite obstacles.
  • A woman with a hemorrhage in Matthew 9:20-22 demonstrates great faith by focusing on touching Jesus' garment for healing.
  • Perfect faith involves focusing on God, trusting in His power and promises, and not being deterred by obstacles.

30:59

"Developing Perfect Faith Through Trust in God"

  • Focus on obstacles with a focus on God, seeing Him above all else.
  • Perfect faith involves believing in God's promises and knowing it's already done.
  • Struggles may lead to trusting God's promises and reaching perfect faith.
  • Perfect faith means no longer asking but thanking and praising God for His promises.
  • Patience is crucial as God's timing is essential for perfect faith to manifest.
  • Faith matures through prayer, seeking God, and trusting in His promises.
  • Perfect faith eliminates the need to question or struggle over certain issues.
  • Great faith involves trusting God to supply every need without doubt.
  • Applying faith to forgiveness, giving, and all life situations is essential.
  • Keeping focus on God is key to developing and maintaining perfect faith.

46:28

"Trust in God and Jesus for salvation"

  • Trust in God and Jesus Christ is essential for salvation, requiring faith in Jesus' sacrifice for sins 2000 years ago, leading to forgiveness and eternal life.
  • Confessing sins, surrendering to God, and trusting in Jesus as Savior are key steps for salvation, as promised in the Bible.
  • Believers' faith grows by focusing on Christ and trusting in God's word, with resources available at intouch.org for deepening biblical understanding.
  • Jesus' post-resurrection appearances were not immediately recognized due to his altered form and the disciples' disbelief despite his prophecies.
  • Unbelief can hinder recognizing God's blessings and plans, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's promises and overcoming doubt.
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