Discover the top five faith builders that will strengthen your spiritual foundation and deepen your relationship with God.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
Downloads and Links
Teaching Notes
Watch the video of this teaching at https://www.celllifechurch.tv/top-5-faith-builders/ or on our YouTube channel.
Introduction
Last week, we explored the top five faith busters that can erode your spiritual foundation. If you missed it, be sure to read the notes and watch it on-demand to understand how to clear the way for faith-building practices. The faith busters we discussed were negative influences, overthinking, unrealistic expectations of God, doubt, and tragedy. This week, we’re focusing on building up your faith.
Faith is essential for the Christian life, providing strength, hope, and assurance. But just as removing faith busters isn’t enough, neither is merely building faith. It’s like heating your house in the winter: you need to close the windows and turn up the heat to truly stay warm. So, after evaluating and removing the faith busters in your life, let’s turn our attention to the top five faith builders, like turning up the heat to warm your home.
Tragedy
The first faith builder is tragedy. While tragedy is one of our faith busters, it can also be a profound faith builder when viewed through the lens of God’s sovereignty and goodness. It’s all about perspective. When tragedy strikes, we have two options: blame God and walk away, or trust that God will bring us through and use the experience to demonstrate His love, grace, mercy, and goodness.
Consider the story of Job. Despite losing everything and facing immense suffering, Job remained steadfast in his faith. He refused to curse God and ultimately, God restored Job’s fortunes, blessing him abundantly. Tragedy can draw you closer to God, strengthening your faith as you trust Him through the toughest times.
The key to understanding this is that we must always be focused on God, through Jesus Christ, not ourselves. Job’s restoration was not the original people, livestock, and possessions that he lost. God gave him a family, more livestock, and more possessions than he had before, just not a restoration of the originals.
In our own tragedies, we may lose a loved one, a home, or a job. God can work in us and build our faith through these losses and even restore them in some ways. Remember to focus on God first, and your faith will grow through these experiences.
Surround Yourself with Godly People
The company you keep significantly impacts your faith. Surrounding yourself with godly people who encourage, support, and challenge you to grow spiritually is crucial. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us:
Hebrews 10:24-25
(24) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, (25) not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Regularly gathering with fellow believers to read scripture, pray, and encourage each other fosters a supportive environment where faith can flourish. Proverbs 27:17 says:
Proverbs 27:17
(17) As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
By immersing yourself in a community of fellow believers, you’ll find strength, accountability, and encouragement. Think about a time when a friend’s encouragement lifted your spirits or helped you see God’s hand in a situation. Surrounding yourself with such godly people is crucial for spiritual growth.
Read the Bible
The Bible is a wellspring of wisdom, truth, and promises that can fortify your faith. Isaiah 55:9-11 beautifully illustrates that God’s word will not return to Him void:
Isaiah 55:9-11
(9) "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (10) As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, (11) so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Scripture tells us that God will accomplish His purposes and provide joy and peace. Regularly reading the Bible reveals new insights and encourages spiritual growth.
Incorporate daily Bible reading into your routine. We have found that following a structured reading plan helps you stay consistent. Whether it’s reading a chapter a day or following a yearly plan, make Bible reading a non-negotiable part of your day. Each time you read, you open yourself to fresh revelations and deeper understanding. The Bible’s timeless truths will strengthen your faith and equip you for life’s challenges.
Serve Others
Serving others in Jesus’ name is a powerful way to build faith. When you selflessly give your time and energy to help those in need, you witness God’s work firsthand. Serving opens your heart to the stories of others and the incredible ways God meets them in their darkest moments.
One of the hallmarks of Cell Life Church is being the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. We read Jesus’ teaching to the disciples about serving others in Matthew 25:34-40 which says:
Matthew 25:34-40
(34) "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. (35) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, (36) I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' (37) "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? (38) When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? (39) When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' (40) "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
Acts of service not only bless those you help but also bring immense joy and encouragement to your own heart. Volunteering in your community, church, or other ministries fosters a sense of purpose and connection. The more you serve, the more your faith grows as you see God’s love and grace in action. Look for opportunities to serve in your church, community, or even within your family. Start small, and watch how God uses your acts of service to strengthen your faith and bless others.
Ask God
The greatest faith builder is God Himself. In Mark 9:24 we read about a father seeking healing for his son. Mark 9:24 says:
Mark 9:24
(24) Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
This honest plea for increased faith is something we can all relate to. God desires to fill us with the faith we need.
Whenever you face doubts or challenges, ask God for more faith. Pray for clarity and understanding of His word. Share your experiences and faith journeys with others to mutually encourage and build each other up. God is faithful to respond to our requests for increased faith, strengthening us for His purposes.
Don’t hesitate to ask God for more faith. Just as the father in Mark 9:24, approach God with honesty and humility. Make prayer a daily habit, and trust that God will answer and build your faith.
Conclusion
Faith is a journey filled with ups and downs. By recognizing and removing faith busters and actively engaging in faith builders, you create a strong, vibrant spiritual foundation. Remember, God is with you every step of the way, guiding and supporting you through every trial and triumph.
As you go about your week, focus on implementing these faith builders. Surround yourself with godly people, dedicate time to reading the Bible, find ways to serve others, and ask God for more faith. Reflect on these faith builders throughout your week, and actively seek ways to incorporate them into your daily life. Share your journey with someone who needs encouragement, and together, let’s build a stronger, more vibrant Church.
Next week, we’ll continue exploring how to deepen your faith and grow closer to God with another teaching. In the meantime, embrace these top five faith builders: tragedy, surrounding yourself with godly people, reading the Bible, serving others, and asking God for more faith. Share this message with someone who needs encouragement and continue to build your faith together.
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