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FAITH 1

JOHN 15: 18 - 20

* We do not belong to this world system. Jesus has chosen us out of it.

* We will get a mixed response just as Jesus did. Some will persecute us; some will receive our witness.

JOHN 16: 32 - 33

* There will be trouble because of our being persecuted for Christ. * There will also be trouble when we wander from our faith. The disciples left Him, for a time. That temptation, to cool down in your faith, is a part of living in this world.

JOHN 17: 14 - 15

*Christ's prayer for us...

I JOHN 5: 19 - 20 , 3 - 4 OUR FAITH

Six Hindrances To Faith

1. IGNORANCE - not knowing, no knowledge.

ACTS 17: 22 - 34 , (v.30) Once a person has heard about Jesus, he

is no longer ignorant. He now knows.

2. DOUBT - wavering, fear, entertaining other opinions, double-minded.

JAMES 1: 5 - 7

Doubt is a close cousin to unbelief. It is often a prelude to unbelief.

Doubt, doubt, waver, waver - I fail to believe.

Self understanding can be very helpful in overcoming doubt. Coming to

know my other minds.... Why do I persist in wavering?

3. UNBELIEF. ROMANS 11: 20 - 23 "unbelief" was the cause of Israel's being broken off. (c.f. 10:21) Hebrews 3:12 Is unbelief sin? Does it need to be repented of?

4. LACK OF EXERCISE. JUDE 3 ,20 Build yourself up, faith is like a muscle. Word, worship, fellowship...

5. LACK OF USE. JAMES 2: 26 Ministry and service, strengthens our faith.

6. ISOLATION. EPHESIANS 4: 16 HEBREWS 3: 13

It takes very little faith to be independent or prideful. Pride reveals a

trust in self. It take faith to be connected and committed to the family of God.

There are certain things that God chooses to supply through supporting ligaments, that cannot be acquired in any other fashion. God highly values unity - people getting bonded with people. Some insist on going only to God to receive answers, when He may be seeking to supply the need thru His body... How can we encourage one another daily, if we're not with one another?