How can we strengthen our faith when others doubt or disbelieve the Gospel? The Mixed Response Paul Faced “Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe.” (Acts 28:24) • Even the apostle Paul encountered division: persuasion on one side, resistance on the other. • The verse reminds us that disbelief around us is normal, not a sign that the Gospel is weak or that our faith is misplaced. Anchor Your Confidence in Scripture • Romans 10:17 — “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • 2 Timothy 3:14-15 — “Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of… the sacred Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” • Daily reading, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word feeds faith the way nourishment feeds the body. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus, Not the Crowd • Hebrews 12:2 — “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” • John 1:11 shows that even Jesus was rejected by many of His own people; our focus belongs on Him, not on popular opinion. Remember Past Faithfulness • Psalm 77:11 — “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” • Keeping a written record of answered prayer and past deliverances reinforces trust when voices of doubt grow loud. Stay in Christian Fellowship • Hebrews 10:24-25 — “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.” • Authentic community supplies support, accountability, and testimonies that counteract discouragement. Build Yourself Up through Prayer in the Spirit • Jude 20-21 — “But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God.” • Regular, Spirit-directed prayer strengthens the inner person and aligns the heart with truth. Prepare to Give an Answer with Gentleness • 1 Peter 3:15 — “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect.” • Studying apologetics and rehearsing your testimony equips you to speak confidently without hostility. Persevere, Knowing Results Belong to God • 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 — “I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow… neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow.” • Our role is faithfulness; God handles conviction and conversion. Summary List: Daily Habits that Fortify Faith – Read and memorize Scripture (start or end the day with a focused portion). – Keep a gratitude and answered-prayer journal. – Engage in regular corporate worship and small-group fellowship. – Maintain a disciplined, Spirit-led prayer life. – Review basic apologetics and practice articulating your testimony. – Recall often that rejection of the message is not rejection of your worth; trust God with outcomes. |
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