Topical Encyclopedia
Faith, as a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (
Hebrews 11:1). It is through faith that believers are called to espouse the cause of God's people, standing firm in the promises of God and advocating for His purposes on earth. This entry explores the biblical foundation and examples of faith in action, particularly in the context of supporting and advancing the cause of God's people.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of faith in the life of a believer. In the Old Testament, faith is demonstrated through the actions of individuals who trusted in God's promises and acted on behalf of His people. Abraham, for instance, is a quintessential example of faith. He left his homeland, trusting in God's promise to make him a great nation (
Genesis 12:1-3). His faith was credited to him as righteousness, setting a precedent for future generations (
Genesis 15:6).
In the New Testament, the call to faith is reiterated and expanded. Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of faith, exemplifies the ultimate act of espousing the cause of God's people through His sacrificial death and resurrection (
Hebrews 12:2). Believers are encouraged to follow His example, living by faith and not by sight (
2 Corinthians 5:7).
Examples of Faith in Action1.
Moses: Moses' life is a testament to faith in action. Despite his initial reluctance, Moses embraced his role as the leader of the Israelites, confronting Pharaoh and leading God's people out of Egypt. His faith was evident as he trusted God to part the Red Sea and provide for the Israelites in the wilderness (
Exodus 14:21-22).
2.
Esther: Queen Esther's faith is highlighted in her courageous decision to approach King Xerxes on behalf of her people, the Jews. Despite the risk to her own life, Esther's faith in God's providence led her to say, "If I perish, I perish" (
Esther 4:16). Her actions resulted in the deliverance of her people from destruction.
3.
Nehemiah: Nehemiah's faith is demonstrated in his commitment to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Despite opposition and threats, Nehemiah trusted in God's guidance and protection, rallying the people to complete the task (
Nehemiah 4:14).
4.
The Apostles: The early apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the gospel and established the early church. Their faith in Jesus Christ empowered them to endure persecution and hardship, advancing the cause of God's people throughout the Roman Empire (
Acts 4:29-31).
The Role of Faith TodayIn contemporary times, believers are called to espouse the cause of God's people through acts of faith. This involves advocating for justice, serving the marginalized, and spreading the gospel. Faith compels Christians to trust in God's sovereignty and act in accordance with His will, even when faced with challenges or uncertainty.
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to "stand firm in the faith" and "be courageous" (
1 Corinthians 16:13). This call to action is a reminder that faith is not passive but active, requiring believers to engage with the world around them in a manner that reflects God's love and truth.
Nave's Topical Index
Hebrews 11:24-28By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Oh, How He Loves!
... proof of his love to us by espousing our cause ... point it ever reached, you must, by
faith, gaze upon ... which they have been given of their substance to his cause. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 56 1910/oh how he loves.htm
Alexander, Bishop of Constantinople, when at the Point of Death ...
... the struggle became doubtful, the defenders of the orthodox faith insisting on ...
ordination of Paul, and all the Arian party espousing the cause of Macedonius ...
/.../chapter vi alexander bishop of constantinople.htm
The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... With a faith strong and undoubting as Rahab's, Jael,"weak woman as she ... not overlook
how fearful were the odds against the cause she was espousing: on the ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm
The Historical Books.
... chaps.17, 18); secondly, the punishment of the Benjamites for espousing the cause
of the ... It records also the sublime faith of Ruth the Moabitess, which led ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm
Christ the Believer's Husband
... This is what the Jews called betrothing, or espousing, a thing ... those who are united
to him by faith, and can ... glory, and gain respect, to the cause and interest ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the believers husband.htm
The Life of Mr. Alexander Shields.
... that article in the confession of faith, that difference ... he gave them full satisfaction
in espousing all and ... a public spirit, and firm in the cause he espoused ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander 4.htm
2 Cor. xi. 1
... men indeed jealousy ariseth not from this cause, but for ... Psalm 45:10, 11.) Seest
thou the prophet also espousing? ... But if the chief points of the faith are the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiii 2 cor xi.htm
The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... commemorating his exploits, and of cutting pines, cedars, and larches for his
buildings"and then returned to Nineveh amid the acclamations of his people. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm
The Holy War,
... night work, drive them back, and severely wound Captains Faith, Hope, and ... the
inhabitants"My Lord Will-be-will, heartily espousing the cause of Diabolus ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a leap of faith? | GotQuestions.orgHow can you believe in salvation by faith alone when the only occurrence of 'faith alone' in the Bible (James 2:24) says that salvation is not by faith alone? | GotQuestions.orgFaith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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Bible Thesuarus