The Bible Speaks - Help my unbelief

[00:00:00] Let us pray, bread together on our knees

[00:00:07] Let us pray, bread together on our knees

[00:00:14] When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun

[00:00:21] Oh Lord, never see all the need

[00:00:27] Welcome to the Bible Speaks with Elgin Carelock

[00:00:30] The Bible Speaks is a weekly ministry of Harvest International

[00:00:33] Our prayer is that the Bible Speaks will encourage you in your study of God's Word

[00:00:38] You will be able to contact Elgin at the address given at the end of this broadcast

[00:00:44] And now, here's Elgin

[00:00:46] Pass me not, O gentle Savior, hear my humble cry

[00:00:50] While on others, thou art calling, do not pass me by

[00:00:55] Today, we are going to continue in our discussion from earlier this week

[00:01:01] When we talked about what we were given when Jesus got up

[00:01:06] But understanding that life can be tough

[00:01:10] I wanted to talk about how we get by those tough times

[00:01:15] Our discussion will be on Help My Unbelief

[00:01:20] The spiritual inspiration comes from Psalms, chapter 34, verse 19

[00:01:27] Which reads, Many are the afflictions of the righteous

[00:01:32] But the Lord delivers them out of them all

[00:01:37] In the Bible, unbelief refers to the lack of trust in God

[00:01:42] His promises or revealed truth

[00:01:45] There's not merely intellectual skepticism, but a deeper spiritual condition

[00:01:50] That can affect one's actions and relationship with God

[00:01:54] Unbelief is often depicted as a barrier to experiencing the fullness of God's blessings and power

[00:02:02] For example, in the Gospel, Jesus frequently encounters unbelief among the people

[00:02:08] Including his own disciples and people from his hometown

[00:02:12] Which at times hinder his ability to perform miracles or fully reveal his messianic identity

[00:02:20] A good example that is found in Mark, chapter 6, verses 5 through 6

[00:02:26] If not addressed, unbelief can move from doubt or specific facts to an inability to embrace Jesus' teachings

[00:02:36] And accept his divine authority, which can have significant consequences for our spiritual well-being

[00:02:44] Overcoming unbelief is a significant challenge for believers

[00:02:50] Requiring both a deepened faith and proactive spiritual practices

[00:02:55] Here are several steps believers can take to strengthen their faith and combat unbelief

[00:03:04] 1. Regular Reading and Study of the Bible

[00:03:09] Scripture is the primary means through which God speaks to us

[00:03:14] Offering insights into his character, promises, and the truths of Christian faith

[00:03:20] Romans 10 and 17 emphasizes, so faith comes from hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ

[00:03:29] Understanding God's words can reinforce faith and diminish doubts

[00:03:34] 2. Often unbelief stems from misunderstandings or lack of knowledge about certain aspects of faith

[00:03:44] Seeking answers through study, asking questions, attending Bible studies, or classes

[00:03:52] And consulting with mature Christians or leaders can provide clarity and reduce doubt

[00:03:58] 3. Engaging with apologetics

[00:04:01] The branch of Christian theology that defends Christian doctrines can also be particularly helpful

[00:04:08] 4. Prayer is a powerful tool in developing a personal relationship with God

[00:04:17] It involves both speaking to God and listening for his guidance

[00:04:22] Asking God to help overcome unbelief and to increase faith is a legitimate and effective prayer

[00:04:31] Mark 9 verse 24 illustrates this when a father exclaims, I believe, help my unbelief

[00:04:39] Expressing his struggle between faith and doubt

[00:04:45] 5. Surrounding ourselves with a community of faith can greatly encourage spiritual growth and strengthen belief

[00:04:55] Fellowship provides support, accountability, and the shared wisdom of others who may have faced similar struggles

[00:05:03] The collective faith of a community can bolster an individual's faith, especially during times of doubt

[00:05:12] And finally, actively engaging in Christian service and sharing the gospel can reinforce our own faith

[00:05:21] Service aligns with Jesus' teaching and allows believers to see the impact of their faith in real and tangible ways

[00:05:30] Witnessing can also lead to seeing God's transformative power in other lives which in turn can strengthen our own faith

[00:05:41] So brothers and sisters, unbelief is a complex issue that may not disappear overnight

[00:05:48] However, through persistent effort in strengthening one's spiritual discipline, any believer can foster a deeper faith

[00:05:57] That overcomes doubt and solidifies trust in God

[00:06:02] Forcoming unbelief requires a combination of personal commitment to growth and the supportive environment of a faith community

[00:06:11] So be encouraged and gather together with one another and be strong in the Lord

[00:06:17] I look forward to our time on tomorrow and then until then, God bless

[00:06:33] This program is cared for by listeners who care

[00:06:36] Your prayers and financial investment in this ministry helps to keep the good news on the air

[00:06:42] We look forward to hearing from you and invite you to write us at Harvest International

[00:06:47] Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478

[00:06:53] Again, that's Harvest International Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478