Not everyone expresses their faith in the same way.
Some people are very open and expressive, others are more quiet and internal. I sometimes wonder if quiet faith gets overlooked, even though it can be just as real.
It made me think that maybe strength in faith isn’t always about how visible it is, but how steady it is over time.
I think our faith is seen in action, and it can be quiet action. It’s demonstrated by what we do or maybe by what we don’t do. Big words and loud words don’t mean anything if they are not living out their faith.
I can’t quote exact scripture but doesn’t it say that our relationship with God is personal, and those who speak loudly and proclaim their devotion do so seeking attention from man, not God?
I pray nightly and throughout the day, but before I sleep I just lay there holding the Bible and speaking to God internally, and I feel comforted.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” Colossians 3:23
" For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
Some people are more open to showing their faith, and these are those you see, dancing in church and praising Jesus. Those who are quick to pray with and for you. Those you can almost see the anointing on.
However, we also must be careful. As you see, the Word says that we should not do things for others’ approval but that we should simply serve God. Jesus told us not to let our right hand know what the left hand is doing. I’m not implying that is what you are saying.
I completely agree. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others and how they express their faith, but ultimately, our relationship with God is personal and unique. It’s not about performing for an audience, but about the genuine connection we cultivate with Him through prayer, service, and living a life that reflects our beliefs. God sees the heart, not just the outward display, and that’s where true strength in faith lies.
Peter
The strength of faith is often demonstrated in adversity. The volume of faith one would expect to be consistent with one’s personality. Sadly, the bombast is often seen as someone with strong faith.
What does scripture say? 5 different kinds of faith?
No faith. Ye of little faith. Faith. Great faith, faith which moves mountains, and living faith?
I don’t see quiet faith but that doesn’t mean it isnt real. Some things are situational. You could be a Intercessor with prayer and not in a position to go around laying hands on people, but you can pray at home for them.
I have a question…If a man went to a Billy Graham crusade and he walks down the asile and gives his life to the Lord…who get’s the credit? Billy Graham? Or the grandmother that has been praying for the man for 20 years? !!
Ephesians 2:8-9, which says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This verse beautifully encapsulates the idea that salvation is entirely God’s work, received through faith, and not something we can achieve on our own merit.
Another key scripture is Titus 3:5, where it states, “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Here, we see that God’s mercy is the driving force behind our salvation, not any righteousness we might try to muster up ourselves.
Romans 3:24-25 also highlights this incredible truth: “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” This shows that our justification, being declared righteous before God, is a gift of His grace, made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice.
We also find this principle in 2 Timothy 1:9**, which declares that God “saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.”** This reminds us that God’s plan of salvation was set in motion long before we even existed, based purely on His sovereign purpose and grace.
Finally, Galatians 2:16 speaks directly to this: “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” This passage clearly contrasts justification by faith in Christ with justification by the law, emphasizing that it is through faith, enabled by grace, that we are made right with God.
Who get’s the credit?
J.
I can’t disagree with that, but I’ll try to add to it. There is, Show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith by works
James 2:14-29
**14 **What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
**15 **If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
**16 **And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
**17 **Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
**18 **Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
**19 **Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
**20 **But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
**21 **Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
**22 **Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
**23 **And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
**24 **Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
**25 **Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
**26 **For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also…./KJV
So we cant rightly sit down and say I have faith but never stand on it anywhere. You must walk in the faith and speak the truth, lay the hands on people, press in and continue to stand in faith on His promises and hit the ball of faith back into Jesus corner, because that’s what Jesus does!
Now being saved is free. But the way I understand it is that our good deeds done in faith is what clothes us and I have heard it said that our righteous deeds done in love for another supply the building materials in heaven for our mansion. Few deeds small mansion? It also says see that be be not found naked on that day, something like that. I mean, if we do our work as unto the Lord, then we are doing it right.
Even if it costs us.
Short answer- the “salvation is free but your deeds build your mansion in heaven” framing is a mix of true and untrue elements, and it needs careful correction from Scripture. Correct?
First, salvation itself is explicitly not built out of works, merit, or “building materials” from human effort.
Ephesians 2:8–9[1]
Titus 3:5[2]
So entrance into salvation is grounded entirely in grace through Christ’s cross and resurrection, not in accumulated merit.
Second, the “building materials for your mansion in heaven” idea is not how Scripture speaks. The passage people often mean is about rewards, not constructing heaven.
1 Corinthians 3:12–15[3]
Key point- the foundation is already Christ, not your deeds. The imagery is evaluation of works, not construction of eternal dwellings.
Third, Scripture does speak of reward for faithful deeds, but carefully distinguishes reward from salvation itself.
Matthew 16:27[4]
Revelation 22:12[5]
These passages deal with recompense, not earning eternal life.
Fourth, the “not be found naked” language is about righteousness and readiness, not about architectural reward systems in heaven.
Revelation 3:18[6]
This “clothing” imagery consistently refers to righteousness given in Christ, not accumulated construction credits.
Finally, good works are real and necessary, but they are fruit, not the cause of salvation, and they are done “in Christ,” not as independent merit.
Ephesians 2:10[7]
Our “good deeds” are filthy rags, but this is for another thread.
J.
True faith will produce obedience and action.
But faith is not a force we project, nor a back-and-forth dynamic we maintain with God.
It is trust in what Christ has already accomplished, which then results in a life shaped by obedience.
Let’s keep it biblical.
J.
1 Peter 3:15 todays daily verse speaks volumes.
“always being ready to make a defense”
This is the Greek term apologia, which is a compound of apo (from) and logos (word). It refers to a legal defense in a courtroom setting (cf. Act_19:33; Act_22:1; Act_25:16; Act_26:1-2; Act_26:24). This text is often used to encourage believers to be an evangelistic witness, which is surely needed, but in context this probably refers to official trials or interrogations. Notice that it is important for all believers to have a prepared, logical presentation of their faith in Christ, whether for a court or for a neighbor. Every believer should be ready to be a verbal witness!
1Pe 3:15 But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy–acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. [Isa_8:12-13]
1Pe 3:16 And see to it that your conscience is entirely clear, so that every time you are slandered or falsely accused, those who attack or disparage your good behavior in Christ will be shamed [by their own words].
1Pe 3:17 For it is better that you suffer [unjustly] for doing what is right, if that should be God’s will, than [to suffer justly] for doing wrong.
AMP
ἀπολογία (apologia) defence (G0627)
(Noun Accusative Singular Feminine )
This word occurs about 8 x
Meaning
defence;
answer or reply (of reason or accounting)
a verbal defence, Acts 22:1; 25:16
inexcusable (anapologētos - ἀναπολόγητος)
to defend oneself (apologeomai - ἀπολογέομαι)
Ask too many questions, or be prepared to be interrogated…what do you think is going to happen? Since you think believers, many should be “retaught?”
J.
Many people struggle with their faith at different times in their lives. Some of the most committed and godly leaders have struggled with doubts, just like everyone else. The very essence of faith is to believe in that which we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1). As physical beings, we tend to put faith in what we experience with our senses. Spiritual realities are not tangible and must be experienced outside our senses. So, when that which is tangible and visible seems overwhelming, doubts can shroud that which is invisible.
The first aspect to consider is the object of faith. The word faith has become popular in recent years, but the popular meaning is not necessarily the same as the biblical meaning.
The term has become synonymous with any religious or irreligious adherence, regardless of whether there is foundational truth upon which to base such adherence. In other words, someone could claim “faith” in dandelions for spiritual healing, and that claim would be considered equally viable to the Christians’ claim that the Bible is God’s inspired Word. So, when struggling with “faith,” it is vital to define the object and reasonableness of that faith. All faith claims are not equal. Before we can be secure in our faith, we must answer the question: my faith is in what?
Many hold to the idea of having faith in faith. Faith itself is seen as the object, rather than God Himself. The biblical purpose for faith is to bring us into the presence of God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
We can only find Him when we come to Him through faith in His Son (John 14:6). Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” God does not bless half-hearted attempts to know Him. He desires that we pursue Him with passion, the same way He pursues us (1 John 4:19).
However, God understands our inability to exercise the faith we need at times. In Mark 9:24, a man admitted to Jesus that he wanted help with His unbelief. Jesus did not rebuke the man, but healed the man’s child anyway. He honored the man’s desire to grow in faith and was pleased that He, Jesus, was the object of that faith. So, if we have the desire to believe what the Bible teaches, then we have the right foundation for continuing to fight for faith. God has given us countless evidences of His existence and character (Psalm 19:1; Luke 19:38–40). Jesus fulfilled all prophecies necessary to validate His claim to be the Son of God (Matthew 2:15–17; 27:35; John 12:38). The Bible has been proven true over and over again for thousands of years. We have all the evidence we need, but God leaves the believing up to us.
It can be encouraging to remember that, when we struggle with faith, we are in good company. Elijah the prophet experienced such a struggle. One of the greatest prophets of all time had just called down fire from heaven, killed over 400 false prophets, and outrun King Ahab’s chariot—a feat that would have been the envy of any Olympic gold-medalist (1 Kings 18:36–38, 46).
Yet the next chapter finds Elijah hiding in a cave, depressed and asking for death (1 Kings 19:3–5). After all those miracles, he gave in to fear and doubt because a wicked woman hated him (1 Kings 19:2). During times of stress and exhaustion, we can easily forget all that God has done for us.
John the Baptist was another who struggled with faith when at the lowest point in his life. Jesus had called John the greatest prophet (Matthew 11:11). John had been selected by God before birth to be forerunner of the Messiah (Luke 1:11–17, 76). He was faithful to that calling all of his life (Mark 1:4–8). Yet even John, after being imprisoned and sentenced to die, struggled with doubts about Jesus’ identity (Luke 7:20). He sent messengers to ask Jesus if He was truly the One sent from God. Jesus did not rebuke John in his weakness but instead sent him a message that only a student of the Scriptures as John was would recognize (Luke 7:22). He quoted from Isaiah 61 and reminded John that He alone had fulfilled that Messianic prophecy.
We learn from these heroes of faith that God is patient with us when we desire to believe (Psalm 86:15; 147:11). When we experience times of doubt, we must immerse ourselves in truth. We can bolster a sagging faith by reading scriptural accounts of God’s miraculous interventions, listening to encouraging sermons, and reading books that appeal to our reason by authors such as C. S. Lewis or Lee Strobel. Podcasts by apologists such as William Lane Craig or Dr. John Lennox can also add fuel to the fire of our faith.
But the greatest power to overcome doubt comes from the Holy Spirit Himself, who “bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). We can cry out as the man cried to Jesus, “I believe. Lord, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). And we can expect Him to answer.
J.
Do you have any examples of that happening? It felt to me like sort of building up a resume of trust with the Lord. First I believed and then acted in faith which He rewarded me for by answering my faith. Him answering my faith gave me even more faith.
But I’m not feeling it that it was Him making me be obedient. It sure felt like it was my decision to finally obey. I have disobeyed before, and He was so patient and merciful with me! So I asked ou for an example if you have it.
I think the way you’re framing it, like you first believed and acted, and then God responded, needs to be corrected by Scripture.
The Bible consistently pushes the origin of both faith and obedience back to God, not us.
For example, Epistle to the Philippians 2:13 says it’s God who works in you, both to will and to act. That doesn’t just mean He helps after you decide, it means even the willing itself is His work.
Similarly, Epistle to the Ephesians 2:8–9 says faith is the gift of God, not something that originates in us. And Gospel of John 6:44 is even stronger, no one can come unless the Father draws him.
So rather than…
“I believed - I acted - God responded”
Scripture presents it more like:
“God worked in me - I believed and acted - God bore fruit through it”
Even our obedience is something God prepares beforehand (Epistle to the Ephesians 2:10).
Also, the “God rewarded my faith because I did it” framing can drift into merit if we’re not careful. First Epistle to the Corinthians 4:7 asks: “What do you have that you did not receive?” If even faith and obedience are received, then we can’t treat them like leverage with God.
At the same time, none of this denies that it feels like we’re choosing, we really are choosing. But Scripture insists that underneath that real choice is God’s prior and decisive work.
So I’d say it’s not that God responds to independently generated faith, but that He produces faith in us and then graciously confirms and strengthens it as we walk in obedience.
You want examples brother?
J.
Hebrews 11:1
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…./KJV
How do you know there is no force to faith? It might be spiritual and unseen.
We hope for things and that Abba would give it to us. As the Lord looks at our heart, does He see anything? Light from us? Or might He feel a tickling that someone is standing on faith. Remember when Jesus said, Who touched me? and it was the girl who touched his robe? I got a similsr account:
Just after my accident where the Lord saved me I was in Colorado and al busted up from the accident and knowing the Lord saved my life, I prayed and asked for Him to let me help Him in any way. I have so much gratitude that I want to help and return the favor no matter how feeble it would be. My truck don’t run reliably and since I broke my back, I can’t walk far, so Lord will you make it something I can do fro easy chair? Amen and in less than 30 seconds the phone rang, an old friend. Hi Ed mind if I come by and visit and ask you some questions about God? (Immediately I knew the Lord answered me!) Sure come on over.
I went up to put on a pot of coffee for my guest which would be arriving soon. I only had enough for 1/2 pot of coffee. So I put it on and was chagrined that I wont be able to offer my friend a cup of coffee. I had the natural reaction, I should pray about it. But then, I remembered the scripture about He knows our needs so dont worry about what you will eat or drink or wear. So I thought oh so I don’t need to pray about it, God has my back.
Then just as I had poured me the very last cup of coffee and (it would’ve been time to put on another pot, ding done, my friend was there at the door. I answered the door and even before he came in he hands me a 2LB bag of gourmet coffee beans and says, here I brought you something cuz we aint seen each other lately…
He did not know that I was out of coffee. I didn’t realize that until after I talked to him. And I didn’t pray about it either, so why did he bring me coffee? I said no prayer! Then it hit me, I stood on the Word of God in faith instead of praying nd asking. Now I accidently walked in that faith, so that made the Lord sit up and say, hmm, take him some coffee! He msut have give my friend an unction to bring me coffee!
Right at the exact time that it was time to put on another pot of coffee! Last minute never late! So Jesus reacted to my faith before I even realized what I did! Coincidence maybe? I do not believe in co-incidences, but I do believe in God-incidences.
So I got to be a good host and witness to the man. That was amazing!
??
Ok, late here, 02.18 AM.
J.
I’m not trying to take credit for anything. But isnt why we are here is to make choices and obey and learn? I am not seeing where faith is works. Can you explain that one for me? Because if I didn’t make the decision to obey, then what’s going on? Am I an Avatar and rather than watching a movie, I am inside of the movie? No Brother I don’t see that. Faith is not works and the bride has made herself ready, right? We have much participation in all of this life. You have not because you ask not. Not, you have not because (God) didn’t will for me to have that whatever…Right?
I said faith is a gift, not works.
Our salvation depends solely upon Jesus Christ. He is our substitute, taking sin’s penalty (2 Corinthians 5:21); He is our Savior from sin (John 1:29); He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The work necessary to provide salvation was fully accomplished by Jesus Himself, who lived a perfect life, took God’s judgment for sin, and rose again from the dead (Hebrews 10:12).
The Bible is quite clear that our own works do not help merit salvation. We are saved “not because of righteous things we had done” (Titus 3:5). “Not by works” (Ephesians 2:9). “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). This means that offering sacrifices, keeping the commandments, going to church, being baptized, and other good deeds are incapable of saving anyone. No matter how “good” we are, we can never measure up to God’s standard of holiness (Romans 3:23; Matthew 19:17; Isaiah 64:6).
The Bible is just as clear that salvation is conditional; God does not save everyone. The one condition for salvation is faith in Jesus Christ. Over one hundred times in the New Testament, faith (or belief) is declared to be the sole condition for salvation (e.g., John 1:12; Acts 16:31).
One day, some people asked Jesus what they could do to please God: “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus immediately points them to faith: “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:28-29). So, the question is about God’s requirements (plural), and Jesus’ answer is that God’s requirement (singular) is that you believe in Him.
Grace is God giving us something we cannot earn or deserve. According to Romans 11:6, “works” of any kind destroys grace—the idea is that a worker earns payment, while the recipient of grace simply receives it, unearned. Since salvation is all of grace, it cannot be earned. Faith, therefore, is a non-work. Faith cannot truly be considered a “work,” or else it would destroy grace. (See also Romans 4—Abraham’s salvation was dependent on faith in God, as opposed to any work he performed.)
Suppose someone anonymously sent you a check for $1,000,000. The money is yours if you want it, but you still must endorse the check. In no way can signing your name be considered earning the million dollars—the endorsement is a non-work. You can never boast about becoming a millionaire through sheer effort or your own business savvy. No, the million dollars was simply a gift, and signing your name was the only way to receive it. Similarly, exercising faith is the only way to receive the generous gift of God, and faith cannot be considered a work worthy of the gift.
True faith cannot be considered a work because true faith involves a cessation of our works in the flesh. True faith has as its object Jesus and His work on our behalf (Matthew 11:28-29; Hebrews 4:10).
To take this a step further, true faith cannot be considered a work because even faith is a gift from God, not something we produce on our own. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them” (John 6:44). Praise the Lord for His power to save and for His grace to make salvation a reality!
GotQ.
Goodnight.
J.
Agree with the first part. This second part here is about rewards. He said to build up your treasures in heaven and that is for a reason He had something in mind when He said that. (I may or may not be wrong). But since he said build up your treasures in heaven it stands to reason that it will be a good thing in heaven. The fact that I heard a similar testimony only adds to the credibility of such a thought.. As far as I know there is rank in heaven. That evidence is in scripture by a reference to he who is called the least inn heaven. So our good works as done unto the Lord builds treasure for us as a reward for good works. So I personally see no point in having a personal treasure room? What can it do except sit there? No, the Lord and His multi layered purposes, it’s got to be of some good practical use. Like, that guy did more and greater works than I did, so he gets a bigger mansion? Sort of makes sense. We do know that the saints are clothed in what is our linen in heaven, our robe to wear. Don’t be caught naked!
Oh I remember another one I heard. A lady got taken up in the spirit and got a visit to heaven and she says she was taken to a neighborhood under construction by Angels. Everyone of them was busy except the one she was taken to, and the Angels there were sitting down. So she asked them why they are not working on this house and the Angel said, we are out of building materials, we need more building materials! So she asked her escort in heaven what did that mean? And…it was her house being built that was short on materials. And her message was, you are doing good with your good works but they need to be more, so they can build !
Now maybe that isnt in the Word, but it in no way means it couldn’t be true. So even though some of this is technically heresay it’s not a big leap to believe it to be true. So we are building our treasures in heaven and our station in life in heaven. I know that I am no Moses but I sure dont want to be called the least in heaven! I was the Plumber on earth, I dont want to be the Plumber again, lol.
So how would we do more? Do maximum good deeds? As Unto The Lord…that means if you have $100 and the Lord askes for $20 of it, you don’t give him $20 you give the $100, am I right? If Jesus was walking with you and asked for that? WHat would you do?
So in a practical matter, when you help people, help them to the extent that you would want them to help you if you was in their shoes. Or even more simplified, You help people like it was you or the Lord Him Self. Yes it will cost you, do it anyway. You cant outgive God.
And once you learn to hear the Lord’s still small voice, it is guaranteed that He will ask you to do something…that you do NOT want to do. But how can we rationalize it into no sacrifice unless it’s convenient? Scripture says if a man asks you to walk a mile with him, that you walk two miles with him.
Lord when did give you water? When you gave it to the least of your brethren it was Me. So we must be carful to obey the Lord and obey Him even if it costs us!
The Lord told me to do something before and I told Him no I dont want to do that. (Forgive me Lord) When I said no that isnt my plan, he made every video I clicked on have the Pastor either preach on Jonah or at least mention him. Scared the pee out of me so I did it and praise the Lord for he blessed my obedience! Obeying the Lord when you dont want to and just continue to trust in Him will get a person seriously blessed. Ask me how I know, lol. (PTL!!!)