A L M A C I A S

GREAT FAITH

As we study the Scriptures, we find many lessons on many different topics, all of which are very beneficial to our spiritual well being. One of the lessons necessary for our spiritual welfare is that concerning faith. When we refer to the Old Testament, we find that all of the great servants of God mentioned had several things in common, one of which was their great faith. We learn that Noah was one who had enormous faith in God and showed it by his obedience to Him in the building of the ark that would later save Noah and all of his family. As we study the life of Noah, we are able to see his great faith by the way he walked with God. (Gen. 7:1) The Lord God actually said of Noah: "Come thou and all of thy house into the ark, for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation." Could the Lord say the same about us that He said about Noah? Only we and God can answer that question.

As we continue to study the faith of other men and women, we find that Abraham was another person who exhibited great faith. When one possesses great faith, it is evident to those who know them. Thus, those around Abraham knew he was a man of tremendous faith by all that he did to walk right with God.

In the New Testament, we read in the letter to the Colossians concerning how the apostle Paul was so thankful to God that he would always pray for the brethren of Colosse because he had heard of their faith in Christ Jesus and the love which they had toward all of the saints. (Col. 1:3,4) How did Paul know of the faith of those Colossian brethren? They must have been doing something which showed their great faith in the Lord. Our faith can be shown, especially through our good works toward one another. We can show our faith in the Lord by always being good students of the Bible, not just when we attend worship services. We can demonstrate our faith by not forsaking the assembling of the saints, as was the custom of those mentioned in Hebrews 10:25, as well as some today. How can one say he has great faith and yet place very little emphasis on those things that are sacred?

On one occasion, a certain centurion came to Jesus and asked him if he would go to his home and heal one of his servants who was ill. The Lord told the centurion, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.... When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." (Matt. 8:5-10) How great is your faith?