FAITH comes from the word of God and not from our own effort. (Rom 10:17). So, that for every situation shall we expect the word to come or can we use the already written word (Bible)?
Let’s read Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This teaches us that faith is produced in the heart through the hearing of the Word of God…the Bible. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the POWER OF GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth…” There is POWER in the Word of God to convict the sinner of his sin and bring him into a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. We read in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The Bible is much more than words on a page. It is the Lord speaking to those who will listen to Him. We know that because of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” We also read in 2 Peter 1:21, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” The Lord put His word in the hearts of certain men so that they might write down His word and give it to us.
Faith is God’s gift to us when we read (or hear) His Word and believe what it tells us about Himself and about ourselves. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
It is amazing how that often when one is sharing the Gospel with the lost that the Lord will bring to mind a verse that has not been thought about for a long time. It is important to develop a Bible memorization plan in your daily Bible studies. When we know God’s Word, we can hide it in our hearts, and have it ready to be able to share with others. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that the Lord Jesus is the “author and finisher of our faith.” To help produce faith in the heart of another, it is vital that we speak of the One who created faith…the Lord Jesus Christ. When sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we should use the Word of God, the Bible. That way, we are speaking the direct words of God. Our words cannot produce faith, only God’s Word can do that. We cannot talk someone into believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the work of the Holy Spirit and He will use the Word of God that we present to do that. I encourage you to pray often that the Lord would lead you to those who need to hear the Gospel, then wait upon the Lord to give you the right words, from His Word, to share with the lost. (385.2)