Faith in the Bible

Paul recalls coming to Corinth in weakness, relying not on eloquent wisdom but on the Spirit's power. He teaches that God reveals deep truths through the Spirit—the natural person cannot understand spiritual things. We have the mind of Christ.

The love chapter: Paul declares that without love, all gifts are meaningless. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, boast, or keep record of wrongs. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Faith, hope, and love remain—but the greatest of these is love.

The resurrection chapter: Paul presents the gospel—Christ died, was buried, and rose on the third day. If Christ has not been raised, faith is futile. But Christ has been raised as the firstfruits. Paul explains the resurrection body and declares victory: Where, O death, is your sting?

Paul gives instructions for the collection for the Jerusalem saints and shares his travel plans. He urges the Corinthians to be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous and strong, and do everything in love. He closes with greetings and the Aramaic prayer maranatha—come, Lord!

John declares that whoever is born of God overcomes the world, and the victory is our faith. He gives assurance of eternal life: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life. He closes urging confidence in prayer according to God's will and a warning to keep from idols.

The prophet Elijah appears and declares a drought upon Israel. God sends him to the brook Cherith where ravens feed him, then to a widow at Zarephath whose flour and oil never run out. Elijah raises the widow's dead son back to life.

Peter writes to scattered believers, praising God for a living hope through the resurrection. Their faith, more precious than gold, is being tested. He calls them to set their hope fully on Christ's grace and to be holy in all conduct, since they were redeemed not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ.

Jonathan and his armor-bearer boldly attack a Philistine outpost, trusting that God can save by many or by few. God sends confusion among the Philistines. Saul's rash oath nearly costs Jonathan's life, but the people rescue him.

The Philistine giant Goliath challenges Israel to single combat for 40 days. Young David, trusting in God rather than armor, kills Goliath with a sling and stone. Israel routs the Philistines in the ensuing battle.

Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians' faith, love, and hope. They received the gospel with power, joy, and the Holy Spirit despite persecution, becoming a model for believers throughout Macedonia and Achaia. They turned from idols to serve the living God and wait for His Son from heaven.

Paul sent Timothy to strengthen the Thessalonians during persecution and is overjoyed at Timothy's report of their steadfast faith and love. He prays earnestly to see them again and for their love to increase and overflow toward one another and everyone.

Paul charges Timothy to confront false teachers in Ephesus who promote myths and genealogies rather than God's work of faith. He testifies to God's abundant grace in his own life—formerly a blasphemer and persecutor—as a demonstration that Christ Jesus came to save sinners, of whom Paul says he is the worst.

Paul warns of future apostasy and instructs Timothy to be nourished on sound doctrine. He tells the young pastor not to let anyone look down on his youth but to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. He urges Timothy to give himself wholly to his ministry and watch his life and doctrine closely.

Paul warns against false teachers motivated by greed and declares that godliness with contentment is great gain. He charges the rich not to put their hope in wealth but in God. He gives Timothy a final charge to fight the good fight of faith and guard the deposit entrusted to him.

In his later years, Asa makes a treaty with Aram against Israel instead of trusting God. The seer Hanani rebukes him, saying God's eyes search for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Asa imprisons the prophet and becomes diseased, dying without seeking God.

Paul describes carrying the gospel as treasure in jars of clay, showing that the surpassing power belongs to God, not human vessels. Though hard pressed, he is not crushed. He fixes his eyes on what is unseen and eternal, declaring that our light and momentary troubles achieve an eternal weight of glory.

Paul teaches that believers long for their heavenly dwelling and live by faith, not by sight. If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come—the old has gone, the new is here! God has given us the ministry of reconciliation, making us Christ's ambassadors to the world.

Paul warns the Corinthians to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith. He prays for their maturity and restoration. He closes with one of Scripture's most beloved benedictions: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

John writes to the chosen lady and her children, urging them to walk in truth and love. He warns against deceivers who deny Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. He instructs believers not to welcome or support false teachers who do not bring the teaching of Christ.

Elisha performs multiple miracles: multiplying a widow's oil to pay debts, promising a son to a Shunammite woman, raising that son from death, purifying poisoned stew, and feeding 100 men with 20 loaves.

Naaman, commander of the Aramean army, has leprosy. An Israelite servant girl suggests he visit Elisha. Naaman is initially offended when told to wash seven times in the Jordan but obeys and is healed. Elisha's servant Gehazi secretly takes payment and is cursed with leprosy.

During a severe famine in besieged Samaria, Elisha predicts abundance by tomorrow. Four lepers discover the Aramean camp abandoned — God had caused the enemy to flee. The prophecy of abundance is fulfilled exactly as Elisha declared.

Hezekiah becomes one of Judah's greatest kings, removing high places and destroying the bronze serpent. He rebels against Assyria. Sennacherib invades Judah, and his official Rabshakeh mocks God and tries to demoralize Jerusalem.

Peter urges believers to supplement their faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, mutual affection, and love. He confirms the reliability of eyewitness testimony of Christ's glory at the Transfiguration. Scripture did not originate from human will but from men speaking from God as they were carried by the Holy Spirit.

Paul commends the Thessalonians for their growing faith and love amidst persecution. He assures them that God's righteous judgment will bring relief to the afflicted and retribution to those who trouble them when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire.

Paul writes his final letter from prison, urging Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. He reminds him that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. He calls Timothy to join in suffering for the gospel, not being ashamed of the testimony of the Lord.

Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful. The healed man leaps and praises God, drawing a crowd. Peter seizes the moment to preach about Jesus as the Messiah, calling the people to repentance for the refreshing times that come from the Lord.

Paul begins his second missionary journey with Silas. Timothy joins them. The Spirit redirects them to Macedonia through a vision. In Philippi, Lydia is converted, and Paul and Silas are imprisoned for casting out a spirit. At midnight they worship, an earthquake frees them, and the jailer believes. Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.

Paul warns against deceptive philosophy and human tradition. In Christ, the fullness of deity dwells bodily. Believers are complete in Him, circumcised spiritually, raised with Him through faith. Christ has canceled the record of debt against us, nailing it to the cross, disarming spiritual powers.

Nebuchadnezzar builds a golden statue and demands everyone bow. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse, declaring God CAN save them from the furnace, but even if He doesn't, they will not bow. Thrown into a fire heated seven times hotter, they walk unharmed with a fourth figure — like a son of the gods.

Daniel's enemies manipulate Darius into signing a decree forbidding prayer to anyone but the king. Daniel continues praying openly three times daily and is thrown into the lions' den. God sends an angel to shut the lions' mouths. Darius declares Daniel's God is the living God.

By grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Paul describes how we were dead in sins but made alive in Christ. Jew and Gentile are united into one new humanity, with Christ as the cornerstone.

Pharaoh pursues the fleeing Israelites and traps them at the Red Sea. God tells Moses to stretch out his staff, and the sea parts, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground. The Egyptian army follows but the waters close over them, destroying Pharaoh's entire force. Israel sees God's mighty deliverance and believes.

Ezra lists those who return with him and discovers no Levites among them. He recruits Levites, then calls a fast at the river Ahava rather than requesting a military escort, trusting God for protection. They arrive safely in Jerusalem.

Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem where the apostles affirmed his mission to the Gentiles. He confronts Peter for hypocrisy in withdrawing from Gentile fellowship. He declares: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

Paul argues passionately that the Galatians received the Spirit by faith, not by observing the law. Abraham was justified by faith, and the law was a guardian until Christ came. In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female—all are one.

The genealogy from Adam to Noah is recorded, tracing ten generations. Each entry notes the patriarch's age at fatherhood, total lifespan, and death. Enoch stands out as the man who walked with God and was taken without dying.

God calls Abram to leave his homeland and go to a land He will show him, promising to make him a great nation and bless all families of the earth through him. Abram obeys and travels to Canaan, then goes to Egypt during a famine where he deceives Pharaoh about Sarai.

Abram and Lot separate due to their growing wealth and the strife between their herdsmen. Lot chooses the well-watered Jordan plain near Sodom, while Abram remains in Canaan. God reaffirms His promise to give Abram all the land he can see and descendants as numerous as dust.

God makes a formal covenant with Abram, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars and the land of Canaan. Abram believes God and it is credited to him as righteousness. God reveals that Abram's descendants will be enslaved for 400 years before returning to the land.

God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Abraham obeys in faith, binding Isaac on the altar, but the angel of the Lord stops him at the last moment and provides a ram as a substitute. God reaffirms His covenant blessings because of Abraham's obedience.

Habakkuk waits on his watchtower for God's answer. It comes: the vision awaits its appointed time — wait for it. The righteous shall live by faith — a verse that shapes Paul's entire theology. Five woes follow against the arrogant oppressor. The earth will be filled with knowledge of God's glory as waters cover the sea.

Habakkuk's magnificent prayer-psalm: God marches from Teman in cosmic power — mountains shatter, the deep roars, sun and moon stand still. Then the stunning confession: Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes, no olives, no cattle — yet I will rejoice in the Lord. Pure faith despite circumstances.

The author compares Jesus to Moses, showing that Jesus is worthy of greater glory—as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. Moses was faithful as a servant; Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house. The chapter warns against hardening hearts as Israel did in the wilderness.

A Sabbath rest remains for the people of God. The author urges diligence to enter that rest, not falling through the same pattern of unbelief as Israel. The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Since we have a great high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence.

The author warns about the impossibility of restoring those who fall away after experiencing God's gifts. But he is confident of better things for his readers. God's promise is anchored by His oath—two unchangeable things. This hope is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure, entering behind the curtain where Jesus has gone as a forerunner.

The law's repeated sacrifices could never make worshipers perfect. But by one sacrifice, Christ has made perfect forever those being sanctified. Having confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, believers should draw near to God, hold firmly to hope, and spur one another toward love and good deeds. Do not throw away your confidence.

The great faith chapter: now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. The author surveys a hall of heroes—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, David—all commended for their faith. They did not receive what was promised but saw it from afar and welcomed it. They were looking for a better country.

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. God disciplines those He loves as a father. Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

James addresses trials as opportunities for growth—consider it pure joy when you face trials because the testing of faith produces perseverance. He urges believers to ask God for wisdom without doubting. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights. Be doers of the word, not hearers only.

James condemns favoritism in the church—showing partiality based on wealth violates the royal law of love. He argues forcefully that faith without works is dead. Abraham and Rahab demonstrated faith through action. Just as the body without the spirit is dead, faith without deeds is dead.

While Jerusalem is under siege and Jeremiah is imprisoned, God tells him to buy a field in Anathoth — an absurd investment in a doomed land. This radical act of faith demonstrates that houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in the land.

The Gospel opens with the cosmic prologue: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word becomes flesh and dwells among us. John the Baptist testifies about the light, and the first disciples—Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael—begin following Jesus.

Jesus tells Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. This chapter contains the most famous verse in the Bible: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, offering her living water that becomes a spring of eternal life. She becomes an evangelist to her entire village. Jesus also heals an official's son from a distance, demonstrating that faith transcends physical proximity.

Jesus heals a man who has been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. The religious leaders persecute Him, and Jesus makes stunning claims about His relationship with the Father, declaring that the Son gives life to whom He wills.

Jesus feeds five thousand and walks on water. He declares Himself the bread of life—whoever comes to Him will never hunger, and whoever believes will never thirst. Many disciples leave after His hard teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, but Peter affirms there is no one else to follow.

Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, teaching in the temple while the people are divided about His identity. Some believe, others want Him arrested. On the last day of the feast, Jesus stands and cries out that anyone who is thirsty should come to Him and drink.

Jesus heals a man born blind, demonstrating that He is the light of the world. The Pharisees investigate and expel the man for testifying about Jesus. The healed man's growing faith contrasts with the willful blindness of the religious leaders.

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb, demonstrating His power over death. He declares: I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet shall they live. This miracle becomes the catalyst for the plot to kill Jesus.

Mary anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume. Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, and Greeks seek to see Him. He speaks of His death as a grain of wheat falling to the ground, promising that if He is lifted up He will draw all people to Himself. Despite His signs, many still do not believe.

Jesus comforts His disciples, promising to prepare a place for them. He declares: I am the way, the truth, and the life—no one comes to the Father except through me. He promises the Holy Spirit as the Helper, and offers His peace: not as the world gives do I give to you.

Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb. The risen Jesus appears to her, then to the disciples behind locked doors, breathing on them and commissioning them. Thomas, who was absent, doubts until Jesus appears again and invites him to touch His wounds. Thomas confesses: My Lord and my God!

Job cries out against his friends' cruelty and his own isolation. In a stunning declaration of faith, he proclaims that his Redeemer lives and that he will see God in his own flesh, even after death.

Job longs to find God and present his case, confident he would be acquitted. Yet God seems hidden and unreachable. Despite this, Job declares that God knows the way he takes and he will come forth as gold.

Joshua sends two spies to Jericho who are hidden by Rahab the prostitute. She confesses faith in Israel's God and secures a promise of safety for her family. The spies return with an encouraging report.

The walls of Jericho fall after the Israelites march around the city for seven days following God's instructions. Rahab and her family are spared. The city is devoted to destruction as God commanded.

Caleb, at 85 years old, asks Joshua for the hill country of Hebron that God promised him 45 years earlier. His faith and vigor remain strong, and Joshua grants his request.

Jude writes urgently to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. He warns about ungodly people who have infiltrated the church, using examples of fallen angels, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Korah's rebellion. He closes with one of Scripture's greatest doxologies: to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and present you blameless before His glorious presence with great joy.

Jesus calls His first disciples after a miraculous catch of fish, telling Simon Peter he will now catch people. He cleanses a leper, heals a paralytic lowered through the roof, and calls Levi the tax collector. He teaches that new wine must go into new wineskins.

Jesus heals the centurion's servant, commending his extraordinary faith. He raises the widow's son at Nain from the dead. John the Baptist sends disciples to ask if Jesus is the one, and Jesus commends John. A sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet, and He declares her sins forgiven because she loved much.

Jesus teaches the parable of the sower and calms a storm. He delivers a demon-possessed man at the Gerasenes, heals a woman with an issue of blood, and raises Jairus' daughter from death. Women including Mary Magdalene support His ministry.

Jesus teaches about forgiveness, faith the size of a mustard seed, and gratitude—only one of ten healed lepers returns to thank Him. He teaches about the coming of the kingdom, warning that it will arrive suddenly and that people must not look back.

Women discover the empty tomb and angels remind them of Jesus' words. Two disciples encounter the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus, recognizing Him in the breaking of bread. Jesus appears to all the disciples, opens their minds to Scripture, and ascends to heaven.

Jesus demonstrates His authority through a series of miracles: cleansing a leper, healing the centurion's servant, calming a storm, and casting out demons. He reveals the cost of discipleship, showing that following Him requires total commitment.

Jesus heals a paralytic, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins. He calls Matthew the tax collector, dines with sinners, and performs further healings including raising a girl from death. He expresses compassion for crowds who are like sheep without a shepherd.

Jesus teaches in parables, including the sower and the seeds, the wheat and tares, the mustard seed, the hidden treasure, and the pearl of great price. He explains that the kingdom of heaven is revealed to those with receptive hearts.

Herod executes John the Baptist. Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish, then walks on water. Peter steps out in faith but begins to sink when he takes his eyes off Jesus, who immediately reaches out to save him.

Jesus confronts the Pharisees about elevating human tradition above God's commands. He teaches that what defiles a person comes from the heart, not from external ritual. He heals the Canaanite woman's daughter and feeds four thousand.

Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and Jesus declares he will build His church on this rock. Jesus begins revealing His coming death and resurrection, and rebukes Peter for opposing God's plan. He teaches about denying self and taking up the cross.

Jesus is transfigured on a mountain before Peter, James, and John, His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming brilliant white. Moses and Elijah appear, and the Father speaks from a cloud. Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy and teaches about faith as small as a mustard seed.

Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. He cleanses the temple, curses a fig tree as a lesson on fruitfulness and faith, and confronts the religious leaders with parables about obedience and rejection.

Jesus heals a paralytic lowered through a roof, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins. He calls Levi the tax collector, defends eating with sinners, and asserts His lordship over the Sabbath. He teaches that new wine requires new wineskins.

Jesus teaches in parables: the sower, the lamp under a basket, the growing seed, and the mustard seed. He calms a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, prompting the disciples to ask who this man is that even wind and waves obey Him.

Jesus casts out a legion of demons into pigs, heals a woman who touched His garment after twelve years of bleeding, and raises Jairus' daughter from death. Each miracle demonstrates His authority over the spiritual, physical, and mortal realms.

Jesus is rejected in His hometown of Nazareth. He sends the Twelve out in pairs and John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod. Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish, then walks on water to reach His disciples' boat in a storm.

Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their tradition-based religion, declaring all foods clean and teaching that defilement comes from within the heart. He heals a Syrophoenician woman's daughter and a deaf man, showing His compassion crosses all boundaries.

Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, and heals a boy with an unclean spirit that the disciples could not cast out. He teaches about servanthood, warning that whoever wants to be first must be last and servant of all.

Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt to shouts of Hosanna, cleanses the temple of merchants, and curses a barren fig tree. He teaches the disciples about the power of prayer with faith, promising that whoever believes and does not doubt can move mountains.

Women come to the tomb at sunrise and find the stone rolled away and a young man in white who announces Jesus has risen. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, to two disciples on the road, and to the Eleven. He commissions them to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

Moses sends twelve spies into Canaan for forty days. They return with enormous grapes confirming the land flows with milk and honey, but ten spies spread a terrifying report about giants and fortified cities. Only Caleb and Joshua urge the people to trust God and take the land.

The people weep, rebel, and want to return to Egypt. God threatens to destroy them, but Moses intercedes. God pardons the people but decrees that the entire adult generation (except Caleb and Joshua) will die in the wilderness over forty years. Some Israelites then rashly attack and are defeated.

One of the most beloved chapters in Proverbs. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Wisdom is more precious than rubies.

When advised to flee like a bird, David declares his trust in the Lord whose throne is in heaven. God tests the righteous and loves justice. The upright will see his face.

A prayer for the king before battle. The people ask God to grant the king's heart desires and remember his offerings. They trust not in chariots and horses but in the name of the Lord their God.