John 8:31 English Standard Version (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

John 13:35 English Standard Version (ESV) By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 15:8 English Standard Version (ESV) By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

In simple terms disciple means to learn. The word is used only in the New Testament. It is often associated in emotional terms as followers which should be seen as an adherent of His commands but often is just seen as doing what Jesus did, or following in His footsteps.

These three verses are included today to go a step beyond learning or to simply be a student. The first is the Jewish perspective, one in where the scriptures are given with purpose and promise. By taking His Word and writing them on their hearts, the full effect of the promises of God would be realized. The first visible blessing of abiding in His word in this manner is the activation of faith according to God’s will.

Romans 10:17 English Standard Version (ESV) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Many will ask about our faith and the answer to that question should not be a label. I am a Baptist, I am Catholic, I am Methodist and the growing list of administrations is not faith, they are organizations. That makes as much sense as answering “I am an engineer.” It says nothing about what faith is and does.

Research the word faith in the Blue Letter Bible resource archives and we will find sixty-five different definitions of faith. Some of those resources are extensive and complicated. Faith cannot and should not be reduced to who we associate with in worship.

In an effort to point out the origins of faith we would do well to accept that faith is a gift from God in order that we might know and believe Him. Might does not mean that everyone will.