SequentialChronologicalDoctrinalResearch

Faith

This is a simple example of our Doctrinal Chapter Reading Approach. Hopefully it provides some benefit. We hope to develop tools and a database to facilitate consistent doctrinal chapter reading.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Faith is a principle of power. It is the principle of action in all intelligent beings. By faith we awake, work, and achieve our desires. Good and evil is done by faith-- a belief in that which is not seen. However, it is only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that can offer salvation. Following are some of our favorite chapters on the need for faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and how we exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mosiah 3 (2-6)
Mosiah 12-16
Alma 12
 Alma 32-34
Mormon 9
 3 Nephi 9-10 (8-11)
John 14-16

Faith as a Principle of Power

On our road toward salvation, the ultimate expression of our faith, Father invites us to exercise faith toward worthy works which he has prepared for us. As we exercise faith, miracles will follow, confirming God's word. Although we are not to seek signs, yet, we can expect signs to follow our faithful obedience and should seek divine intervention in our lives. Some chapters on the power accessable through faith include:

Alma 32
Mormon 9
 Ether 12
 Hebrews 11

Faith as a Principle of Action

Joseph Smith taught that faith is "the principle of action in all intelligent beings" (Lectures on Faith 1:9). Whether inspiring or mundane, our actions are still the product of faith in something or someone. As we seek to come unto Christ, more and more of our actions will be inspired by a desire to serving him, please him, and even know him. Again we share some chapters on this expression of faith.

1 Nephi 17-18
2 Nephi 31-32
 Alma 32
 Ether 12

Faith of Abiding Trust

Faith has many expressions. Sometimes the greatest expression of faith is patience or just being still. A few examples from the scriptures include:

1 Nephi 18
 1 Kings 17

Faith Promoting Stories (Faith Hall of Fame)

One of my favorite ways to build strength amidst life's trials or to increase my faith as I approach a difficult task is to read the stories of prophets as they exercised great faith. Following are some of my favorite faith promoting stories from the lives of the ancient prophets. Admittedly I will need to add some subcategories to hit all the wonderful stories.

1 Nephi 1-2
1 Nephi 3-4
1 Nephi 17-18
 Mosiah 27
Alma 17-26
Alma 36
 Helaman 5
Ether 1-3, 6
1 Kings 17-18

Christ's Miracles During His Mortal Ministry

That we might know of Christ's power in our lives, God gave him many great works to do during his mortal ministry. As we read of these miracles, it is our privelege to consider the reality of his power in our own lives and the lives of those we love. We have tried to pick out a handful of chapters from Christ's mortal ministry in which these wonderful miracles are shown. Someday we hope to create some great searches to choose by type.

Matthew 8-9
Matthew 14-15
Matthew 17
Matthew 26-28
Mark 1-10
Mark 14-16
 Luke 4-9
Luke 13-14
Luke 17-18
Luke 22-24
John 2
John 4-6
 John 9
John 11
John 17-21
Acts 1
3 Nephi 11, 17

Miracles Performed by Followers of Christ

Another wonderful aspect of faith are the miracles performed by God's prophets and other faithful followers. Following are a few of the many such stories. As you read the chapters, don't race to find an answer, but let the words sink into your heart. This is the power of chapter reading.

1 Nephi 18
Jacob 7
 Alma 15
Alma 30
 Exodus 14-15
Joshua 3, 5, 10
Acts 3